Bumthang Cultural Tour and Trek

Bumthang Cultural Trek: This is a popular Trek.This 3-days trek. It is beautiful because the client will have the opportunities to visit villages and Lhakhangs. Though it is a short trek, the Bumthang trek is strenuous because it involves a 500 meter climb to Phephe La (3,360m).

Day 01. Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight):The flight into Paro. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest Himalayan peaks, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Our Representative from Bhutan Himalayan Holidays will greet you on arrival, and then drive to the hotel.

Day 02. Paro sightseeing: You are enetering into the Land of Thunder Dragon. Our representatives will drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Fortress(16 km) from Paro Town. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the Fortress was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. After lunch, visit Ta Fortress(built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Below the National museum is the Paro Rimpung Fortress(literally means"Heap of Jewels", built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the Fortress and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. 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. Walk through Paro's Town.

Day 03. Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery: Excursion to see the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive takes to Satsam Chorten, again 2 hours horse ride till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Cafeteria and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang Monastery. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favourite consort. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. After Lunch, we go back to the Hotel. Drive to Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.

Day 04. Thimphu Sightseeing:After breakfast our representative will take you to Jakar Fortress, which literally means "The Castle of White Bird". The current structure was built in 1667 and is said to be the largest Fortress in Bhutan and then visit Lamey Goemba, a large palace and monastery built in 18th century. We will take you to Jambay Lhakhang built by King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659 on the same day as Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. The temple was visited by Guru Rimpoche during his visit to Bumthang and was renovated by Sindhu Raja after Guru Rimpoche restored his life force. After lunch visit to Chakhar (Iron Castle) Monestry.it is the site of the palace of the Indian King, the Sindhu Raja who invited Guru Rimpoche to Bumthang. The Original palace was made of Iron and hence the name Chakhar. The saint Dorji Lingpa built the Current building in 14th century. Its correct name is Dechen Phodrang. We then visit Kurjey Monestry that is named after body print of Guru Rimpoche, built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa. Visit Tamshing Monestry- established in 1501 by Pema Lingpa and is the most important Nyingmapa temple in the kingdom.

Day 08: Bumthang: Ura Festival.
Day 09. Bumthang:Ura Festival

Start of Bumthang Cultural Trek.

Day 10. Jakar - Nagang Lakhang:The trek will take to Chamkhar river. You will across many villages and temples. This is a very easy and relaxing day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2900 meters. Walking time wil take 6 hours.

Day 11: Ngang Lhakang - Ugyenchholing: The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, going through the forest of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude 3340 meters. After the pass descend to Tang Valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2850 meters. Walking time will take 7-8 hours.

Day 12. Ugenchholing - Jakar: Morning walk towards Ugyenchholing Fortress and the surrounding village, then drive to Jakar following the Tang river until you arrive at the main road junction. On the way visit the Membertsho Lake, where Terton Pemalingpa, the reincarnation of guru Padmasambava is supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge.

Day 13.Bumthang (Excursion to Ura valley):After breakfast, drive to Ura valley. Packed Lunch will be served. In the evening, drive back to Bumthang. Over night in Bumthang.

Day 14: Bumthang - Phobjikha valley: After breakfast, drive to the beautiful valley of Phobjikha/Gangtey. Visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery from outside. Explore Phobjikha valley, famous for the Black Necked Cranes during winter. Dinner and overnight at the Guest House.

Day 15. Gangtey - Thimphu:After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu. In the evening, visit Cheri Monastery and Mini Zoo. Over night in Thimphu.

Day 16. Thimphu - Paro:Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell.

Please email us for further information.