Jambay Lhakhang Singye Chham – Bumthang. The Singye Chham (Lion Dance), a captivating performance, is prominently featured during the annual Jambay Lhakhang Drup, a sacred festival in Bumthang. Conducted in the courtyard of Jambay Lhakhang, this vibrant dance, along with other mask dances, symbolizes the triumph of good over evil and remains central to Bhutanese religious traditions.
Adorned in intricate lion masks and costumes, the performers, including monks and laypeople, honor Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. As the dance unfolds, spectators are blessed, protective energies are invoked, and negativity is dispelled, creating a spiritually uplifting experience.
Meanwhile, the courtyard transforms into a vibrant hub of devotion and cultural expression. Held in autumn to align with the lunar calendar, the festival attracts both locals and visitors. With fire blessings, ritualistic dances, and resonant chants, the event’s spiritual and celebratory ambiance becomes unforgettable.
Witnessing the Singye Chham offers a rare glimpse into Bhutan’s cultural and spiritual heritage, where centuries-old traditions are preserved and celebrated with reverence.
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Chham – Bumthang. Trip Overview
Festival Date
4th December, 2025
Jambay Lhakhang Singye Chham – Bumthang. Outlined Itinerary
- Day 01. Arrival at Paro | Take Rest | Altitude 2200M
- Day 02. Paro to Bumthang via Flight | Flight time about 38 Minutes | Altitude 2800M
- Day 03. Bumthang – Attend Jambay Lhakhang Singye Chham | Altitude 2800M
- Day 04. Bumthang Sightseeing | Altitude 2800M
- Day 05. Bumthang to Gangtey | Distance 154.6 km | Driving time 4 hr 22 mins | Altitude Ranges from 2900-3200 M
- Day 06. Gangtey to Punakha | Distance 73km | Driving time 2 hr 7 mins | Altitude 1242M
- Day 07. Punakha to Thimphu | Distance 72.7 km | Driving time 2 hr 6 min | Altitude 2400M
- Day 08. Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude 2400M
- Day 09. Thimphu to Paro – Taktsang Excursion | Distance 50 km | Driving time 1 hr | Altitude 2200M
- Day 10. Departure from Paro
Some Sightseeing and Links You Must Know
Festival Highlights
- A powerful mask dance symbolizing strength, protection, and devotion to Guru Rinpoche.
- A key event in the annual sacred festival celebrating spirituality and culture.
- Performed at Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple in Bumthang.
- Aimed at blessing attendees and dispelling negative energies.
- Includes other mask dances, fire blessings, and traditional rituals.
- Attracts locals, monks, and tourists, showcasing Bhutanese heritage.
