Bumthang Cultural Trek

Duration: 17 Days(5)of 20 reviews
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Overview

  • Duration 17 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Max. Altitude 3, 120 m | 10,236 ft.
  • Trip Start and End Kathmandu, Nepal
  • Trip Area Bhumthang, Bhutan
  • Best Season Spring or Autumn

Highlights

  • The stunning Bumthang valley offers interesting and diverse trekking terrain, fascinating culture, and scenic views.
  • Discover exciting festivals, spiritual monasteries in unexplored regions, regal palaces, and mountain panoramas.
  • Visit Taktsang monastery (tiger's nest), Rinpung Dzong, Kichu Lhakhang, and Punakha Dzong.

Bumthang Cultural Trek is deliberate for both sightseeing and trekking activities. Bumthang, is a beautiful valley with its exclusive nature site, temples, monasteries, and palaces that period back years. This valley is also well-known as the heartland of Buddhists.

Bumthang and trek in Bhutan are totally different where you can explore its unknown resources of earlier wonders augmented with ancient splendid architecture, religion, and culture and natives' traditional way of life. Also here you can watch Bhutan’s past which is still its existing and tantric Buddhism way of life. Here, you can explore the rural life of natives with their attractive cultural trek along with the beautiful valley Bumthang. Bumthang is a totally religious region where you got marked by its several monasteries, shrines, and stupas and place surrounded by stunning scenery and nature. The trail leads you through attractive villages, breathtaking mountainous vistas, and fascinating cultural heritage.

Bumthang cultural trek contains three days of the trek (Bumthang to Nga Lhakhang, Nga Lhakhang to Taichung, and Taichung to Gamling/Mesithang). Besides the trek, we will have the program sightseeing and a cultural tour. This is the perfect purpose where you can discover the highlights of the Bumthang valley. It is a true bliss for nature lovers. This consecrated valley flourishes with famous sacred sites that pull thousands of pilgrims each year. Through this trek, you can enjoy all types of environments as you can able to make the best memories for further days.

The tour begins in Paro, a beautiful town containing many temples and monasteries situated in the flat valley bottom. Here we visit the crumbling castle, Ta Dzong, and the national museum of Bhutan. We start our trekking expedition from Bumthang with representatives of Himalayan scenery after enlightening sightseeing in Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. At Bumthang, we explore the different roomy valleys and different others unsettled from (8,000ft to 13,000ft) altitude. Next, you can enjoy with the witness of the highest point of the trek at Phephela pass shown by an attractive forested area with plenty of ease and halts.

You will feel tough and stimulating day on the 3rd day of the trek where you walk about 6 to 8 hours and finish the trek at Mesithang. In the trial, you found the destination towards heaven because the route includes beautiful villages, rivers and rivulets, and stunning nature. You get easily ease with Bhutanese life, culture, and tradition during these days of the Bhutan trek. Throughout the Bumthang trek, you will be pleased with the shocking view of Himalayan ranges, deep valleys, charming high passes, and inaccessible settlements.

During spring and autumn, the weather is fair with stunning nature as it is the supreme one. If you are really interested then this season is perfect for the Bhutan tour.  Also, major religious events and festivals are whispered during these seasons which helps you to be familiar with the cultural insight of Bhutan simply. On the other hand, it is possible to travel to Bhutan all around the year and each season is atypical but it has its own specialty. This remarkable trip to the mystical land of Bhutan will make memories that will last a lifetime.

Itinerary

Show Detail ItineraryClose Detail Itinerary

In accordance with your flight schedule, we will be at the Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu to extend a warm welcome to you in our beautiful country for the beautiful trip.

After exchanging warm welcome greetings at the arrival section, we will lead you to our vehicle to transfer you to our trip hotel. It’s a day at complete leisure on your own to relax the jetlag. But we definitely help you with the information to go around in case you’d like to do so.

We spend a full day in Kathmandu today which will be a necessary acclimatization day as well. Early in the morning after breakfast, we will meet for the trip briefing where we will talk about this amazing trip in detail and answer your questions if you have any.

After the brief meeting is over, we are taking you for an amazing cultural sightseeing tour of heritage sites in Kathmandu valley. The sites we take you for sightseeing today include Swoyambhunath - the oldest monument in Kathmandu valley, Kathmandu Durbar Square – to see the temple of Living Goddess and other medieval architectural wonders, Pashupatinath – to immerse into Hindu death rites on the bank of a holy river, and Boudhanath – a massive Buddhist shrine considered as the biggest in the world.

We get ready early in the morning for our flight to Bhutan. We will drive you to Tribhuvan International Airport 3 hours prior to your departure time.

