Bumthang Cultural Trek and Tour - 12 Days

Upon arrival at the Paro International Airport, a representative from Himalayan Trekkers will greet you and escort you to the designated hotel. 

Once at the hotel, check in and relax. The rest of the day is at leisure. 

Today, after breakfast, we will hike to the popular Taktsang Monastery also known as Tigers' Nest Monastery hanging on a high cliff at 3,120 meters. Legends state that during the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava flew on the back of the tigress and meditated at the spot where the monastery now stands. 

After lunch, scenic drive to Thimpu, capital of Bhutan.

After breakfast, you will have guided sightseeing in the capital city, Thimpu. You will explore the King’s Memorial Chorten, Nunnery Temple, Changgangkha Monastery, Majestic Thimphu Dzong, etc. Besides that, we also go to the Central zoo to see the animals over there and among them the Takin, a goat-antelope is a major attraction as it is the national animal of Bhutan.

In the afternoon, we will visit the weekend market that is famous for all kinds of local products ranging from handicrafts to vegetables. You can also visit the radio tower on a hilltop, which offers a panoramic view of Thimpu city.  

Our day starts with a scenic drive to Punakha via Dochu La Pass (3,100m) where we will stop for a brief moment to witness the tranquil atmosphere. 

En route, we will make a brief visit to the fertility temple known as Chimi Lhakhang. You can receive blessings of fertility with a phallus (Symbolic representation of male sexual organ) from the Lama.

Upon arrival at Punakha, we will have lunch and visit the Punakha Dzong in the evening.

With a good breakfast, we will enjoy a scenic and long drive today. En route we will cross the highest point of this trip, the Pele La pass at 3300m. We will stop at Rongsa after 3 and a half hours for our daily meal. We will also visit the nearby Dzong with the same name.

As we continue our drive we will stop once to see a factory of traditional Bhutanese weaving called Yathras most of them with unique patterns and designs related to Bumthang.

After breakfast, we start our first day of the trek from Thangbi along the Chamkhar Chu River. Walking ahead on the trail for more than an hour we reach Dangling Lhakhang.

Further walking for half an hour ahead we reach our lunch place on the hill. After lunch here we head towards the Ngang Yul literally meaning the Swan’s land. This area used to be full of swans in the past as per the local myths. Overnight at Ngang Lhakhang. 

We have a long day ahead of us. The major highlight of the day is the crossing of the Pepe La, the highest point of your trip. The trekking trail passes through the lush green forest and some Yak farms.

By late afternoon we arrive at Ugyen Choling where we will stay an overnight.

After breakfast, we visit the Ugyen Choling Palace which houses the belongings to the medieval ruling dynasties of Bhutan. We walk down to Kizam and get into our vehicle to go to Bumthang.

On the way, we will visit the Lake of Mebertsho also referred to as the burning lake. This is a holy lake that is frequented by Bhutanese during major festivals and ceremonies.

Today, you will be guided for a full-day sightseeing tour in Bumthang. 

Some of the attractions we visit today include the Jakar Dzong is the office of the government in Jakar, Jambay Lhakhang, a monastery dating back to the 8th century AD, Kurjey Lhakhang Monastery, Tamshing Monastery and other Dzong around the city.

The evening is interesting around the streets of Bumthang.

Leaving behind Bumthang, we will have a scenic drive to Wangdue soon after breakfast. Driving through lush green forests, nice scenery and small but interesting Bhutanese settlements, we reach our destinaiton, Wangdue. 

Wangdue is a typical Bhutanese village renowned for its stone carving situated almost 200km from Bumthang.

We will cross the Dochula Pass and drive almost 125 km from Wangdue to reach Paro.

A scenic drive across hills, small passes, beautiful settlements by observing culture & smile of Bhutanese people, will add more flavor on your drive.

After reaching Paro, free on your own.

According to your flight schedule back to your home town or onward destination, you will be transferred to the airport. 

We bid farewell, and wish for a safe and sound journey.