HIGHLIGHTS:
Bumthang is the cultural and religious heartland of of Bhutan. The wide valleys of Bumthang is home to a people who have very rich cultural heritage are the colourful wollen ‘yata’ is woven by the women of these area. Also on this trek you will see some of the most sacred temples and monasteries.
BEST SEASON:
This trek can be undertaken from October to May but may be best done between March to May & October & November. It is also coincide this trek with one of the several festivals in Bumahtang.
TOUR OVERVIEW:
This four day trek is ideal for average walkers as the altitude does not go over 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). The four valleys of Bumthang, is revered by the Bhutanese as the sacred land of Bhutan with many important Nyingmapa saints coming from here including the famous Pema Lingpa. The trek crosses several villages and wends through the picturesque Bumthang countryside, giving an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with rural life.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
ARRIVE BHUTAN:
Arrive Paro, Bhutan, by Druk Air from Bangkok, Kathmandu, Delhi or Calcutta. During this flight, weather permitting, there are breathtaking views some of the highest Himalayan peaks including Mt. Everest (if flying in from Kathmandu or Delhi), Kanchanjunga, the sacred Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan and many other peaks. After completing your disembarkation formalities, you will be greeted by your Bhutanese guide. Start drive to Thimpu – a pleasant 2 hours drive through picturesque river valleys and mountain slopes dotted with typical Bhutanese villages. On arrival check-in at the hotel. Rest of the evening free to relax or take a short walk through the streets of Thimpu. Dinner and overnight Hotel in Thimpu.
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Day 2:
THIMPU SITESEEING:
Taday we have a full day enjoy the sites and sounds of Bhutan capital town Thimpu. Visit Tuthop Lakhang monastery and Memorial Chorten erected in honor of our late King, Jigme Dorjee Wangchuk, the Government Handicraft emporium and the Tashichho Dzong. This most impressive building is the seat of Bhutan’s temporal and religious heads and is open to visitors only in
winter when the monks are in Puhakha. Overnight hotel in Thimpu.
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Day 3:
Drive THIMPHU to TRONGSA:
The journey to the Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 8 hrs.. It takes you across Dochula Pass (3000 m.) to the warm fertile valley of Wangduephodrang (1250 m.). Lunch at Wangdue. After lunch continue drive to Trongsa across Pelela Pass (3300 m.). The famous Chendiji Chorten is situated at the base of the hills. Overnight hotel/lodge.
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Day 4:
Drive TRONGSA to BUMTHANG:
Drive to Bumthang takes 2-3 hrs. Tales of great Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point on the way you can see the Jakar Dzong "The Castle of White Bird". Lunch at the hotel. After lunch drive up to Lame Gompa a place built by the 1st King for his two nun sisters. The traditional style of making Bhutanese paper from forest plants is still carried on by the people of this village. Overnight hotel/lodge.
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Day 5:
BUMTHANG SITESEEING:
Today we will have a full day of sightseeing tours and walks around the Bumthang valley. We will visit the Swiss Cheese factory, Kurje & Jambay monasteries and surrounding villages. For the fishing enthusiast trout fishing can be enjoyed in Chamkhar river with prior arrangement.
Overnight hotel/lodge.
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Day 6:
Trek BUMTHANG to NGANGLHAKHANG - 9500 ft - 20 km. – 6-7 hours.
The easy-paced trek takes you up the peaceful Chamkhar river which is rich in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang monastery. From here you enter to the swan land of Ngang Yul with its central temple at Ngang Lhakhang. It is believed that this part of valley was at first inhabited by swans ‘ngang’ in the local dilect. The lama Namkha Samdrup having dreamt a vision of a gompa (monastery). To determine the holy site he shot an arrow and the spot where the arrow landed the Ngang Lhakhang temple was erected. Overnight camp.
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Day 7:
Trek NGANGLHAKHANG to UGYENCHOLING:
Today the trail climbs gradually through one of a most beautiful frosted to Phephe La pass (11000 ft.), the highest point on our trek. From the pass we descend through forested slopes into the
Cultivated fields of the Tang one of the four valleys of Bumthang. At the end of the day’s trek we reach the small village dominated by an impressive old wooden manor. Overnight camp.
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Day 8:
Trek UGYENCHOLING - JAKAR - 9000 ft - 10 km. - 3-4 hours.
The trail follows the Tang river valley. Along the banks of the river this trout filled river is Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang temple whose first foundation is ascribed to Guru Rimpoche and its second foundation to the "Treasure Finder" Terton Pemalingpa. After lunch end the trek at the road-head near Mebartsho the holy "Burning Lake."
Overnight hotel/lodge at Jakar.
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Day 9:
Drive BUMTHANG to PUNAKHA:
After early breakfast start full day return drive west to Wangdu or Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha or Wangdu.
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Day 10:
Drive PUNAKHA to THIMPU to PARO:
This morning we will visit the Punakha Dzong (open only during the summer months) located at the scenic confluence of the Po Chu and Mo Chu - the Father Mother rivers. This massive Dzong was the old capital of Bhutan and is still the winter home of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual head of Bhutan, and his council of monks. Afterwards drive over the Dochu La to Thimpu for lunch. After lunch enjoy some free time in Thimpu followed by a drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
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Day 11:
EXCURSION TO TIGER’S NEST MONASTERY:
Today there will be a chance to go on an excursion to the Bhutan’s most revered and certainly the most famous site, Taktsang Monastery or the ‘Tiger’s Nest”. Hike or ride a surefooted pony through a forested pathway ascending steeply toward the towering vertical cliffs two-thousand feet above the valley floor. On this cliff face, overlooking a dizzying precipice, is the historic cave where the Buddhist teacher Padmasambava or Guru Rimpoche meditated, who, it is believed, rode on the back of a flying Tiger. Hence this holy place is also called the Tiger’s Nest. Foreigners are not allowed inside the monastery but can enjoy the view from the cafeteria. The more intrepid hiker can continue further up the trail to get a closer and dramatic spot directly opposite the temple. Sadly, a few years ago, the main temple was destroyed by fire and is being rebuilt at the moment but this does not subtract from the rewards of the days excursion. Lunch at the Taksang View Cafeteria or at hotel. In the afternoon, time permitting, visit a Bhutanese Family home. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.
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Day 12:
DEPART BHUTAN:
Early transfer to Paro Airport for departure.Flights are available to Bangkok (Thailand) or Kathmandu (Nepal) or Delhi and Calcutta (India) on different days of the week.
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Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
TOUR INCLUDES:- All transfers and transport;- Accommodation (twin share rooms);- All meals (fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner);- Trekking with guide, porters, camping and permits; - English speaking guide;- Sightseeing tours and entrance;
DOES NOT INCLUDE:- Airport tax;- Bhutan Visa (US$20);- Tips; Bottled/alcoholic drinks;- Photography charges (when applicable);- Expenses of a personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Local Culture
Cultural Journey
Hiking & Trekking
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