After your flight arrived at Paro, you will be met by our representative of Himalayan scenery treks and expeditions. Warmed and welcomed with typical immigration formalities you will be shifted to the hotel. Once you discussed equipment and gear for trekking with your tour guides then you can stroll Paro for some fresh air.

Early morning, we take a drive northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong along with a windy path. Through the ruined Fortress which once protected this valley from Tibetan attack. According to the environment, you will have a stunning view of Mt. Jumolhari well-known for sanctified Mountain.

On the way back we stay to have a beautiful look at one of the Typical Bhutanese farmhouses. After that, we drive to Ta-Dzong where you see the tower of Paro valley. Then we visit the natives’ settlement and National Museum and then walk downhill past the Paro Dzong, passing the typical traditional covered bridge to Paro town.

After breakfast, we drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan. Along the way, we also visit the National Memorial Chorten, which was made in the reminiscence of the late king.

Here the many believers go around the stupa humming prayers with their prayer drops as they walk. Later your refreshment after you arrived at Thimphu if time remains you can stroll in Thimphu market in the evening.

After breakfast, we will head towards the major attraction of Thimphu. Trashi Chho Dzong, a splendid dzong seems to fit seamlessly into the valley. Then, we head ahead towards the most popular temple Changangkha Lhakhang, soaring like a fortress on a ridge above central Thimphu, buzzing with pilgrim activity.

After lunch in the hotel, we will visit Zilukha Nunnery, also called Druubthob Goemba. This site is connected to Thangtong Gyelpo where you got an interesting enclosed Chhorten in the main courtyard. Also, visit the Handicraft Emporium/chokey handicraft and the National painting school. And at last, we stroll Thimphu market in the evening.

The long drive of about 9 to 10 hours will take over the Dochula pass at 10'000 ft. Then go downhill to the Wangdue valley. Along the route, you can have a beautiful view of the clean environment. Also after a view of Wangdue town and the nearby Dzong, we continue our drive to a suitable spot for lunch.

En route, you can explore the beautiful Trongsa town and Chumey weaving houses. After 9 or 10 hours of drives, you will be in Bhumtang where you stay overnight.

Today, after breakfast we explore the valley which is unique and different from other valleys in Bhutan. It is beautiful, roomy, and open ranging in altitude from 8,500 ft to above 13'000 ft. It will be an ideal trip and heaven for trekkers and hikers. Here, you can spend the day visiting the dairy farm and local weaving houses and also visit the famous monasteries.

Our treks begin at Toktu Zampa (2540m), this trek route takes you through the Chamkhar River along with lovely meadows and pine forest. En route, the walk has no steep climbs.

Before lunch, you can visit the Thangkabi Goempa at the beginning of your trek. After lunch, you reach the "Swan Land". While you are busy with nature full of greenery you will be in an entire village of Nga Lhakhang.

We start our trek from Nga Lhakhang (2800m) also well-known for Meadow Camp. We visit the Ngang Lhakhang Goempa before we start our trial.

After Ngang Lhakhang it is an ongoing climb for 1 hour around and then it is a steep climb still we reach Phephela pass at 3360m. This pass is considered the highest point on this trek and then you go downhill to camp. Today’s trail takes you through attractive forested areas.

Today you start from Tahung and the path leads you to the Tang Chu and the Tang Bridge. Here this trial contains a distance of approx. 10 km to Gamling, walking time contain 2 to 3 hours and 16 km to Mesithang walking time about 6 hours. Also, you can camp at Mustang through Passing Bridge at this location or you can keep to the left of the bridge and camp at Gamling. Camping at Gamling will offer you the chance to take a simple side trip to Ugyen Chholing.

Today, we have two choices, first is that if you camp at Gamling then you will have to walk for 1 hour. Before crossing the Tang Chu where your vehicle will pick you up or else from Mesithang it is a 15 km dirt road drive to the connection of Bumthang to Mongar highway. Then you will have a 30-minute drive to Bumthang. You can also stop to visit Membar Tsho here.

We will take a beautiful drive along the scenic mountain highway for about 6 to 7 hours, one of the most picturesque drives. En route to Bumthang, you need to pass two renowned passes. One is Pele La and another is Yutong La. Also, the beautiful Trongsa valley which is the largest Dzong in Bhutan. Upon your arrival in the late afternoon, you can hold the highlight, Punakha Dzong, a very splendid Bhutanese architecture armed by the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers with rich Buddhist groups.

We stroll Punakha town and Dzong in the morning time. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan before 1955. It is famous for rice farming. Here you found houses made of pounded mud with a stone foundation. As Punakha, the palace of great bliss. The Dzong is situated at the union of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in the Punakha to Wangdue valley.

Next, we do a two-hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Devine madman. After lunch, we drive on to Thimphu along with the beautiful forested area and stunning mountains view.

