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Bhutan Cultural Tour with Three days Bimthang Trek
Bhutan Cultural Tour with Three days Bimthang Trek
Duration: 12 DaysBhutan Cultural Tour with Three days Bimthang Trek combines sightseeing and trekking effortlessly in one package. Bhutan often called the Land of Happiness is a small landlocked country bordered by India and China. The unexploited ancient culture and traditions including the practice of strict Buddhism make this country so unique. The country's extreme measure to protect the nature has resulted in making it one of the few countries in the world with most protected areas in the world and the only carbon-negative nation in the world. This 12 day Bhutan trip starts at an altitude of 2,195m and reaches up to 3,360m.
The trip starts at Paro where we visit KichuLhakhang, Ta Dzong, and RinpungDzong. Also, we hike to one of the most famous landmarks of the country, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). While in the capital Thimphu, we’ll visit Memorial Chorten, National Institute of Traditional Medicine and TashichhoDzong where we will get to know more about the Bhutanese history. Next, we drive to Punakha where PunakhaDzong sits in all its glory; it is the oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan.
Our trek begins from Bimthang; we get familiar with the rural Bhutanese culture in the trek. Climbing high passes, passing through picturesque forested valleys, camping at beautiful places and many other wonders make this three-day-long trek a truly fascinating ride.Interested in visiting Bhutan but this 12-day-long itinerary is not for you? Well, Adventure Club Trek has shorter Bhutan travel packages like Glimpses of Bhutan Tour- 4 Days, and Journey to Druk Yul Tour- 5 Days.
Trip Highlights:
- Hiking up to Taktsang Monastery.
- Visiting KichuLhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan.
- Exploring the capital city of Thimphu.
- One of the main highlights is also the PunakhaDzong, the oldest and second largest Dzong in Bhutan that is located at the confluence of two rivers.
- Visiting TrongsaDzong, it is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
- Exploring the mystic Buddhist monastery called gang Lhakhang.
- Delving deep into Bhutan’s culture and traditions.
Outline Itinerary:
- Day 01: Flight to Paro and Cultural Sightseeing Tour (2250m)
- Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2,320m): 50 km, 1 hour, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (3,120m)
- Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu
- Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m): 76 km, 2 -3 hours
- Day 05: Punakha to Bumthang (2,850m): 214 km, 7 hours
- Day 06: Trek Bumthang to NgangLhakhang (2,895m):10Km, 2 - 3 hour
- Day 07: Trek NgangLhakhang to UgyenCholing (2,895m)-18Km, 6 -7 hours
- Day 08: Trek UgyenCholing to Jakar/Bumthang (2,745m)-2Km, 1.5 hours
- Day 09: Sightseeing in Jakar/Bumthang
- Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdue (1,240m)-197 km, 6 hours
- Day 11: Wangdue to Paro (2,320m)-124 km, 3 - 4 hours
- Day 12: Flight from Paro to Kathmandu
Day 01: Flight to Paro and Cultural Sightseeing Tour (2250m)
The air route to Paro offers spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges like Chomolhari (7,326 m) and Jichu Drake (6,662 m).Upon your arrival at Paro, you will be received by our representative who will accompany you to the hotel. We start the day after lunch, visiting the National Museum, Ta Dzong which was once a fortified lookout tower. We descend from the museum to RinpungDzong which means fortress of the heap of jewels. Our next stop is KichuLhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan followed by a visit to DrugyelDzong, the fort built to signify the victory of Bhutan over Tibetan invaders. If the weather permits, we can catch a glimpse of Mt. Chomolhari (7,326 m), the second highest mountain in the country. Overnight in Paro
Day 02: Paro to Thimphu (2,320m): 50 km, 1 hour, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (3,120m)
Today, we hike to one of Bhutan’s famous landmark, Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), located on a cliff, 900 meters above Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpoche came flying on a tigress’ back to mediate in a cave where the landmark is today. We leave after breakfast and have lunch halfway up the mountain in the Cafeteria Restaurant. We head down from the monastery and later in the evening we drive to Thimphu where we’ll spend the night.
Day 03: Sightseeing in Thimphu
We start our day off by visiting the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Jigme Dorji Wang chuck, third King of Bhutan.We enjoy the view of Thimphu valley from the Radio Tower and then will
see Bhutan’s national animal, takin. We then explore the history of Thimbu by going to nunnery temples, school of arts and crafts and the National Library (contains ancient manuscripts). After lunch, we head out to see other landmarks of the city including the traditional paper factory, the National Institute of Traditional Medicine and TashichhoDzong meaning The Fortress of the Glorious Religion. If you like to know more about the lifestyle of the people in Bhutan, you can take a walk in the evening. Overnight in Thimbu.
Day 04: Thimphu to Punakha (1,250m): 76 km, 2 -3 hours
Leaving the capital city of Thimbu behind, we head towards Punakha today. We make a stop at Dochula Pass (3,100m) for tea, and if the weather permits, you can see the fantastic views Mt. Masanggang (7,158 meters/23,484 ft.), it is the highest peak in Bhutan. Driving past the forest of fir, rhododendron, and hemlock, we head downhill crossing the rice field to reach our destination. We relax and have lunch, then explore the PunakhaDzong which is located at the confluence of rivers, Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu. It is the second largest and second oldest Dzong of Bhutan.
