The Kurjey Festival takes place at the Kurjey Temple, situated in the Chokhor Valley of Bumthang district, a short 15-minute drive from Chamkhar town. This revered site is deeply connected with the legendary figure of Guru Rinpoche and the historical context of Bhutanese Buddhism. According to tradition, Sindhu Raja invited Guru Rinpoche from Nepal to subdue malevolent spirits troubling the land. Guru Rinpoche meditated in a cave resembling a pile of Dorjis, and after vanquishing the evil forces, imprints of his body were left on the rock, leading to the name Kurjey, meaning “Imprint of the Body.”
The temple complex comprises three main temples, each significant in its own right. The oldest, built in 1652 by Minjur Tenpa, the first Trongsa Penlop, stands on the site of Guru Rinpoche’s meditation. The second temple, constructed in 1900 by Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck during his tenure as the 13th Trongsa Penlop, is the most sacred, as it was built where Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint was left. The third temple, established in the 1990s and sponsored by Queen Mother Ashi Kezang Choden Wangchuck, houses statues of Guru Rinpoche, King Thrisong Detsen, and Pandit Santarakshita. In front of the temples are Chortens dedicated to Bhutan’s first three kings. The Kurjey Festival is a key event for both locals and visitors, offering a vibrant display of traditional mask dances, cultural performances, and the chance to experience the spiritual and natural beauty of Bhutan’s heartland.
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: Attain Kurjey Festivals
After breakfast, drive to Chumey and witness Kurjey Tshechhu (whole day)
This festival is held in one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the Kurjey Lhakhang. It is named after the body print of Guru Rinpochhe.
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
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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10Days/9 Nights
Bhutan
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