After breakfast, sightseeing nearby the hotel. You can also have some shopping for your family member in the famous market of Thimphu. Once your lunch is finished, in the afternoon we drive to Paro along the scenic highway passing through dramatic river valleys. Upon arrival in Paro, check into the hotel. Paro, the beautiful valley sums up rich culture, scenic beauty, and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's ancient temples, monasteries, and the National Museum.

Today is the day we leave the wonderful land of Thunder Dragon. We wake up early and have one last glance of Bhutan before we depart off to the airport to come back to the land of mountains and temples i.e. Kathmandu, Nepal. Once you arrive in Kathmandu, the rest of the time is leisure. Walking around the streets of Kathmandu, doing souvenir shopping, finding a massage, or relaxing at the hotel can be easy ways to spend time.

We are taking you for the farewell dinner to celebrate the successful completion of the Bumthang Cultural trek tonight.

    After the short farewell program, a representative from Himalayan Scenery will escort you to the Tribhuvan International airport 3 hours prior to your flight schedule. No wonder everything seems so familiar now because, you had come here as a tourist, but going back as a friend. Hope to see you again and have a safe journey.

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    Cost Details

    Included

    •     Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
    •     All meals, tea, and snacks
    •     English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
    •     Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties

    Excluded

    • International Flight
    • Meals in Nepal
    • Monuments entrance fees
    • All personal expenses such as bar bills, beverage, snacks etc.
    • Airport tax
    • Extra shower, battery re-charge, laundry charge, etc.
    • Personal clothing and gears
    • Tips to guide and porter
    • Cost raised by cancelation, landslide, weather, political unrest, an illness which are not under our control
    • Alternative transportation in case of heavy rain, landslide, strike, road blockade, or any other unexpected circumstances.
    • any other expenses which are not mentioned in the included section

    Useful Info

    In Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition, your safety precedes every other thing. During the trip, the factors such as weather, natural disaster, or a multitude of other factors which are beyond our control can subsequently bring changes in the itinerary. Although all the itinerary we provide to you is guided and standard; please note that your team leader has the authority to alter or even drop the planned itinerary of any part if it is necessary due to safety concerns. All the alternations or changes to the standard itinerary are made by the leader by taking into consideration the best interest of the whole group. We give our best effort to stick with the above-mentioned itinerary; however, in case of any unpredicted event which is beyond our control, you need to be flexible and take after the guideline as instructed by your leader.

    Note that the company won’t be responsible for any result of alterations on itineraries or any delays due to unforeseen circumstances.

    Best Season

    The best season to tour Bhutan is during spring and autumn when the weather is fair, and nature is decorated at its finest. Furthermore, major religious festivals are held during this season which helps you to acknowledge the cultural insight of Bhutan easily. However, it is possible to travel to Bhutan all around the year and each season is peculiar and has its own specialty.

    Hotel and Accommodation

    In cities and large towns, you will be accommodated in good quality properties that are centrally located, atmospheric and reliable.

    We provide you with a 2 to 3-star standard hotel while you are in Kathmandu (i.e. for 2 Nights). During your Bumthang Culture Trek in Bhutan, we provide you with the standard hotels (also 2 to 3-star hotels) for your accommodation.

    In Bhutan Tour besides the 2 / 3 stars hotel, some 4 / 5 - star luxury accommodation is also available. If you want to change the accommodation plan to luxury, please do let us know so that we can arrange and book the hotel for you for your Kathmandu stay.

    Meals:

    A variety of meals are available in most hotels where we stay overnight. Among the food served in the hotel, some of the most popular are Indian, Chinese, Nepalese, Bhutanese, Tibetan, and the more common continental food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes are also available in every restaurant and hotel.

    All the food and Beverages included in the package are provided by the company itself. We will be served all meals in Bhutan. We will have breakfast and lunch at the hotel where we stay for the night. On the everyday tour, the tour leader will decide the available place and stop for the lunch.

    Upon your arrival at Kathmandu after the successful trekking journey, we will provide a farewell dinner consisting of authentic Nepalese cuisines.

    Transportation for the Trip

    We at Himalayan Scenery Treks and Expedition provide all the necessary transportation facilities for your trip. We provide private vehicles for airport pick up. We also provide all private ground transportation facilities during your trip to Bhutan.

    Guide, Crew Member, and Group Size

    The Bumthang Culture Trek; in the Land of Thunder Dragon is organized for a lonely traveler to a maximum of 15 people at once. In case of more number of travelers, we split the group into two as per the number of travelers. Each group is accompanied by a well-experienced and professional English-speaking tour guide.

