Bumthang Cultural Trekking
Bumthang Cultural Trekking the lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Bumthang Cultrual Trek is through Choekhor and Tang valley, passing and visiting Bumthang’s remote villages, ancient temples and even a manor of Ugencholing. This trek is so named because, the opportunities to visit villages and temples are greater than on most other treks in Bhutan. Though it is relatively easy and a short trek, there is one day of a long climb and descend (about 500m) to Phephe La (3360). However, there is no significant altitude gain as with other treks and your night halts are all below 3100 mtr (10,100ft).
Bumthang Cultural Trek three day Bumthang valley cultural trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside, and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life.
Season for Bumthang valley trek in Bhutan: The trek is recommended from March to May and then again from September to November.
The Bumthang cultural trekking or tour of Bhutan can be combined with Nepal trek, tour to Darjeeling and Sikkim or even cultural journey to India like Taj Mahal Agra, Jaipur etc. Similarly Bhutan tour can combined with Tibet
(Lhasa ) or Buddhist circuit tour like Lumbini, Bodhgaya, Sarnath and Kushinagar etc. Which are the birth place, enlighten place, first teaching given place and Pari – Nirvana place of Buddha. Kindly ask us for details.
Outline Itinerary
| Day 1 | Arrive Paro from Bangkok or Kathmandu, (by Druk Air). Hotel (L, D) |
| Day 2 | Paro sightseeing with a professional guide (2,250m / 7,382ft) |
| Day 3 | Paro – Thimphu. (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour, hike to Taktsang Monastery |
| Day 4 | Thimphu – Trongsa – (140 km, 4 hrs approx) |
| Day 5 | Trongsa – Bumthang {3000m} 6-7 hrs |
| Day 6 | Sightseeing in Bumthang |
| Day 7 | Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang (Start of Bumthang Trek). Camp |
| Day 8 | Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyen Choling. Camp |
| Day 9 | Ugyen Choling – Bumthang 2Km, 1.5 hours (End of Bumthang Cultural Trek) |
| Day 10 | Bumthang – Wangdue – Sightseeing |
| Day 11 | Punakha – Paro. Sightseeing |
| Day 12 | Departure from Paro/to Bangkok or Kathmandu – the choice of destination on your requested. |
| Day 1 | Our Paro flight on a clear blue sky day is one of those fantastic mountain flights of a natural kind. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsering Ghang. The first most welcome thing about Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and get acquainted with the local environment. Overnight at your hotel in Paro – B. L. D |
| Day 2 | After a hearty b/fast, today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhang. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower but has now been converted into the National Museum. The museum has a wide assortment of ancient paintings, armors, philatelic displays and a “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to imagine while meditating. Overnight in Paro – B. L. D |
| Day 3 | After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most well known monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and visit the Memorial chorten built in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, we will also visit the 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down to experience the great views of the Thimphu valley. We will then visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and spend our free time strolling through the market place. Please note, some of the landmarks are closed on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays).Overnight at our hotel in Thimphu – B. L. D |
| Day 4 | In the morning after b/fast, we visit the weekend market: We can see people from all walks of Bhutanese society who come here to buy fresh products. During weekends we can also see the archery matches at the Changlimithang grounds. Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Later, we visit Memorial Chorten: Chortens are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself. This particular chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan. We then drive towards Trongsa (6 hrs), we come across a pass known as Dochula from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens. Overnight at our hotel – B. L. D |
| Day 5 | Our program today begins with a drive of about 6-7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers outstanding views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes through dotted hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. A Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After about a 2 hours we arrive at a small town known as Trongsa which translates in ‘new village’’. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. From here we proceed for another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center on the way. Overnight at our Guest House – B. L. D |
| Day 6 | Bumthang, at an altitude of 2600m, is an area in a league of its own which charms its visitors, separating it from the other regions in the country. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Hereabouts, tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners of this region. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. For Sightseeing – we visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight at our guest house – B. L. D |
| Day 7 | Our Trek starts to Ngang Lhakhang. The trail follows the Chamkhar River up stream filled with rainbow trouts. The walk is very satisfying through pine forest and we can take our time and hike at our own comfortable pace, admiring the beautiful country side. We arrive camp at 3000 meters. Our hiking time will last for something like 4/5 hours. Overnight camp in the gentle wilderness – B. L. D |
| Day 8 | We will begin today’s trek with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3360m, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural ecosystems of this area. We descend to Tang valley before arriving at Ugyen Choling Village. Our camp tonight is by the side of the river at an altitude of amost 3000m. We Arrive camp at 3100 meters. Our walking time takes approx 6/7 hours. B. L. D |
| Day 9 | In the morning, we hike up to the Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository for artifacts of ancient nobility. We will then take a short walk downhill to Kizam where our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up. From here it is 25km drive to the junction of the road near Mebartsho. We can visit the Mebertsho Lake (burning lake) where Terton Pemalingpa, is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very revered and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days. Overnight in Bumthang – B. L. D |
| Day 10 | We begin our day by touring Bumthang market before driving down to Wangdue. It is a typical Bhutanese town with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. Other villages nearby the Wangdue village are also known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight in Wangdue – B. L. D |
| Day 11 | After our b/fast, we drive for 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This extraordinary fortress was built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. From Paro in the early afternoon, we drive to Thimphu, Spend some time here and then drive back to Paro. Overnight at our resort – B. L. D |
| Day 12 | Departure from Paro/to Bangkok or Kathmandu – the choice of destination on your requested. |
| Abbrebiations: B, L, D means : Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner | |
Price Includes
Hotel accommodation on twin sharing basis; single supplement is available upon request with extra surcharge as applicable.
