This professionally guided trek acquaints you to the perfect timeless beauty and charm of Bhutan’s natural and cultural treasures. Bumthang valley sprawls before you its cultural richness and off-beaten trekking trails. From an altitude of 2600m in Bumthang, you begin trekking to Ngang Ihakhang, then to Ugyenchholing en route passing through Phephe la pass at 3600m and eventually to Mebartsho before heading back to Bumthang.

This trek introduces you to the rural life of Bhutanese and mysteries of Bhutan that have for years mystified and lured the entire world. Moreover, a hike to Takstang Monastery in Thimpu takes you along an abundance of authentic scenic glamour; quaint village settlements, awe-inspiring mountainous panorama, well-preserved cultural heritages, verdant vegetation etc. In Wangduephodrang you get to witness awesome craftsmanship of Bhutanese people. As most of the walks are graded as easy to slightly moderate, you will find this trek tailor-made for everyone with all levels of trekking experience.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 12 Days
Grade: Gentle
Starts in: Paro (Bhutan)
Ends in: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Guest House
Transportation: Private Vehicle Car or Minibus
Maximum altitude: 3600m.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • A very diversified trek to Bumthang (2600m.) teemed with unique cultural experience
  • A hike to Takstang Monastery
  • A chance to experience ancestral cultures in Thimpu
  • Awesome craftsmanship of Bhutanese people in Wangduephodrang

Trip Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival in Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Hiking to Taktsang Monastery.
Day 03: Drive to Thimphu.
Day 04: Drive to Wangduephodrang.
Day 05: Drive to Trongsa and then to Bumthang.
Day 06: Sightseeing in Bumthang.
Day 07: Trek from Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang.
Day 08: Trek from Nang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing.
Day 09: Trek to Mebartsho and arrive Bumthang.
Day 10: Drive back to Wangduephodrang..
Day 11: Drive to Punakha and then to Paro.
Day 12: Last minute, transfer to airport for your onward journey.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Includes:

  • All land transportation: Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe vehicle and Airport /Hotel/Airport & tours & trekking pick up & drop).
  • Hotel accommodation at all places and 3 meals; breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • 1 Professional English speaking local tour guide & all temples, monuments entry fees.
  • Bhutan visa, tourism development fees, government royalty fees.
  • Fully catered camping trek supported by English speaking trekking guide, 1 Cook, helpers and porters (or vehicles for load) as per itinerary.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Daily wages for support crews and their health insurance.
  • Basic first aid Medical Kit Box for support crews.
  • All official taxes and service charge.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Doesn’t Include:

  • Personal transportation except above programs.
  • Personal tours & trekking gears as well as sleeping bags.
  • Personal Nature expenses. (Extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, accidents, road blockage, and other occurrences beyond our control.)
  • Emergency evacuation (If incase).
  • Drinks except tea and coffee.  (Bar Bill, laundry and telephones calls.)
  • Airfare: to & from your country and internal domestic flights.
  • Personal travel insurance. (Liability for insurance against sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, loss of life and medical expenses if any kind etc.)
  • Tips for support crews.

Note: If Traveling Bhutan via Nepal

  1. All land transportation by private vehicle tourist Bus (Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop).
  2. Sightseeing activities in Kathmandu with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
  3. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
  4. Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu – Nepal.
  5. Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes. (It is suggested you apply for a multiple entry visa for Nepal initially saving you the Nepal re-entry fee).
  6. Personal nature’s expenses and transportation except given programs.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Paro airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Arrival at Paro by Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchanjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. Our representatives will escort you to Kichu resort. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. O/N Kichu Resort.

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery.
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger’s den lies at an altitude of (3000m.) which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Stroll back to Kichu Resort. Leisure at evening.

Day 03: Drive to Thimphu.
Drive to Thimphu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view. PM sightseeing – Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market.

Day 04: Drive to Wangduephodrang.
In the morning visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula passes (3100m.). On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum (7520m.). The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at Wangdi Kichu Resort.

Day 05: Drive to Trongsa and then to Bumthang.
Drive takes about 6 / 7 hours crossing 3 passes over (3000m.). The route offers magnificent views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscape through scattered hamlets and forest of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18 century Chendebji chorten. After one and half hour arrive at a small town known as Trongsa meaning new Village. The town mainly consists of fresh Tibetan refugees but the most impressive of all is the Trongsa Dzong. The whole of eastern Bhutan was controlled from this fortress during the mid 17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. Proceed another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center. Overnight at Karma Tobden Guest House.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Bumthang.
Bumthang altitude (2600m.), has an individuality that charms its visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners. It is also known for its woolen material (yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. Sightseeing – Visit the Jakar Dzong, 7th century Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey monastery, Tamshing and Kunchosum monastery. This sightseeing is a round trip so it is more interesting done on foot. Overnight same.

Day 07: Trek from Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang.
The trail follows the Chamkhar River up stream filled with rainbow trout’s. The walk is very pleasant through pine forest and you can take your time admiring the beautiful country side. Arrive camp at (3000m.) Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 08: Trek from Nang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing.
Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing. Climb gradually over the Phephe la pass at (3600m.) Along the way one can enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. Arrive camp at (3100m.) Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 09: Trek to Mebartsho and arrive Bumthang.
Visit the Ugyenchholing dzong and drive or walk to Mebartsho. Arrive at Bumthang. Overnight Lodge. The trek from Ugyenchholing can be further extended for a day to Ura village.

Day 10: Drive back to Wangduephodrang.
Drive back to Wangduephodrang. Overnight Wangdi Kichu Resort.

Day 11: Drive to Punakha and then to Paro.
Morning drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Proceed to Thimphu. PM drive back to Paro. Overnight Kichu Resort.

Day 12: Last minute, transfer to airport for your onward journey.