Bumthang Cultural Trek

^{11 Days / 10 Nights}

Itinerary (Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bumthang - Ngang Lhakahng - Ugyenchholing - Bumthang - Punakha - Paro)

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, our Bhutan tour guides receive you and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit to ; Ta Dzong, built in 17^th 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 17^th 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 3 : 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 medicineds are still practised, the Painting School which is particulary famous for thangkha painting, 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 4 : Thimphu - Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (alt. 3,100m). 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 3,300m Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Day 5 : Tongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongs 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 17^th century during the time of Shadrung 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 17^th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6 : 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 7 : Ngang Lhakahng - 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 8 : Ugyenchholing - Bumthang
Morning walk up to 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 th way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12^th 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 9 : Bumthang - Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7^th 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.