Motorcycle Tour with Jambay Lhakhang Festival

After breakfast, ride to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169ft statue of Buddha Dordenma sits overlooking the valley. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there. Here we’ll seek blessings for a safe ride and then start riding towards Punakha over Dochula Pass (3140m) on a gradual ascent for 24 km. Enjoy spectacular views over the Himalayan ranges from the pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King. Descend down to Punakha valley and tonight we’ll stay in a peaceful hotel overlooking the Punakha Dzong fortress. Visit the Punakha Dzong in the afternoon – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history, and its significance.

Visit the awesome Punakha Dzong, the second of Bhutan’s Dzongs, which previously served as the seat of the government. Punakha Dzong is still the winter residence of the Dratsheng (Central Monk Body) and holds the title as the winter capital because of its more temperate climate. This is Bhutan’s most spectacular Dzong and an excellent example of how a medieval fortress, and a centre of both monastic and administrative functions, has adapted and evolved for modern day use. After lunch, ride to the scenic Tangsibje village – my mother’s village. Stay overnight in our Tangsibji heritage house, which my grandfather built in the 60’s. We are the only tour operator in Bhutan taking visitors to our beautiful village which is considered one of the most beautiful villages of Trongsa district, and therefore makes it a real off-the-beaten-track experience. The host family will prepare a splendid dinner for you using fresh organic vegetables and herbs from her garden. Spend an evening listening to stories and legends from our village while being entertained by the lovely host family. Note: This experience is consistently rated as a favorite amongst our guests.

After breakfast, say goodbye to your host family and drive to Bumthang valley through Trongsa town. Visit the Tower of Trongsa museum, an old watchtower now converted to a museum highlighting the establishment of our monarchy and the royal dynasty of Bhutan. Of the various artifacts, relics and historical items on display, the most important exhibit is the Raven Crown used by the first two kings of Bhutan, and the royal robes of the founding fathers of Bhutan. Continue to visit the Trongsa fortress – historically a very important fortress, as it was the central seat of administration from where our monarchy was institutionalized in the early 1900s. Your tour leader will narrate the entire history. Stop by in Chumey valley to visit the famous Textile weavers of Continue to Bumthang valley. Continue to ride towards Ura village which is believed by some to have been the home of the earliest inhabitants of Bhutan. The very traditional Ura village gives you an insight into how the central Bhutanese live with its cobbled streets lending a medieval feel. The elderly women of this region still wear sheepskin shawls on their backs which double as a blanket and cushion. Ride to Bumthang passing some of the beautiful meadows of Tang valley.Enjoy a nice Swiss-inspired dinner at the wonderful Swiss guesthouse where you’ll stay tonight.

The other event "Tercham" (literally translated Dance of Treasure) is performed by naked dancers wearing facial masks. We mean completely naked from shoulder to toe!!. Locals believe that the Tercham can bless the infertile women with children, and is only performed in the night around a bonfire. A variety of traditional and mask dances each bearing significant importance follows after the main events and all these sacred dances are thought to be composed by Terton Pema Lingpa, the great treasure discoverer of the 15th century. Begins around 9.30 in the morning with a "chipdrel" traditional reception.
- the Astara (clown) welcomes the audience and the marchang ceremony.
- Mask dances include the Dola Pangtoy 
Shazam 
Shana Phurcham with Durda 
Shana Ngacham,
Ging & Tsholing Cham (the dance of the sacred war between the Gods and the Demons) 
Tsecho Gingcham (Tercham) 
Damitse Ngacham (The famous drum beat dance originating from Dramitse) 
Pholey Moley Cham etc. Your tour leader will explain the story and the significance of all these performances. Stroll around town in the evening.

Today we’ll ride around the beautiful Bumthang valley visiting some of the attractions. Lets start with the 07th century old Jambay lhakhang temple which was built by King Songsen Goempo of Tibet. Proceed to Kurjey monastery which is considered to be one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan as this monastery was built over the shrine where Guru Rinpoche – the 08th century patron saint of Bhutan had meditated when he first came to Bhutan. From here we can ride to Thangbi Goemba, and continue to Kharsat Bridge. After crossing the river towards Ngang Lhakhang. This part of the ride will take you to so many beautiful villages that are connected by farm roads. Lunch will be typical local Bumthang culinary which includes the famous khuley (traditional Bumthang buckwheat pancakes) or puta (buckwheat noodles). Return to Thangbi Goenpa, and drive to Bumthang. In the afternoon ride back to Tamshing Lhakhang – founded in the year 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa, the temple was restored at the end of the 19th century. Then finally we’ll leave the bikes at the resort and head to the Cheese factory to see how local Gouda cheese is made, and enjoy it with locally brewed Red Panda beer. Head for dinner after that.

This morning, drive to Phobjikha valley passing through Trongsa town. This morning transfer back westwards to the Phobjikha Valley.Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the western slopes of the Black Mountains, and one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan. It is also one of the most important wildlife preserves in the country and the winter home (late October to early February) of the rare black necked crane, which annually flies in from Tibet. There are also muntjaks (barking deer), wild boars, sambars, himalayan black bears, leopards and red foxes. Until recently the Phobjikha valley’s only electricity came from solar or mini hydro plants however in 2011 underground cabled electricity gradually connected the valley to the national grid. Potatoes are this region’s primary cash crop and are mainly exported to India. Overnight at a nice family-run lodge with nice dinner.

Wake up easy and have a leisurely morning. When you feel like it we can slowly stroll around the villages and walk towards Khewa village and the surrounding vicinity on the southside. The 1-2-hour moderate walk takes you to various villages heading along sloping, lined pathway that takes you through towering bushes of jade-hued bamboo, swaying together in a jumble of shadow and light. At the end of the bamboo enclave lies a small group of village houses, built in the distinct Bhutanese style, which features elevated platforms, intricately carved timber windowpanes and wood-lined, arched roofs. During the fall months, the woodlands on either side of the valley look particularly stunning, gloriously cloaked in a kaleidoscope of autumn colours. Return to your bikes and enjoy your ride back to the capital valley on Bhutan’s best section of road. Explore the town in the evening and dinner at Bhutan’s best pizzeria.

We will start riding to the remote Haa Valley on the best road for motocycling. Ride 30 km to Chhunzum and take the diversion to Haa valley where you ride in undulating roads that is great for riding. We will visit a farmhouse for an authentic Bhutanese lunch. After lunch at Haa valley, ride up to Bhutan’s highest navigable road via the Chele La (pass) which is the highest motorable pass in Bhutan at 4000m on a beautiful section of then descend 36 km ascend from Paro. At the pass, we’ll make a quick stop to appreciate the views of the underlying valleys as well as mountains of Jomolhari peak and Kanchenjunga mountains. Descend to Haa valley for 25 km. After the pass, ride 36 km down to Paro valley and make a loop back to Thimphu. This is the end of your riding and tomorrow we drive to Paro for Bhutan’s ultimate highlight.

Drive to Paro and Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery -translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story. On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). Spend the evening exploring Paro town on foot and visit crafts shops to take home some souvenirs of your Bhutan adventure.

Early morning departure to Paro airport for your onward flight.