Bumthang Cultural Trek

Bumthang Valley is located in one of the most beautiful valleys of Bhutan and is the spiritual heartland of nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist monasteries and temples. The Bumthang Valley Trek is named as a cultural trek because it provides the opportunity to visit villages and Lhakhangs greater than most other trek in Bhutan. The Bumthang Valley is different from all the other valleys in Bhutan.

It is very spacious and open ranging in altitude from 2600m to 4000m. Bumthang is a heaven for hikers and Trekkers, not to mention the numerous beautiful and important Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sin different locations. Its four high valleys are covered in forests that embrace small monasteries, chortens, traditional stone houses, and markets.

Bumthang is extraordinarily beautiful, even for Bhutanese. The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Usually the Bumthang Cultural Trek covers the three days and the trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. The Bumthang Cultural trek is recommended from March to May and then again from September to November.

This Bumthang Cultural trek provides the most spectacular opportunity for experiencing the rural way of life in Bhutan. The Bumthang Cultural Trek usuallyt starts from the splendid Bumthang valley. The Bumthang Cultural Trek passes through several villages on its meandering route such as Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Bumthang, Jakar, Nagang Lhakhang, Ugyen choling, Punakha etc.

Detail Itinerary

  1. Day 01: Arrive Paro
    During the flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received and escorted to your hotel by our representative.
  2. Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
    Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 kms away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means "The Victorious Bhutanese." This spot unfolds a magnificent vista of Mount Chotnolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back.
  3. Day 03: Paro ~ Thimphu
    Drive along the winding road alongside the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then follow the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King. Overnight in Hotel.
  4. Day 04: Thimphu Sightseeing
    Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government, and the summer residence of the Head Abbot and the monk body. Wander through the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 kms. from Thimphu), the oldest fortress built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D.. The Simtokha Dzong also houses the largest monastic school in the country.
  5. Day 05: Thimphu ~ Trongsa
    The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7-8 hours from Thimphu. Pack lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.
  6. Day 06: Trongsa ~ Jakar (Bumthang)
    Drive for 2 1/2 hours to Jakar. Bumthang (the "Plain of Ghosts") is a land of myth and mystery and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles here. A beautiful view of Jakar Dzong (" Castle of the White Bird") can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel.
    Afternoon: hike up to Lame? Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame? Gompa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper-making. Overnight halt in Hotel.
  7. Day 07: Bumthang
    Visit the Dairy Farm, the Swiss Cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglakhang.
  8. Day 08: Bumthang ~ Nganglhakhang [start trek]
    Distance - 20 kms, about 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Nganglhakhang - 9500 ft. The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river rich in trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan ) at the centre of which lies the Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). This place was filled with swans in ancient times, hence the name. Overnight halt at camp.
  9. Day 09: Nganglhakhang ~ Ugyenchholing
    Distance 23 kms. About 7-8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchboling - 9300 ft. The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phepela Pass at an altitude of 3353 mtrs, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight halt in camp.
  10. Day 10: Ugyenchholing ~ Jakar [end trek]
    Distance - 10 kms. About 2 - 3 hours journey. Altitude - 9000 ft.
    The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Membar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked-up by vehicle and driven to Jakar. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.
  11. Day 11: Jakar ~ Trongsa
    Drive to Trongsa along the East - West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Trongsa. Afternoon: leisurely stroll through Trongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.
  12. Day 12: Trongsa ~ Thimphu
    Drive back to Thimphu along the East - West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdi Guest House. Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu.
  13. Day 13: Thimphu ~ Paro [Departure]
    Drive to Paro International Airport where our representatives will bid you Bon Voyage.

