| Duration: | 10 Day(s) - 9 Night(s) |
| Tour Category: | Festival Tour |
It is almost midnight. The temperature has dropped to 2 degrees Celsius. A large gathering of devotees wait in anticipation huddled near Jampa lhakhang in Bumthang, their eyes on the monastery’s main door.
Exactly at midnight, a group of men rushes out from the door, swirling and twirling in the air, to the rhythmic accompaniment of traditional mask dance drums and cymbals.
Except for their faces, which are covered by a white cloth, the men are all naked. They are known as the sacred naked dancers or Tercham of Jampa Lhakhang Tshechu, which started on November 13 [2008]. It is one of Tshechu’s highlights and a popular item among the spectators.
At one time, there is extreme uneasiness when the 16 dancers surround the fire, near family members, but spirituality overcomes discomfort. Elders fold their hands.
Day 1: Arrival Paro to Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu to Punakha
Day 3: Punakha to Bumthang
Day 4: Bumthang
Day 5: Bumthang
Day 6: Bumthang to Punakha
Day 7: Punakha to Thimphu
Day 8: Thimphu to Paro
Day 9: Paro
Day 10: Departure
