Bumthang Cultural Trek

We begin our journey through four spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Sites after breakfast. These include the structurally rich Durbar Square, the holy Hindu shrine of Pashupati Nath, and the Buddha Nath Stupa, one of the world's largest stupas. Following our visit, we drive to the Himalayan Ecological Trekking will give you a brief meeting regarding your tour in Bhutan.

You will fly to TIA from a picturesque trip to Paro, a valley town just west of Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. The breathtaking views of Paro Dzong and the surrounding Himalayas can be seen from your window. When you arrive in Paro, our Bhutanese guide from Bhutan Travel will meet you and accompany you to your hotel. You will be briefed on the trek schedule after some rest and refreshments.

You will climb to the Tiger's Nest Monastery early in the morning after breakfast. The trip takes roughly four to five hours and includes a 900m difficult ascent. The pine forest and the soothing sound of the player flag fluttering with the quick wind will seduce you on your trip to the monastery. You'll even see temples and a sacred pool on your way.

The captivating monastery, which appears to be perched on the edge of a cliff, is possibly Bhutan's most famous. Taktsang Palphug Monastery is another name for Paro Taktsang. The evening is yours to spend as you like.

Enjoy the scenic drive: The drive from Paro to Thimphu is approximately 55 kilometers (34 miles) long and takes around 1 or 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The route offers beautiful views of the Himalayan Mountains, lush valleys, and traditional Bhutanese villages. Pass through Chuzom: About halfway through your journey, you will reach Chuzom, a confluence of two rivers, Paro Chhu, and Thimphu Chhu. Chuzom is a picturesque spot where you can stop briefly to appreciate the natural beauty. Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan, offering a range of attractions, including the Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, and the Buddha Dordenma statue.

After breakfast, drive to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,880m). The passes in Bhutan are marked by a big Bhutanese Chorten and prayer flag. On a clear day, Dochula Pass provides the most stunning vista of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas.

After checking into your hotel, go to Punakha Dzong, a gigantic building erected at the confluence of two rivers. It was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and now serves as the monastic body's winter residence.
 Later in the day, go on an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (from the hotel, it's approximately a 15-minute drive to a motorable road, and then the walk begins via rice fields and villages). This is a total of 1 and a half hours of walking (both ways). The Chimi Lhakhang, located on a hillock in the valley's center, is also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is popularly thought that if couples who do not have children but want one pray at this temple, they will be rewarded with a child very soon. The path leads through rice fields to Pana, which means "field." A tour through the village near the temple will provide you with rare glimpses into the residents' daily lives and lifestyles.

 Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan Leave Thimphu and head east on the Thimphu-Wangdue highway (Punakha highway). Enjoy the beautiful landscapes as you pass through forests, villages, and mountainous terrain. The journey from Thimphu to Trongsa takes around 6 to 7 hours, depending on road conditions. Trongsa is a historic town located in central Bhutan and is known for its impressive dzong (fortress). Take some time to explore Trongsa Dzong, which is one of the largest dzongs in Bhutan and offers stunning views of the surrounding valley. From Trongsa, continue east towards Bumthang. The road from Trongsa to Bumthang is a mountainous stretch with several bends and twists, offering breathtaking views of the Himalayan landscape. The journey takes around 2 to 3 hours, depending on road conditions. Bumthang is a beautiful district in central Bhutan, known for its rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty. It comprises four valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura, and Chhume. Explore the various monasteries, temples, and historical sites in the region, including Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and the Swiss Farm area.

 Start your sightseeing journey with a visit to Jakar Dzong, also known as the "Castle of the White Bird." This impressive fortress monastery overlooks the picturesque Chamkhar Valley and offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains. Explore the sacred Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in the 7th century and is an important pilgrimage site, especially during the Jambay Lhakhang Drup festival held in late autumn. And visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a temple complex that holds great significance in Bhutanese history. It houses the body imprint of Guru Rinpoche, the saint who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan. The complex consists of three main temples surrounded by beautiful gardens. Discover Tamshing Lhakhang, another historic temple known for its religious paintings and artifacts. It was founded in the late 15th century by Terton Pema Lingpa, a renowned treasure revealer. The temple hosts an annual festival known as "Tamshing Phala Choepa" in the autumn. Take a short drive from Jakar town to reach Mebar Tsho, the Burning Lake. This site holds a fascinating legend and is known for its natural beauty. It is believed that Pema Lingpa, the treasure revealer, jumped into the lake with a burning butter lamp and emerged with sacred treasures. Enjoy a visit to the Swiss Farm, an organic dairy farm established in the early 1960s by a Swiss national. Explore the farm, taste the fresh cheese and other dairy products, and enjoy the serene surroundings. Embark on a scenic drive to Tang Valley, located a short distance from Jakar. The valley is known for its beautiful landscapes, traditional villages, and several temples and monasteries. It offers an opportunity to experience rural life in Bhutan. If you're interested in craft beer, make a stop at the Red Panda Brewery. This microbrewery produces a variety of handcrafted beers using local ingredients. You can take a tour of the brewery, learn about the brewing process, and sample their unique creations.