The Cost Includes During the Trip:

  1. Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
  2. Two night deluxe hotel in Kathmandu (before Bhutan & after Bhutan)
  3. All sightseeing tours, Monument /Museum entrance Fees as per itinerary.
  4. Service of licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
  5. All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee for whole duration of your stay in Bhutan.
  6. Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
  7. Government Royalty (which is 35% of $200 per day) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
  8. The required number of staff.
  9. Mineral water supply for the trek/tour
  10. All entry fees for monuments and museums
  11. Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado’s, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
  12. All our government taxes.
  13. Tourist service charge, vat.
  14. Official expense.
  15. All trekking/tour access, route permits logistics & fees.
  16. Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance

Cost Does not Include During The Trip:

  1. Druk air fare from/to Kathmandu.
  2. Your travel insurance
  3. International airfare and airport departure tax.
  4. Nepal entry visa fee (US$ 30 per person) you obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at
  5. Tribhuwan International Airport Kathmandu for 60 days from date of issue. You required 2 passport size photos & your password copy.
  6. Items of a personal nature such as alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry.
  7. Personal clothing and equipments.
  8. Tips for guide and driver. (Tipping is expected).
  9. Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.

Visa, Passport & Visa Fee For Bhutan

A visa is stamped in the passport at Paro Airport ( or entry port) during the immigration process. A visa cost US$20 and Visas are approved and issued prior to entry, with the pre-payment of travel itinerary. The visitors are required valid passport and visa to enter Bhutan, except for Indian nationals. Travelers to Bhutan must have a visa approved prior to arriving in the kingdom of Bhutan. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Thimphu issues visa to all foreign travelers. To obtain a Bhutanese visa, you need the following:

1. Bhutan visa application form x 3 copies duly filled
2. passport-size photographs
3. Photocopy of the passport
4. For private visitors, a sponsorship certificate form must be filled in by the sponsor.
5. Visa processing time: 1 month.

A fee of US $70 a day should be paid directly to the Department of Tourism for private visitors, except for family members.

Note:- When entering Bhutan, you receive a visa for only 2 weeks from Paro airport. Visa extensions can be granted if you stay longer. Except for SNV employees, the visa extension fee of Nu. 510/- for each passport should be paid.

Nationals from India and Maldives do not need a visa. All others will need a visa before arriving.

Insurance

Nepal Hiking Team we cannot be held responsible or liable for loss, damage, or theft of personal luggage and belongings, nor can they be held liable for personal injury, accident or illness. Please ensure that you have yourself and your belongings adequately insured before your departure. Insurance is compulsory for all our trips. If you do not possess a policy, we can issue insurance at competitive rates. It is however better to purchase your policy locally as this will cover you for repatriation back to your home country.

For Details call: +977-1-4366291 or Contact via email: info@nepalhikingteam.com

 

In Autumn Season
Get 15% Discount
On Every Packages

Hurry!!
don’t miss it

 

Facts of The Trip

Trip Code: NHTB 01
Trip Duration: 13 days
Starting in: Kathmandu
Ends in: Kathmandu
Accommodation: Hotel / Lodge
Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser
Group Size: 1 (minimum)
Meals: Full board
Best Time: April - Nov.
Trip Cost: USD 2600.00 Per Person (Discount avaliable in group)
 
 

Tours & Treks in Bhutan

 
 

Trekking in Nepal

 
 

Testimonials

The Trekking to Everest Base Camp organized by Nepal Hiking Team was an unforgettable experience . read more

Lillian Go and Dawson Go. UK

 
 

Activities in Nepal

 
 

We Accept

We Accept
 

Our Contact Information

Nepal Hiking Team (p.) Ltd.
P. O. Box No.: 5596
Naya Bazar Kathmandu, Nepal
Phone: +977-1-4366291
Fax: +977-1-4388959
Cell +977-9841419251(Ganga)

Skype: Nepal-Trekking
Email: info@nepalhikingteam.com
URL: www.trekkinginnepal.biz
Click here for office location map

 
Nepal Tourism Year 2011

Everest Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Base Camp Trek, Annapurna Circuit Trek, Langtang Valley Trek, Ghorepani Poon Hill Trek, Manaslu Circuit Trek ~ Trekking in Nepal