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Step into the heart of Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heritage with our Ura Yakchoe Festival Tour, an unforgettable journey into the serene Ura Valley during one of its most sacred annual celebrations. This vibrant festival is rooted in an age-old legend of a mysterious lama and a sacred relic, which is still displayed to the public today.
Amidst sweeping meadows, traditional stone houses, and the crisp mountain air, witness monks and villagers come together in a swirl of colour, music, and masked dances that honour Bhutan’s deep Buddhist traditions. More than just a spectacle, the Ura Yakchoe offers a rare glimpse into the intimate devotion and living culture of rural Bhutan.
Ura Yakchoe Festival Date: 28 April - 2 May 2026
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10 Day Ura Yakchoe Itinerary
1 Arrival in Paro – Drive to Thimphu
Welcome to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be greeted by your guide and begin your journey to Thimphu, Bhutan’s charming capital. Take the day slow to acclimatise to the altitude. After checking in to your hotel, enjoy your first taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine and, if time permits, explore the iconic landmarks of Thimphu.
- National Memorial Chorten – Built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, this iconic monument is a spiritual hub for locals.
- Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong) – The largest Dzong in Bhutan, serving as the seat of the King’s office and central monastic body.
- Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – Home to the 169-foot Buddha Dordenmastatue, symbolising indestructibility. Enjoy panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley, especially magical at night.
2 Thimphu – Punakha
This morning, drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, along scenic roads lined with pine and cedar forests draped in lichen. The Punakha River, jade green in spring and winter, winds gracefully through the valley.
- Dochula Pass (3,050m) – Admire the 108 stupas built in memory of fallen soldiers, with spectacular Himalayan views.
- Chimi Lhakhang – A short 20-minute walk through Sopsokha village brings you to the fertility temple of the “Divine Madman,” Drukpa Kunley.
3 Punakha – Trongsa
En route to Trongsa, pause to admire Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, dramatically perched above the confluence of the Tsang Chu and Dang Chu rivers. Built in 1638, it is the last major town before entering central Bhutan.
- Chendebji Chorten – A Nepalese-style stupa built in the 19th century to subdue an evil spirit, reminiscent of Kathmandu’s Bodhnath Stupa.
4 Bumthang Cultural Exploration
Today, explore the spiritual heartland of Bhutan – Bumthang.
- Tamshing Lhakhang – Built in 1501 by Pema Lingpa, housing rare and ancient religious paintings.
- Kurjey Lhakhang – One of Bhutan’s most sacred monasteries, containing a rock with Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint.
- Jambay Lhakhang – Built in 659 AD by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness obstructing Buddhism.
- Thangbi Valley & Thangbi Lhakhang – Cross a suspension bridge into a serene valley to visit a 14th-century monastery.
5 Ura Yakchoe Festival – Ura Valley
Venture into Ura Valley, a tranquil region of sweeping meadows, buckwheat and barley fields, and traditional stone houses.
Ura Yakchoe Festival – According to legend, a mysterious lama once visited an old woman, asking only for water. Upon her return, the lama had vanished, leaving behind a sack containing a sacred relic. This relic, now treasured for generations, is displayed publicly during the festival. Today, you will witness vibrant dances, deep spiritual rituals, and the unveiling of this revered artifact.
6 Bumthang – Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley)
Travel to Phobjikha Valley, the winter home of the endangered black-necked cranes. From November to March, hundreds of these graceful birds migrate here from Tibet.
- Gangtey Gonpa – A 17th-century monastery overlooking the glacial valley.
- Gentle valley hikes to enjoy the serene landscapes and traditional village life.
7 Gangtey – Paro
Return to Paro Valley, home to Bhutan’s only international airport and Mount Jomolhari (7,300m).
- Paro Dzong (Rinpung Dzong) – A 15th-century fortress-monastery, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture.
- Ta Dzong (National Museum) – Once a watchtower, now housing Bhutan’s cultural treasures including thangkas, textiles, and historic artifacts.
8 Chele La Pass – Haa Valley – Paro
Drive over Chele La Pass (3,988m), one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes, with panoramic views of the Paro and Haa valleys. Visit Katsho Village and Katsho Lhakhang in Haa before returning to Paro.
9 Paro – Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Morning visit to Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
Continue to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – Hike up to the iconic cliffside temple where Guru Rinpoche is said to have landed on the back of a tigress. Enjoy breathtaking views, fluttering prayer flags, and a well-earned Bhutanese lunch before descending. End the day at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
10 Departure
Bid farewell to the Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon. Take with you cherished memories, new friendships, and a deeper understanding of Bhutan’s living traditions. Tashi Delek – may we meet again!
