Kurjey Festival in Bhutan 2026
The Kurjey Tshechu Festivals are vibrant religious celebrations held in Bumthang, featuring sacred dances, rituals, and blessings. The three-day event will take place on 24th June 2026 at Kurjey Lhakhang.
The Kurjey Festival, held on 5th July, is renowned for the unfurling of a 9-meter high and 12m wide Guru Rinpoche’s Throngdroel, a sacred tapestry. The festival is also famous for its masked dances, performed by talented monks. These monks, known for their musical skills, perform various dances that narrate stories of spiritual significance.
Local people and tourists gather for this event, which is held in the fifth lunar month, to celebrate Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and receive blessings.
It’s a unique opportunity to immerse in Bhutanese spirituality and cultural traditions.
Kurjey Festival
Highlights of the trip:
- Witness Nimalung & Kurjey tshechu festival.
- Meet local people.
- Scenic landscapes.
- Unique culture and traditions.
- Ancient monasteries, temples and dzongs.
- Pristine villages and farmhouses.
- Scenic mountain flight.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 02. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (Domestic Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
- Day 03. Bumthang – festival | 24 Km | 55 Minutes.
- Day 04. Bumthang – festival | 24 Km | 55 Minutes.
- Day 05. Kurjey festival – Ogen Choling palace | 40 km | 1 hour 40 minutes.
- Day 06. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey sightseeing | 146 km | 5 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
- Day 07. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
- Day 08. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 09. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 10. Thimphu – Paro (Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery) | 56 km | 1 hour | Alt. 2200 m.
- Day 11. Paro – Departure
Nimalung & Kurjey Festival tour cost:
The cost given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
- Solo travel: US $ 3120 per person.
- 2 persons: US $ 2640 per person.
- 3 persons or more: US $ 2275 per person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided travel in Bhutan.
Kurjey Festival tour - Detail itinerary.
Day 01. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
Upon arrival in Paro, soak in the fresh Himalayan air and the picturesque valley surrounded by mountains.
After lunch, begin your exploration with a visit to Ta Dzong, Bhutan’s National Museum, housed in a historic watchtower. It offers fascinating exhibits of Bhutanese art, history, and culture. Next, visit the iconic Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the administrative center of Paro District.
In the evening, enjoy free time strolling through the charming Paro town, perfect for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 02. Paro – Bumthang sightseeing (By Flight) | Altitude: 2600 m.
After breakfast, you’ll drive to Paro Airport for your domestic flight to Bumthang, located in central Bhutan. The flight offers scenic views of the surrounding mountains, making for a delightful journey.
Upon arrival in Bumthang, you’ll visit Jakar Dzong, which was built in 1667 by Lam Nagi Wangchuk. The dzong is perched on a hill overlooking the beautiful Chokhor Valley and is one of the most important landmarks in the region.
Next, head to Jambay Lhakhang, a sacred site built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. This historical temple is one of the oldest in Bhutan and holds immense religious significance.
Afterwards, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, which was established in 1501 by the revered saint Pema Lingpa. This monastery is famous for its religious murals and its role in preserving Bhutanese spiritual practices.
Finally, explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a monastery that is believed to house the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche. It’s a highly sacred site, and nearby you will also visit Kencho Sum Lhakhang, another important temple.
In the evening, enjoy a delicious dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 3. Bumthang – festival.
In the morning, drive to Festival. This festival is a great opportunity to experience traditional Bhutanese culture through mask dances, religious ceremonies, and local celebrations. It offers a deep insight into the spiritual practices of the region.
In the evening, you will have free time to stroll through the town, allowing you to explore local shops, take photographs, and soak in the atmosphere of Bumthang. It’s a perfect opportunity to pick up souvenirs or just enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 4. Bumthang – festival.
In the morning, enjoy the Festival for half a day. Immerse yourself in the traditional dances, rituals, and festivities that celebrate Bhutanese culture. The festival provides a vibrant display of religious and cultural heritage.
In the afternoon, drive back to Bumthang. Once you arrive, you’ll have free time to explore Jakar town at your own pace. Wander through the charming streets, visit local shops, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of this picturesque town.
After a day of exploration, have dinner and relax for the night at the hotel.
