The Bumthang Cultural Trek
This is a short three day, popular and fairly easy trek that takes you through beautiful valleys and along clear, trout-filled rivers. Bumthang is often known as the ‘cultural heartland’ of Bhutan. It takes you through villages and heritage sites in the valley of Bumthang area. The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside, and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. It is to be noted that this trek involves the climb to Phephe La (3360 m) and this part may be strenuous. The best time to embark on this trek is in spring or autumn. Along with the trek you would be embarking on Cultural Tour where you would visit some of the key sight seeing places in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Bumthang.
Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour
Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities.
Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.
Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.
Gangtey/Phobjikha: The famous Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue district - Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for endangered black necked crane and the valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.
Trongsa: Also known as the Vanguard of the Warriors - The first and Second Kings of Bhutan ruled Bhutan from Trongsa - The Crown Prince normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the Throne.
Bumthang: Bumthang District is one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan - The most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted - Consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although occasionally the entire district is referred to as Bumthang valley - Literally, Bumthang directly translates to "beautiful field". "Bum" is said to be the abbreviation for either "Bumpa" (a vessel for holy water) describing the shape and the nature of the Valley, or simply "Bum" meaning Girl, thang means field or ground.
- Diversified trek to Bumthang teemed with unique cultural experience
- Traverse beautiful landscapes from lush meadows and valleys to dense forests.
- Visit old Monasteries and majestic fortresses
- Explore a capital city with no traffic lights.
- Feast on Ema Datsi and Red Rice, two of the most popular dishes of Bhutan
- First-hand experience of untouched Nature and unique Culture
- Experience the Sacred Spirituality and see the Prayer flags fluttering in the wind.
- Village houses and rural life
- Shop for Silks, Souvenirs and More
- Marvel at structures adorned with Phallus paintings.
- Hike through pine forests to visit “Tiger’s Nest”
- The must visit, Dochula Pass and the Druk Wangyal Chhortens
- Visit Phobjikha, the most beautiful glacial valley of Bhutan.
- Endangered Black Necked Cranes in Phobjikha Valley (only in winter months)
- First hand experience of Buddhist Culture and traditional rural village life.
- Beautiful landscapes and spectacular Himalayan scenery.
- Visit Cheese and Apple Juice/Wine making factory.
Day 1. Paro - Thimphu :
Driving Distance: 65 Kms, Driving time: 1.5 – 2 hrs., Altitude of Thimphu: 2,350 m
Your flight to Paro on a clear day, is marked with the panoramic views of the Himalayas including the Everest and other famous Peaks. The approach through the foothills and the landing (including few steep turns) at the tiny airstrip of Paro has been termed as adventurous by many travelers. After the completion of immigration formalities at the Paro Airport exit door, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide with traditional “Tashi Khadar”. Afterwards drive to Thimphu following the Pa Chhu River. Check-In to the hotel and have your first experience with Bhutanese Cuisine. On the way, you would have following options
- Visit Tamchog Lhakhang, located along Paro-Thimphu highway on the base of a mountain across the Pa Chhu river built in the early 15th century by the great iron bridge builder Thangtong Gyalpo.
- Spend time by the side of river, to enjoy the natural & non polluted beauty.
In the evening, explore the Thimphu valley and town.
Meals – Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing:
Today you would be driven in and around Thimphu covering key places of interest. After breakfast you would visit
- Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic Buddha Dordenma Statue located atop a hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park.
- National Memorial Chhorten, a Stupa built in 1974 to honor the third Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Every morning till night old people and young people circumambulate the Chhorten.
- Zorig Chusom, Premier institute of traditional arts and crafts in Thimphu built of preserve “thirteen arts and crafts of Bhutan”.
- Folk Heritage, traditional house giving an insight to the Bhutanese lifestyle, and artifacts from the rural households
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Sangaygang View Point, also known as BBS Tower offering panoramic view of Thimphu Town situated at an elevation of 2,685 m.
- Changangkha Monastery, popular fortress like temple perched on a ridge above Central Thimphu built in 15th Century by Lama Phajo Drugom Zhipo.
