Bumthang cultural trek goes through Choekhor and Tang valley, passing across remote villages, ancient temples, and even Ugencholing manor. It is a 3 days trek and it is named so because it provides opportunities to see the villages and temples more than any other trek in Bhutan. Though relatively a short trek, there is a days-long climb and descend to Phephe La(3360). However, there is no significant altitude gain as with other treks and your night halts are all below 3100m.
Paro International Airport (Google Map)
3 Hours Before Flight Time
Our representative will meet you. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Overnight at the hotel
After breakfast drive through the valley straight north to see the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a victory fortress of the 17th century. On the way back stop at the Takshang (tiger’s nest) viewpoint, visit a farmhouse. After lunch visit Ta-Dzong (National Museum) which is considered to be one of the best natural and historical museums and walk downhill for a view of Paro Dzong with its traditional bridge over the Pa-chu (Paro River). Evening at leisure in the local market.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast one and a half hours drive to Thimphu the capital city. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong built-in 1627 the first Dzong built by Shabdrung, now it houses the school for learning national language. Check-in at the hotel. After lunch visits to the National Memorial Chorten, built-in memory of the late King. Stroll in the Thimphu market in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
After breakfast visits the visit Zulikha Nunery and also visit the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch visits the traditional goldsmiths and a stroll in Thimphu market in the evening.
Overnight at the hotel.
Today is a long drive to Bumthang (9-10 hours) The drive will be over the Dochula pass at 10’000 ft. and then descend to the Wangdue valley at 4’000 ft. After viewing Wangdue town and the Dzong continue your drive to a convenient spot for pack lunch. En route Trongsa town and Chumey weaving houses.
After breakfast explore the valley which is different from other valleys in Bhutan. It is spacious and opens ranging in altitude from 8’500 ft to over 13’000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. Today you can spend the day visiting the dairy farms and local weaving and also visit monasteries.
Prepare for your trek.
Overnight at the hotel.
Bumthang Cultural Trek Day 1 Start of Trek: Starting at Toktu Zampa (2540m) and camp at Ngang Lhakhang(2800m) Distance 12 km and walking time 4-5 hours. The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar river through pleasant meadows and pine forest and the walk has no steep climbs. At the beginning of the trek, you can visit the Thangkabi Goempa. After lunch, you reach the “Swan Land”, Ngalhakhang.
Overnight camp.
Bumthang Cultural Trek Day 2: Starting at Nga Lhakhang (2800m) and camp at Tahung(2790m) also known as Meadow Camp.Distance 16 km and walking time 6-7 hours. You can visit the Ngang Lhakhang Goempa at the start of your trek. From Ngang Lhakhang it is a gradual climb for about 1 hour and then it is a steep climb till Phephela pass at 3360m. which is the highest point on this trek and then you descend till camp. Today’s trail takes you through beautiful forested areas with lots of leisure and stops.
Overnight camp.
Bumthang Cultural Trek Day 3 End of Trek: Distance approx. 10 km to Gamling walking time 2-3 hours and 16 km to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours. Today you start at Tahung and the trail leads you to the Tang Chu and the Tang Bridge. The diversion to the 2 campsites is here at the bridge. If you want to camp at Mesithang then you cross the bridge and continue otherwise you keep to the left of the bridge and camp at Gamling. Camping at Gamling will provide you an opportunity to take an easy side trip to Ugyen Chholing.
If you camp at Gamling then you will have to walk for 1 hour before crossing the Tang Chu where your car will pick you up otherwise from Mesithang it is a 15 km dirt road drive to the junction of Bumthang – Mongar highway and then a 30-minute drive to Bumthang. You can also stop to visit Membar Tsho at this road junction.
Approx. 7-8 hours drive to Punakha.
Visit Punakha town and Dzong and do a 2-hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (The temple of the Divine madman. After lunch to Thimphu (3 hours)
Morning at leisure/shopping. After lunch drive to Paro and leisure.
Overnight at the hotel.
Your Bumthang Cultural Trek terminates today so after breakfast, your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you a happy journey back home.
