Bumthang Cultural Trek

Overview

There is no better way to experience the culture and enjoy the beauty of Bhutan than by trekking. Walking at your own pace we will provide you with ample opportunity to interact with the people, experience their culture and their way of living and at the same time enjoy the natural beauty of Bhutan. This is truly an enlightening trip. This tour will take you from Thimphu to Bumthang. In Bumthang you will go on a short and easy two day trek enjoying the high passes, deep valleys and traditional villages.

Day 01: Arrive Paro International Airport

During the journey, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative who will escort you to the Hotel.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro – Sightseeing

Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). This Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, we catch sight of Chomolhari peak (7,329 m /24,029 ft.) ?Mountain of the Goddess. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Lunch at the hotel. Rest of the day free for individual activities.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu

This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu river to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Sightseeing

We visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.
We stroll around the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive.
Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 05: Thimphu – Tongsa

Today we begin our journey to central Bhutan. Drive to Tongsa takes about 7 – 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendeji Chorten.
Overnight: Hotel in Tongsa.

Day 06: Tongsa – Jaker (Bumthang)

Drive to Jaker is a pleasant scenic drive of about two and a half hours through the woodlands and countryside. We also come across Yotongla Pass (3400m / 17,000 ft.) one of the highest pass along the East – West Highway.
Lunch in the Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. We see the traditional Bhutaneese paper making workshop outside Lame Gompa.
Overnight: Guest House in Bumthang.

Day 07: Day free in Bumthang

Bumthang (the “Plain of Ghosts”) is a land of mysteries and mystic and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway.
We visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss Cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglhakhang.
Overnight: Guest House in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang – Nganglhakhang

Distance – 20 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Nganglhakhang 9500ft.
The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river popular for trout fish. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). In the past the valley was inhabited by the swans so the place is named Ngang Yul.
Overnight: Tented camp.

Day 09: Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing

Distance 23 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing 9300 ft.
Today we start with a gradual climb to Phephela Pass at an altitude of 3353m. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas with spectacular views of mountains. On the way we visit Ugyenchholing Palace.
Overnight: OnTented camp.

Day 10: Ugyenchholing – Jaker

Distance – 10 Kms. About 2 – 3 hours journey. Altitude 9000ft.
The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Membar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jaker.
Overnight: Simple lodge in Wangdichholing.

Day 11: Jaker – Tongsa

Drive to Tongsa along the East – West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Tongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Tongsa town.
Overnight: Hotel in Tongsa.

Day 12 Tongsa – Thimphu

Drive back to Thimphu along the East – West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdi Guest House.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 Thimphu – Paro International Airport

After breakfast, departure transfer to the airport to connect with he onward flight.

What’s Included

Visa fee for Bhutan.
Government taxes and royalties.
All entrance fee to museums and landmarks during sightseeing.
Three meals a day.
Accommodation on twin shared basis.
Veteran English speaking local guide.
All transfers during the trip including pickups and drops from hotels and airports.

What’s Not Included

International airfare to and from Bhutan.
Travel and rescue insurance.
Personal expenses such as: personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry, etc.
Excess baggage charges.

Accomodation

Bhutan offers a broad array of accommodation ranging from deluxe 5-stars to cozy guest houses and traditional style home stays. We will be staying in 3 to 5 star (on additional cost) hotels approved by the tourism council of Bhutan. All accommodations are on twin shared basis. However single supplement can be served as per the preference of the traveler.
Note: Extra Single supplement charge = US$ 480/- .

Meals

We serve you three meals a day during your stay in Bhutan. You can enjoy typical Bhutanese cuisine throughout the trip. Varieties of food including Chinese, Indian, Tibetan, Italian and continental are also available in most parts of Bhutan. Red rice is very popular in Bhutan which is generally eaten with vegetables or meat (pork, beef, chicken, etc.).

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Price Start From

$3040 Per Person

Duration
13 Days
Altitude:
17000 feet/ 5182metres
Trek/Tour Style:
Easy
Meals:
As Per Itinerary