Bumthang Cultural Tours & Treks

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, also known 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 catch a glimpse of 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 embark on a 4-5 hour hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan, situated at an elevation of 3,180 meters. 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 to 1972. We will also explore its surroundings, including the nunnery temple and the mini zoo, where we can see the Takin, Bhutan's national animal. We will also visit other landmarks in 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 on weekends, we will explore 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, stopping for tea at the 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 the riverbanks until we reach Punakha. After lunch, we will visit Punakha Dzong. It is the second-oldest and second-largest dzong in Bhutan, built between 1637 and 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 fishing. 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, located at an altitude of 3,360m, the highest point on the trek route. The trail will then pass through beautiful, forested areas, where we will make numerous stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. We will then descend to the 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 day's journey 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 near Wangdue village are 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, a fertility temple dedicated to the Divine Madman, or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. We will stop for lunch at Dochula Pass. Here, we will visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, one of its kind in the country, featuring elaborate paintings that depict 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 likely have our flight scheduled for an early morning departure. 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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