Bumthang Trek

Your journey to Bumthang starts with the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Paro International Airport. Our Airport representative will pick you up from the Airport terminal and transfer you to the hotel in our private jeep. We will then hold a pre-trek meeting where we will be giving you a short briefing about the trek preparation and introducing you to your guide. After that, you can either rest in the hotel or can even go for a walk in the evening. The next day is going to be the real rush. Overnight at the hotel.

Early morning after breakfast you will make your way to Paro sightseeing. You will drive to Drugyel Dzong, a ruined fortress (16km from Paro Town). This place has its own historical significance. It was built in 1646 to honor Bhutan’s victory over Tibetian invaders during the 1600s. Besides, if the weather is clear you can see the peak of Mt Chomolhari, which is the 2nd highest peak in Bhutan at 7,314m. Besides, you can even visit Ta Dzong a fortified outlook tower that is now a national museum. Similarly, you can explore one of the oldest temples in Bhutan Kichu Lhakhang. In Addition, you can make your way to observe the typical Bhutanese farmhouse. In the evening you can take a relaxed ramble around Paro town. Overnight at Paro.

Your journey to the capital of Bhutan Thimphu starts with an early morning drive from Paro. The drive takes you to the winding road alongside Paro Chu to the Wang Chu and then to the capital Thimphu. In Thimphu visit Buddha point for an incredible view of Thimphu city. On the way to the viewpoint of Thimphu, you can spare some time to observe the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Subsequently, your trial continues to Tashi Choe Dzong- the castle of the illustrious religion constructed in 1641. Later King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck rebuilt it in the 1960s. Moreover, Thimphu is even popular for authentic craft Bazar. In the evening you can stroll around Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast enjoys an early morning scenic drive to Punakha. After the half, hour drive to Punakha, climb up to the Mt road to Dochula La at 3140m. If the weather is clear you will be rewarded with the wonderful panorama of the eastern Himalayas. In addition, the pass descends through the forest of Rhododendron emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. On the way, stop at Metshina Village to take a short hike through the beautiful rice field to Chimmi Lakhang. It is a temple dedicated to the Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Eventually, this temple has become a pilgrimage site for a couple who wished to have a child. After lunch, you can visit Punakha Dzong, situated in between male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight at Punakha hotel.

Bumthang is regarded as the cultural heartland of the country. So, after early morning breakfast, you will drive to Bumthang. The drive led you to the winding mountain road through the oak rhododendron forest over Phobjikha valley. After the exploration of the valley, you will stop at Trongsa for lunch and make your way to Trongsa Dzong. Trongsa Dzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Moreover,  the trail re-enters the forest and reaches the Yotong La.  Similarly, the trials descend to a low point at a village named Chumey. From Chumey, you will proceed to Bumthang with the spectacular scenery of lush valleys and hilly forests. Furthermore, if you are interested you can even stop at a Yathra (textile-waving Factory). Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today you will embark on Bhutan’s central heartland passing through stunning lush valleys and impressive temples. You will reach Jakar Dzong, the administrative center of the valley- a town rich in stories and innumerable legends. From there, descend downwards into the town to explore the surroundings and walk over the suspension bridge. A little further, you will reach Kharchhu  Goemba where young monks polished their debating skills. The next destination in Bumthang that awaits you is Jambay Lhakang- one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the 7th century. It is believed that  Jambay Lhakang is one of the 108th temples built by the Tibetian King to fight a demon.

In addition, explore Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche Left his body imprint on the cave while meditating. You will also have a chance to explore Tamshing Lhakhang where Buddhist paintings are preserved. Likewise, you can visit the local Bhutanese shop in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Our hike starts from the small village of Thangbi (Thankabi) Goemba and follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout fish. After walking for an hour, we will pass the Zangling Lhakhang on the hill to the right. We will stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. After lunch, we will make our way to Ngang Yul (also known as the land of a swan). At the center of Nyang Yul, there lies the Nyang Lhakhang ( Swan Temple). In ancient days, the valley was occupied by a swan and thus named the Swan Valley. Overnight at the hotel in Nyang Lhakhang.

The trail today is longest than any other day. You will have to walk 14 miles within seven to eight hours. Consequently, the journey begins with Phephe La pass (3360m), the highest point of our trek. The trail passes through various forested areas with hills that provide picturesque natural views. From the top, we will descend down to Tang valley. Along the way, we will visit the Ugyen Choling Palace. It is a storehouse of artifacts of ancient nobility. Overnight at the hotel.

The trail today follows the Tang Chu, another trout fish river. Tang Rimochen Lhakhang is by the bank of the river which is one of the sacred places. It is said that Guru Rinpoche meditates in this place.  We will then descend down to Kizam. Our representative will pick you and drive to Mebar the lake ( Flaming Lake), a sacred site. The name Mebar refers to an episode in the 15th century when Terton Pemalingpa dived into the lake with a burning lamp. From there, the journey continues to Pangshing and leads all the way to Jakar.

Early morning after breakfast we will drive to Gangtey. The road descends rapidly through a series in Trongsa. The drive offers a great view back to the Dzong and out across the valley. The trail passes through Yotong La and Chumey village and finally leads us to Gangtey. In the evening you can stroll around Gangtey.

Today is the day when you return back to a place where you have started your journey. Early morning we will drive back to Paro crossing Dochula Pass. Today the returning trials pass through Punakha, Thimphu, and reached Paro. The drive will be longer than other days. Hence, it will be a 5-hour long drive with the scenic view offered by the journey. You can go for a leisurely walk around the market in Paro.

Early morning after breakfast hike to Taktsang Monasteries also known as Tiger’s nest which is one of the ancient monasteries in Bhutan. The hike is 2-hour long. Taktsang Monastery is a sacred site of Buddhists and the temple is located on the cliffside of the upper Paro valley in Bhutan.  This monastery was first built in 1692.  It is said that Guru Padmasambhava has flown on the back of the tigress to meditate in the cave of these monasteries in the 8th century. This place has become a cultural icon of Buddhism. After exploring Taktsang Monasteries you can hike back to the road and drive to Kyichu Lhakhang and Paro Ringpong Dzong. In the evening you can explore the Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro

Today you will be bidding farewell to your Bumthang Cultural trek in Bhutan. Early morning after breakfast our representative will drop you off the Paro International Airport and wish you for your happy and safe journey.