- Takin Preserve Centre, see Takin (National animal of Bhutan) It is a unique combination of Goat and an Antelope
- Tashichhodzong, or ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’. Initially erected in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was rebuilt in the 1960s during the reign of Bhutan’s third king in the traditional style, without plans or nails. It houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body and opens after 5 PM.
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for sometime you are served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3. Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha:
Driving Distance: 140 Kms, Driving time: 4 - 5 hrs., Altitude of Gangtey/Phobjikha: 2900 m
After breakfast and completion of check out formalities, you are driven to Gangtey/Phobjikha. On the way stop at
- Dochula Pass, lies at an elevation of 3,150 m and is a great place to view the higher Himalayas. The landmarks around the pass includes 108 Druk Wangyal Stupas built under the patronage of Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk
Thereafter, you continue your drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha. Enroute stop for lunch. While in Gangtey, visit the
- Gangtey Goemba, an important monastery of Nyingmapa school of Buddhism, the main seat of the Pema Lingpa tradition. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. It is one of the the largest Nyingma monastery in Bhutan.
- Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books
After the completion of sightseeing, you are driven back to your hotel. After relaxing for sometime you are served with dinner.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phobjika/Gangtey.
Day 4. Gangtey/Phobjikha :
A full day to explore at the
- Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas. It lies at an elevation of 3,000 m. It is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the monastery. Phobjikha is best known for the rare black necked cranes that migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau to avoid the extremely cold winters.
Lunch would be provided in a local restaurant. You may choose to do any of the following: Visiting villages and interacting with People, Hikes around the valley, Photography, etc.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Phobjika/Gangtey.
Day 5. Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang: :
Distance: 188 kms., Driving Time: 6-7 hrs. Altitude of Bumthang: 260
After breakfast, check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11.120 ft.). Here you would witness an abrupt change in vegetation, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboos. On the way stop at
- Chendbji Chhorten, built during the 18th century by Lama Shida in the style of the great Boudhanath Chhorten of Nepal to cover the remains of an evil spirit which is said to have manifested as a gigantic snake.
Further ahead visit
- Trongsa Dzong, the seat of power over Central and Eastern Bhutan. It was built by Chogyal Minjur Tempa was later enlarged at the end of the 17th century by Desi Tenzin Rabgay. Trongsa Dzong is the ancestral home of the present Royal Family. The first two hereditary kings ruled Bhutan from this Dzong.
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower built in the year 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempaa as per the directions of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It has been converted into a museum and represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.
Drive further to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.). Enroute stop for lunch. While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the.
- Yathra Weaving Factory, located in the Zungye village in Chumey, around 17 kms approximately, before reaching the main town of Bumthang. Yathra is the most famous textile product of Bumthang. Yathra is a hand woven fabric made from the wool of sheep or Yak.
On arrival check in at the hotel. Evening free for leisure and walk in the valley.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
(Note: the roads to Bumthang are not good due road widening work going on)
Day 6. Bumthang Sightseeing :
After breakfast, you would be taken around the city to visit the
- Jakar Dzong, literally meaning the Castle of White Bird. The current structure was built in 1667. Jakar Dzong is now the main administrative center for Bumthang District, the Dzong also houses the regional monk body.
- Jambay Lhakhang, built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century and is one among the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan Region. October one of the most spectacular festival, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here.
- Chakhar Lhakhang, literally meaning the Iron Castle. The original palace was made of Iron and hence the name “Chakhar”. It was rebuilt in 14th century by Dorji Lingpa, a Buddhist saint.
- Kurjey Lhakhang, named after body print of Guru Rimpoche. It consists of three temples. The first temple was built in the year 1652 on the rock face, where Guru Padmasambhava meditated in the 8th century. The second temple is considered to be the most holy as it is built on the site of the cave which contains the imprint of the Guru's body. In the year 1990, Ashi Kesang, the Queen mother built the third temple. All the three temples are surrounded by 108 chorten wall.
Thereafter you would be taken to a local restaurant for lunch. In the afternoon you would be taken to
- Tamshing Lhakhang, literally meaning the Temple of the good message. It was established in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa and has ancient religious paintings such as 1000 Buddhas and 21 'Taras' (female form of Bodhisattva).
