Become immersed in an ancient celebration.
Jakar Festival
4-14 Oct. 2024
Price: $4,940
Deposit: $500
Duration: 10 Days
Group: 4-12 People
Trip Highlights
On this enchanting NORGAY cultural and walking odyssey to Bhutan, travelers will be woven into the tapestry of Western and Central Bhutan's cultural splendor, the highlight being The Jakar Tsechu, one of Central Bhutan’s most colorful and significant festivals. Held every fall in the district Jakar, people flock from all over the country to participate in festivities; wear their best dresses; witness and receive blessings; and perform masked folk dances. Travellers will find themselves immersed in a spiritual pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, known as "The Tiger's Nest" – an ethereal and sacred sanctuary, resonating with the soul-stirring mystique of Bhutan's timeless beauty.
Central Bhutan - Jakar, Bumthang (8,464 feet): offers a rich cultural and natural experience for visitors. It boasts some of the country’s most important historical and religious landmarks, such as the ancient temples and monasteries of Trongsa and Bumthang districts, where legendary figures like Guru Rimpoche and Terton Pema Lingpa left their marks. The Watchtower of Trongsa Museum showcases the legacy of the Wangchuck dynasty, while the Chendebji Chorten displays a unique architectural style inspired by a mythical serpent.
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery (10,200 feet): Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious site. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. This monastery is one of the most holy sites in the kingdom and clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face about 3,000 feet above the Paro Valley.
Punakha (4,265 feet): The Ethereal Ancient Capital: Punakha has been inextricably linked with momentous occasions in Bhutanese history. Punakha was home to the auspicious and historical Royal wedding. The Punakha Dzong (Fort) is the second oldest and second largest in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country.
The Phobjikha Valley (9,482 feet): Nestled in the inner Himalayas at about 9,842 feet above sea level, Phobjikha is a wide alpine wetland valley that is considered the largest and the most significant wetland in the country.
Daily Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVE BHUTAN - Drive to Thimphu.
Day 2: THIMPHU - Morning Hike & Explore City.
Day 3: PUNAKHA - Drive to Punakha - Dochula Pass.
Day 4: PUNAKHA - Explore Punakha.
Day 5: GANGTEY - Drive to Gangtey - Explore Town.
Day 6: GANGTEY - Explore Gangtey.
Day 7: BUMTHANG - Drive to Bumthang - Trongsa Dzong.
Day 8: BUMTHANG - JAKAR FESTIVAL.
Day 9: PARO - Flight to Paro - Explore Paro Sites.
Day 10: Hike to Taktsang Monastery - Tiger’s Nest!
Day 11: Depart Bhutan.
** Detailed Itinerary provided upon booking.
PAYMENT SCHEDULE:
Deposit: $500 on Booking
Balance: $4,440 due July 15, 2024.
Destination Management Services.
Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee & Bhutan Visa Services.
Monuments and Museums.
Domestic Flight (Eco): Jakar to Paro
Accommodations: Carefully curated options of high-quality 3/4-star hotels.*
Meals: All meals on tour. Choice of good local dining establishments.
A highly experienced and licensed English-speaking guide.
Transport and Transfers in Bhutan.
Purified drinking water for the duration of the journey.
Included
Flight into Bhutan (Organized on request).
Transfers Outside Bhutan.
Meals at luxury hotels and restaurants.
Laundry, spa treatments, and other miscellaneous expenses.
Beverages: Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic.
Single Room Occupancy: Additional daily charges apply.
Travel Insurance.
Gratuity to Guide and Driver.
Not Included
Cancellation Policies and Procedures
Please secure comprehensive travel insurance (Health, Trip Cancellation, & Evacuation)—especially one that covers Covid-19 / Health-related cancellations. The tour deposit is non-refundable. Cancelation within 30 days or less of arrival; or in the event of early departure, a 100% cancellation charge is applicable. NORGAY is not responsible for any changes in itinerary due to events beyond our control, such as Covid-19 restrictions, weather, personal health, & flight cancellations.