Bhutan – Bumthang Cultural Trek
Starting out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this eleven day
trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through
Bumthang countryside. The trek provides an exceptional opportunity
for contact with Bhutanese rural life.
Season: The trek is recommended from March to May and then again
from September to November.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in
the entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from
Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a
mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into
the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, following immigration and custom formalities,
you will be received by our representative and the transfer to the
hotel.
Evening take a stroll around town's main street. Overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Full day sightseeing in Paro, visiting Ta Dzong which was built
in 17th century as the watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was
later converted into a National Museum in 1968 and is filled with
antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Also visit
the Rinpung Dzong built in 17th century to defend Paro valley against
Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and
is home to the monastic community.
In the 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 3: Paro – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu the modern capital town of Bhutan.
About 7 km before Thimphu, on a breezy hilltop, rises Simtokha Dzong,
Bhutan's most ancient fortress. After lunch, visit the Memorial
Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974; the Traditional Medicine
Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced;
the Painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings;
the National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts.
Also visit Trashichhodong, the 'fortress of the glorious religion'.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa via Dochula pass (3,050m). From this pass, on a
clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan
such as Gangkhar Puensum, Jeje Khang, Masagang and Gangchey Ta.
Drive further to Wangduephodrang town which is also your lunch stop.
Then proceed to Trongsa crossing 3,300m Pele la pass. Overnight
at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral abode of
Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit Ta Dzong, built as watch tower
to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon,
visit the Jakar Dzong which was built in 17th century during the
time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal
ruler of Bhutan. Visit the Kurjey monastery where Guru Padsambhava
left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built
in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu river
coming across many villages and temples, meadows and forests of
blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is a very relaxing and easy day.
Arrive at the village camp at 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.
Day 7: Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking
through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at
3,340m. After, the path descends to Tang valley finally arriving
at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at 2,850m.
Walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 8: Ugyenchholing – Bumthang
In the morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong
and surrounding village then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following
the Tang Chhu river until arriving at the main road. On the way
visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa is supposed to
have discovered religious treasures in the 12th 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 9: Bumthang – Punakha (205 km, 6 hours)
In the morning visit the Jambay Lakhang, 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 an important place to visit housing
interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with packed lunch
en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha - Paro (125 km, 41/2
hours)
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive at Paro by lunch time. In the
evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel
in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After breakfast in the hotel drive to the airport for onward flight.
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