Bumthang Cultural Trek Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Duration: 12 Nights, 13 Days
Location: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Trongsa, Bumthang
-
Day 01. Arrival by Druk Air – Paro
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari& Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be welcomed by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Afternoon, visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
-
Day 02. Paro – Excursion Taktsang
fter early breakfast drive up to the Ramthangka (base camp) of Taktsang and then hike up to the most famous monastery Taktsang, the Tiger’s nest. This magical monastery clings to the vertical granite cliff of 3,000 above the valley floor. It is believed that Guru meditated here in the 8th century. The disciples of Guru built the temple, which was later enlarged by Zhabdrung in the 17th century. After lunch walk back down. Further drive towards the north to visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. From there one can see Mt. Jumolhari (mountain of goddesses) overnight at hotel.
-
Day 03. Paro – Thimphu
After early breakfast drive to Thimphu. On the way visit Tachogang Lhakhang-these were founded by Tibetan Saint, Thangton Gyelpo (1385-1464) and continue drive to Thimphu. Check in the hotel. Visit Folk Heritage Museum, National Institute for Zorig Chusum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodang – Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good over view of the Thimphu valley, Memorial Chorten and Changangkha lhakhang – it is right above Thimphu Valley, this temple and monastic schools was established in the 12th century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo. Overnight at hotel.
-
Day 04. Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha – approximately 3-hour drive through picturesque valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. From the Dochula pass, at over 10,000ft, vast panoramic views of the high snowcapped peaks of the Bhutanese Himalaya can be enjoyed on a clear day. Continue drive down into the Punakha valley. On the way visit ChhimiLhakhang – this was founded in 15 Century by Lama Dukpa Kinley also known as divine mad man. It is half hour walk across a local village and rice field. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong- built in 1637 by Zhabdrung. It is one of the most beautiful Dzong in the country. Later walk around Punakha and Khuruthang town. Night will be halt in the hotel.
-
Day 05. Punakha – Trongsa
After breakfast, drive to Trongsa via Pele la pass at the altitude of 3,150 meters, a wonderful opportunity for photographs. Visit Trongsa Dzong – seat of the district administration, built in the 1648. And visit Tower of Trongsa, converted into the museum from watchtower that once guarded Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion, stands in Bhutan’s history. Overnight at hotel.
-
Day 06. Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast, drive to Jakar (Bumthang) en-route stop to visit Yathra factory in Chummy valley Which Yathra are made into colourful scarves, bags, blankets and sweater. Continue drive to Bumthang, after lunch visit Jakar Dzong, Jampal Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and stroll around the town. Drive back to hotel for the overnight stay.
-
Day 07. Bumthang – Halt
Walk in the town and do shopping for those interested or drive round the valley. Make a visit to the dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Night will be halt in hotel/lodge.
-
Day 08. Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang
The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar-Chhu, a river known for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang – from where you enter the “Swan Land” (NgangYul) with the “Swam temple” (Ngang Lhakhang). This part of the valley was at first inhabited only by Swan who gave their name (Ngang) to this place. The Lama Namkha Samdrup having had a vision as to how to build a Gompa, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was built. Overnight in camp, alt. 9,500ft, distance 14 km, about 4 to 5 hours walk.
-
Day 09. Ngangla Lhakhang via SA-serbo
The day starts with a gradual climb to Phephela pass, alt. 3,625 m/11,965ft, the highest point on this trek route. Then you follow the trail through the pass which takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty you reach the campsite which is on the pasture land. Altitude 2, 965 m/9,790ft.distance 19 km.
-
Day 10. Sa-serbo – Ugyen Choling
After late breakfast start the trek through the mini bamboo pasture with the view of Ta-hung village and Ugyen-Chholing Palace on the way built by the great saint Longchen Rabjampa in the 14th century AD. And restored by Trongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorji in the 19th century, this place now shelters the descendants of the saint. Camp in tent, alt. 2,820 m/9,300ft, distance – 12 km and about 4 to 5 hours walk.
-
Day 11. Ugyencholing – Jakar
The trail you follow takes you along the Tang-Chhu another river filled with trout. Along the banks of this river Tang Rimpochen Lhakhang whose first foundation is ascribed to Guru Rimpoche and its second foundation to the “treasure finder” Terton Pema Lingpa. On the way to Jakar you visit Member Tsho “Flaming Lake”. At Pangshing the transport is provided for the onward journey to Jakar, Alt. 9,000ft. (Approx.) distance 10 km and 2 to 3 hours walk.
-
Day 12. Jakar – Thimphu
After early breakfast, drive to Thimphu. overnight at hotel.
-
Day 13. Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. Our representative will see off and bid farewell.