Jambay lakhang drup (from 26th to 29 October)

Travelling to Bhutan during its festivals offers an authentic way to explore the living traditions and spiritual depth of this remarkable kingdom. Among the many festivals celebrated in Bhutan, the Jambay Lhakhang Drup in the Bumthang Valley is one of the most fascinating and genuine. Held each year at Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century by King Songtsen Gampo, this sacred Drup, or festival, honours Guru Rinpoche, the revered saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. It is also celebrated to commemorate the founding of the temple itself.

A drup, or drupchen, meaning “great practice,” is a multi-day religious event during which monks perform continuous prayers, sacred dances, and tantric rituals to bring blessings and purification to the community.

Taking part in the Jambay Lhakhang Drup allows visitors to witness remarkable highlights such as the Mewang, a fire ritual in which devotees leap through flames for purification, and the legendary Tercham, the naked dance performed at midnight to ensure fertility and the continuity of life. These rituals, together with intricate masked dances and powerful spiritual ceremonies, create a rare and unforgettable experience.