Trip Facts:
Trip Name: Bhutan Cultural Tour & Trek
Trip Id: TIB1406
Trip Duration: 12 Days
Max. Altitude: 3,120m/10,240 ft (The Tiger Nest Monastery)
Best Season: March to May and September to November
Meal: Full board (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Accommodation: Government approved 3 stars and Above
Transportation: Private car, van or bus (Depends on group size)
Trip Type: Private Tour
Trip Overview:
Bhutan Cultural Tour with Bumthang trek is specially designed to entertain both the sightseeing and trekking simultaneously. The tour visits major cultural, religious and historical places in Paro, Thimphu and the old capital city – Punakha. The three days Bumthang trek is breakthrough journey through the landscapes of unparallel beauty of Bumthang. Though the three days’ trek is strenuous at some points but the end result is always satisfying as it provides witnessing the age-old living styles rare to today’s modernization. Bumthang is a spiritual land where some of the old monasteries and temples in Bhutan are located. It was here that the second Buddha or Guru Padmasambhava meditated and subjugated many demons leaving as testimony several sacred spots and shrines. Other highlight of the tour includes hike to the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ perched in a vertical cliff. Likewise Punakha Dzong, Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, Mebertsho Lake -burning lake, Wangduephodrang Dzong and many others are equally interesting. Throughout the journey, witness the picturesque high passes, deeply- forested valleys, interesting villages and small townships.
Trip Highlights:
- Witness spectacular bird’s eye view of the Himalayas while flying in/out from Paro.
- Explore the tiny town of Paro exploding with colors and tradition.
- Discover the tiny capital Thimphu.
- Visit Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’- one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan.
- Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful monastery in Bhutan.
- Visit Mebertsho Lake -burning lake.
- Three days hiking in the beautiful Gangtey Valley.
- Visit Bumthang- the religious heartland home to oldest monasteries & temples.
- Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang.
- Jakar Dzong – “the castle of the white bird”.
Outline Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m)
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (1310m)
Day 03: Punakha – Gangtey (2320m)
Day 04: Gangtey – Bumthang (2800m)
Day 05: In Bumthang – Sightseeing
Day 06: Trek to Ngang Lhakhang (2895m)
Day 07: Trek to Ugyen Choling (2895m)
Day 08: Trek to Jakar – Bumthang (2800m)
Day 09: Bumthang – Gangtey (2320m)
Day 10: Gangtey – Paro (2250m)
Day 11: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
Day 12: Paro depart
Day to Day Itinerary:
Day 01: Arrival Paro (2250m) – Thimphu (2350m)
Arrive Paro by the Bhutanese National Carrier flying over the world’s highest mountains and finally landing at the lush green Paro valley. A cool and clean fresh air greets the visitor as stepping down from the plane, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing customs and visa formalities, meet the representatives and the Bhutanese guide, and a short tour brief by the guide then transfer to Paro town for lunch. Then drive towards Thimphu (the capital of Bhutan) for about hour.
In Thimphu, visit Buddha point for a stunning view of Thimphu city and Takin Compound- on the way to the viewpoint over Thimphu is the home of Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin. Then continue to Tashi Choe Dzong- the fortress of the glorious religion was initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in the 1960s, Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum, Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar. Overnight at Hotel (Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha (1310m)
After early breakfast, drive towards Punakha for about 3 hours passing along Dochu La Pass at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, the road descends through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. En-route take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 03: Punakha – Gangtey (2320m)
Drive to Wangduephodrang Dzong, which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view both up and down the valley. Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. Enjoy 1½ hours Gangtey nature trail from the monastery through the jungle before emerging to the valley floor. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 04: Gangtey – Bumthang (2800m)
Today, we drive 5 hours to Bumthang valley. The road climbs rapidly through a series of hairpins out of Trongsa and there are great views back to the Dzong and out across the valley. After passing through cultivated fields for a while, the trail re-enters the forest and reach the Yotong La (3400m). Descending to a low point of 2650m at a village called Chumey; the scenery is once again totally different as the route enters the wide-open Bumthang valleys. It takes about an hour to get to the roadside at Chumey, the first of the four valleys in Bumthang. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 05: In Bumthang – Sightseeing
In the morning visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in the kingdom as Bhutan’s “patron saint”, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurje monastery, a tarmac road heads south along the right bank of the river to Jambey Lhakhang. This temple, erected by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest in Bhutan (the other being Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro). After lunch, hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. It contains interesting and ancient Buddhist wall paintings. Later, visit Jakar Dzong, “the castle of the white bird”, and then take a stroll through Bumthang’s market area before returning to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included).
