The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This three day trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with Bhutanese rural folk life.
Day 01: Arrive Paro
On your flight to Paro you can see Mount Everest, Kanchanjunga and many other Himalayan Peaks on a clear weather. On landing at Paro Airport you will be received by our travel representative to escort you to hotel in Paro. After lunch take a trip to the National museum and walk down to Rinpung Dzong below. Overnight at Paro.
Day 02: Paro – Sightseeing
Visit Drugyel Dzong, a ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. You can see the Mount Jhomolhari on a clear day. On the way back you can visit to a typical Bhutanese farm house.
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
This morning drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. The road follows the river course till Chuzom (confluence of Thimphu river & Paro river) and then up stream route till Thimphu. You can go visiting the Memorial Chorten after lunch and then at leisure in the later part of the evening. Overnight in the Hotel.
Day 04:Thimphu – Sightseeing
A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu wander around in the town and visit the handicrafts emporium or any other souvenir shopping centres. On the way visit the zoo of Takin (National Animal of Bhutan). Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 05:Thimphu-Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa, a town in central Bhutan which takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Packed lunch will be served on the way because of poor quality restaurant on the way. Overnight at Tongsa.
Day 06: Tongsa-Jakar(Bumthang)
Drive to Jakar takes approximately 2.5 hours. You will be greeted by a beautiful valley with its Jakar Dzong “The castle of White Bird” and this valley also has famous Kurjey and Jambay Lhakhangs (Buddhist Temples). Afternoon hike upto Lame Gompa, a place built by the 1st King for his two nun sisters. Outside of Lame Gompa, one can see the old style Bhutanese paper making factory. Overnight in Bumthang Tourist Lodge.
Day 07: Bumthang-Halt
Walk in and around Bumthang valley or visit the Dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Also a fishing trip to Chamkhar River can be arranged if so desired for the interested guests. This is the day off for acclimatization so walk around the town.
Day 08: Bumthang-Nganglhakhang
The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chu a river known for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang- then you enter the swan temple- Nganglhakhang. This part of the valley was first inhabited by the swans who gave their name Ngang. As per the legend that Lama Namkha Samdrup having dreamt a vision of how to build a Gompa shot an arrow so at the spot where the arrow landed the Nganglhakhang was built. Overnight in camp alt. 9500ft.
Day 09: Nganglhakhang – Ugyenchholing
Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353M, the highest point on the trek route. This trail will pass through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Stop on the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. You may like to cross the river from your camp site to go to the beautiful Ugyencholing village and visit the Royal Residence there. Overnight stay in camp at alt. 9,500ft.
Day 10: Ugyenchholing – Jakar
This trail passes along the Tang Chu (Tang River), another river with plenty of trout fish. On the bank of this river is Tag Rimochen Lhakhang (Temple on the cliff of Tiger Stripes) whose initial foundation is ascribed to Guru Rinpoche and its second foundation is done by Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to Jakar you may visit Mebar Tso “Flaming Lake”. At Pangshing your transport vehicle will be waiting for onward journey. Alt. of 9,000ft (approximately) and traveling distance of 10 Kms that takes about 2-3 hours.
Day 11: Jakar-Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa and your lunch will be served at Tongsa Tourist Lodge. After lunch guests are left on their own. Overnight in Tongsa Tourist Lodge.
Day 12 Tongsa-Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu takes approximately 7-8 hours. Packed lunch will be served on the way. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13 Thimphu – Paro Airport
Note: This is an easy cultural trek involving the routes within villages and the treeline for an average of 5-6 hours a day. Not much of physical fitness is required for this kind of trek. The ascent won’t be more than of 3000m above the sea level.
