The Bumthang trek is a cultural trek in Bhutan and the valley is considered to be a religious heartland that consist of some oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples. The Bumthang valley is rich in its culture that introduces rural lifestyle of Bhutanese and the mystery it has beholden for years. The trek takes you through several heritage sites and villages such as Choekhor and Tang valley. One of the awesome part of the trek is a hike to Takstang Monastery in Thimpu that provides an authentic scenic views of breathtaking mountain panorama, verdant vegetation and quaint village settlements. The recommended time to go for this trek is from March to May and September to November.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Today, we take an early morning flight and arrive at Paro, where you will be meeting our representative and then you will be transferred to your Hotel once we cover up the formalities. During day, we can go for a general sightseeing. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Sightseeing in Paro
The day calls for a full day sightseeing in Paro. So, we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1646. From here, we can also watch the finest views of Mt. Chomolhari. On our way back, we visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, monastery built in the 7th century. These two shrines are the one of the most sacred places in Bhutan.
After lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, which was previously built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. In 1968, it was inaugurated as the National Museum. Also, we take a visit to Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), the center of district administration. Rinpung Dzong is also the home of the local monk body. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Paro to Thimphu
Having our breakfast, we drive to Thimpu, the capital of Bhutan. A good view of Simtokha Dzong, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal can be observed on the way; it is standing on a hillock above the road.
In the afternoon, we trip to Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress/monastery built in 1641. It was built by first Shabdrung and again reconstructed in the 1960s. Also, we will explore National Memorial Chorten. And in the evening, we will browse in the Handicrafts Emporium, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles. Bhutan is famous for all these stuffs. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 04: Thimphu to Tongsa
We drive to Tongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m) capturing superb views of Bhutan’s highest peaks, namely, Masagang (7,158m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Gangkar Puensum, the highest (7,497m) and more. Zongaphugang is the table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana. Continuing our trail, we arrive at Tongsa. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 05: Tongsa to Bumthang
We visit Tongsa Dzong, an ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family after which, we visit Ta Dzong that was built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. In the afternoon, we take a look at Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The body imprint is found on rocks. Overnight at lodge.
Day 06: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang – 5 to 6 hours walk
We follow down to Chamkhar Chu River via meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We then pass by the villages and temples till we reach Ngang Lakhang. Overnight at lodge/camp.
Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing – 7 to 8 hours walk
We ascend through juniper forest via Phephe-la pass (3,340m) and descend to Tang valley, arriving at Ugyenchholing village finally. Overnight at lodge/camp.
Day 08: Ugyenchholing to Bumthang – 3 to 4 hours walk
We walk to Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion that comprises of houses and eco-museum. From here, we drive to Jakar (Bumthang). On our way, we visit Mebar Tso Lake; it is believed that Terton Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. Overnight at lodge/camp.
Day 09: Bumthang to Punakha
We drive to Bhutan’s former capital Punakha and stop at Dochu-la pass (3,088m) to watch in the panoramic views of snowcapped eastern Himalayan peaks. Then, we observe Punakha Dzong, a superb Bhutanese architecture built in 1637, situated at the confluence of two rivers. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Thimphu to Paro
On our way back, we visit the National Library, where an extensive collection of Buddhist literature can be found along with manuscripts dating back several hundred years. Then, we stop by Zorig Chusum (the Painting School); students are trained in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts here. While on our drive to Paro, we will witness the appealing village sides and the lifestyle of local people. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 11: Depart from Paro
We catch our respective flights to our destination enjoying the mountain views from the aircraft. You will be leaving Bhutan and we will be bidding our final farewell hoping to see you again.
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