URA YAKCHOE FESTIVAL BHUTAN

Bhutan's Bumthang district hosts the yearly Ura Yakchoe Festival. Its famous Ura Yakchoe dance and a holy statue are central. Story says a lama left a sack with an old woman. Inside, she found a statue, shown each year. This festival unites central Bhutan with dance, music, and food. It happens from the third lunar month's 12th to 16th day. The Ura Guru Lhakhang is the site. Five days of shows feature the Thromu, Mangchen, and Tenkor dances.

Minimum travellers 2
Maximum travellers 10

Itinerary

  • 1

    Arrival in Paro

    Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed. In the afternoon you will be transferred to the hotel to rest. Later you will visit Paro Dzong and explore Paro town.

  • 2

    Paro Sightseeing

    A morning hike to Taktsang Monastery, an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Bhutan and a traditional dinner with local cuisine.

  • 3

    Paro to Thimphu

    A 1-hour drive to Thimphu, an afternoon visit to the Tashichho Dzong National Monument and Chorten, and an evening tour of the Thimphu Weekend Market.

  • 4

    Thimphu Sightseeing

    A morning visit to the Dordenma Buddha statue and Changangkha Lhakhang, an afternoon visit to the Folk Heritage Museum and the Royal Textile Academy, and free time for shopping or relaxation.

  • 5

    Thimphu to Bumthang

    A scenic 7-hour drive to Bumthang, overnight rest at a hotel, and a light exploration of Jakar town in the evening.

  • 6

    Bumthang Sightseeing

    Visit Jakar Dzong and exploring Jambay Lhakhang in the morning, visiting Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang temples in the afternoon and relaxing at the hotel.

  • 7-10

    Ura Valley – Ura Yakchoe Festival

    A 1-hour drive to the Ura Valley, attending the opening ceremonies of the Ura Yakchoe Festival, participating in community activities, and enjoying local food stalls. The days include watching traditional dances, participating in games, archery competitions and meeting locals to learn about Uro traditions and customs.

  • 11

    Ura Valley to Jakar

    Enjoy a final festival moment before returning to Jakar, visiting missed attractions, tasting local delicacies and attending a cultural performance or event.

  • 12

    Jakar to Phobjikha Valley

    Drive to Phobjikha Valley (3 hours), visit Gangtey Monastery, enjoy the views of the valley and, in season, a relaxing walk to observe the Black-necked Cranes.

  • 13

    Phobjikha Valley to Punakha

    A 2-hour drive to Punakha, a visit to Punakha Dzong and a walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge.

  • 14

    Punakha to Paro & Departure

    The morning includes a 3-hour drive back to Paro, possibly a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, and then a flight from Paro International Airport to your next destination.

Services

Cost Includes

    • Bhutan Government Sustainable Development Fee (SDF): USD $100 per person per night (as of 2023–2024 for international tourists)
    • Visa Fee: USD $40 per person
    • Accommodation: 3-star hotels (as per government regulations)/ 4-star/luxury hotels at an additional cost
    • All Meals (Full Board): Breakfast, lunch, and dinner (at the hotel or local restaurants)
    • Private Tour Vehicle: Comfortable vehicle with a professional driver
    • Licensed Bhutanese Tour Guide: English-speaking guide (other language guides may be available upon request)
    • Sightseeing and Entry Fees: All permits and entrance fees to monuments, temples, museums, and national parks
    • Airport Transfers: Pick-up and drop-off at Paro International Airport
    • Bottled Drinking Water: Usually provided during tours and treks
    • Internal Permits: For restricted areas like Haa Valley, Bumthang, or Trashigang (if included in your itinerary)

Cost Excludes

    • Flights to and from Bhutan: International airfare to Bhutan (usually via Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines from Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu, etc.)
    • Travel Insurance: Mandatory for entry, but must be purchased separately
    • Personal Expenses:Tips, laundry, drinks, shopping, phone calls, etc.
    • Optional Activities: Cultural programs, hot stone baths, archery sessions, or any activities not mentioned in the itinerary
    • Upgrades to Luxury Hotels or Services: If you want to upgrade to 4- or 5-star accommodation or private luxury transport
    • Extra Nights: If you choose to stay beyond the scheduled itinerary
    • Medical or Emergency Evacuation Costs: If required during the trip

Equipments

Plan Your Trip

Book this tour

Related Trip

Image

DRUK PATH TREK

Image

CHOMOLHARI TREK

Image

DAGALA THOUSAND...

Comments

Add Your Comment