Community Partners
Your journey contributes directly to local communities. Complete a feedback form after your tour and Druk Asia will donate to your chosen cause.
Gyalyum Trust
VAST Bhutan
Museums of Bhutan
Let's Customise Your Dream Bhutan Adventure
Join over 22,940+ happy travellers who've trusted our Bhutan experts to craft journeys that are anything but ordinary.
- Visa guaranteed — or your money back
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- Add a vibrant festival — timing around Bhutanese celebrations is pure magic
- Hike more, or hike less — totally your pace
- Experience Bhutan like a local — hot stone bath, cooking session, astrology reading
What Our Travellers Say
In my last evening in Bhutan I want to say thank you for a fantastic journey.
Everything has been great: the country is beautiful and I've got a lot of fantastic memories to take back home with me
But the planning of the trip and my guide and driver have done all possible to make my Bhutan experience the best.
I am glad I got to you and made you plan for me.
Thankyou very much.
Jose Luis
Dear Druk Asia,
Kuzu zangpo la!!!
On behalf of my friends and I, we would like to thank you once again for your great services, promptly responses, high responsible and great service mind tour guide and driver. We had a wonderful trip and would definitely recommend Druk Asia Tours & Treks to our friends.
If you find our comments and itinerary will be helpful for your future guests, we are happy to share our beautiful experiences and attached photos on your website la…
Mr. Ugyen Tshewang is an excellent guide. He is very considerate, always smiling though under hard circumstances. He is taking care of us extremely well and very knowledgeable about history and culture of Bhutan. He coordinates our food, schedule, and accommodations very proficiently. His English is excellent.
Dear Sangay,
Follow my review and some pictures:
The tour was great since the beginning, with the amazing spiral landing so close to the mountains at the Paro airport! During the whole trip the landscape was astonishing and it's quite admirable how the cities are so integrated to nature! And Tshering and Ugyen, they were not only great guide and driver, but also great trip mates, I really enjoyed their company, and we even had some fun at the Bhutanese night-life! So guys, thank you very much, hope to see you again!
Hercules
Dear Sangay,
My apologies for the late reply on giving feedback for our Bhutan trip from 30 April to 6 May 2015, facilitated by Sonam Dorji (guide) and Lhaka (driver).
We thoroughly enjoyed our time in Bhutan. Registration for the trip was hassle-free and the email correspondences with Druk Asia were prompt and clear. The hotels were clean and comfortable, and we also liked the local Bhutanese cuisine, which was similar in taste to Singapore’s food. The provision of the Gho and Kira was an excellent idea – we managed to wear them on two days and took many beautiful pictures.
Our guide Sonam and driver Lhaka were excellent, friendly and reliable. We gained much knowledge about Bhutan’s history and culture from Sonam. Lhaka was a dependable and approachable driver, always ready to share
Dear Sangay,
Kuzuzangpo la!
Apologies for the delay as I have finally sorted through all my photos from this lifetime trip! I have attached herewith some group photos and please feel free to share them on your website! :)
Many thanks once again for making it so easy to organise this tour. Everything right from the initial online enquiry to after coming back home was properly arranged for. I will strongly recommend Druk Asia to everyone who is planning a trip to Bhutan, genuinely a paradise to escape to.
We thoroughly enjoyed the entire 10 days of cultural tour from the buzzing west part of Bhutan, Thimphu, to the beautiful region in the south, Punakha, then a visit of the amazing festival, Ura Yakchoe in central. Everyone we came across on the tour has generously shown us the warm
Hi Sonam,
Kuzuzangpo La! Sorry for the late reply.
Thank you, we had a lovely time in Bhutan! The weather was nice & cool, only a little chilly in the evening. We appreciate this opportunity to give some feedback.
1. Guide
Under your Accommodation voucher, our guide’s name was stated as Mrs Tshering Palden, so we were a little taken aback when a guy approached us with my name at the airport arrival hall. He turned out to be KP (Kinley Penjor) & our quiet & friendly driver was Tshering (Mr).
We found KP to be polite & knowledgeable about culture & history but he does not deliver the information in an interesting manner. He is helpful when we voiced certain requests & he tries his best to fulfil them. However, he could have been more pro-active & ATTENTIVE in anticipating his guests’ ne
