Bumthang is well known as one of the main cultural centres of Bhutan and there are many opportunities to visit temples and small Bhutanese villages along the trek route. Although the trek is on the easy side, it involves a few major climbs like the one up to Pephe La with an ascent of about 500 m.
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu – Bumthang
Day 05: ToktuZampa – Ngang Lhakhang
Day 06: Ngang Lhakhang – Tahung
Day 07: Tahung – Mesithang
Day 08: Bumthang – Thimphu.
Day 09: Thimphu – Paro
Day 10: Paro - Destination
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. You will be traditionally received by our representative and driven to the hotel.
Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, and meditated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After tea in the café walk back to the road point and drive to hotel for lunch.
Afternoon visit the Ta-dzong built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to the Rinpung dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. Overnight at Paro.
Drive to Thimphu (54 km.), the modern capital of Bhutan. Check in the hotel. After lunch, visit the Memorial stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the Indigenous Hospital, where traditional medicine is still practiced, and the Painting School, where children still learn the ancient art of painting. O/N at hotel.
Drive to Bumthang via Dochula pass (altitude 3050 meters). From here on a clear day one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan, such as the Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jeje Khang, Masakhang Gangchey ta.
Noon: Pack lunch en-route to Trongsa. After lunch drive on to Bumthang (129 km), via Pele la pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters.
Distance 12km, four to five hours, 170m ascent, camp altitude 2,800m). The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul.
Distance 16km, six hours, 750m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 2,720m). The day starts out across meadows and with the view of the valley below. Then you climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping places the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.
Distance 16km, four to five hours, 230m descent. . The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake) and lead you to Tang Ugyen Choling. Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan. From here you will soon reach the road head. Drive to Bumthang for overnight stay.
Drive to Thimphu. Check into hotel. Free time to relax.
Morning more sightseeing in Thimphu. Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Drive to Paro airport to catch Druk Air flight. Your guide will escort you to the Paro Airport and bid you farewell!
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