The evening ends with a visit the cheese and apple juice/wine making factory. You have the option of Tasting the Locally made Red panda beer here. Finally, after a culturally fruitful day, you are driven back to the hotel.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at hotel in Bumthang.
Day 7. Jakar - Nagang Lhakhang (Start of the Trek) :
Altitude 2,900 m; Distance 14 Kms; Walking Time 5 - 6 hrs
The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples. This is a very easy and relaxing day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900 m.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 8. Nagang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing:
Altitude 2,850 m; Distance 14 Kms; Walking Time 7 - 8 hrs
The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, going through the forest of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude 3,340 m. After the pass descend to Tang Valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850 m.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Camp.
Day 9. Ugyenchholing - Jakar:
Morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong and the surrounding village, then drive to Jakar following the Tang Chhu river until you arrive at the main road junction. On the way visit
- Membar Tsho, also known as “The burning Lake”. It is one of the most sacred sites in the region and relates to the famous treasure revealer, Terton Pema Lingpa. Following a prophecy by Guru Rinpoche, Terton Pema Lingpa unearthed a treasure from the bottom of the lake. He dived into the lake with a burning butter lamp and reappeared with the butter lamp still burning and a chest and scroll of paper in his hand (treasures).
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Lodge.
Day 10. Bumthang: Excursion to Ura valley:
Altitude of Bumthang: 2600 m.
After breakfast, drive to
- Ura Valley, lies in the highest of Bumthang's valleys, at around 3,100 m. Ura leads into the easternmost regions of Bhutan and is located immediately below the Thrumsingla La (pass) at 3800 m. Packed Lunch will be served. Take your time to visit a beautiful Buddhist Monastery. You will also have the opportunity to see yaks grazing in the rich pastureland.
In the evening, drive back to Bumthang.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Bumthang.
Day 11. Bumthang - Punakha :
Distance: 220 kms., Driving Time: 8- 9 hrs. Altitude of Punakha: 1310 m.
After breakfast, drive to the Punakha. Enroute stop for lunch. After arrival, check in to the hotel. In the evening free time to relax.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12. Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing :
After breakfast, visit
- Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second King, it served as the seat of the Government. It is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo (The Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan)
- Chhimi Lhakhang, a famous Temple, which is also known as “The Temple of Fertility” built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley
After lunch, you would be going on an excursion to
- Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Monastery, a monastery that stands majestically on a strategic ridge above the Punakha valley. Built over a period of 9 years, Bhutanese craftsmen consulted holy scriptures rather than engineering manuals, to construct this 4-storey temple. It takes an hour to hike to the Temple passing through rice fields on the way.
In the evening, explore the Punakha or Wangdue town and Valley.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner. Overnight at the Hotel in Punakha/Wangdue.
Day 13. Wangdue Phodrang/Punakha - Paro :
Driving Distance: 135 kms, Driving Time: 4-5 hrs., Altitude of Paro: 2280 m
After breakfast, you would check out of the hotel to proceed to Paro, final leg of the tour. On the way stop at
- Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi, also known as the Rhododendron Garden, is the first Botanical Garden of Bhutan. It is famous for 46 species of rhododendrons.
After arriving at Paro, you would be transferred to you Hotel for Check In. After lunch, you would be taken around to visit
- Paro Rimpung Dzong, also known as Fortress of the heap of jewels, built during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646
- Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower overlooking Rimpung Dzong built in 1951 now converted into national museum.
Evening is free for leisure activities and shopping.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 14. Paro Sightseeing:
After breakfast, start your day with a hike to
- Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest), the abode of gods and monks situated at an altitude of 3100m on the Upper Paro Valley, Bhutan. As per the legend, Guru Padmasambhana (Guru Rinpoche), the tantrum mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, came in the form of Dorje Droloe riding a flying tigress to subdue the demon that was obstructing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas.
After the completion of the hike, you would be served picnic Lunch among the woods. After lunch, visit
- Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan Emperor Songtsen Gampo
In the evening take a walk around Paro Town and valley. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner; Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 15. Departure:
Today we will bid farewell to this beautiful country and take an early flight back. We hope by now you mist have made some good friends and also have taken photographs and beautiful memories of Bhutan. We certainly hope of serving you again on your next visit to this great country or the Last Shangri-La. Tashi Delek.