Bumthang Cultural Trek
Overview
Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s cultural heart on this easy 3-day Bumthang Cultural Trek.
Travel through the valleys alongside crystal-clear rivers inhabited by trout. As the “cultural
heartland,” Bumthang boasts numerous age-old temples, offering opportunities to delve into Bhutan’s rich heritage. You will explore Bhutan’s Lhakhangs (monasteries) and stay in villages, soaking in the local atmosphere. Plan this Bhutan trek in spring or autumn for optimal conditions
Trip Highlights
- Enjoy camping and soak in the tranquil silence of the mountains
- Explore alpine meadows, mountain passes, and subtropical forests.
- Explore beautiful Bumthang
- Experience the daily life and activities of a Bhutanese village
- Have a farmhouse meal and engage with the people of Bhutan.
- Visit historic Buddhist monasteries
- Hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Duration
11 Nights/12 Days
Trek Difficult level
Easy/ Moderate
Avg. Walking Time
4-6 Hours
Avg. Walking Dist.
7-10 Km
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels/Camp
Best season
Mar-Jun
Sep-NovHighest Altitude
4350 m
Route Map
Itinerary
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. You’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Afterward you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. Later drive to Thimphu. Overnight in Thimphu
After breakfast you will visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972),Buddha Point, Changgangkha Monastery, the radio tower (for a great view of Thimphu Valley and the Thimphu Dzong), and the zoo, which contains the national animal of Bhutan: the takin. From there you will visit the nunnery temple, the National Library (which houses ancient manuscripts), and the School of Arts and Crafts (also known as the painting school). After a relaxing lunch, you will visit the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, a traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichodzong. Overnight in Thimphu.
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes about 7 – 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendeji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Tongsa.
Drive to Bumthang with a pleasant drive through scenic forests and country side. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East – West Highway on this drive. Bumthang (the “Plain of Ghosts”) is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jaker Dzong ( ” Castle of the White Bird”) can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Gompa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper-making. Overnight halt in Hotel in Bumthang.
Visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss Cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglhakhang. Overnight Hotel in Bumthang.
The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river known for trout fish. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan ) at the centre of which lies the Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans whence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.
The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephela Pass at an altitude of 3353 m , the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight halt in camp.
Distance – 10 Kms. About 2 – 3 hours journey. Altitude 9000ft. The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Menbar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jaker. Overnight hotel in Bumthang
You’ll begin the day at the Bumthang market and then drive to Punakha enrooting Wangdiphodrang, where you can stroll through the town and visit the shops. The nearby villages are known for their slate and stone carvings and bamboo work.
On arrival in Punakha check into the hotel. After lunch drive for about 12 km and from the road point take a walk across the rice fields and a river to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. It houses the paintings and statues belonging to the Nyingmapa tradition. Drive back to Punakha and overnight in Punakha.
Set out for Paro with a stop in Thimphu for lunch and a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you will continue the drive to Paro. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
Facilities provided on the trek
- Local English speaking trekking guide/tour leader.
- Trekking cook
- Helpers
- Ponies and yaks
- Tents, Sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent
- 3 meals a days
- Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
- Hot water bag
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses