Ura Yakchoea Festival in Bumthang
Ura Yakchoea Festival in Bumthang
The Ura Yakchoe Festival in Bhutan’s Bumthang Valley is a vibrant Buddhist event held each spring. Villagers perform masked dances honouring a sacred relic believed gifted by a dakini. Pilgrims gather for blessings, rituals, and folk performances, celebrating local culture and spiritual heritage in the scenic Ura village.
Similar Tour
Drive from Bumthang to Ura village for the Yakchoe Festival, a spectacular cultural event featuring sacred masked dances (cham) and ritual performances. This festival honors the local deities and is known for its unique, colorful masks and vibrant energy. The event is deeply spiritual and offers insight into Bhutanese folklore and tantric traditions. Enjoy mingling with locals in traditional dress and savoring local foods. Return to Bumthang for overnight.
Take a scenic drive to Ogyen Choling Palace, an extraordinary 19th-century estate that serves as a cultural museum showcasing Bhutanese aristocratic life. Walk through its historic rooms filled with antiques, traditional Bhutanese paintings (thangkas), and ancient scriptures. The surrounding gardens and village add to the peaceful ambiance. On the way back, explore small local temples and enjoy the pastoral landscape of Bumthang valley.
Descend to Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital and one of its most picturesque valleys. Visit Punakha Dzong, often called the “Palace of Great Happiness,” which lies at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chu rivers. Walk across Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge nearby. Explore local villages or take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the “Fertility Temple.” Enjoy the warm climate and scenic beauty of the Punakha valley.
Drive to Thimphu, the capital city nestled in a mountain valley. Visit key landmarks such as the Memorial Chorten built in honor of the third king, the massive Buddha Dordenma statue overlooking the city, and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the government and monastic body. Explore the bustling weekend market and local craft shops, and if time permits, visit the Folk Heritage Museum to learn about Bhutanese rural life.
Spend a full day exploring more of Thimphu’s culture and nature. Options include the National Textile Museum, Institute for Zorig Chusum (arts and crafts school), and the Motithang Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. For a nature break, take a hike to Cheri Goemba monastery or relax in one of Thimphu’s cafes. The day is yours to enjoy Bhutan’s unique capital atmospher
Drive to Paro and prepare for a scenic 4-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang), one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites. The monastery clings dramatically to a cliff 900 meters above the Paro valley floor. The hike offers stunning views and a profound spiritual experience. After descending, enjoy a relaxed evening in Paro town.
Transfer to Paro airport for your departure flight. Take with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan’s unique culture, stunning landscapes, and spiritual heritage.
