Bumthang Cultural Trek Tour (144171),Holiday Packages to Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang

Package Overview

Bhutan has it all when it comes to natural beauty, with dramatic mountains, deep forests, and the stunning Himalayan meandering rivers. Much of the country is hidden and is only accessible by trekking. But these hidden corners also offer fascinating sights, a rich cultural heritage, making it the perfect place for a trekking adventure. Our trail brings you from the alpine settings at the highest points, and the primeval forests and glacial lakes of Bhutan鈥檚 enchanting rural zones, the jewel of Himalayas鈥� ultimate serene settings and sun-splashed meadows only inhabited by Yak herders.

Your cultural encounters are unforgettable as you explore mountain villages with age-old traditions, stroll around ancient walled towns, and sample wonderful local cuisine, including the regional Ema Datshi, a sumptuous dish of unique taste and character. From the highest points in the country and the soaring peaks of Mount Jhumolhari, Bhutan offers a phenomenal range of environments and thrilling adventures, most of which lie on this journey. Our perfectly paced trek follows in the path of the ancient Bhutanese and brings you to fascinating places accessible only on foot and through the legendary towns and cities into the stark, vast expanse of Bhutan鈥檚 mystical wilderness to see some of the most fascinating sceneries on the planet.

Dress Code -

Casual, comfortable athletic clothing, hiking shoes, hat and light jacket.International Telephone Calls
Laundry Bills
Bar Bills
International Flights
Basic Trekking Equipments
All Ground Transportation
5 Star Accommodation
All Meal While Trek

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Day wise Itinerary

Day 1 : Arrival Paro

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights amongst all the mountain flights. You can glimpse a spectacular view of Mount. Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other popular peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. On arrival at the Paro International Aiport , our guide will receive you and drive you through one of the most fascinating valleys of Bhutan to your hotel for overnight halt.
If in case you arrive early morning in Bhutan and if you're not tired, you can visit the following exotic places after your lunch.
Afternoon, visit Drukgyel Dzong; a ruined fortress located about 14 km away from Paro town. It was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to commemorate the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders, led by the Mongolian warlord, Gushri Khan in 1644. Drukgyel Dzong captured the eyes of western visitors when it was featured on the cover of the National Geographic magazine in 1914. Above the ruined fortress, appears the towering peak of Mount Jomolhari, "mountain of goddess" which is about 7,315m high. The fortress served as an administrative centre until 1951, when a fire caused by a butter lamp destroyed it. The ruins still attract lot of tourists for its rich history and glorious past.
Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Monastery), it is one of the two oldest monasteries built in the seventh century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in Bhutan. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town. Evening, take a leisurely walk around Paro town.
Day 2 : Paro to Thimphu

Morning, visit Ta Dzong (now National Museum); originally built as a watch tower of Paro Dzong in 1951 is now converted to the National Museum in 1968. It has a unique and varied collection of ancient paintings, textiles, weapons and armour, bronze statues, old household objects, exquisite postage stamps, jewellery and many other decorative arts.
Then visit Paro Dzong (Fortress); also known as Rinpung Dzong, which means 'fortress of the heap of jewels'. It was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and is one of Bhutan's most impressive Dzongs in the country which depicts the finest examples of Bhutanese unusual architecture. It serves as the administrative centre of the Paro district and also houses the state monastic community. The courtyard of the Dzong serves as a venue of Paro Tshechu (festival), held annually in spring.
After lunch, drive to Thimphu(about 1 hour 30 minutes drive). En route, visit Semtokha Dzong, first fortress built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1627 among the series of fortresses built by him in 17th century in Bhutan. About 4 miles drive from Thimphu, this fortress is situated on a lofty ridge and now houses the educational institute for Buddhist studies.
Day 3 : Thimphu

