Bumthang Trek -13 Days - JJJ - March-June & September-December
 

This is a trek in the splendid Bumthang Valley, the cultural heart of Bhutan. The trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life besides the nature.

Day
01 Arrive -Paro
02 Paro -Sightseeing
03 Paro -Thimphu
04 Thimphu -Sightseeing
05 Thimphu -Tongsa
06 Tongsa -Bumthang
07 Bumthang -Halt
08 Bumthang -Nganglhakhang
09 Nganglhakhang -Ugyenchholing
10 Ugyenchholing -Jakar
11 Jakar -Tongsa
12 Tongsa -Thimphu
13 Thimphu -Paro Airport

Day 01 Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight
On this flight, one will see Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including our sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On landing at Paro International Airport you will be welcomed by a representative of Baeyul Tours & Treks. Drive to Hotel through the Paro valley, where agriculture is the main occupation of the people, so rice fields are in plenty. After lunch a trip to the museum called Ta-Dzong, this was originally built as a watch-tower over the Rinpung Dzong below. Ta means to look (over or aftere), dzong is fortress. Overnight at Paro.

Day 02 Paro - Sightseeing
Visit Drugyel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan's defense against the Tibetan invasion. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back a visit to a typical Bhutanese farm house.

Day 03 Paro - Thimphu
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water) down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up valley to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon lunch at Hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King saying their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 04 Thimphu - Sightseeing
A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wonder in town, visit the handicrafts emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced if you like. Afternoon visit the Tashichho Dzong, subsequently a walk up to Sangay-gang, on the way visit Bhutan's national animal the Takin. Overnight at the Hotel.

Day 05 Thimphu-Tongsa
The journey to Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Packed lunch will be provided at the Hotel. Lunch stop at Chendeje Chorten. Overnight at Tongsa Tourist Lodge.

Day 06 Tongsa-Jakar(Bumthang)
Drive to Jakar takes approximately 2.5 hours. Tales of great teacher Guru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you can see Jakar Dzong "The castle of White Bird". Lunch at Tourist Lodge. Afternoon hike upto Lame Gompa, a place built by the 1st King for his two nun sisters. Outside of Lame Gompa, one can see the old style of Bhutanese paper making. Overnight in Bumthang Tourist Lodge.

Day 07 Dumthang-Halt
Walk in and around Bumthang valley or visit the Dairy farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Try to get some of each -- they are the best in Bhutan. Also a fishing trip to Chamkhar Chu(Chu means river) can be arranged if desired.

Day 08 Bumthang-Nganglhakhang
The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chu a river known for its richness in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang- then you enter the land Ngang Yul with its centre swan temple Nganglhakhang. This part of the valley was first inhabited by the swans who gave their name Ngang. The Lamanamkha Samdrup having dreamt a vision of how to build a Gompa shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed Nganglhakhang was erected. Cultural programme can be arranged in the evening. Overnight in camp Alt. 9500 ft. Distance 20 Kms about 5/6 hours.

Day 09 Nganglhakhang - Ugyenchholing
Climb gradually to Phephela pass Alt. 3353m. the highest point on the trek route. The trail you follow until the pass takes you through one of the most beautiful frosted area of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Day 10 Ugyenchholing - Jakar
The trail you follow takes you along the Tang Chu another river filled with trout. Along the banks of this river is Tang Rimpochen Lhakhang whose foundation is ascribed to Guru Rinpoche and its second foundation to the "Treasure Finder" Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to Jakar you visit Mebar Tso "Flaming Lake". At Pangshing the transport is provided for onward journey. Alt. 9000ft (approximately). Distance 10 Kms 2-3 hours.

Day 11 Jakar-Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa, on the way fish trouts if you wish. Lunch at Tongsa Tourist Lodge. After lunch, relaxation time. Overnight in Tongsa Tourist Lodge.

Day 12 Tongsa-Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu takes approximately 7-8 hours. Picnic lunch will be provided at Tongsa Tourist Lodge. Lunch stop at Wangdi Guest House. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 13 Thimphu - Paro Airport
Drive to internation Airport at Paro for onward flight.