Bumthang Cultural Trek

Day 01 Arrive Paro International Airport.
During the journey, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Sakten Tours and Treks Ltd. who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two night’s halt.

Day 02 Paro – Sightseeing.
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, This Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel

Day 03 Paro – Thimphu.
This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu 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 Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 04 Thimphu – Sightseeing.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Wander in the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there.Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 AD, overnight Hotel

Day 05 Thimphu – Tongsa.
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes about 7 – 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendeji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Tongsa.

Day 06 Tongsa – Jaker (Bumthang).
Drive to Jaker which takes about 2 1/2 hours from Tongsa – a pleasant drive through scenic forests and country side. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East – West Highway on this drive. Bumthang (the “Plain of Ghosts”) 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 Jaker Dzong ( ” Castle of the White Bird”) can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Gompa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper-making. Overnight halt in Hotel.

Day 07 Bumthang – Halt.
Visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss Cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglhakhang.

Day 08 Bumthang – Nganglhakhang.
Distance – 20 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Nganglhakhang 9500ft. The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river known for trout fish. 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 Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans whence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.

Day 09 Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing.
Distance 23 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing 9300 ft. The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephela 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 halt in camp.

Day 10 Ugyenchholing – Jaker.
Distance – 10 Kms. 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 Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Membar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jaker. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day 11 Jaker – Tongsa.
Drive to Tongsa along the East – West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Tongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Tongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12 Tongsa – Thimphu.
Drive back to Thimphu along the East – West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdi Guest House. Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 Thimphu – Paro International Airport.
Drive to Paro International Airport, for your own way journey.