Bumthang Cultural Trek - 12 Days

This easy twelve-day trek takes you through the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Here you will traverse beautiful valleys threaded with trout-filled rivers and see a number of ancient temples during your non-strenuous hike. In addition to the numerous lhakhangs there are also a number of small villages where you can stop and rest. The only segment of the trek that may prove challenging is a 500m ascent to Pele La pass. The best time to embark on this trek is in spring or autumn.

Travel is the movement of people between relatively distant geographical locations, and can involve travel by foot, bicycle, automobile, train, boat, bus, airplane, or other means, with or without luggage, and can be one way or round trip. Travel can also include relatively short stays between successive movements.

The origin of the word “travel” is most likely lost to history. The term “travel” may originate from the Old French word travail, which means ‘work’. According to the Merriam Webster dictionary, the first known use of the word travel was in the 14th century.

It also states that the word comes from Middle English travailen, travelen (which means to torment, labor, strive, journey) and earlier from Old French travailler (which means to work strenuously, toil). In English we still occasionally use the words “travail”, which means struggle. According to Simon Winchester in his book The Best Travelers’ Tales (2004), the words “travel” and “travail” both share an even more ancient root: a Roman instrument of torture called the tripalium (in Latin it means “three stakes”, as in to impale).

Day 1
Arrive Paro International Airport

During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to your hotel by Himalaya Journey Treks & Expedition’s representatives.

Day 2
Paro – Thimphu

Drive along the winding road alongside the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then follow 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 Third King. Overnight in hotel.

Day 3
Thimphu – Sightseeing

Visit the painting and woodcrafts school where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 kms from Thimphu ), the oldest fortress built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong also houses the largest monastic school in the country.

Day 4
Thimphu – Trongsa

The journey to Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7-8 hours from Thimphu. Pack lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.

Separated they live in Bookmarksgrove right at the coast of the Semantics, a large language ocean. A small river named Duden flows by their place and supplies it with the necessary regelialia.

Day 5
Trongsa – Jakar (Bumthang)

Drive for 2 and half hours to Jakar. Bumthang (the “Plain of Ghosts”) is a land of myth and mystery and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles here. A beautiful view of Jakar Dzong (“Castle of the White Bird”) can be seen from view Point. Lunch will be served in hotel. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight halt in Hotel.

Day 6
Bumthang – Halt

Visit the Dairy Farm, the Swiss Cheese Factory and apple Juice factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglakhang.

Day 7
Bumthang – Nganglhakhang(trek starts)

Distance – 20 kms, about 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Nganglhakhang – 9500ft. The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river rich in trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the center of which lies the Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). This place was filled with swans in ancient times, hence the name. Overnight halt at camp.

Day 8
Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing

Distance 23 kms. About 7-8 hrs journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing – 9300 ft.

The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phepela Pass at an altitude of 3353 mtrs, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be make to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight halt in Camp.

Day 9
Ugyenchholing – Jakar

Distance – 10 Kms. About 2-3 hours journey. Altitude – 9000 ft.

The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Membar Tsho (Flaming lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked-up by transport and driven to Jakar. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day 10
Jakar – Wangdi.

Drive to Wangdi along the East – west Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Overnight in hotel.

Day 11
Wangdi – Thimphu – Paro. Overnight halt in hotel.

Day 12
Morning departure from Paro Airport.

The Trip Cost Includes

  • Private guided tour
  • Visas for Bhutan
  • Airport transfers
  • Daily 3 meals (B/L/D) at designated restaurants or hotels
  • Accommodation at 3-star hotel
  • A qualified & licensed English-speaking guide
  • An experienced driver
  • A tour vehicle
  • Entry fees & road permits
  • Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
  • Mineral bottled water
  • Set of traditional costume (to be returned at the end of your stay)
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

The Trip Cost Excludes

  • Flight into Bhutan via Drukair (can be arranged with us)
  • The flight on another airline to catch Drukair Flight
  • Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
  • Hotel stay outside of Bhutan
  • Expenditure of personal nature
  • Travel Insurance (can be arranged with us)
  • Tips for the guide and driver
  • Alcoholic drink

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Bumthang Cultural Trek