12 Nights - 13 Days Bumthang Cultural Tour

Bumthang is Bhutan ’s spiritual heartrland. This blessed valley abounds with monasteries, stupas and famous sacred sites that draw thousands of pilgrims each year. For those seeking a quiet spiritual retreat, this is the perfect destination. It was here that the second Buddha or Guru Padmasambhava meditated and subjugated many demons leaving as testimony several sacred spots and shrines.

This three-day popular trek traverses through a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The trek can be strenuous at some points but the end result is always satisfying because it gives an insight into a way of life long lost elsewhere in the world.

Day 01 Arrival Paro by Druk Air

Get on board Druk Air , Bhutan ’s national airline, from Bangkok , Kolkotta, New Delhi or Kathmandu bound for Paro. The flight to Paro offers fascinating views of the eastern Himalayan range, including Mt. Everest . On arrival you will be received by your guide and escorted to your hotel in Paro

In the evening visit  Paro town, stroll through its quaint two streets and browse through the shops.  Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas. Although gutted by a fire, this fort is renowned as the stand from which several Tibetan invasions were repulsed.  To the north can be seen in all its majesty, the dome of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess.”

En route, see one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan . The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. It was later converted into the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts a wide range of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and natural and historic artifacts.

Walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints.

Day 03 Paro - Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan . The road meanders alongside the Paro Chu (river) and terraced fields until the confluence of two rivers at Chuzom. Here, one can see three stupas, representing the different styles of the different sects.

Check into hotel where lunch will be served. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the memory of the Late King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04Thimphu - Sightseeing

Thimphu , the bustling capital is the seat of the national government, the parliament, the central monastic body and all international organizations.

In the morning, visit Tashichhodzong, the 17th century fortress, which now houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, and all important government offices. The dzong is also the summer residence of the head abbot and the monk body.

Sightseeing of Thimphu valley will include a visit to the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Traditional Institute of Medicine, where centuries old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced; the Painting School, where young monks learn the art of Buddhist thangkha painting; the workshops for mask making and fine metal craft, weaving, ceramics and paper and; the Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in the memory of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum , which provides an insight into the traditional Bhutanese way of life.

Day 05 Thimphu - Trongsa

The journey to central Bhutan takes about 7-8 hours passing through alpine and coniferous forests across three districts. While the drive can be arduous, there are, however, splendid views of mountain ranges, village hamlets and two high passes. Pack lunch will be served at Chendebji, an ancient Newari stupa like those found in Nepal .

 Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 06Trongsa - Jakar (Bumthang)

The drive to Jakar (2 1/2 hours) is pleasant passing through some of the most beautiful countryside within the nation. The road winds up to Yotongla pass (Alt. 17,000 ft.) before descending to the valley of Bumthang .  The Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) can be seen in all its glory from a View Point en route.

Lunch will be served at the Hotel.

Afternoon, hike to Lame Goenpa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters.  Outside the temple, see traditional Bhutanese papermaking in a workshop.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07 Bumthang

Halt at Bumthang for visits to the Dairy Farm, Swiss cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Stroll around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Ngang Lhakhang.

Day 08 Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang

(Distance - 20 km, about 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Ngang Lhakhang 9500ft.)

The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river teeming with the golden trout. 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 Ngang Lhakhang ( Swan Temple ). In the past, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul.

Overnight halt in camp.

Day 09 Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing

(Distance 23 km. About 7 - 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing is 9300 ft.)

The trek starts with a gradual climb to the highest point, the Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3353 m. The trail passes through beautiful forests where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen.

Overnight at the camp.

Day 10 Ugyenchholing - Jakar

(Distance 10 km. 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's Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho ( Flaming Lake ) where Terton Pema Lingpa, the treasure founder, recovered precious religious artifacts. From Pangshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jakar.

Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day 11 Jakar - Trongsa

Return drive to Trongsa during which stops can be made to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Trongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Trongsa town.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12 Trongsa - Thimphu

Drive back to Thimphu . Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdue Guest House.

Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu .

Day 13 Departure

Representative of Himalayan Kingdom Tours will bid you farewell.

TASHI DELEK.

SEASON: March – June & Sept-Nov.

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly), preferably cotton for summer and woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlights etc.