Bhutan Bumthang Cultural Trek

Trip Highlights

Trek & Tour route	: Paro to Bumthang to paro
Total Duration	: 13 night’s/14 days in total
Trek & Tour Duration	: 12 days
Grade	: Leisurely
Max. Elevation	: 2,900 m at Ngang Lhakhang
Trekking & Tour Style	: Hotel/tented camp
Meal	: Full board in bhutan & break fast in Kathmandu
Accommodation	: Hotel in Kathmandu & Bhutan
Transportation	: Flight & private vehicle
Best Months	: Sept - Nov & Mar - May

Trip Introduction

The Nepal Himalayan Guide offers an invigorating experience of the culture and environment of the country. During the few days treks the trail has an abundance of flora and fauna, and the panoramic views of the valleys beneath the hill tops and the Himalayas spread over a broad horizon would be an experience that one shall cherish for a lifetime.

Bumthang Heritage tours & treks can be visit the four smaller valleys meet and the spiritual heartland of the Kingdom of Bhutan. You’ll travel along scenic trails through traditional villages and protected conservation areas, into lush valleys and shady woodland and along spectacular mountain ridges and riverside trails. You’ll visit remote and dramatic monasteries, ancient temples and into the Land of the Swan. During your journey you’ll have best opportunity to the spectacular mountain scenery, remote and dramatic monasteries and pristine Himalayan culture is included all of the opportunity to visit this area.

Highlights:
Starting out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this three days trek passes through several villages and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bumthab rural life. The valley which is wide and lush is also known worldwide for its exquisite handicraft industry. Spectacular mountain scenery, remote and dramatic monasteries and pristine Himalayan culture is all included in this beautiful trek.

Trekking Itinerary

OutLine Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft)

Day 04: Explore day in Rinpung Dzong

Day 05: Drive to Thimphu

Day 06: Drive Thimphu to Dzong

Day 07: Drive Dzong to Trongsa

Day 08: Explore Day

Day 09: Trek Trongsa to Ngang Lhakhang

Day 10: Nang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing

Day 11: Visit the Ugyenchholing Dzong and Drive or walk to Mebartsho

Day 12: Drive back to Wangduephodrang

Day 13: Wangduephodrang to Paro

Day 14: Departue from Paro airport

Day to day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Namaste & welcome to Himalayan Planet of Nepal. While you landed at the Tribhuvan intl. airport Nepal Himalaya Guide representative welcomes you with your name and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, bring you at head office and briefing about the program and evening we’ll pick up you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural program in the heart of Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
After your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After visiting Bouddhanath stupa we’ll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We’ll explore the medieval like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at restaurant in Bhaktapur it’s time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with your travel consultant & fellows to prepare for next day and overnight at the hotel. Alternatively, the same group may have option to choose same 3 sightseeing place inside Kathmandu valley instead of these given place.

Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft)
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake.  The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonous. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong.

Day 04: Explore day in Rinpung Dzong
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours.  The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the
17th century.  Evening at leisure.

Day 05: Drive to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view or similar. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.

Day 06: Drive Thimphu to Dzong
AM visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area.

Day 07: Drive Dzong to Trongsa
Today the drive takes about 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known asTrongsa meaning 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. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center.

Day 08: Explore Day
Bumthang altitude 2600m, has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale.
Sightseeing - 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 same.

Day 09: Trek Trongsa to Ngang Lhakhang
Trek starts to Ngang Lhakhang. The trail folows the Chamkhar river up stream filled with rainbow trouts. The walk is very pleasent through pine forest and you can take your time admiring the beautiful country side. Arrive camp at 3000 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 10: Nang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing
Nang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing. Climb gradually over the Phephe la pass at (3,340m). Along the way one can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Arrive camp at 3100 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 11: Visit the Ugyenchholing Dzong and Drive or walk to Mebartsho
Visit the Ugyenchholing dzong and drive or walk to Mebartsho. Arrive Bumthang. Overnight Lodge. The trek from Ugyenchholing can be further extended for a day to Ura village.

Day 12: Drive back to Wangduephodrang
Drive back to Wangduephodrang.

Day 13: Wangduephodrang to Paro
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is 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. Proceed to Thimphu. PM drive back to Paro.

Day 14: Departue from Paro airport
Transfer to airport for departure.

Extending your holiday
In Nepal, there are many choices and options if you’d like to extend your holiday before or after your main booking. Here are just a few suggestions of extensions available for this trip:

- Travel to the Trans Himalayan country with its mysterious and spiritual land of Tibet
- Take a memorable wildlife safari with Elephant back ride in the Chitwan National park
- White water River rafting in the Himalayan country of Nepal
- 1 hour amazing mountain flight closest to the Mt. Everest
- Visit Darjeeling/Sikkim tour to India.
- Extend your trek in different trekking areas in nepal
- Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Mountain biking and many more. >>>

Service Includes:

• 2 Night’s deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu in 4 star hotel
• All local transportation by suitable vehicle(car, van, bus) in Nepal & Bhutan
• Complementary welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• A day Kathmandu sightseeing as per itinerary with tour guide
• Kathmandu to Paro flight tickets in economy class
• Meals on full board  basis during the Bhutan and breakfast in Nepal as per itinerary
• 11 night’s twin sharing accommodation in Bhutan on B categories hotel recognized by Bhutanese Govt.
• Bhutanese tour and trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), and driver with all payments
• Bhutan visa fee, Royalty, Tourism Development fee, entrance fee and required permits
• All government and local taxes
• Intl. flight ticket re-confirmation
• Submit your tourist registration form to the require embassy/consulate

Service does not Includes:

• Nepal re-entry visa fees
• All departure taxes
• Lunch and dinner in & Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
• Tips for driver and guide
• Any extending trips
• Nepal entry visa fees
• Excess baggage charges
• Services doesn’t includes in service inclusive column

Enjoy the adventure with our Himalayan guides and take good memories away with you from Nepal.