Day 5. Kurjey tshechu festival – Excursion to Ogen Choling palace.
In the morning, attend the Kurjey Festival and witness the cultural performances, religious rituals, and vibrant celebrations that take place during this special occasion.
In the afternoon, drive to the beautiful Tang Valley. First, visit Mebar Tsho, or “The Burning Lake,” where Pema Lingpa discovered the treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche in the 14th century. The sacred site is rich in history and spiritual significance. Afterward, explore the Ogen Choling Palace Museum, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the region’s history and culture.
In the evening, return to Bumthang for a relaxing end to the day.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 06. Bumthang – Trongsa – Gangtey |146 km | Drive: 5 hours | Altitude: 3000 m.
After breakfast, drive to Gangtey, passing through stunning mountain landscapes. En route, visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. This historic fortress was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan, and the first two kings of Bhutan ruled the country from here. Then, visit Ta Dzong, now a Royal Heritage Museum, which offers deep insights into Bhutanese history and culture.
After lunch, continue your journey to the picturesque Gangtey Valley. Upon arrival, visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley. This important religious site belongs to the Nyingma school of Buddhism.
Later, explore the breathtaking Phobjikha Valley, a serene glacial valley that serves as the winter roosting ground for the rare black-necked cranes. The valley’s pristine beauty and unique ecosystem make it a must-visit destination.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 07. Gangtey – Punakha sightseeing | 75 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 1242 m.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan. En route, visit Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Though destroyed by fire in 2012, the dzong has been restored to its former glory and remains an important cultural landmark.
Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned “Temple of Fertility”, built in 1499 by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman. Famous for his unconventional teachings using humor and songs, he is revered for blessing childless couples who seek fertility prayers at the temple.
After lunch, explore Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637. Situated at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, it serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and hosted Bhutan’s first national assembly in 1952.
In the evening, enjoy a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery, offering panoramic views of the valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
Day 08. Punakha – Thimphu sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 2 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Thimphu, with a stop at Dochula Pass to admire the 108 stupas and the stunning view of the higher Himalayas. This pass is also the venue for the Druk Wangyel Festival, held annually on 13th December.
After lunch, explore the Weekend Vegetable Market, where you can see fresh produce from around the country. Then, witness an exciting archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, a popular sport in Bhutan.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 09. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Then, explore the Postal Museum and marvel at the tallest statue of the sitting Buddha in the world (51.5 m). Continue with a visit to Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center, home to Bhutan’s national animal.
Next, head to Sangay Gang Viewpoint for panoramic views, followed by a visit to Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
In the afternoon, visit the Painting School, the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping and photography in town.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 10. Thimphu – Paro sightseeing (Tiger’s nest monastery) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour | Hike: 4 hours.
After breakfast, drive to Paro, making a short stop to view Tamchog Monastery, built in 1420 by Thang Tong Gyalpo. He constructed 108 bridges across Tibet and Bhutan, with 8 located in Bhutan.
Next, embark on a hike to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang), a highlight of the trip. The hike takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery. This trail is part of the scenic Bumdra Trek in the Paro Valley.
In the afternoon, visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, followed by a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Srongtsen Gampo, who constructed 108 temples in a single day to pin an ogress to the earth.
In the evening, enjoy free time to stroll in the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 11. Paro – Departure.
After breakfast, bid farewell to the enchanting kingdom of Bhutan as you drive to Paro International Airport. Your guide and driver will assist you with departure formalities, ensuring a smooth and memorable end to your journey. Safe travels!
FAQs - Kurjey Festival tour itinerary
Can photos and videos be taken during the festival?
Photography is allowed, but it’s courteous to avoid interrupting rituals. Always seek permission before photographing monks or performers.
Is prior booking necessary to attend the festival?
While tickets are not required for the festival itself, it’s advisable to book accommodations and transportation in advance due to high demand during festival time.
What should I wear to the festival?
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly. Bhutanese attire like Gho (for men) and Kira (for women) is ideal but not mandatory. Comfortable, respectful clothing is recommended.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
Contact Us:
- Mobile: +975- 17939874
- whatsapp: +975- 17939874
- Mail: bhutanwanderlust7@gmail.com
- Mail: info@bhutanwanderlust.com