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Bumthang Ura Yakchoe Festival – 9 Nights & 10 Days

The “Ura Yakchoe festival”, celebrated in the Ura Valley of Bumthang, Bhutan, is a vibrant and revered festival renowned for its colorful mask and folk dances. This annual event not only features dynamic performances but also showcases a sacred relic, which is displayed for public veneration. The relic is believed to bestow blessings upon those who see it, adding a deeply spiritual dimension to the festivities.

According to local legend, the festival’s relic has a mystical origin. A lama once visited an elderly woman sitting outside her home, requesting only a glass of water. After she returned with the water, the lama had mysteriously disappeared, leaving behind a sack at her doorstep. Curious, the woman opened the sack and discovered a statue of profound significance. This statue, now a central element of the Ura Yakchoe, has been passed down through generations and continues to be cherished by the woman’s descendants.

Embark on a captivating 9-night, 10-day Bhutan tour starting from Paro Airport, featuring the renowned Ura Yakchoe Festival. Begin with a visit to Thimphu, Bhutan’s vibrant capital, and continue to the picturesque Punakha to explore its stunning Dzong and scenic landscapes. Travel to Bumthang, the cultural heart of Bhutan, where you’ll experience the Ura Yakchoe Festival, known for its colorful mask and folk dances and the display of a revered sacred relic. After soaking in the cultural richness of the festival, return to Paro to visit iconic sites such as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This thoughtfully designed itinerary offers a comprehensive experience of Bhutan’s diverse cultural heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.


Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park…

Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 2: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…

Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)

Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 04: Punakha – Bumthang (220km, approx 9 hrs drive)

After an early breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), Then drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).

You will reach Bumthang by late in the evening and on arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and relax..

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 05: Travel to Ura Valley for Ura Yakchoe (Ura Festival)

After breakfast, you will travel to the historic village of Ura in the Ura Valley with packed picnic lunch. This intriguing village will delight you with its narrow cobble stoned streets and ancient houses.  The people of this region are mostly Yak and sheep herders and the women of the village still wear the traditional white headscarves and sheepskin shawls. The shawls are used as a cushion and also as protection when they are carrying heavy loads.

You will attend the first day of Ura Yakchoe ( Ura Festival).The mask and folk dances are performed during and also sacred relic is put on display so that the people can receive blessings from it.

According to legend, a lama visited an old woman who was sitting outside her house. This Lama seemed very mysterious and all he asked from the old lady was a glass of water. The old lady  went to get water for the lama and when she returned the Lama just disappeared. But left behind a sack outside her doorsteps. Out of curiosity,she opened the sack and found a statue in the sack. The statue was no ordinary statue, for it was a relic which is now displayed annually during Ura Yakchoe. This relic has been passed on from generation to generation and is still owned by the descendants of the woman.

You will enjoy your picnic lunch here and then after the festival you will travel back to Bumthang.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 06: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing

After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing  Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..

While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)

Day 07: Bumthang – Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).

After breakfast drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendbji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).

Reach Punakha by late afternoon so, check into your hotel, refresh and relax…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 08:  Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).

Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..

Day 09: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel refresh and relax.

On arrival back to paro after hike visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo.

Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…

Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 10: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure

After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.

 


For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.

If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.

We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla

Day 3: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 4: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 5: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 6: Bumthang – Over Night Stay at Chumey Nature Resorts

Day 7: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling

Day 8: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

Day 9: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort

 


  • All Transportation including airport Transfer
  • All Accommodation –  Twin/Dbl sharing Rooms
  • All Breakfast & Dinner
  • Govt. SDF of US$ 100 PPN
  • One time visa fee of US$ 40
  • All Sightseeing as per Itinerary
  • Professional English Speaking Tour Guide
  • All Visa Formalities
  • 1 Bottle Each Mineral Water daily
  • 1 Tourist Sim-Card
  • All Internal Taxes
  • No Hidden Cost

  • Those Services not mentioned under Inclusions
  • Laundry, Drinks, Phone Calls, Travel Insurance
  • Entry Fees to museums and Monuments
  • Lunch
  • Air tickets

Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group.


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  1. Peak Season: March, April, May, June, September, October, November & December
  • The cancellation before 30 days will lead to 50% of the total amount cancellation.
  • The cancellation after 30 days will lead to 100% of the Total amount cancellation.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Lean Season: January, February, June, July, August, and December
  • The Cancellation before 30 days will lead to Zero cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 30 days but before 15 days will lead to 25% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation after 15 days to 7 Days will lead to 50% cancellation of the total amount.
  • The cancellation 7 Days will lead to 100% cancellation of the total amount.
  • Since we are inter-dependent with the Hotels so above cancellation charges might vary with few Hotel’s Cancellation charges.
  1. Refund Policy:
  • In case if eligible for any refund occurring due to cancellation or any other reasons, the same will be processed within 7-14 working/ business days in the mode deemed suitable or appropriate at the discretion of both the parties.
  1. Postponement Policy: –
  • Postponement of the tour will be allowed once and will be Valid for 6 Months.
  • If the trip is postponed and not cancelled, there will not be any refund under any circumstances irrespective of any reason/cause after postponement of the trip.
  • This rescheduling is allowed only once, hence choose your new dates wisely and inform us at least 30 Days in advance from your new dates. Further, reschedules may or may not have some additional charges and that will be communicated in real-time. Execution of the rescheduled trip will depend upon the availability of all the inclusions as per the original itinerary. We advise you to discuss well in advance before making any flight or train booking.
  • The inclusions as per the original itinerary may or may not remain same, all depends upon the availability at the time of rescheduled dates.
  • The total package cost may or may not change at the time of rescheduled dates. The increase or decrease in the prices will depend upon the current prices of all the inclusions at the time of new booking.
  • Any force majeure situation, addition/amendment in the package may or may not attract additional charges, the additional charges shall be borne by the traveler.
  • Payment Schedule will be at AD Tours & Travels discretion and has the right to forfeit the payment for not receiving payment on time.
  • Change of Destination is not allowed under any circumstances. Still the final decision will be taken on the basis of situation.

Booking policy:

  • For booking this package, you need to provide verbal consent on the acceptance of the offered package including all the inclusions and exclusions as mentioned in the quote. Such acceptance will be received on the quote as a whole including each and every minute details as a part of it.
  • On the receipt of the same, the concerned trip advisor in contact with you will raise the invoice specifying the number of installments, installment amount and their due dates as agreed.
  • On the receipt of the 1st installment, the booking will stand confirmed untill and unless any changes are made thereafter.
  • The Visa/Permit, hotel and flight bookings will be thereafter initiated and the vouchers for the respective services will be updated for you within 3-4 working/ business days. Though the cab details will be updated 1-2 days piror before the trip.

Payment Policy:

  • The payment will be received as per the agreed number of installments, amount and due dates.
  • On non-receipt of the payment of the 1st installment as scheduled until and unless any prior notice, the booking remains unconfirmed. In such cases, no booking procedures will be initiated at our end.
  • Special Notice has to be put forth in a proper manner in case of any delays in making the payment of any installment so that a next due date can be planned for you.

Package Summary



10Days/9 Nights

Bhutan

Festival Tours

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