Bumthang Cultural Trek (7 Night/ 8 Days)

An Ideal programme, combining Cultural tour of Western- Central Bhutan and trekking in and around the legendary Bumthang Valley. Also the trek can be planned in combination with Jampa Lhakhang festival, celebrated in Bumthang

Hotel (H)
Restaurant (R)
Camp (C)
Bhutan Scenic Tours (BST)

Day 01 (Paro: altitude2150mts)

Our BST representative will receive you traditionally at the Paro Airport and escort you to the hotel. Visit Drugyel Dzong means ‘fortress of the victorious Drukpas’ (a ruined fortress 18kms away from Paro Town). The Dzong was built in 1647 to commemorate the victory over the combined Tibetan and Mongolian armies in 1644. It is from here, the towering peak of Mount Jhomolhari-“mountain of the goddess” 7314mts(24,000feets) high can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples built in 7th century AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. At present there are two temples. The Queen Mother of Bhutan constructed a new one in 1968.

After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) . In the past the museum served as a watchtower of the Paro Dzong. Drive down the slope and visit the Paro Dzong. Also known as Rinpung Dzong meaning ‘ the fortress of the heap of the jewels’. It is the centre of District administration and seat of the district monk body.

Lunch (R), Dinner (R), Overnight: (H)

Day 02 (Paro- Thimphu: Altitude 2,350mts)

After breakfast drive to Thimphu(the capital city of Bhutan). En-route visit the simtokha Dzong . It is one of the oldest Dzong(fortress)built in 1629 by Shabdrung. This Dzong now houses the centre for language and cultural studies. Visit the Memorial Chorten. It was built in 1974 in the memory of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. This Chorten (Stupa) is one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.

After lunch visit the Textile Museum (gallery of Bhutanese textiles, arts and crafts). Tashichhodzong ‘ fortress of the glorious Religion’. It was built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 under the late king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.

In the evening explore Thimphu Town.

Lunch (R), Dinner (R), Overnight: (H)

Day 03 (Thimphu- Bumthang: Altitude 2,700mts)

After an early breakfast drive to Bumthang (eight hours) passing through Wangdue phodrang and Trongsa . The word Bumthang means ‘the plain shaped like a Bumpa(vestibule)’. Bumthang is a wide and open valley. It is also one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and the heart land of Buddhism. Here the great teachers meditated and left in their wake many sacred grounds.
Lunch: (R)
Dinner (R)
Overnight: (H)

Day 04 START OF TREK (Toktu Zampa-Damphay) (4- 5hrs, 13kms)

Drive from the Hotel to Toktu Zampa(Bridge). The trail follows the right bank of the Bumthang chhu(river) (locally known as Chamkhar chhu) through the buckwheat fields . Lunch stop will be at the Thankabi Lhakhang. After a few minutes walk is the Ngang Lhakhang(Swan Temple) at an altitude of 2,800mts. The camp site is close by the temple.

Lunch: En_route, Dinner (C), Overnight (C)

Day 05; (Damphay-Tahung)(6-7 hrs, 17kms).

In the morning walk back from Damphay via Ngang Lhakhang en-route cross the Phephe La pass (altitude 3,360). The route keeps going downhill till you reach a small bridge, finally viewing Tahung valley.

Lunch: En-route, Dinner: (C), Overnight: (C)

Day 06 (Tahung- Mesitang)(5-6hrs, 16kms)

The trial leads to Australian-assisted Wobtang sheep development project, just behind the Tahung. A rough road is connected to the main national Highway.it follows the right bank of Tang Chhu till the Tang valley. The pick up point by the vehicle is at the Mesitang. Mebartsho( The flaming Lake) is just close by. This is where one of the Tertons (a discoverer of religious treasure) found the treasures hidden by Guru Rinpoche.

Lunch (R), Dinner: (R), Overnight: (H)
END OF TREK