Max. Elevation: 3,625m
Season: (March to May & Sept. to Nov.)
Start: Bumthang
Finish: Bumthang
Detailed Itineraries of 4 days Bumthang Cultural Trek:
1st Day – Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang (alt. 9,500ft, distance 14km, time 4 to 5 hours)
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” (Ngang Lhakhang). 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 how to build a Gompa shot an arrow and the spot where the arrow landed, the Nga Lhakhang was built.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
2nd Day – Ngang Lhakhang to SA-serbo ( Alt. 2,965m/ 9,790ft, distance 19km, time 6 to 7 hours)
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. Frequent stops at various places to enjoy the natural beauty and you reach the campsite which is on the pastureland.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
3rd Day – SA-serbo to Ugyencholing ( Alt. 2,820m/ 9,300ft, distance 12km, time 4 to 5 hours)
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.
Overnight Tented Campsite.
4th Day – Ugyencholing to Jakar ( Alt. 9,000ft (Approx.), distance 10km, time 2 to 3 hours)
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”.
Overnight in Bumthang Hotel.
NOTE: FOLLOWING ITINERARIES WILL ALSO BE INCLUDED IN 4 DAYS BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK. IN TOTAL YOU HAVE TO HOLD 12 NIGHTS FOR THIS TREK.
Day 01: Paro (arrival) then drive to Thimphu
On the way visit Tachogang Lhakhang founded by the Tibetan saint, Thangton Gyelpo (1385 – 1464) probably around the year 1420. In this place you can also see one of his famous iron bridge (later carried away by floods in 1969. After a miles you will reach to a junction where the roads from Haa, Paro, Thimphu and Phuentsholing meet. Here you can see three different Stupas (Nepalese, Tibetan & Bhutanese).
Overnight in Thimphu Hotel.
Day 02: Thimphu (sightseeing)
(Trashichho Dzong, Semtokha Dzong, Memorial Chorten, Largest Buddha Statue, National Library, Changangkha Lhakhang, Painting School, Textile Meusum, Folk Heritage, Tango & Chari Lhakhang, Vegetable Market, Botanical Garden).
Overnight in Thimphu Hotel.
Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha
You will come across the Dochula Pass. Here you can see 108 Stupas built by Queen Mother to honor the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003 and also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang.
On the way visit Chhime Lhakhang and later visit Punakha Dzong (the palace of Great Bliss) built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung.
Overnight in Punakha Hotel.
Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang
Overnight in Bumthang Hotel.
Day 05: Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang (trek starts)
Campsite in Ngang Lhakhang.
Day 06: Ngang Lhakhang to SA – serbo
Campsite in SA-serbo.
Day 07: SA- serbo to Ugyencholing
Campsite in Ugyencholing.
Day 08: Ugyencholing to Jakhar (Bumthang) ( trek ends)
Overnight in Bumthang Hotel.
Day 09: Bumthang (sightseeing)
Chakhar Lhakhang, Kenchosum Lhakhang, Jakar Dzong, Jampey Lhakhang, Kujey Lhakhang, Kunzangdrak Monastery, Mebar Tsho, Tamshing Monastery, Tang Rimochen, Thangbi Lhakhang, Tharpaling Lhakhang, Thowadra Monastery, Ura Lhakhang, Wangdichholing Palace, and Yathra weaving centre.
Overnight in Bumthang Hotel.
Day 10: Bumthang to Phobjikha
On the way back visit Ta – Dzong (watch tower) and Trongsa Dzong). After reaching Phobjikha Valley visit Gangtey Monastery and later visit Black – necked crane centre where it is the winter home for this bird.
Overnight in Phobjikha Hotel.
Day 11: Phobjikha to Paro
After reaching the Paro Valley visit Ta – Dzong, Paro Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Dungtse Lhakhang.
Overnight in Paro Hotel.
Day 12: Paro (sightseeing)
Today will be your last day to stay in Bhutan and also the foremost sightseeing in Bhutan. Hike to the Tiger Nest, where you could find amazing, the Monastery built in the hill of the rock. This Monastery is the 10th holiest place in the world.
Supper with the President/Representative of SNG Tours & Treks and bidding farewell to the Guest(s). Hold night at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m).
Day 13: Paro (departure)