Day 05: Punakha to Bumthang (2,850m): 214 km, 7 hours
Today, we start with a ride! Making our way through twisty roads and crossing the Pele La Pass (3,300m), we drive to Bimthang, a place known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. If it's the right season, you may even see yaks along the road. We follow the lunch at Trongsa by a short visit to TrongsaDzong, an excellent example of Bhutanese architecture. We’ll then see how yathra (textile weaving) is made by visiting yathra factory where we can even watch weavers working in their looms. We pass through hills and green valleys before reaching Bimthang for the overnight stay.
Day 06: Trek Bumthang to NgangLhakhang (2,895m):10Km, 2 - 3 hour
We begin our hike from Thangbi (Thankabi) Goemba and take a route that follows Chamkhar Chu, a river where trout fish is found in abundance. (After an hour, we will pass the ZanglingLhakhang on the hill to the right) Lunch at ThangbiLhakhang. We resume our journey and will enter NyangYul(Land of the Swan), the name given as the valley was a habitat for swans in the past. At the center of it lies the NgangLhakhang(Swan Temple). Overnight in a Camp at an altitude of 2900m.
Day 07: Trek NgangLhakhang to UgyenCholing (2,895m)-18Km, 6 -7 hours
To get to Phephe La Pass(3360m), the highest point in our trek, we have to trek through forests and hills while enjoying some outstanding sceneries. Along the way, we can stop and enjoy picturesque natural views. After reaching the top, we’ll come down to Tang valley before we get to UgyenCholingVIllage where we’ll camp for the night by the riverside at an altitude of 2760m.
Day 08: Trek UgyenCholing to Jakar/Bumthang (2,745m)-2Km, 1.5 hours
Today, we explore the UgyenCholing Palace where all the artifacts of ancient nobilities are safely stored. We then head downwards to Kizam where we’ll be picked up. We drive 25 km to reach MebarTsho where we will explore the Mebar the Lake(The Burning Lake), a sacred site and the name refers to an episode in the 15th century when TertonPemalingpa dived into the lake with a burning lamp and discovered holy relics hidden here by Guru Rinpoche. Overnight at Bumthang.
Day 09: Sightseeing in Jakar/Bumthang
Today, we explore most of the religious landmarks in Bumthang. We’ll visit the JakarDzong, the administrative center of the valley followed by one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, JambayLhakhang, built when Buddhism was first introduced in the country. Next, we’ll pay a visit to one of Bhutan’s most historically significant and sacred monastery, KurjeyLhakhang. According to history, 8th-century Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche’s body imprint lies in one of the three oldest buildings in the KurjeyLhakhang complex; it also holds the remains of the first three kings of Bhutan.
We’ll also stop at TamshingLhakhang where a collection of religious Buddhist paintings are stored. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 10: Bumthang to Wangdue (1,240m)-197 km, 6 hours
Today is our last day in Bumthang. After strolling through the market, we head to Wangdue. Wangdue is a regular Bhutanese town famous for its dramatic Dzong which sits on a ridge at the curve of a river. The villages nearby are known for their stone and slate carvings. It is indeed a cultural experience. Overnight in Wangdue.
Day 11: Wangdue to Paro (2,320m)-124 km, 3 - 4 hours
Today, we cross the Dochula Pass, and we head towards Paro. En route we’ll visit ChimiLhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama DrukpaKuenley. We’ll lunch at Dochula Pass. Then we’ll explore the Druk Wangyal Monastery, only of its kind in the country showcasing paintings of the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Then, we’ll resume our journey to Paro where we’ll stay the night. You can explore the town in the evening.
Day 12: Flight from Paro to Kathmandu
Bid farewell to the Land of Thunder Dragon! So many memories to take away. After an early breakfast, you’ll be transferred to the airport as Druk Air flies early in the morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Enjoy the scenic flight back to Kathmandu.
Cost Includes
- All arrival and departure transfer in a private tourist vehicle.
- Full board meals with tea and snacks - for the duration of your stay.
- Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
- Government approved A and B category hotels on twin- shared basis.
- Tented camp during trekking on twin- shared basis.
- Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s).
- Experienced English speaking guides and local staff.
- Trekking equipment like sleeping bag, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, mattresses, etc.
- Trekking cooks and trek assistant.
- Porter services for trekking.
- All city tour with permits, entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- All applicable Bhutanese government taxes/royalties and Company services charge.
Cost Excludes
- Entry Visa fees - at present $25 for 15 day, US$ 40 for 30 day, and US$ 100 for three month visa on entry into Nepal.
- Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
- Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry)
- Travel and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
- Tips and gratitude provided to staff.
- Excess baggage charges.
- Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc)
Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern whilst you are traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline and there can be illness or an injury. To avoid dangerous situations we may occasionally have to make changes to the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That having been said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and to keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.
Pre-Trip Meeting
Prior to all the treks and expeditions, Adventure Club Trek hosts a pre-trip meeting in Kathmandu. The primary purpose of the meeting is to provide an opportunity for individuals to ask questions about the forthcoming trek and to introduce other team members. The meeting covers topics as diverse as personal equipment and acclimatization and usually involves a hike and some skills training. Pre-trip meeting is very important in order to have a better preparation of the trekking.
Trip Facts
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Trip Code ACTE-29
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Trip Duration 12 Days
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Destination Bhutan
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Trip Difficulty Moderate
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Trip Style Popular
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Accomodation Standard hotels and camps
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