BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

Duration :	11 days - 10 nights
Places Covered :	Paro - Thimphu - Tongsa - Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing - Bumthang - Punakha - Paro
Tour Code:	HM050

Starting out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this three days trek passes through several villages in its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life

Season :The trek is recommended from March to May and then again from September to November.

Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by Connecting Horizons (Adventures India) representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Paro.

Day 2 : Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Thimpu
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. After lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the Traditional Medicines are still practiced, the Painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Day 4 : Thimpu - Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Day 5 : Tongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6 : Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.

Day 7 : Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing
A trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 8 : Ugyenchholing - Bumthang
Morning walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12 century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 9 : Bumthang - Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10 : Punakha - Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.