Explore the mysterious Bhutan that has attracted the world with the Cultural Bumthang Trek! This short and comfortable trek is one of the most preferred routes to explore the picturesque Bumthang valley, its oldest Buddhist temples, and trout-filled rivers. This diversified trek abounds in the unique culture and scenic landscape; beginning at an altitude of 2600m in Bumthang, you will make your way to Ngang Lhakhang, trek to Ugyenchholing, and crossing Phephe-La Pass (3600m) before finally reaching Mebartsho and returning to Bumthang.
Additionally, you will have the opportunity to visit Taktsang Monastery – also known as Tiger’s Nest – and other cultural heritage landmarks, as well as experience the amazing mountainous panoramas of Paro, Thimpu, and other towns.
The best time to go on the Bumthang Cultural Trek is between April and May or September and October. The weather is mild and pleasant during these months, and you’ll also have the opportunity to witness some of the local cultural events. You can also go during the winter months of December and January, but the temperatures may be too cold for some.
HimalayanWindows will ensure your trek is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible and can customize the itinerary to suit your interests. So, what are you waiting for? Embark on the Cultural Bumthang Trek and experience Bhutan’s sheltered life!
Arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel
You will be picked up by our representative at the airport and transfer to the hotel in Paro.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Provided
Day Hike to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s nest (2-3 hours hiking). Early in the morning, our guide comes to your hotel to pick you up for the day hike to Tiger’s Nest Temple. Our guide will brief you about the timing of your wake-up one day earlier so that you can be prepared in time.
Half an hour’s drive from your hotel takes you to the start point of the Paro Taktsang hike. A short glimpse of the Tiger’s nest from distance will excite you to hike this beautiful monastery clinging on the cliff. It takes about three hours to reach the monastery where you will have a short break at the cafeteria en-route. The total time for this beautiful hiking takes about five hours.
After completion of this beautiful hiking, you will drive back to the hotel.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Dinner
After a good breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Thimpu from Paro which takes about an hour. This day, you will visit some of the important sights in Thimphu including Buddha Dordenma, Thimphu Dzong, Memorial Chorten, etc.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Provided
Drive to Wangduephodrang; En-route enjoy the view from Dochu-La Pass (4-5 hours)
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Provided
After breakfast at the hotel, you will drive to Bumthang via Trongsa (6-7 hours) through the hilly mountainous road and Pele La Pass (3300m)
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Provided
Highlights of the drive to Bumthang from Trongsa:
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotels
Meals: Provided
You will start your trek today with a walk that covers about 12 miles in five to six hours. Your route following the Chamkhar Chu, a river well-known for trout-fish. You will stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang from here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of Swan), at the center of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang ‘swan Temple’. In the past days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight at the basic guest house or tented camp.
Accommodation: Basic guest house/tented camp
Meals: Provided
Your trek today covers about 22 Kilometers in seven to eight hours. You will begin with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass (3350m), the highest point of the Bumthang Cultural Trek. The route passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. You will visit Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository of artifacts of ancient nobility. Overnight at the guest house/tented camp.
Accommodation: Basic guest house/tented camp
Meals: Provided
Your trek today covers about ten kilometers in three to four hours. The trail follows Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is Tang Rimochen Lhakhang, marking a sacred place where Guru Rimpoche mediated. The trek continues passing the Mebar Tsho (flaming lake) to Pangshing, where you are picked up and transferred the rest of the way to Jakar.
Accommodation: Guesthouse
Meals: Provided
Begin your day with Bumthang Market, and then drive to Wanguephodrang/Punakha. Along the way, visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue. Overnight at hotel
Accommodation: 3 Star Hotel
Meals: Provided
If you miss to visit early, visit Punakha Dzong and drive back to Paro. Overnight at Paro.
Accommodation: 3-Star Hotel
Meals: Provided
Transfer to the Paro International airport – Departure
Accommodation: N/A
Meals: Breakfast
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Payment: A deposit of 30% of the total tour cost is required to book the tour with Himalayan Windows (HW). The remaining balance is to be paid three days prior to the departure date. Payment can be made via Wire Transfer or Credit Card. All credit card payments are securely processed and a bank fee applies.
Cancellation: For cancellations more than 30 days before the Tour Start Date, there will be no cancellation fee. If the cancellation happens within 29-4 days prior to the Tour Start Date, a charge of 30% of the total invoice amount will be applied. Cancellations occurring within 3 days or less of the start date or in the case of a no-show, 100% of the total invoice amount will be charged. Learn more about Terms and Conditions.
Accommodation: Accommodation is typically provided in twin rooms in cities, though a single supplement can be requested for an additional fee. During peak season, it can be difficult to find single or twin rooms in the mountains, so our lodges usually offer dormitory-style accommodation. Our priority is always to provide clean and safe rooms for our guests.
Meals: Our packages in Bhutan include full board meals, with breakfast, lunch, and dinner included. For treks, all meals are provided, but you will need to pay extra for drinking water and snacks.
Nepal Visa: If you are planning a trip to Nepal, you must have a valid passport and Nepal Visa. Depending on your country of origin, you may need to obtain a Nepal Tourist Visa before your arrival. To be eligible, your passport should be valid for a minimum of six months from your Tour Start Date. If you are planning on traveling to multiple countries on your trip, make sure to get a multi-entries Nepal Visa.
Bhutan Visa Clearance: All visitors to Bhutan must have a valid Bhutan Visa Clearance before their trip. To obtain it, you must submit a color-scanned copy of your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months from the start date of your tour. Your tour operator will send you a Visa Clearance prior to your departure, which you must present at the Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines counter during check-in. Once you arrive at Paro Airport, your passport will be stamped with the original visa.
Tibet Group Visa (TGV): All travelers from any nation intending to go to Tibet from Nepal must obtain a Tibet Group Visa (TGV) in Kathmandu with the help of a tour operator. To ensure the successful application of the TGV, you should plan to arrive in Kathmandu 3-4 working days before your travel date. If you are coming from China, you will not require a TGV; instead, you will need a Chinese Visa and Permit. To find out more about the process of entering Tibet, please look into the Tibet entry procedure.
Nepal & Bhutan: Visiting Nepal and Bhutan at the same time is ideal as they share a similar climate. From high mountains to low land sub-tropical plains and jungles, the two countries have similar weather. The best time to visit is from March to April (spring) and October to December (autumn and early winter). During these months, the air is clean and fresh with sunny skies. January and February are colder months, while June, July, and August (summer) are typically monsoon seasons.
Tibet: It is best to visit Tibet between April and October when the weather is warm and the skies are clear. However, from November to March, it is still possible to explore certain areas like Namtso, Everest Base Camp, and Mount Kailash, as long as the roads are not blocked by snow. Temperatures during this time may be quite cold.
HimalayanWindows strongly recommends that anyone planning to travel in the Himalayas purchase Travel Insurance. This policy will provide coverage in the case of medical emergencies, evacuation, theft, loss of belongings, and last-minute tour/ticket cancellations. Having this protection in place will help ensure that your trip is safe and enjoyable.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about the Bhutan tour Where is Bhutan? Bhutan is a small, landlocked country situated in the eastern Himalayas between China and India. Its landscape ranges from Subtropical plains and forests in the south to subalpine forests and the snowy Himalayas in the North. Bhutan is a principally Buddhist country, and it is recognized as the last stronghold of Mahayana Buddhism. Do I need to use a… Read More »