Bumthang Cultural Trek
- 11 Days/ 10 Nights
Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty, rich traditions, and warm hospitality.
Tour Overview
Embark on the Bumthang Cultural Trek, a journey through Bhutan’s heartland. This 11-day itinerary begins with your arrival in Paro and travels through the cultural richness of Punakha, Bumthang, and Phobjikha. Highlights include a scenic three-day trek, the vibrant Jakar Tshechu festival, and visits to ancient temples and villages. The adventure culminates with a hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery before your departure from Paro. Experience Bhutan’s natural beauty, rich traditions, and warm hospitality.
Daily Itinerary for Bumthang Cultural Trek (11 Days)
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Day 1: Arrive in Paro (Drive to Punakha)
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all the mountain flights. Landing in Paro International airport shall be one of your best and the most adventurous. As the plane glides through narrow valley between towering mountains, the beautiful Paro valley with lush environment and fresh air shall greet you. Our company representatives will receive you with the warmest welcome and heartiest greetings. You will be landing in Paro approximately at around 11.30 AM local time. We shall take a short drive to one of the best hotels and enjoy our lunch. Post lunch we shall drive to Punakha, the old capital city of Bhutan. The drive shall be approximately for 3 hours with pit stops in between. We shall drive across Do Chu La Pass.
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Day 2: Punakha to Toktu Zampa
Distance 12 km, 4-5 hours, 170 m ascent, camp altitude 2,800 m The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout and stops for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). The valley was once populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul.
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Day 3: Toktu Zampa – Ngang Lhakhang
Depart from Thimphu and head towards Punakha, a journey that takes you over the scenic Dochula Pass, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and the 108 chortens that adorn the pass. Upon arrival in Punakha, visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, situated at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, explore the nearby suspension bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.
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Day 4: Ngang Lhakhang – Tahung
Distance 16 km, 6 hours, 750 m ascent, 670 m descent, camp altitude 2,720 m We will begin the day by crossing verdant meadows and with a beautiful view of the valley below. Then we climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), 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 your surroundings. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping sites the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.
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Day 5: Tahung – Mesithang
Distance 16 km, 4-5 hours, 230 m descent The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and lead you to Tang Ogyencholing. Ogyencholing Palace houses the only privately owned museum in Bhutan and has all manner of traditional artifacts on display. From here you will soon reach the road head.
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Day 6: Day 6 Festival in Bumthang (30th October) (Jakar tshechu)
We shall be attending the last day of Jakar Tshechu(festival). The day will be filled with showcasing of sacred mask dances and colorful folk dances. We believe that, by attending the festivals and gracing the mask dances, our sins, obstacles, bad luck and disease will be purified. Tshechu is one of the most celebrated Buddhist festivals in Bhutan. It is a colorful festival packed with performance of most sacred mask dances, cultural dances and contemporary masked dances. It attracts thousands of Bhutanese and tourists. It is one of the best opportunities to not only experience the Bhutanese culture but also to interact with local people. Atsaras (masked clowns) are to be the watched most, they shall be entertaining the crowd with so many funny performances. They are the lightest hearted performers. Get a picture shot with them and you will realize the ecstasy.
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Day 7: Bumthang to Phobjikha
We shall now be heading back towards Gangtey. We shall be driving on the same road that brought us to Bumthang, however, we shall be visiting some of the different tourist destinations. In Chumey, we shall stop to visit a handloom where we can watch women in Bumthang weaving woolen clothes in most conventional way. Driving through Tongsa , we shall be bypassing Chendebji chorten and then head towards Gangtey. We arrive in Gangtey by 3 PM local time. We shall visit the Gangtey Goemba temple and take the short nature trail down the valley. The nature trail winds through villages and serene pine forests. We can might be able to spot few black necked cranes if they would have already come for their winter roosting. In Gangtey we will visit: Black Necked Crane Information Centre Situated on the edge of the forest and wetland along the main road of Phobjikha valley, the black-necked crane information Centre has an observation room equipped with high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the cranes. The centre also offers display information that outline the natural and cultural history of the area. We can visit the famous crane “ Karma” who was injured by a dog and then rescued by the center. Karma is the first black necked crane that has survived through summer in Phobjikha. Retire to hotel in Phobjikha.
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Day 8: Phobjikha to Thimphu
As we travel back to the capital city, we shall once again take a detour to Punakha and visit some of the prominent tourist destinations. We shall stop for lunch at Lobesa and then take a short hike to one of the famous temples called Chimi Lhakhang. It is a temple built by a famous Buddhist teacher called Drukpa Kinley (The divine madman). Hike to the temple and get blessings from the phallus. This temple is believed to have the power of blessing people with fertility. You can’t stop giggling and enjoying the massive display of phallus displayed.
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Day 9: Thimphu to Paro
Start with a visit to Tashichhodzong, a grand fortress-monastery that serves as the King's office and the central monk body’s residence. Then, head to Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) to see the towering Buddha Dordenma statue, which offers stunning views of Thimphu Valley. Continue to the National Folk Heritage Museum, where you can immerse yourself in traditional Bhutanese life, and finally visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum to witness students practicing traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. After a fulfilling morning, you'll drive back to Paro, where you'll prepare for your departure.
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Day 10: In Paro (Day Hike)
Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest) Today we will hike to Tiger nest. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Evening leisure hour and, we will share farewell dinner with cultural show.
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Day 11: Departure
Your guide & driver will transfer you to Paro Airport after a leisurely breakfast. The transfer time is approximately 30 minutes and you are advised to arrive at the airport two hours before your international flight departure. Tashi Delek! You have completed your rewarding “Journey”
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- Included in this package
- Bhutan visa fee
- Government royalty & taxes
- Dedicated English speaking tour guide
- Dedicated tour vehicle and driver
- 3-star accommodation (twin sharing)
- Daily 3 meals (B/L/D)
- Airport transfers
- Bottled water in Vehicle
- Not Included in package
- Flights to and from Bhutan
- Personal expense/shopping
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 4 or 5 star accommodation (extra charges will apply)
- Premium Travel insurance
- Entry fees to parks and monuments
- Tips for guide and driver
- Reason To Book With Us
- Expertly Curated Itineraries
- Experience Bhutan's best with meticulously planned, culturally rich, and adventurous tours guided by locals.
- Personalized Service and Flexibility
- Tailored itineraries, special requests, and seamless travel for a customized experience.
- Commitment to Sustainable Travel
- Support local communities and eco-friendly practices, preserving Bhutan's culture and environment.
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