Ura Festival With Bumthang Cultural Trek 14 days

Drive to Thimphu (2-hour drive) capitol of Bhutan. Visit famous weekend market; fresh produce, rice, chilies, jewelry, local art, handicrafts and enchanting local shoppers. Check in at our hotel, enjoy lunch, and drive to embark on a vigorous hike up the mountain to Tango Monastery one of my favorite experiences in Bhutan. Tango is one of Bhutanese’ most important Buddhist colleges. Its name, meaning ‘horse’s head’, is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a beautiful Dzong built in the 18h century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Today Tango is home to the eight-year-old reincarnate Lama, Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Drive to Wangdiphodrang (3 – hour drive) across Dochula Pass (10,500ft). Prayer flags send prayers on the wind. Enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains. Stop at Lobesa for lunch. Early afternoon visit the Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Punakha Dzong is the former winter Capital and at present day hosts the administrative seat of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and Female River and the location is strategic. It was built in 17th century and it was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan’s first king was crowned. We will visit the fertility Temple Chime Lhakhang and in the evening tour the Wangdue Dzong courtyard. Overnight at Dragons Nest Resort.

After an early breakfast, we depart for Bumthang in Central Bhutan. A long drive on a scenic and breathtaking highway rewarded by a stop at the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family. An architectural wonder built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa, the Third Desi, in 1648 it is presently the administrative seat of the district and home of the monastic school. Built at split-levels on a narrow spur, the Dzong is an architectural wonder. Views from here are extensive creating strategic location of this Dzong. Lunch in Trongsa town. Continue to Bumthang. Overnight at the River Lodge.

Trek begins: After a hearty breakfast, we drive to embark on our wonderful trek to Ngang Lhakhang. Today we will hike for approximate five hours passing though villages, fields and forests and also crossing over suspension bridges. Our trek will follow the Chamkhar River. Here the trout are plentiful! Fishing anyone? We will visit Thangbi Lhakhang enroute before entering “Swan Land” (Ngang Yul). Here is “Swan Temple” (Ngang Lhakhang). Swans first inhabited this part of the valley. Overnight camp 9,500 ft (2,800M).

Today a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass brings us to the highest point of our trek 12,000 ft (3,353M). The trail to the pass leads through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this region, with mini bamboo pasture, and forests of rhododendrons and mixed conifer. Our seven-hour trek today will allow many stops to enjoy nature’s rare beauty. Overnight camp near Tang village in Tang valley. Enjoy a delicious Bhutanese meal prepared in camp.

Today we pass Ugyenchholing in Tang Valley. You will visit the Ugyenchholing Palace, now housing the Family Museum, a place that will transport you to another world and time. You will view permanent exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji and his household. Bhutan’s history unfolds. Continuing from Ugyenchholing, we reach the Rimochen Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Guru Rimpoche, the Patron Saint of Bhutan. This is the last point in the trek route from where we drive on through Pangshing village to Jakar, Bumthang, stopping to visit farmhouse on the way. Overnight at the River Lodge Guest House to unwind from the trek over a sumptuous dinner and local Ara (local drink).

The next two days we sightseeing and tour in Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Flaming Lake (Mebar Tsho). Shopping is a delight in Bumthang and we include a visit to the Swiss Farm along with beer and cheese factory for local flavor. Day hikes can be arranged. Dinner at traditional farmhouse and overnight guesthouse.

The next two days we sightseeing and tour in Bumthang. Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Flaming Lake (Mebar Tsho). Shopping is a delight in Bumthang and we include a visit to the Swiss Farm along with beer and cheese factory for local flavor. Day hikes can be arranged. Dinner at traditional farmhouse and overnight guesthouse.

Today is the first day of Ura Yakchoe in Bumthang. Ura is considered one of the holiest valleys in Bhutan. Today Bhutanese from many different areas will gather to pay respect and to be blessed at this social gathering. Bhutanese dressed in their finest clothes and jewelry. Attend this celebration of purification and religious blessings. Here we can truly appreciate the essence of Bhutanese people and a preserved steadfast culture. Arrays of colorful brocades whirl through the air as the dancers spin and dance the “thunderbolt step”. Masks of glorious demonic demons and animals arouse your senses as you watch the purification take place. The intensity goes on. Tonight we halt at the Shingkhar Lodge in Shingkhar village of Ura.

Returning to Ura Festival and watch for the Atsara (clown) which is unique in his own style, mimics dancers and entertains onlookers. Festival deities are invoked through benediction and luck is increased and misfortunate gone. Overnight at River Lodge Guest House.

Departing central Bhutan, we begin our drive toward the west. Stopping once again in Trongsa we will now visit the medieval Watchtower. This ancient structure gives unobstructed views of the valley, and it’s winding river and roads. The Watch Tower is located strategically above the Trongsa Dzong. It is a treat to climb the ancient ladders to the top, as you view warrior armor and aging altars, immersing yourself in the presence unchanged within its walls. Over night at Dragons Nest Resort.

Return to Thimphu. Visit the exceptional Textile Museum, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. Visit Takin Zoo to see the National animal of Bhutan. After lunch we depart for our hike to the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800 meters. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, the saint who converted Bhutan to Buddhism, alighted here upon the back of a tigress. Overnight Dechen Hill Resort.

After breakfast, drive to airport for departure.