This is a trek in the
splendid Bumthang Valley, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The trek passes through several
villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an
exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life besides the nature.
Duration |
3 days trek and 8 days
city |
Trek grade |
AA (Easy) |
Maximum group size |
11 persons |
Season |
March to December |
Maximum altitude |
3353m |
Price |
USD 1800 per person |
Single supplement |
USD 250 |
Flight
Kathmandu-Paro-Kathmandu |
USD 380 |
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at
Paro
Meet at the airport and transfer to hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta - Dzong.
Day 2: Paro -
Thimpu
Sightseeing of Drugyel Dzong, Kyichu monastery etc and drive to Thimpu. You will follow
the winding road beside the Pa River down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu then,
up-valley to Thimphu-the capital. Overnight hotel
Day 3: Thimpu -
Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimpu. Wander in town; visit the
handicrafts emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced if
you like. Afternoon visit the Tashichhodzong; Take a walk up or drive up to Motithang to
visit the rare Takin.
Day 4: Thimpu -
Jakar (Bumthang)
Today the journey is long. It is 8 to 9 hours drive via Trongsa. Tales of the great
teacher Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From a distance you can see Jakar Dzong
The castle of White Bird. Lunch at Tourist Lodge. Afternoon hike upto Lame
Gompa, a monastery built by the 1st King for his two nun sisters. Outside of
Lame Gompa, one can see the old style of Bhutanese paper making.
Day 5: Bumthang -
Halt
Walk around Bumthang valley or visit the Dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice
factory. Try some of each they are the best in Bhutan. Also fishing in Chamkhar Chu
(Chu means, river or water can be done, time permitting.
Day 6: Bumthang -
Nganglhakhang
The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout.
With a lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang, you enter the swan land Ngang Yul with its central
swan temple, Nganglhakhang. This part of the valley was first inhabited by the swans, thus
derived its name, Ngang. The Lama Namkha Samdrup having dreamt a vision of how to build a
Gompa shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed Nganglhakhang was erected.
Overnight in camp. Alt. 9500 ft. Distance 20km or about 5/6 hours.
Day 7:
Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing
Climb gradually to Phephele pass at alt. 3353 m/11,000ft. the highest point on the trek
route. The trail climbs to the pass taking you through one of the most beautiful frosted
area of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the
surroundings.
Day 8:
Ugyenchholing - Jakar
The trail you follow takes you along the Tang Chu, another river filled with trout. Along
the banks of this river is Ta Rimochen Lhakhang whose foundation is ascribed to Guru
Rinpoche and its second foundation to the Treasure Finder Terton Pemalingpa.
On the way to Jakar you visit Membartso Flaming Lake. At Pangzhing the pick up
transport awaits for onward journey. Alt. 9000 ft (approximately) Distance 10 km or 2-3
hours.
Day 9: Jakar -
Trongsa
Return drive to Trongsa, stopping for a hot lunch at Trongsa Tourist Lodge, if you dislike
pack-lunches.
Day 10: Trongsa -
Thimpu
Drive to Thimpu takes approximately 7-8 hours.
Day 11: Thimpu -
Paro
Drive to International Airport at Paro for onward flight.
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