BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK ITINERARY

No Experience Required
No former trekking experience is needed for this trek. To take part in this trek, you should be physically fit, meaning you should be able to walk a full day with a small day pack. Animals will carry the bulk of our loads.

At a glance:
DAY 1 Arrive - Paro by Druk-Air
DAY 2 Paro - Sightseeing
DAY 3 Paro - Thimphu
Day 4 Thimphu - Sightseeing
Day 5 Thimphu - Bumthang
Day 6 Bumthang - Halt
Day 7 Trek Day 1 Start of Trek Bumthang-Ngalhakhang
Day 8 Trek Day 2 - Ngalhakhang-Tahung
Day 9 Trek Day 3 End of Trek Tahung -Gamling/Mesithang
Day 10 Gamling/Mesithang - Bumthang
Day 11 Bumthang - Punakha
Day 12 Punakha - Thimphu
Day 13 Thimphu - Paro
Day 14 Farewells and departure.

Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.

Day 2 Sightseeing at Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town.

Day 3 Paro - Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu the capital. After lunch we visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was built in the memory of the Late king. Here the many worshippers go around the shrine chanting prayers with their prayer beads as they walk.

Day 4 Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast visit the visit Zulikha Nunery, and also visit the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch visit the traditional gold smiths and a stroll in Thimphu market in the evening.

Day 5 Thimphu - Bumthang
Today is a long drive to Bumthang (9-10 hours) The drive will be over the Dochula pass at 10'000 ft. and then descend to the Wangdue valley at 4'000 ft. After a view of Wangdue town and the near by Dzong, we continue your drive to a convenient spot for lunch. Enroute we stop at the Trongsa town and Chumey weaving houses.

Day 6 Bumthang Halt
After breakfast we explore the valley which is different from other valleys in Bhutan. It is a spacious and open ranging in altitude from 8'500 ft to over 13'000 ft. It is a haven for trekkers and hikers. Today you can spend the day visiting diary farm and local weaving houses and also visit the monasteries.

Day 7 Bumthang - Ngalhakhang
Trek Day 1 Start of Trek : Starting at Toktu Zampa (2540m), this trek route takes you along the Chamkhar river through pleasant meadows and pine forest. The walk has no steep climbs. At the beginning of the trek you can visit the Thangkabi Goempa. After lunch you reach the "Swan Land"

Day 8 Ngalhakhang - Tahung (Meadow Camp)
Trek Day 2 : Starting at Nga Lhakhang (2800m) (also know as Meadow Camp), we visit the Ngang Lhakhang Goempa before starting the trek. From Ngang Lhakhang it is a gradual climb for about 1 hour and then it is steep climb till Phephela pass at 3360m. which is the highest point on this trek and then you descend till camp. Todays trail takes you through beautiful forested areas with lots of leisure and stops.

Day 9 Tahung to Gamling or Mesithang.
Trek Day 3 End of Trek : Distance approx. 10 kms to Gamling walking time 2-3 hours and 16 kms to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours. Today you start at Tahung and the trail leads you to the Tang Chu and the Tang Bridge. We can either camp at Mesithang by crossing a bridge at this location or keep to the left of the bridge and camp at Gamling. Camping at Gamling will provide you an opportunity to take an easy side trip to Ugyen Chholing.

Day 10 Gamling / Mesithang - Bumthang
If you camp at Gamling then you will have to walk for 1 hour before crossing the Tang Chu where your car will pick you up otherwise from Mesithang it is a 15 km dirt road drive to the junction of Bumthang - Mongar highway and then a 30 minute drive to Bumthang. You can also stop to visit Membar Tsho.

Day 11 Bumthang - Punakha
We drive for about 8 hours or so to reach Punakha.

Day 12 Punakha - Thimphu
Visit Punakha town and Dzong and do a 2 hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the Devine madman). After lunch we drive on to Thimphu.

Day 13 Thimphu - Paro
Morning at leisure/shopping. After lunch drive to Paro and leisure.

Day 14 Farewells and departure.