Jambay Lhakhang Drup
Oct–Nov, several days in the 9th–10th lunar month (lunar calendar)
Jambay Lhakhang, about 2 km from Jakar in Bumthang, is by tradition one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Its drup, a festival of prayers and dances lasting several days, is held in October or November and is the most important event of the year in the Chhoekhor valley. People come from across Bumthang and further east, many camping or staying with relatives, and the temple grounds fill with stalls and families.
The best-known moment is the Mewang, a fire blessing held after dark. A gate of dry grass and wood is set alight, and people run beneath the burning arch to be cleansed of sins and protected from misfortune in the year ahead. Infertile women traditionally pass through it in the hope of conceiving. The heat and the crowd make it intense; visitors watch from a safe distance unless the guide advises otherwise.
Late at night the festival also includes the tercham, a sacred dance performed by masked men without clothes, which is believed to bring blessings and fertility. It is a religious rite, not a spectacle: photography is strictly forbidden, and many guides advise visitors to leave before it unless they are sure they can watch in the spirit intended. The daytime programme includes cham dances in the courtyard, as at other tshechus.
How to do it well
- Book Jakar hotels months ahead; Bumthang has few rooms and the festival fills them.
- Keep a safe distance at the Mewang fire blessing; sparks fly and the crowd pushes forward.
- Do not photograph the midnight tercham under any circumstances; it is a sacred rite and cameras are forbidden.
Questions people ask
Good to know
When is the Jambay Lhakhang Drup
In October or November, over several days in the 9th–10th Bhutanese lunar month. Exact Western dates change every year, so check the Department of Tourism's festival calendar. Plan at least 9–10 nights in Bhutan to reach Bumthang comfortably, or check the domestic flight schedule to Bathpalathang.
What is the Mewang fire ceremony
A fire blessing held after dark during the Jambay Lhakhang Drup. A gate of dry grass and wood is lit, and people run under the burning arch to be cleansed of sins and protected from bad luck. Visitors can watch from a distance; the heat and the crowd make it intense, so follow your guide's advice.
Can tourists watch the naked dance at Jambay Lhakhang
The midnight tercham is a sacred dance believed to bring blessings and fertility. Visitors are sometimes present, but photography is strictly forbidden and the rite must be treated with respect. Many guides advise leaving before it begins. Ask your guide on the day and follow the organisers' instructions.
Where do I stay for the Jambay Lhakhang festival
In Jakar, about 2 km from the temple, in certified hotels or registered farmhouses in the Chhoekhor valley. Rooms are limited and fill months in advance for the festival. Expect ₹3,500–6,000 per room night for a certified 3-star hotel, indicative 2026, with higher rates in festival week.
Festival journeys
Routes built around the calendar
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per person, twin₹36,500
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