Trip Level
Moderate
Destination
Bhutan
Max Altitude
3340 meter
Trip Duration
11 Days
Overview
Bhumtang Cultural trek is designed for those who want to walk for few days and explore more in city area for the longer days. The trek starts from Bhumtang to Nagang Lhakhang and Ugyenchholing.We will walk around 6-7 hours each day. The rest of the days we will do cultural tours in Bhutan which includes Paro, thimpu, Tonsa, Bumthang and Punakha.
Outline Itinerary
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Paro, transfer to Thimpu
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
After breakfast start for Paro sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro – Thimpu
Visit the Painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the “fortress of the glorious religion”. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 04: Thimpu – Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,140m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.
Day 05: Tongsa – Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.
Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing
A trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m. Walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 08: Ugyenchholing – Bumthang
Morning walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12 century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 09: Bumthang – Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10: Punakha – Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Drive to Paro Airport for departure
Our guide will take airport for the departure flight.
Cost Details
Equipments Checklist
Clothing
Warm Jackets with water proof or rain coats
Hiking shorts (for men) or skirt
Clothes as per the season
Hiking/trekking boots
Socks for hiking boots Sunscreen for lips and face
Sunglasses
Sneakers
Long and short T- shirts or cotton shirts
Sun Hats
Walking Sticks
Back pack or Suitcase
Dress code while entering monasteries and temples
Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
Full pants/long skirts
Any type of shoes with socks
No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt and No half-pants
Photographs allowed in the courtyard only
Map
Gallery
