The sheer power and awesome beauty of the mountains are more inspiring on foot than from any vehicle on the road or in space. Whether you take a three-night trek around the Bumthang Valley or take the eight-day trek to the base of Mt. Chomolhari, the views, villages, people, and experience will be something beyond your expectations.
Great Everest Trek has designed This Cultural and rural Tour with Three Days of Bhumtang Trekking that gives us deep insights into Bhutan’s rural lifestyles and the deeply ingrained mysteries which has attracted visitors to this quiet little kingdom from every part of the world. This cultural tour and rural trek accommodate the blend of a unique culture and an off-track trek that makes a holiday never to be forgotten for a lifetime…for such is the Bhumtang cultural trek. Our well-organized sightseeing commences in Paro where we visit the ancient historical sites of Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, and Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the country. This visit precedes a trek to the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery and we then go further to visit several famous monuments in Thimphu including Memorial Chorten, a nunnery temple, an old traditional painting art school, and others. From Thimphu, we cruise down to Punakha and visit the astonishing Punakha Dzong which tells us of how Bhutan protected itself from invaders in ancient times. Our next haul-up will be at Bhumtang but not before a drop into the yathra (textile weaving) factory on the way. Our rural trek into sublime Bhumtang is a great experience of Bhutan’s village culture and traditions. Our gentle Himalayan odyssey in Bhutan takes us through charming high passes, deep-forested valleys where we hear the sweet melodious tones of welcoming chirping birds, vibrant villages that show us the life of a different world to ours, and small townships with ancient bartering systems that provide for all. This vacation into the land of the thunder dragon will warm your heart…
Day 01: Arrive at Paro by Druk Air, transfer to Hotel
Day 02: Paro sightseeing with a professional guide (2,250m / 7,382ft)
Day 03: Paro to Thimphu. (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour, hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 04: Thimphu to Trongsa – (140 km, 4 hrs approx)
Day 05: Trongsa to Bumthang (3000m) 6-7 hrs
Day 06: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Day 07: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang (Start of Bumthang Trek) Camp
Day 08: Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyen Choling Camp
Day 09: Ugyen Choling to Bumthang 2Km, 1.5 hours (End of Bumthang Cultural Trek)
Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdue - Sightseeing
Day 11: Punakha to Paro - Sightseeing
Day 12: Departure from Paro / Bangkok or Kathmandu
Price Includes:
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis; a single supplement is available upon request with an extra surcharge as applicable.
Meals; B=Breakfast, L=Lunch; D=Dinner and evening tea with biscuits.
Transport within Bhutan.
Trekking equipment like sleeping bags, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, mattresses, etc.
Services of experienced licensed English-speaking guides.
Trekking cooks and trek assistants.
supply of pack and riding ponies.
Bhutan visa fees.
Royalty and taxes.
Price Excludes:
Departure Tax where applicable.
Airfare.
Travel insurance.
Rescue operations by helicopters.
Excess baggage charges.
Mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, telephone calls, tips, and any other personal expenses.
Nepal Visa (if entering Bhutan through Nepal)
Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc)
Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in a program, delays due to landslides/ road blockage, or otherwise.
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 1: Arrive at Paro by Druk Air, transfer to Hotel
Our Paro flight on a clear blue sky day is one of those fantastic mountain flights of a natural kind. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Ghang. The first most welcome thing about Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. On arrival at Paro airport, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Refresh and get acquainted with the local environment. Overnight at your hotel in Paro – B. L. D
Day 2: Paro sightseeing with a professional guide (2,250m / 7,382ft)
After a hearty b/fast, today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, and Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower but has now been converted into the National Museum. The museum has a wide assortment of ancient paintings, armor, philatelic displays, and a “field of Buddhas”, which helps one to imagine while meditating. Overnight in Paro – B. L. D
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu. (2,320m/7,610ft): 54 km, 1 hour, hike to Taktsang Monastery
After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most well-known monastery situated at 3,180 meters.
Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. In the early afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and visit the Memorial Chorten built-in in memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, we will also visit the 15-century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down to experience the great views of the Thimphu valley. We will then visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and spend our free time strolling through the marketplace. Please note, some of the landmarks are closed on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Overnight at our hotel in Thimphu – B. L. D
Day 4: Thimphu to Trongsa – (140 km, 4 hrs approx)
In the morning after b/fast, we visit the weekend market: We can see people from all walks of Bhutanese society who come here to buy fresh products. During weekends we can also see the archery matches at the Changlimithang grounds. Archery is the national game of Bhutan. Later, we visit Memorial Chorten: Chortens are memorial structures designed to evoke the same perfect symmetry and elegance of the Buddha himself. This particular Chorten was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan. We then drive towards Trongsa (6 hrs), we come across a pass known as Dochula from where a beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range can be seen, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens. Overnight at our hotel – B. L. D
Day 5: Trongsa to Bumthang (3000m) 6-7 hrs
Our program today begins with a drive of about 6-7 hours crossing 3 passes over 3000 meters. The route offers outstanding views of the Himalayas and beautiful landscapes through dotted hamlets and forests of rhododendrons and pine. Picnic lunch will be served at the 18th-century Chendebji Chorten. After about 2 hours we arrive at a small town known as Trongsa which translates into ‘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 by this fortress during the mid-17th century. Visitors are not allowed inside the building. From here we proceed for another 2 hours to Bumthang visiting the Chume weaving center on the way. Overnight at our Guest House – B. L. D
Day 6: Sightseeing in Bumthang
Bumthang, at an altitude of 2600m, is an area in a league of its own that charms its visitors, separating it from the other regions in the country. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the deeply spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Hereabouts, tales of Guru Padmasambhava and his reincarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and corners of this region. It is also known for its woolen material (Yathra) which can be seen hung outside of houses for sale. For Sightseeing – we 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 at our guest house – B. L. D
Day 7: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang (Start of Bumthang Trek) Camp
Our Trek starts to Ngang Lhakhang. The trail follows the Chamkhar River upstream filled with rainbow trouts. The walk is very satisfying through the pine forest and we can take our time and hike at our own comfortable pace, admiring the beautiful countryside. We arrive at camp at 3000 meters. Our hiking time will last for something like 4/5 hours. Overnight camp in the gentle wilderness – B. L. D
Day 8: Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyen Choling Camp
We will begin today’s trek with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3360m, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural ecosystems of this area. We descend to Tang Valley before arriving at Ugyen Choling Village. Our camp tonight is by the side of the river at an altitude of almost 3000m. We Arrive camp at 3100 meters. Our walking time takes approx 6/7 hours. B. L. D
Day 9: Ugyen Choling to Bumthang 2Km, 1.5 hours (End of Bumthang Cultural Trek)
In the morning, we hike up to the Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository for artifacts of ancient nobility. We will then take a short walk downhill to Kizam where our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up. From here it is a 25km drive to the junction of the road near Mebartsho. We can visit the Mebertsho Lake (burning lake) where Terton Pemalingpa, is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very revered and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days. Overnight in Bumthang – B. L. D
Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdue - Sightseeing
We begin our day by touring the Bumthang market before driving down to Wangdue. It is a typical Bhutanese town with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. Other villages nearby the Wangdue village are also known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight in Wangdue – B. L. D
Day 11: Punakha to Paro - Sightseeing
After our b/fast, we drive for 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as the old capital of Bhutan. This extraordinary fortress was built between two rivers and has survived many glacial floods and fires. Every year during February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. From Paro in the early afternoon, we drive to Thimphu, Spend some time here, and then drive back to Paro. Overnight at our resort – B. L. D
Day 12: Departure from Paro / Bangkok or Kathmandu
The choice of destination is yours.
Please Check Available Dates for The Year of:
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Visa Information
Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.
You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 50 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Weather Information
There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.
Spring (March, April & May)
This time is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro Tsechu festival.
Autumn (September, October & November)
Autumn is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.
Monsoon (June, July & August)
During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.
Winter (December, January & February)
Winter in Bhutan is sunny, cool, and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.
Safety Guidelines
Credit cards are not a convenient source of payment in Bhutan as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.
You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.
The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.
Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)
Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.
When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.
