Bumthang Cultural Tours & Treks

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival and sightseeing in Paro (2,250m / 7,382ft)
You will fly to Bhutan. At the airport, you will be greeted by a representative from Nepal Vision on your arrival, who will also take you to the hotel. After lunch, we will visit Rinpung Dzong, which is also famed as the “fortress of the heap of jewels”. We will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. From here, we will take the trip to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort). On a clear day, if we are lucky enough, we can also see the beautiful view of Mount Chomolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain, at 7,314 meters. Overnight in Paro.

Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour, hike to Taktsang Monastery
After breakfast, we will start our hike for 4-5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is the most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters in Bhutan. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery. After exploring the monastery, we will also hike down to the valley floor. In the afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night. 

Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu
In the early morning, we will visit the Memorial Chorten which was built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972. We will also explore its surrounding and the nunnery temple, and mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. We will also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, the Bhutanese traditional painting school, the folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we will be exploring the Weekend Market instead. Overnight in Thimphu. 

Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m/4,100ft): 76 km, 2 - 3 hours
After breakfast, we will enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La pass (3,100 m). On a clear day, we will also get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we will take a drive downhill through rhododendron, fir, and hemlock forests. We will then pass through rice fields along river banks till we reach Punakha. After lunch, we will visit Punakha Dzong. It is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan which was built from 1637 to 1638. Overnight in Punakha. 

Day 05: Punakha to Bumthang (2,850m/9,350ft): 214 km, 7 hours
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The route will take us along a spectacular winding road, crossing the 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass. There is even a chance of spotting yaks on the trail at certain times of the year. We will stop in Trongsa for lunch. Following lunch, we will visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture. Then, we will proceed to Bumthang through lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, we will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang. We can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang. 

Day 06: Trek to Ngang Lhakhang (2,895m/9,500ft):10Km, 2 - 3 hours, Trek begins
The trek will start from Thangbi Goemba, near the small village of Thangbi. Our trail will then follow the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout fish.  After an hour, we will pass the Zangling Lhakhang on the hill to the right.  We will stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang.  From here the trail will enter the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan), at the center of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple).  In bygone days, the valley was populated by swans, hence the name Ngang Yul was kept. We will camp tonight at an altitude of 2,900m for the night.

Day 07: Trek to Ugyen Choling (2,895m/9,500ft):18Km, 6 - 7 hours 
We will begin the trek with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3,360m, the highest point of the trek route.  The trail will then pass through beautiful forested areas where we will make many stop to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. We will then descend to Tang valley before arriving at Ugyen Choling Village. Our camp for the night will be by the side of the river at an altitude of 2,760m. 

Day 08: Trek to Jakar/Bumthang (2,745m/9,000ft): 2Km, 1.5 hours : Trek ends
In the early morning, we will walk up to the Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository for artifacts of ancient nobility. We will then take a short walk downhill to Kizam where our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up.  From here it is a 25km drive to the junction of the road near Mebartsho. We will visit the Mebertsho Lake (burning lake) where Terton Pemalingpa, is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century.  This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days. Overnight in Bumthang. 

Day 09: Bumthang to Wangdue (1,240m/4,068ft): 197 km, 6 hours
We will begin our journey for the day by touring the Bumthang market and then driving to Wangdue.  It is a typical Bhutanese town with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. Other villages nearby the Wangdue village is also known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight in Wangdue. 

Day 10: Wangdue to Paro: 124 km, 3 - 4 hours
This morning, we will return to Paro via the Dochula Pass. On the way, we will also visit the Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. We will stop for lunch at Dochula pass. Here, we will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is one of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. We will then continue our drive to Paro. We will be free in the evening to explore the town. Overnight in Paro. 

Day 11: Final Departure
Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so we will probably have our flight scheduled early morning. Therefore, after having breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport depending on the flight schedule. The journey to Bumthang will end here. 
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