Bumthang Cultural Tour with 3 Days Trek

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Trip Start
Trip Ends
Duration 14 Days
Grade Easy
Altitude
Destination
Trip Style
Transport
Group Size 1 - 40+
Best Time Whole Year

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Bhutan’s tradition and culture are very much alive in its language & literature, arts & crafts, drama, music, architecture, and basic social interactions. Traditional age-old ceremonies, religious festivals, and belief systems continue to have a special significance in the daily lives of the people.

The best way to relish the rich flora and fauna, culture and etiquette, people and lifestyle and to get a taste of the real Bhutan is through a cultural tour. In the comfort of your personal car or coach you drive scenic towns, villages and forests with comfortable nights in clean quality hotels approved by the Tourism Department for their standards. We will give you the best of Bhutan in comfort. Wherever possible we can organize cultural shows for you to heighten your experience and letting you get a feel of the Bhutanese hospitality. Better still, we can arrange for you to attend real festivals which are witnessed by many Bhutanese.

The best way to do a cultural tour is to time your trip with the many festivals that take place all over Bhutan, all year round. Bhutanese festivals are truly unique. The religious dances at these festivals are attended by hundreds of devoted Bhutanese dressed in their beautiful multi-colored dresses. The Tshechus in Paro, Thimphu and Bumthang (including the Jambay Lhakhang Drub) are the some of the most popular ones.

Day
1

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Arrive Paro International Airport During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escort you to the Hotel.

Day
2

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Paro – Sightseeing Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, a ruined fortress which is 16 km away from Paro Town. Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). After lunch visit Rinpung Dzong, National Museum and Kichu Lhakhang. Kichu Lhakhang is the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening take a leisurely stroll in Paro town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day
3

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Paro – Thimphu This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) downstream to the confluence with the Wang Chu and then then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Overnight in Hotel. Day 4: Thimphu – Sightseeing Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Wander in the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. Evening: Relax in the hotel or stroll in the town.

Day
4

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Thimphu – Punakha Morning after breakfast, drive to the Dochula Pass 3,140 meters, stop for photo break at the 105 chortens perched on the mountain side. On a clear day the view of the eastern Himalayan snow capped mountains will be clearly visible. Drive down to the valley. Lunch at Lobesa. After lunch walk to the chime Lhakang, the monastery of the Divine mad monk. Get blessed with a giant wooden Phallus. Evening visit the Punakha Dzong. Night at the hotel.

Day
5

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Punakha – Trongsa. The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 5-6 hours from Punakha. Stop at Wangdue Phodrang , walk around the town and visit the dzong, Packed lunch will be served on the at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.

Day
6

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Trongsa – Jakar (Bumthang) Drive to Jakar, which takes about 2 1/2 hours from Trongsa, is a pleasant drive through scenic forests and countryside. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East – West Highway on this drive. Bumthang is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Goenpa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Goenpa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese papermaking. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day
7

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Bumthang – Halt Visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Ngang Lhakhang.

Day
8

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Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang (Distance – 20 km, about 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Ngang Lhakhang 9500ft.) The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.

Day
9

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Ngang Lhakhang – Ugyenchholing (Distance 23 km. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing is 9300 ft.) The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3353 m, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight at the camp.

Day
10

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Ugyenchholing – Jakar (Distance 10 km. About 2 – 3 hours journey. Altitude 9000ft.) The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Pangshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jakar. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day
11

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Jakar – Trongsa Drive to Trongsa along the East – West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Trongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Trongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day
12

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Trongsa – Paro Drive back to Thimphu along the East – West Highway.As the drive is through thick jungle, at times you’ll see monkies, deers and Langurs. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdue Guest House. After lunch climb to Dochula and to the Capital city Thimphu. Walk around for last minute shoppinig and evening drive to Paro. Night at Paro

Day
13

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Paro Hike After breakfast we drive to the base of the cliff for the walk to the Tiger’s nest. A very challenging and a spiritual hike up the mountain top the Tiger’s nest. Lunch at the cafeteria with the view of the Taktsang in front of you.Evening walk back to the base. Last minute shopping and to the hotel.