    Booking and payment

    For the trip outside Nepal; such as Bhutan, Tibet, and India you will need to pay 50% of the total cost as advance payment. Once you have paid the 50% of the total cost along with a copy of your passport and flight details we can confirm and book your trip to Bhutan, Tibet, and India. The remaining cost can be paid after you arrive in Nepal for your trip. You will have various options to pay i.e. either you can pay by cash or you can do bank transfers and use credit cards. So, you can check our website for bank details and if you are willing to pay by using cards you can navigate to our website or contact us for more info.

    Dress Code in Bhutan

    Bhutan has a fairly formal dress code for both Bhutanese and visitors. Below mentioned dress code is mandatory in order to visit fortresses, monasteries, and temples in Bhutan. 

    • Shirt (either half or full sleeve)
    • Full pants/long skirts
    • Any type of shoes with socks
    • No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt, and No half-pants
    • Photographs are allowed in the courtyard only.

    Language

    The national language of Bhutan is “Dzongkha” which means the language (Kha) spoken in Dzong. Dzongs are the fortresses established throughout Bhutan by religious leader Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in the 17th century.

    Some useful Bhutanese phrases during tours:

    Hello: Ku-zu-zam-po-la (meaning good health)

    Welcome: Joen pa Leg So

    How are you: Ga Day Bay Zhu Yoe Ga?

    Good wishes: Tashidelek!

    Thank You: Ka din chey la

    See you: Lok jey gay

    Goodbye: Lus la “or” Laso la

    Personnel Expenses

    Personnel Expenses are largely influenced by your habit of expenditure. We provide you with all the necessary food and accommodation facilities inside the cost of your Bhumthang Cultural Trek. So, you only need money to pay for your drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages) and snacks while strolling on the trail of Bhutan. Likewise, you can also use the money to buy you souvenirs for the trip, entrance tickets, hot showers, tips, and many more.

    Note that, tips and gratuities are not mandatory, but it is fine if you wish to. If you feel like the service provided to you is excellent, then you can tip directly to staff. Of course, there is no obligation to tip if you are disappointed with the service you receive. As a suggestion, we advise you to allocate an amount of 5 - 10% of the total package price for tips. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work.

    Visa Processing

    Bhutan visa is pre-processed by our company itself. We just need to have your passport copy by scan on our e-mail. We will send you an electronic visa in your mail. You need to print and carry the e-visa to fly to Bhutan. In Bhutan immigration, authorities will stamp your passport.

    Your passport must be valid for more than 6 months at the time of travel in Bhutan

    * Notes: There are regular flights from Kathmandu Nepal, to Bhutan. for flights and packages please contact us now*

    Why Book With Us?

    • Best price
    • Best safety records
    • Easy payment processing
    • Customizable trips as per your needs
    • Departure for every booking
    • Best customer care
    • Specialized care and considerations
    • Easy cancellation conditions

    Booking Requirements

    Please provide us with your full credentials or a copy of your passport. Give your weight so that preplan your group’s trips for proper weight distribution. You may deposit 20 to 30 percent advance of the total package amount while booking. You may pay the rest of the amount before the flight. You can also pay us by card, bank transfer, or online. Please visit here for payment details.

    Cancellation Policy

    If you are unable to make your trip, let us know in advance. We will refund you as per our booking terms and conditions and available time frame. At times, there might be delays or cancellations of flights due to weather and unforeseeable reasons. In such cases, we will make our best effort to adjust your bookings and rearrange the schedule.

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    Still Need Help!

    Please feel free to contact us. We will get back to you within 1-2 business days. Or just call us now

    Cell:

    +977 9851083619

    Email:

    [email protected]

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    Client Reviews

    Showing 20 reviewsWrite a Review
    • TripAdvisor

      A great experience 100% recommendable

      We did the Annapurnas sunrise + 2 days in Pokhara. The Annapurna sunrise was fantastic. The views are spectacular. Our guide, Amar Maga, recommended we change the initial itinerary and it was the best idea. We did a very beautiful trek with a fantastic accomplishment, Amar (guide) and Dawa (porter). 100% recommendable (trip + Amar + Dawa)

      C
      Cesard0ming0From: Spain,April 15, 2023
    • TripAdvisor

      Memorable trip to Nepal

      Just returned from one of the best trips of my life visiting the beautiful country of Nepal with a group of friends.Nepalese seem to be one of the most friendly and trustworthy people .Visited Kathmandu and then a tour to Pokhara ,trekking up to Pun hill to have a grand vista of Annapurna range. The guide, Amar was very supportive and friendly, and looked after all of us well. We had to change our trekking plans he was quite accommodative and got everything sorted out for us and did his best to make sure we had the best possible experience both culturally and in trekking. Safari at Chirwaan and we were lucky enough to have a glimpse of Bengali Tiger and a bear, and quite a few Rhinos. Now back home with memories to treasure for a life time.

      D
      Dhaya fFrom: Sri Lanka,April 09, 2023

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