The Bumthang Cultural Trek
Season:
March - June & September - November
Group Condition: Minimum of three persons but two can also be entertained
after payment of surcharge.
Weather: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and
in winter temperatures can go below freezing point. There is monsoon showers
in summer, (heaviest in July and August) and sometimes even in spring
and autumn.
What Personal Clothing To Bring: strong normal clothing (according to
season). Preferably cotton for summer and woolen clothing for the evenings
and winter.
For trekking: strong, comfortable trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, rain coat, & warm clothing for the evenings. A sleeping bag is a must and it is advisable to have a medium to heavy one. A torch light can be very handy (Note: for trekking, a load of 25 kg is allowed).
Arrive
by Druk Air - Paro
During this journey you will experience breathtaking view of Mt. Everest,
Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Mt.Jomolhari
& Mt. Jechudrake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro airport you will be
received by the representative of Atlas and will transfer to hotel. Overnight
in Hotel.
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort (destroyed by fire in 1950.) which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. From here one can have the view of sacred Mt. Chomolhari on clear days. After lunch drive to Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Museum and then walk down passing close by the Paro Dzong, crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night halt.
Paro
– Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Paro Chu (Chu meaning
river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wang-chu then up
the valley to Thimphu capital. After lunch, at leisure or drive to Thimphu
town and stroll around. Overnight in hotel.
Thimphu
– Sightseeing
Morning drive for the sightseeing of the Thimphu valley with the Nunnery,
National Library, Painting School and Handicraft Emporium and then drive
back for lunch. After lunch visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa) of His Late
Majesty the 3rd King of Bhutan. Visit Simthokha Dzong, the first fort
built by Shabdrung who unfied the kingdom in the 17th century, now also
houses the school for study of National Language – Dzongkha. Overnight
in hotel.
Thimphu
– Tongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes
approximately 7 to 8 hours. Pack lunch will provided at the hotel. Stop
for lunch at Chendeje Chorten. Overnight at lodge/camp in Tongsa.
After breakfast sightseeing of the Tongsa Dzong from outside and also visit the Ta-Dzong and stroll in Tongsa town. After lunch drive to Jakar(Bumthang which is about 3 hours drive from Tongsa. Tales of the great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you can see Jakar Dzong "Castle of the White bird". Overnight in hotel/lodge.
Walk in the town and do shopping for those interested or drive round the valley. Make a visit to the dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Overnight in hotel/lodge.
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" (Nganglhakhang). 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 to how to build a Gompa, shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed, the Ngang Lhakhang was built. Overnight in camp, alt. 9,500ft, distance 14 km, about 4 to 5 hours walk.
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. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty you reach the campsite which is on the pasture land. Alt. 2,965 m/9,790ft. distance 19 km.
After late breakfast start the trek through the mini bambo 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 Tongsa Penlop Tshokye Doriji in the 19th century, this place now shelters the descendants of the saint. Camp in tent, alt. 2,820 m/9,300ft, distance - 12 km and about 4 to 5 hours walk.
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 "Flaming Lake". At Pangshing the transport is provided for the onward journey to Jakar, Alt. 9,000ft. (Approx.) distance 10 km and 2 to 3 hours walk.
Drive to Wangdi, on the way you may fish if you wish. Lunch at Tongsa Tourist Lodge. After lunch continue the journey to Wangdi. Overnight in Wangdi Guest House/camp.
Drive to Paro, approximately 5 to 6 hours with lunch stop in Thimphu. After lunch continue to Paro. Overnight in hotel.
After breakfast drive to the airport for departure by Druk-air.