Day 06: Trek to Ngang Lhakhang (2895m)
Today the trek starts near the small village of Thangbi from Thangbi Goemba, and follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout fish. After an hour of walking the route will pass the Zangling Lhakhang on the hill to the right. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. The then trail enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan), at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). The valley was populated by swans in the old days, and hence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight in Camp (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included).
Day 07: Trek to Ugyen Choling (2895m)
Today the route gradually climbs to Phephe La Pass (3,360m) the highest point of the trek, and passes through beautiful forested areas enjoying the natural beauty of the surrounding. Then it descends to Tang valley before arriving at Ugyen Choling Village. Overnight in Camp (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included).
Day 08: Trek to Jakar – Bumthang (2800m)
In the morning, walk up to the Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository for artifacts of ancient nobility. Afterwards take a short walk downhill to Kizam to meet up the vehicle. From here it is 25km drive to the junction of the road near Mebartsho. Visit the Mebertsho Lake (burning lake) where Terton Pemalingpa, is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days. Afterwards, drive back to Bumthang. Overnight in Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included).
Day 09: Bumthang – Gangtey (2320m)
After breakfast, re-trace the same route back towards Gangtey and the road journey today is bit longer with 8 hours of drive. Upon arrival at Gangtey, check-in hotel. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 10: Gangtey – Paro (2250m)
After breakfast, drive back to Paro cross Dochula pass which is about 5 hours drive. PM: Stroll around the streets of Paro. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 11: Paro – Hike to Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’ (3120m)
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. It’s about two hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in 8th century. Then visit the Taktsang Monastery and hike back to the road point then drive to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Also visit Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan; the Dzong continues its age-old function as the seat of the district administration, district court and the monastic body. The southern approach to the Dzong has a traditional roofed cantilever bridge called Nemi Zam. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Day 12: Paro depart
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch the onward flight. Bid farewell to the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappearing again behind its guardian mountains. (Breakfast only included)
Cost Details:
Includes the following service during Bhutan tour:
• Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
• 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium).
• Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
• Route Permit
• Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
• A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
• All land transportation by private vehicle
• Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
• Sightseeing as per itinerary
• Drinking water
• All internal taxes and charges
• Monuments entrance fees where applicable
• A sustainable development fee of $100 per person per night. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
Excludes in the package cost:
• Airfare & Travel Insurance
• Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
• Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Note:
On the day of departure, the ‘local agents’ host obligation shall be limited to providing breakfast only and any extra requirements shall be payable on a usage basis.
Bumthang/Paro flights (with a day’s gap) are available to avoid the return back overland journey back to Paro from Bumthang.
Our entire Bhutan tours are private journeys and tailor made programs suited for any independent travelers according to their chosen traveling dates. Should you wish, the tour can be easily customized as per your interest and activities you wish to get involve in or spend more time in your places of interest. Contact us to customize this tour as per your requirements. This tour can be undertaken round the year.
Normally during the monsoon seasons (Jun, Jul & Aug), the road condition in between Thimphu to Bumthang will be muddy road and bumpy ride. Other than Land-cruisers it’s not an easy journey but still with cruisers will be a bumpy ride. Another option will be flying into Bumthang and drive back or vice-versa. But in other seasons, such is not the case.