Trekking from Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang is a popular trekking route in Bhutan. Ngang Lhakhang is a small temple located in the Ngang village, and the trek offers beautiful landscapes, cultural experiences, and an opportunity to explore the rural way of life in Bhutan. The trek offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, serene valleys, and lush forests. Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to visit remote villages, interact with the locals, and learn about their traditional way of life. Ngang Lhakhang itself is a beautiful temple known for its unique architectural style and religious significance. The trail involves some uphill and downhill sections, and you'll need a reasonable level of fitness to complete the trek comfortably 

The trek from Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing takes you through the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan, offering a unique experience of the country's natural and cultural heritage. Ngang Lhakhang is a picturesque temple located in the district of Zhemgang in central Bhutan. You can explore the temple and its surroundings before beginning your journey. The first leg of the trek takes you to Korphu Village. This village is known for its traditional lifestyle and is inhabited by the Monpa community. You can interact with the friendly locals, learn about their culture, and witness their daily activities. The trek continues to Phrumzur Village. This village is situated in a scenic valley and is known for its terraced fields, where the locals cultivate crops such as maize, rice, and potatoes. The village offers a glimpse into the agricultural practices of the region. After Phrumzur Village, the trail leads you to Neynepa Tshang. It is a beautiful campsite located amidst pristine forests and offers a serene environment for camping. You can enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings and immerse yourself in nature. The final destination of the trek is Ugyenchholing, a small village that is home to the Ugyenchholing Palace. The palace serves as a museum and provides insight into the history and culture of the region. You can explore the museum and learn about the royal heritage of Bhutan. Enjoy the breathtaking views, cultural encounters, and spiritual experiences that await you on this trek from Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing in Bhutan!

After breakfast, bid farewell to Ugyenchholing and hike towards Jakar, the main town in the Bumthang district. Trekking from Ugyenchholing to Jakar in Bhutan is a wonderful adventure that takes you through the pristine landscapes and cultural heritage of the region. The trail takes you through charming villages, terraced fields, and traditional Bhutanese architecture. Arrive in Jakar, where you can explore the town, visit the Jakar Dzong (fortress), and relax. You can choose to stay in a guesthouse or hotel in The Jakar.

To drive back from Jakar to Punakha, you can follow the National Highway 3, also known as the East-West Highway, which connects the two towns. Start in Jakar, located in the Bumthang District of Bhutan. Head south on the main road passing through the town center. The road is well-paved and generally in good condition. Enjoy the scenic drive as you pass through the beautiful landscapes of Bhutan. The route will take you through valleys, forests, and picturesque countryside. After driving for approximately 5-6 hours (depending on traffic and road conditions), you'll reach Punakha, which is located in the Punakha District.

Driving from Punakha to Paro via Dochu-La Pass is a scenic route in Bhutan. Leave Punakha and start driving toward the capital city of Thimphu. The journey takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. Along the way, you'll pass through lush green valleys, terraced fields, and small villages. The highlight of this route is the Dochu-La Pass. Dochu-La Pass is a mountain pass located at an elevation of 3,100 meters. The pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas, especially on clear days. There is a cluster of 108 memorial chortens known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens at the pass, which adds to the scenic beauty. After spending some time at Dochu-La Pass, continue driving towards Paro. The journey from the pass to Paro takes around 2-3 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions. The road winds through the mountains and you'll be able to enjoy picturesque landscapes along the way.

Check out from the Hotel and drive to Paro International Airport to fly to Kathmandu. Then prepare to cross the border and enter Nepal, Make sure to have your necessary travel documents, such as your passport and visa timing, and any necessary travel documents or permits.

This is the last day of your vacation, enjoy it and remember it for the next time you go on a trip, and share your experience and travel with your friends and family. Enjoyable family time