BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

12 Nights - 13 Days Adventure Tour

Bumthang is Bhutan’s spiritual home. This blessed valley abounds with monasteries, stupas and famous sacred sites that draw thousands of pilgrims each year. For those seeking a quiet spiritual retreat, this is the perfect destination.

This three-day popular trek traverses through a landscape of unparalleled beauty. The trek can be strenuous at some points but the end result is always satisfying because it gives an insight into a way of life long been lost and forgotten elsewhere in the world.

Day 01 Arrival Paro by Druk Air

In clear weather,Druk Air’s flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata, it is a breathtaking journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, after completion of airport formalities, there will be an interesting drive of about 2 hours’ duration to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan.

We fly to Bhutan on the national carrier, Druk Air, from Bangkok crossing the mighty Himalayas. If the weather is clear, we can enjoy magnificent views of some of the world’s most spectacular peaks including Mount Everest and Kanchenjunga.

The representatives of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will give us a traditional Bhutanese welcome at the Paro airport.

Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 02 Paro Sightseeing

We will explore the Paro valley, famous for its natural beauty and history. We start by driving north to the 17 th century fortress, the Drukgyel Dzong (a fortress of victory). Now in ruins, it was at this fortress that the Bhutanese defeated the invading Tibetan troops and consolidated Bhutan’s standing as a sovereign independent nation. On our return we visit the Kyichu Lhakhang (monastery), built in 639 AD and considered the country’s oldest surviving man-made structure, and the National Museum housed in an ancient watchtower.

Our next stop is at the Rinpung Dzong (built in 1645 A.D), which is now the seat of the district governor. We conclude the day with a stroll through Paro town to get a glimpse of Bhutanese people and life.

Halt at hotel in Paro.

Day 03 Paro - Thimphu

This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu and then then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04 Thimphu - Sightseeing

Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.

Morning visit to Tashichhodzong, the 17 th century fortress which now houses the throne room of His Majesty the King, and is the seat of the central government. Tashichhodzong is also the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the central monk body. Proceed to the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature, with some works dating back several hundred years. Visit the nearby Institute for Zorig Chusum, where courses are given in the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan, and the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, where the medicinal herbs abundant in the kingdom are compounded and dispensed.

After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace. Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which provides an insight on traditional Bhutanese way of life to visitors, and National Textile Museums, opened in 2001.

Day 05 Thimphu - Trongsa

The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7 - 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be served on the at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.

Day 06Trongsa - Jakar (Bumthang)

(Fig1:Vanda bicolor , seen in : Trongsa, Zhemgang, Mongar, Lhuntse, Trashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar, Altitude : 700 - 2000 m, Season : Feb-Mayl)

Drive to Jakar, which takes about 2 1/2 hours from Trongsa, is a pleasant drive through scenic forests and countryside. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East - West Highway on this drive. Bumthang is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Goenpa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Goenpa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese papermaking. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07 Bumthang

HaltVisit the Dairy Farm, Swiss cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Ngang Lhakhang.

Day 08 Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang

(Distance - 20 km, about 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Ngang Lhakhang 9500ft.)
The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.

Day 09 Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing

(Distance 23 km. About 7 - 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing is 9300 ft.)
The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3353 m, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight at the camp.

Day 10 Ugyenchholing - Jakar

(Distance 10 km. About 2 - 3 hours journey. Altitude 9000ft.)
The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche's Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Pangshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jakar. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day 11 Jakar - Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa along the East - West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Trongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Trongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12 Trongsa - Thimphu

Drive back to Thimphu along the East - West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdue Guest House. Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 Departure

Representative of Bhutan Orchid Adventures will bid you farewell.

TASHI DELEK.

SEASON: March – June & Sept-Nov.

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter sometimes comes below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlights etc.

 

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