Meals; B=Breakfast, L=Lunch; D=Dinner and evening tea with biscuits.
Transport within Bhutan.
Trekking equipment like sleeping bag, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, mattresses, etc.
Services of experienced licensed English speaking guides.
Trekking cooks and trek assistant.
supply of pack and riding ponies.
Bhutan visa fees.
Royalty and taxes.
Price Excludes
Departure Tax where applicable.
Air fare.
Travel insurance.
Rescue operations by helicopters.
Excess baggage charges.
Mineral water, soft drinks and any alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, telephone calls, tips and any other personal expenses.
Nepal Visa (if entering Bhutan through Nepal)
Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc)
Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, delays due to landslides/ road blockage or otherwise.
Quick Facts
- Best Season: Autumn,Spring
- Duration: 12 days
- Trekking Days: 10 days
- Grade: Easy
- Rating: Normal
- Maximum Altitude: 3000 m
- Commences At: Kathmandu
- Ends At: Kathmandu
- Code: BBT81
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Clients Review
Incredibly amazing trek in Nepal Himalayas and when it comes to Rara Lake just out of this world aquamarine Lake, can’t explain the beauty in words, I feel so incredibly blessed that I experienced the real Mother Nature, it makes my heart single. Everything was arranged so well by Skyline treks.
A big thank to Mr. Madav Pandey, my trek guide Sanjay C and the support staff who worked greatly to make this trek very valuable memory for me. Big hats off to you Skyline treks and family,
I hope to trek with you guys when I plan my next trek.
Meredith Anna Whipple
Succeeded Rara Lake trek batch in February 2017
United States of AmericaAnnapurna base camp trek was one of the charismatic treks that I have done, besides world’s highest mountain the most significant thing of this trek is every day changing in landscape and surroundings and as well the very important part of this trek is that I joined with professional team of Skyline treks in such landscape.
This trek in Nepal Himalayas was my first trek with Skyline and experiencing the quality of service throughout the trek provided by the company and if I rate this out of 10 I should rate as 9.9. Dheeraz as trek guide gifted by Skyline to our batch, the amount of kindness and hospitality up in the mountains is not enough to recommend for the entire team of Skyline treks.
Richard Stevens
Done Annapurna Base Camp trek batch in September 2017
United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern IrelandThe trek in the direction of EBC which Skyline Treks and Expedition bestows us was worthy of attention due to numerous of snow capped mountains along with the massive worlds highest Mt. Everest which is the prime hotspots of the Everest region.
Over all our trek to EBC is almost too good to be true and this credit goes to our competent guide Sanjay who is all the time extremely helpful to us. We would like to urge if someone is seeking for Everest Base Camp trekking in Nepal then please join with sound great company Skyline Treks for your reliable trek and exalting hospitality.
Andream Hidalgo
Everest Base Camp Trekking in Nepal
United States of America (USA)Mr. Madhav and his very enthusiastic team are true ambassadors of the proud Nepali people, its culture, & heritage, and are a shining example of how perfect hosts should be. I (AceAuteur) came into Nepal as a tourist and left as if stepping out of home, to be back again soon. Thank you very much Mr. Madhav and all the staff of Skyline for a truly spectacular experience! See you again soon.
AceAuteur
Doha, QatarWe Loi217 used Skyline Trek and Expedition for our first ever trek in Nepal to Everest Base Camp Trekking. Everything were well arranged, no hassle at all to us. Our mountain guide and porter are excellent, attentive, helpful and experience! We are very satified with this and appreciate their helps very much!
