Bumthang Cultural (14 Days)
Day 01 Arrival by Druk-air – Paro
Day 02 Paro - Sightseeing
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
Day 04 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Day 05 Thimphu – Trongsa
Day 06 Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 07 Bumthang – Halt
Day 08 Bumthang – Nganglhakhang
Day 09 Nganglhakhang – Sa-serbo
Day 10 Sa-serbo – Ugyencholing
Day 11 Ugyencholing – Jakar
Day 12 Jakar – Wangdi
Day 13 Wangdi – Paro
Day 14 Paro for departure by Druk-air
Day 01 Arrive at Airport by Druk-air
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drakey in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport the representative of Bhutan Takin Trails will receive you and transfer you a hotel for the overnight halt.
Day 02 Paro – Sightseeing
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari on clear days. On the way back make a visit to a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch drive to Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the typical Bhutanese wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Day 03 Paro – Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up the valley to Thimphu capital. After lunch, at leisure or drive to Thimphu town and stroll around. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04 Thimphu – Sightseeing
Morning drive for the sightseeing of the Thimphu valley with the Nunnery, National Library, Painting School and Handicraft Emporium and then drive back for lunch. After lunch visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) of His Late Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit Simthokha Dzong, the first fort built by Shabdrung who unified the kingdom in the 17th century, now also houses the school for study of National Language – Dzongkha. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05 Thimphu – Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Pack lunch will be provided at the hotel. Stop for lunch at Chendebjee Chorten. Overnight at lodge/camp in Trongsa.
Day 06 Trongsa – Bumthang
After breakfast, sightseeing of the Trongsa Dzong from outside and also visits the Ta-Dzong and stroll in Trongsa town. After lunch drive to Jakar (Bumthang) which is about 3 hours drive from Trongsa. Tales of the great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the viewpoint you can see Jakar Dzong “Castle of the White bird”. Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Day 07 Bumthang – Halt
Walk in the town and do shopping for those interested or drive round the valley. Make a visit to the dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Day 08 Bumthang – Nganglhakhang
The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar-chu, a river known for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang – from where you enter the “Swan Land” (Ngang Yul) with the “Swam temple” (Nganglhakhang). This part of the valley was at first inhabited only by Swan who gave their name (Ngang) to this place. The Lama Namkha Samdrup having had a vision as to how to build a Gompa shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was built. Overnight in camp, alt. 9,500ft, distance 14 km, about 4 to 5 hours walk.
Day 09 Nganglhakhang – SA-serbo
The day starts with a gradual climb to Phephela pass, alt. 3,625 m/11,965ft. The highest point on this trek route. Then you follow the trail through the pass, which takes you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty you reach the campsite which is on the pastureland. Alt. 2,965 m/9,790ft. Distance 19 km.
Day 10 SA-serbo –Ugyencholing
After late breakfast start the trek through the mini bamboo pasture with the view of Ta-hung village and Ugyen-chholing Palace on the way, built by the great saint “Longchen Rabjampa” in the 14th century AD. And restored by Trongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorji in the 19th century, this place now shelters the descendants of the saint. Camp inDent, alt. 2,820 m/9,300ft, distance - 12 km and about 4 to 5 hours walk.
Day 11 Ugyencholing – Jakar
The trail you follow takes you along the Tang-chu another river filled with trout. Along the banks of this river Tang Rimpochen Lhakhang whose first foundation is ascribed to Guru Rimpoche and its second foundation to the “treasure finder" Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to Jakar you visit Member Tsho “Burning Lake”. At Pangshing transport will be waiting for the onward journey to Jakar, Alt. 9,000ft. (Approx.) distance 10 km and 2 to 3 hours walk.
Day 12 Jakar – Wangdi
Drive to Wangdi, on the way you may fish if you wish. Lunch at Trongsa Tourist Lodge. After lunch continue the journey to Wangdi. Overnight in Wangdi Guest House/camp.
Day 13 Wangdi – Paro
Drive to Paro, approximately 5 to 6 hours with lunch stop in Thimphu. After lunch continue to Paro. Overnight in hotel.
Day 14 Paro – Airport
Drive to Paro Airport for departure by Druk-air.
Season : March June & September - November
Group condition : Minimum of three persons but two can be entertained after payment of surcharge.
Climate (general) : Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter temperatures can go below freezing point. There is monsoon showers in summer, (heaviest in July and August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring : Personal clothing : strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for the evenings and winter.
For trekking : strong, comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, rain coat, & warm clothing for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a medium to heavy one. A torchlight can be very handy (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed).