Bumthang Cultural Trek

Bumthang Cultural Trek 13 Days / 12 Nights

Trip Code: HAT78

Trip Type:
Bhutan Treks

Maximum Altitude:
3425m

Durations:
13 Days

Trip Starts:
Paro

Trip Ends:
Paro

Accomodation:
Hotels in the ciites and camping during trekking

Best Time For Travel:
Spring and Fall

Trip Over View

The Trek immerses one in the beauty and culture of Central Bhutan in the district of Bumthang. With a combination of motor coach and easy trekking, one can sample, first-hand, the rich culture and dramatic scenery of the Bumthang valleys.

Bhutan trekking trips

Bumthang is one of 20 dzongkhag (districts) comprising Bhutan. It is the most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites are counted. Bumthang consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor (Bumthang), although occasionally the entire district is referred to as Bumthang valley.

"Bumthang" directly translates as "beautiful field" – "thang" means field or flat place, and "bum" is said be an abbreviation of either "bumpa" (a vessel for holy water, thus describing the shape and nature of the valley), or simply "bum" ("girl," indicating this is the valley of beautiful girls).

The name "Bumthang" came after the construction of Jambay Lhakhang, which was constructed in the shape of a Bumpa (Vessel).

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Paro.

Day 02: Full day tour of Paro Valley.

Day 03: Drive to Thimpu.

Day 04: At Thimpu.

Day 05: Thimpu to Punakha and Wangdue.

Day 06: Punakha to Bumthang.

Day 07: Bumthang Trek begins.

Day 08: Phephela Pass.

Day 09: Today we pass Ugyenchholing in Tang Valley.

Day 10: To Trongsa.

Day 11: To Thimpu

Day 12: To Paro.

Day 13: Departure.

Day 01: Arrival in Paro.
We are welcomed by our guide and transfer to our hotel. We have a short rest after lunch and later we have a briefing about the schedule.

Day 02: Full day tour of Paro Valley
Today, we explore the beautiful Paro Valley. We visit the 200 year old Watch Tower (Ta Dzong), the ruins of historical Drugyel Dzong, Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang - the oldest monastery in the valley built in 7th century. After lunch we drive up-to Chelila Pass (Alt. 12,402 ft) to view the spectacular scenery of Mt. Jumolhari as well as Haa and Paro Valley.

Day 03: Drive to Thimpu
The drive from Paro to Thimpu is spectacularly scenic. We check in to the hotel and after refreshments, we visit the King Jigme Memorial Chorten.

Day 04: At Thimpu
Today we explore the fascinatingly colorful town of Thimpu and visit its highlights which include the Arts and Crafts school, Traditional Medicine Institute, traditional paper factory and Botanical Garden (Zoo).

Day 05: Thimpu to Punakha and Wangdue
We drive to the valley of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang, driving over the Dochula Pass (10,500 feet). We check in at the hotel and later visit Punakha. After lunch in Punakha, we drive to the village near the junction road between Punakha and Wangdue and take a 20 minutes easy and pleasant hike to Chimi Lhakhang temple dedicated to the Saint Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1529), also known as the “divine madman”. Evening is free to walk around the hotel and visit nearby villages.

Day 06: Punakha to Bumthang
After an early breakfast, we set off on the road to Jakar, driving over Pele la pass (3420m). We have lunch at Trongsa and take a peek inside Trongsa Dzong - one of the largest and certainly the most impressive of all Dzongs in Bhutan. From Trongsa, it is another 68km/2 and ½ hours drive to Jakar across Youtongla pass (3425m). After the pass, we descend into Chume, the first of the four Bumthang valleys.

Day 07: Bumthang Trek begins
We drive to the trail head and embark on our wonderful trek to Nganglhakhang. Today we will hike for approximate five hours passing through villages, fields and forests and also crossing over suspension bridges. Overnight camp - 9,500 ft (2,800 m).

Day 08: Phephela Pass
Today a gradual climb to Phephela Pass brings us to the highest point of our trek: 12,000 ft (3,353m). The trail to the pass leads through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region with mini bamboo pastures and forests of rhododendrons and mixed conifer. Total walking time is for 7 hours. Camp by Ta Houng village in Tang Valley.

Day 09: Today we pass Ugyenchholing in Tang Valley
We visit the Ugyenchholing Palace, now housing the Family Museum. We view the permanent exhibits recreated to capture the ambience and lifestyle of Trongsa Penelop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji and his household. Continuing from Ugyenchholing, we reach Rimpochen Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, the Patron Saint of Bhutan. The trek finishes here and we drive through Pangshing village to Jakar, Bumthang, stopping to visit a traditional farmhouse on the way.

Day 10: To Trongsa
We drive towards Trongsa via Phobjika. En route, we visit Yartha Textile Weaving Center in Chumy Valley. On arrival in Trongsawe, visit the architectural wonder of Trongsa Dzong (1648), the ancestral home of the present Wangchuck Dynasty.

Day 11: To Thimpu
Trongsa to Thimpu is a 7-hour long drive. Check in hotel and take rest for the day.

Day 12: To Paro
We retrace our drive to Paro. Check in hotel and take time in the afternoon to browse the town on our own.

Day 13: Departure
Transfer to airport for your next destination.

  • Includes

    • A level accommodation on twin sharing basis while in the cities.
    • All camping gears that includes - 2 person sleeping tent with floors and fly sheet, dinning tent, kitchen tent, toilet tents, dinning tables, chairs, pillows and mattresses.
    • English speaking Guide.
    • Cook and kitchen aides.
    • All intercity transfers and sightseeing by a private vehicle.
    • Pack animals and animal drivers during trekking.
    • All necessary supplies.
    • 3 meals a day.
    • Bhutan visa processing.
    • Sightseeing admission fees.
    • Bhutan visa fee.


    Excludes

    • Airfare into and out of Bhutan.
    • Travel Insurance and emergency evacuation.
    • Expenses of personal nature like drinks, tip, telephone, laundry etc.
    • Extra expenses due to nature or unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, road blockade, no show etc. 
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