Bhumtang
Cultural Trek
Duration:
10 Nights / 11 Days
Place to Visit
(Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa -
Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing - Punakha - Paro) Starting
out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this three days trek passes through
several villages in its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This
trek provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural
life.Season:
The trek is recommended from March to May and
then again from September to November. Day 01 On
arrival at Paro airport, received by Holiday Moods (Adventures India)
representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Paro..
Day 02 Paro sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th
century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into
the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings,
textiles weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th
century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an
administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to
Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu
Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03 Drive to
Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on a
breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. After
lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the
Traditional Medicines are still practiced, the Painting School which is
particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house
ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the "fortress
of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04 Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m). From
this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks
in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang,
Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch
stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge
in Tongsa.
Day 05
Morning visit to striking Tongsa
Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong,
built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and in
afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time
of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of
Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his
body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day
06
The
trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across
many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo.
Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the
altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.
Day 07
A trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the
forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m.
After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at Ugyenchholing
village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m. Walking
time 7/8 hours.
Day 08 Morning walk upto the
Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to
Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until arriving at main road.
On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to
have discovered religious treasures in the 12 century. This lake is very
sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days to offer
butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 09
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by
Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of
compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is
important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to
Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day
10 Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening
take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11 Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the
airport for flight to onward destination.
| BUMTHANG
CULTURAL TREK, 11 DAYS NETT COST PER PERSON |
GROUP SIZE
3 - 4 PAX |
USD
1600.00 |
SURCHARGE
- |
Cost Includes » Twin sharing accommodation in
the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist cottage) on tour
» Full board meals, Ground transfers, Sightseeing as per itinerary
with English speaking Guide
» Entrance fees and permits. During
trek
» accommodation in Tents, Freshly cooked meals
»
Dining / Toilet tents, Ponies
» And riding horses (on request)
backed by skillful and experienced crew.
Cost Excludes
» Air fare
» Bhutan Visa fee (US$ 20 payable upon
arrival at the airport)
» Nepal re-entry visa fee
»
Travel Insurance and expenses of personal nature.