Morning, visit Memorial Chorten (Stupa), one of the most religious stupa visible in Thimphu. The religious paintings and complex tantric statues inside the monument reflect both peaceful and wrathful aspects of Buddhist deities. It was built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is popularly considered as the Father of Modern Bhutan.
Then visit Changangka Lhakhang (Monastery) ,which was built in 15th century by the high saint Phajo Drugom Shigpo. It is a monastery of Compassionate Buddha Chenrigzee. After that visit Zilukha Nunnery, to see nuns reciting prayers and then visit National Library where it houses a vast collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts and texts including the imprinted and archaic text of Bhutanese history. The library also has research documents and printing blocks for prayer flags. You can visit Traditional Painting School, a centre where children learn traditional drawing and painting, wood carving, sculpture and other forms of traditional arts. On a visit, one can view the students at work. Then have a visit to Heritage Museum, the living farmhouse of the 19th century depicting the harmonious living style of the Bhutanese family with the domestic animals in the premises.
After lunch, visit Mini Zoo to see Bhutan's national animal Takin and then drive farther up to Radio Tower to catch a spectacular glimpse of Thimphu valley. Take a gentle walk in the midst of colorful prayer flags that dot the beautiful landscapes to experience the breath of spirituality. Then visit Traditional Medicine Institute, where the rich herbal medicine found abundant in Bhutan are prepared and dispensed. The institute also researches the use of medicinal herbs and plants and operates a trial experiment on the premises. After that you can stop to visit Textile Museum and Handicrafts Emporium, where various products of Bhutanese arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased as well.
After that, visit Tashichhoedzong,"fortress of glorious religion". The Dzong was initially erected in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel and later the third king Jigme Dorji Wangchuk rebuilt its present form in 1965. It was built in traditional fashion, without using nails and architectural plans.It is also the home of the throne room of His Majesty the king of Bhutan, the summer residence of central monastic body and ministries and various government organizations.
Day 4 : Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, drive to Punakha and Wangdue (about 2 hours drive). En route, halt at Dochula pass (10500 feet) to see the spectacular view of snow capped eastern Himalayan Mountains, if the day is clear. You can take wonderful photographs of the snowcapped mountains. There is a binocular in the cafeteria where you can have a view of the magnificent snow peaks of Bhutan at different elevations. En route visit Lampelri Botanical Garden.
Then visit Punakha Dzong (Fortress), it was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. It is located strategically between the confluence of Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). The Dzong was damaged by an earthquake, fire and flood a number of times and destroyed many historic documents. However, the Dzong has been fully restored to its original splendor by the present king and it serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region.
After lunch, visit Chimi Lhakhang (Monastery), a revered temple popularly recognized as a pilgrimage site for childless couples to receive blessings. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, it is about 20 minute's pleasant walk across the rice fields from the road. The temple was built in the 15th century by Ngawang Chogyel after the "Divine Madman" Lam Drukpa Kuenley built a small stupa on the site.
Day 5 : Punakha to Bumthang

Morning, drive to Bumthang via Trongsa (about 7 to 8 hours drive). En route visit Chendebji Chorthen (Stupa), erected in 18th century by Lama Zhida to subdue an demoness terrorising the people of the valley.
Lunch at Trongsa. After lunch, visit Trongsa Dzong, the most impressive Dzong in the country built in 1648 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel at the place where his great-grandfather Lama Ngagi Wangchuk had erected the temple in 1543.. It displays one of the most artistic and splendor works of traditional Bhutanese architecture. The two first hereditary kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this Dzong.
Then visit Ta Dzong, a watch tower built on top of the hill to the east of Trongsa Dzong which was known for safeguarding the Trongsa Dzong from internal rebellion in the past. A visit to this watch tower will provide you an insight into historical significance of Trongsa in Bhutan's history. Then continue drliving to Bumthang (about 2 hours drive), the religious heartland of the country. The drive across the Bumthang wide and beautitful vallley through many rural villages and pristine forest will completley enthrall both your mind and spirit.
Day 6 : Bumthang

