Bumthang Cultural Trek Itinerary

Day 01 : Arrive Paro

During this flight, one will experience breaktaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by a representative of Boonserm Tours & Treks. Then drive to  Hotel through Paro valley, an enchanting experience. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Paro

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 : Paro - Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 kms 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 Medicine Institute where centuries old indigenous medicines are still practised, the Painting School which is particulary 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 : Thimphu - Tongsa

Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass ( alt. 3,100 m). 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, Jeje Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300 m Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Day 05 : Tongsa - Bumthang

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 Bumthang 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 : Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang

The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples. 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 : Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing

The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340 m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850 m. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day 08 : Ugyenchholing - Bumthang

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 12th 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 : Bumthang - Punakha

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 Punakha.

Day 10 : Punakha - Paro

Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll through Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Paro depart

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

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