Bumthang Cultural Trek and tour

Morning visit Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.

After Lunch visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style. Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest “. The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr. Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Visit Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 AD. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.

Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu

Drive to Trongsa (200km) the journey takes about 6 hours through Dochula Pass (3150m). On the way stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, and for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance (If weather is clear) and descends down to subtropical area Wangdue Phodrang and again it ascends up to the Pelela Pass which is 3340m where you can see wonderful view of Himalayan Mountains and this Pass separates the western from the other regions of the country. Lunch in Chendebji. Overnight: Hotel in Trongsa.

Visit the Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest Dzongs in the country, the ancestral home of our Royal family. It was built Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the third Desi, in 1648. The Dzong is the office of the district Administration and central monastic body. Visit also the Ta Dzong (Watch Tower) and stroll through the small Trongsa town. Lunch in Trongsa. Afternoon, drive to Bumthang Valley across the Yutola Pass. The journey takes about 3 hrs and is one of the most scenically beautiful journeys to Bhutan, Enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese family in farm house or guest house in Bumthang. Over night: Guest house in Bumthang

Visit the village and explore the beautiful valley of Bumthang. Drive through the picturesque valley of Bumthang and visit Jambay Lhakhang Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and Kuenshusum Lhakhang. Lunch in Guest house.

Afternoon, Visit Jakar Dzong, built by Minjur Tempa, the 3rd Desi in 1646 AD (Desi means temporary ruler appointed by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal) and drive to Member (Tsho) the burning Over night: Hotel in Bumthang

The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river) a river known for trout (Fish). This trail will take through the meadows, scrub bamboo and forest of blue pine and pass through many villages and temples. Overnight camp. (Altitude 2900m).

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe La Pass (3625m) and the trail lead through one of the most beautiful forest. The path descends to Tang valley finally arriving at Ugyencholing village (2850m). Over night: Camping Altitude 2670m.

Walk up to Ugyencholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) and further to see beautiful valley of Tang and following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Membar-tsho (Burning Lake), where Terton (Treasure Discoverer) Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to make butter lamp offering. You can experience the hospitality of Bhutanese family in Bumthang. Overnight: Guest house in Bumthang. Alt 2,743m Distance – 10 km. 2 – 3 hours walk

Drive to Wangdue Phodrang via Gangtey valley which takes about 5 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Trongsa Over night: Hotel in Phubjikha.

Morning walk around the valley for photo and drive towards Paro. Visit Punakha town and Dzong. The Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers with the wonderful view of Punakha Dzong. The names of the rivers are Phochu (Male River) and Mochu (Female River). This Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration. Lunch in Punakha. Drive to Paro takes approximately 5 – 6 hours. Stroll through Paro town. . Evening if there is still time you can visit few Handicrafts in town and also you can purchase gifts for your friend to back home. Over night: Hotel in Paro

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekking will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.