Morning, visit Jakar Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan, with a circumference of more than one kilometer, Initially built as a monastery by Zhabrung's great grandfather Lama Ngagi Wangchuk in 1549 and later in 1646 Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel built it into Dzong. Now the Dzong houses the administrative seat of the Bumthang district.
Then visit Jampel Lhakhang, one of the oldest monastery built in seventh century which is believed to have been built on the same day as Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro.
After lunch, visit Membar Tsho meaning Flaming Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa jumped into the lake in front of many people with the lighted lamp on the hand and surfaced back to the rock holding treasure chest and the lamp still burning. Then visit Tamzhing monastery built by Pema Lingpa, a great terton (treasure discoverer) of the 16th century. In the Evening, take a leisurely walk through Bumthang town.
Day 7 : Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang

Trek starts from Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang ( about 4-5 hrs trek).
Day 8 : Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing

Morning, trek from Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing (7-8 hrs trek).
Day 9 : Ugyenchholing to Bumthang

After breakfast, start trekking from Ugyenchholing to Bumthang ( about 2- 3 hrs trek). Trek ends and transfer to Bumthang hotel for over night halt.
Day 10 : Bumthang to Gangtey, Wangdue

Morning, drive to Gangtey, Wangdue (about 6 hours drive). En route, halt and visit Bumthang local handloom weaving house, to explore the famous wool fabric products known as Bumthang Yathra. It is a traditional woven woollen fabric clothes made from wools of sheep and yaks into complex attractive patterns of scarves, jackets, blankets, bags and many more. You can also visit the Yathra factory. Upon arrival In Gangtey, check into hotel for overnight halt. En route, halt and visit Bumthang local handloom weaving house, to explore the famous wool fabric products known as Bumthang Yathra.

It is a traditional woven woollen fabric clothes made from wools of sheep and yaks into complex attractive patterns of scarves, jackets, blankets, bags and many more. You can also visit the Yathra factory. Upon arrival In Gangtey, check into hotel for overnight halt. In the afternooon visit Gangtey Gompa built on the ridge overlooking the beautiful wide valley of Phobjikha. It was founded by Pema Thinley, the grand son of Terton Pema Lingpa, the popular Nyingmapa saint of Bhutan. The pristine green valley is also the winter residence of rare and endangered black-necked cranes that migrate from Tibet to Bhutan in late autumn in a group of 200 to 300. Evening, take a leisurely walk across the beautiful Phobjikha valley.
Day 11 : Wangdue to Paro

Morning, drive to Paro (about 6 to 7 hours drive). En route visit Wangdue Town.Upon arrival, check into hotel for overnight halt.Evening, stroll through town.
Day 12 : Paro

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery. Literally meaning 'Tiger's Nest' , because Guru Rinpoche (Precious Buddhist Saint) is said to have flown to the site of the monastery on the back of a tigress and then meditated in a cave for three months in the eighth century. It is precariously perched on the right side of a cliff, at 2950 metres above sea level and 900 metre above Paro valley. It is considered one of the holiest places of pilgrimage for the Buddhist world today.
It is about 4-5hours walk up and down. Lunch at Taktsang cafeteria. Evening, take a leisurely walk around Paro town.
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Day 13 : Paro

Our guide will escort you to the Airport in the early morning to bid farewell for your onward journey.

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Inclusions

Hotel
Sightseeing
3 Star Hotel Accommodation
One time visa fees US$40
Tips Travel Insurance
All taxes and fees Entrance fees to all the monument and museum
Royalty US$ 65/person/night(Child under 12 year is exempt from Royalty US$65)
Mineral drinking water Personal Guide

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Exclusions

International Telephone Calls
Laundry Bills
Bar Bills
International Flights
Basic Trekking Equipments
All Ground Transportation
5 Star Accommodation
All Meal While Trek

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Terms & Conditions

Payment Terms & Methods :
* Some Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Airfare/Transport fare to be paid full at one time in advance.

Cancellation & Refund Policy :
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
* Retention Amount varies as per the number of days left before your package start date.

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This Tour is Offered by

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About Travelers Choice

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Travelers Choice serves as a reliable tour guide in Bhutan. It is an agency established by expert professionals with rich experience in the tourism field. The company is well-known for its secure, excellent, and reliable services. We at Travelers Choice assure clients of the best possible services in Bhutan due to our experience, expertise, and infrastructure.

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We are familiar with the places and activities in Bhutan.
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