Bumthang Cultural Trek

Trip Features

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  • Total Duration : 13 Days
  • Transportation : Flight, Private Car & Touristic Vehicles
  • Max Elevation : 3800 meters
  • Trek Grading : Moderate
  • Best Seasons : Spring and autumn
  • Journey Starts/Ends : ParoParo
  • Accommodation : Hotels & Lodges
  • Note: The Bumthang Cultural Trek explores the highlights of the Bumthang valley.

Trip Highlights

  • Scenic and astounding mountain views
  •  Experience true Bhutanese culture
  •  Revered isolated temples and monasteries

Trip Overview

The Bumthang Cultural Trek discovers the major highpoints of the Bumthang valley, the sacred core of Bhutan and home to some of its ancient revered Buddhist temples and monasteries. This moderate trek permits through numerous settlements on its route through Bumthang’s countryside of pastures, blue pine forests and mountains of scrub bamboo. It is suitable for the average trekker who wants to appreciate astounding mountainous views, visit secluded consecrated sites and encounter with locals. It is especially suggested for lovers of nature. This trek also features a cultural tour through the picturesque western valleys of Paro, Thimphu and Punakha.

Please note that this trek is not suggested for December-March due to the harsh cold weather.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport (2,200m) and transfer to your Hotel.

Day 02: Drive northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort. Later, explore the Bhutanese farmhouses on the way.

Day 03: Follow the trail beside the Pa Chu and arrive at Thimpu. In the afternoon, stop over for sightseeing at the Memorial Chorten and take a spiritual walk around the shrine.

Day 04: There will be a Full day sightseeing in Thimpu to cover other key attractions.

Day 05: Drive to Tongsa.

Day 06: Hike up to Lama Gompa (3,160m).

Day 07: Wander around the Bumthang Valley (2,800m).

Day 08: Trek to Chamkhar Chu followed by a cultural program in Ngang Yul.

Day 09: Hike to Phephela Pass (3,360m).

Day 10: Visit Mebar Tso, “Flamingo Lake” (3,800m).

Day 11: Drive to Tongsa (2,200m).

Day 12: Drive back to Thimpu.

Day 13: Trip concludes and departs for onward journey.

Brief Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport (2,200m) and transfer to your Hotel.

Experience awe-inspiring views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan during the flight. Arrive at Paro Airport. Be received by our staff that will help in assisting you to get transferred to the hotel. Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro with BB Plan.

Day 02: Drive northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort. Later, explore the Bhutanese farmhouses on the way.

Drive northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against the Tibetan invasion. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Day 03: Follow the trail beside the Pa Chu and arrive at Thimpu. In the afternoon, stop over for sightseeing at the Memorial Chorten and take a spiritual walk around the shrine.

The following morning, trail the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) down stream to its convergence with the Wangchu, and then up towards the valley to Thimphu, the capital. Take an afternoon lunch at the Hotel. After lunch, stopover the Memorial Chorten, where the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King chanting their respective prayer beads as they walk.

Day 04: There will be a Full day sightseeing in Thimpu to cover other key attractions.

Consider full day sightseeing in Thimphu (2350m). Walk aimlessly and visit the handicrafts emporium where the workshop shows how the handicrafts are produced. In the afternoon, visit the Tashichho Dzong.

Day 05: Drive to Tongsa.

Drive to Tongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Packed lunch will be provided at the Hotel. There will be a lunch stop at Chendeje Chorten (2430 m). Overnight at a Tourist Lodge.

Day 06: Hike up to Lama Gompa (3,160m).

Drive to Jakar takes approximately 2.5 hours. Tales of great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong “The castle of White Bird”. After lunch, we hike up to Lame Gompa (3160m), a place built by the 1st King for his two nun sisters. Outside of Lame Gompa, one can see the old style of Bhutanese papermaking. Overnight at a Tourist Lodge.

Day 07: Wander around the Bumthang Valley (2,800m).

Walk in and around Bumthang valley (2800m). The day is free for personal sightseeing or shopping around the town.

Day 08: Trek to Chamkhar Chu followed by a cultural program in Ngang Yul.

The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chu, a river knows for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang- then enter Ngang Yul. Cultural program is arranged for the evening. Overnight at a camp or lodge.

Day 09: Hike to Phephela Pass (3,360m).

Climb gradually to Phephela pass (3360m), the highest point of this trek route. The trail takes you through one of the most beautiful frosted area of this region. Stop to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Day 10: Visit Mebar Tso, “Flamingo Lake” (3,800m).

The trail you follow takes you along the Tang Chu River filled with trout. Along the banks of this river is Tang Rinpoche Lhakhang whose foundation is ascribed to Guru Rinpoche and its second foundation to the “Treasure Finder” Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to Jakar you visit Mebar Tso “Flaming Lake” (3800m). At Pangshing, the transport is provided for onward journey.

Day 11: Drive to Tongsa (2,200m).

Drive to Tongsa (2200m) and on the way you can see some trout fish firm. Overnight at a Tourist lodge.

Day 12: Drive back to Thimpu.

Drive to Thimphu takes approximately 7-8 hours. Take a lunch stop at a Guest House.

Day 13: Trip concludes and departs for onward journey.

Catch a flight for final departure back home.

Date and Price

Note Regarding Dates:

Although this trip is currently unscheduled, Richa Tours is keen to prepare the necessary arrangements for the group or yourself. Feel free to contact us. The best months to travel this destination are between March to May and October to November.

Note Regarding Price:

Contact us with your needs and we will put forward the best feasible price for you.


Service Include and Exclude

Includes

  • Airport pick up and drop
  • Hotel accommodation as per above itinerary
  • Service of licensed and trained guide
  • All meals and hot beverages
  • Local transportation as per above itinerary
  • National park/conservation area entry permits
  • All necessary documents permits (where applicable)
  • Bhutan visa fee, Tourism development fee
  • Coordination quick rescue service incase of emergency (cost covered by your insurance plan)

Excludes

  • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry etc.).
  • Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance.
  • Travel Insurance
  • Excess baggage charge if more then 20 kg and hand bag more then 5 kg
  • Rescue charge (In case of emergency)
  • Expenses of personal nature
  • Tipping for guide, staffs and drivers