10N 11D - Signature Bumthang Cultural Trek

After breakfast cover some remaining sights in Thimphu & later drive to Punakha valley which is about 2 hours from here. The Dochula pass is one of the most spectacular passes in Bhutan and is about 45 minutes’ drive (22km) from the capital city, Thimphu. The pass (3080) marks the watershed between the districts of Thimphu on the western side and Punakha on the eastern side. It presents a panoramic view of these districts and some others beyond them. You can also get the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas. On arrival, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman." The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical village called Lobesa.

Later afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong (Druk Pungthang Decchen Phodrang - the Palace of Great Happiness). Built in 1637 by Zhabdung Nawang Namgyal in a commanding position at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu (Father and Mother rivers). Bhutan’s second oldest dzong served as the seat of the Kingdom's government until the time of the second King and today is the winter home of the Je Khempo, the head abbot of Bhutan, along with a retinue of about 1,000 monks. Some guests are so captivated by the murals, shrines and general goings on in the courtyards that they chose to spend a few hours in the dzong.

Overnight Punakha(Alt; 1,300m)

On rise, after your breakfast drive to Phobjikha enrouting Wangdue valley.It’s about 2 hrs drive from here.Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the periphery of the north western tip of the Black Mountain National Park. The valley is a conservatoin area and lies on the northern boundary of the Jowo Durshing range. People sometimes refer to the entire region as Gangtey after the name of the Gangtey Goenpa that is situated on a ridge overlooking the Phobjikha valley. According to legend that the Gangtey Goenpa was founded by the grandson (the mind incarnation) of Pema Lingpa in 1613. The Phobjikha valley is also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes that migrate each year in winter from its northern habitats in Tibet and Siberia to these grounds.

Visit Information Centre for the Blacked Necked Cranes. Evening, take a hike through the Blue Pine forest to the village farmhouse. Try traditional Bhutanese snacks made from corn and rice with a homemade wine.

Overnight Phobjikha (Alt; 2,900m)

At dawn take a walk out into the serene valley of Phobjikha to enjoy the sunrise. After breakfast head on the journey which will take you across Pele La pass (3,300m), which is marked by a chorten and an array of prayer flags. On a clear day, you can get spectacular views of the highestpeaks of the kingdom and its quite common to spot some yaks and yak herders on this pass. This point marks the boundary between western and central Bhutan as well as the western border of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park.

Beyond Pele La is Longte Valley where people raise sheep and yaks. You’ll come to the village of Rukubji Valley, with its big school and Gompa. The houses here are clustered amid extensive fields of mustard, potatoes, barley, and wheat. As you drive down through rhododendron trees and ferns, you’ll reach Chendebji village. This was a night halt for mule caravans traveling from Trongsa during the reign of the 2nd King of Bhutan.

Just below Chendebji village is the Chendebji chorten, a large white structure beside a stream. This chorten is modeled after Swayambhunath in Kathmandu. The last village before you reach Trongsa is Tangsibji, which provides full view of Trongsa Dzong and its distinctive roof. On arrival visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1645, is a vast, white fortress that appears to grow directly up from the narrow green ridge on which it is constructed. It is one of the most powerful Dzongs and even today the crown prince of Bhutan must first become its Trongsa Penlop (governor) before he can become Bhutan’s King.

TO BUMTHANG:

Continue your drive to Bumthang, the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. This journey will take you over one of the most scenically beautiful routes in Bhutan via the Yotong La pass (3425m), which is also the habitat for the Satyr peasant. Good for photography.

As you enter the Chhume Valley (the first of the four valleys that comprise the Bumthang Valley) you can visit a center of Yathra weaving. Yathra is the name for the locally produced hand-woven woolen cloth. Distinctive patterns and bright, earthy colors enliven the fabric, which is used for a wide variety of purposes and sought after throughout the country.Evening, stroll small down town of Bumthang or relax at the hotel.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2,580m)

Morning visit 17th century Jakar Dzong (the castle of white bird) perched on the hillock where the religious festival is taking place. Immerse yourself with locals and enjoy the elaborate religious mask dances that are performed by monks and laymen’s alike.

After lunch, take a leisurely hike through several ancient and important monasteries such as, Jambay lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang & Tamshing (These temples have many mythical stories linked to its origin and some of them dates back as early as 7th century. Your guide will unfold its mystery as you visit these holy sites. Evening, take a stroll in Bumthang’s local town and experience their peaceful lifestyle.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt; 2,580m)

After breakfast drive north for about 20 minutes and start trek from Kurjey Zampa bridge, the trail is gradual and it follows the left bank of the Bumthang Choskor Chu river. After an hour walk you will reach to suspension bridge that connects the other side of village of Thangbi. Continue your walk further along the riverside through the meadows and forests of blue pine trees. The trek is a gradual walk all the way to Ngang-yul (Swan Land) at 2850m. The camp site is in the open meadow surrounded by forest. If you are interested you can explore the village in the evening after you settle down at the campsite.

(Approx. distance 9 kms /4 hours /ascent 170m)

After breakfast continue across the meadows and through dense vegetations of bamboos and little bushes, crisscrossing several rivulets. After an hour or so the trail ascends through cool, wooded forests of birches draped with Spanish moss and through rhododendron and juniper forest along a dry gulley to Phehphe La pass (3360m), marked by fluttering prayer flags and stone shrine. From here the trail descends through deep forest and across a stream and opens to a wide meadow with grazing yaks, cows and sheep to Tang valley. The campsite is in a wide meadow beside the river near the village of Gumling.

(Approx. distance 17kms/ 6- 7 hrs/ascent 750m-descent 700m)

In the morning, take a short uphill hike to 16th century Ugyencholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small museum containing an excellent overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan.

On the way back, we will visit the Mebartso (The Lake of Fire). It is here that Terton Pemalingpa (founder of the Nyingmapa sect) is said to have found treasure hidden by Guru Rimpoche in the 15th Century. He retrieved the treasure carrying a lamp which continued to burn even after being plunged into the freezing water. Legend says the key to Shangri la will be found here someday. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to make butter lamp offering.

Overnight Bumthang (Alt;2,560m)

Take a short scenic flight to Paro, make sure you request for the right-hand side of the plane when you check in to get the great views of the Himalayas, provided if the weather is clear.

Time for an easy but spectacular walk high above the valley to the pretty grounds of Zurig Dzong overlooking Rinpung Dzong and the festival ground before descending to our pick up point near Ta dzong (watch tower). Taking in the magnificent views, we may be fortunate to see a plane on its final approach. Visit Bhutan’s National museum which houses some of the religious mask, Thangkas (wall hanging/tapestry), religious artefacts, History & geological landscape of Bhutan. Proceed further down to visit Rinpung Dzong (fortress on the heap of jewel) which houses the seat of government and monastic body of Paro valley.

Take a short walk down to the traditional cantilevered bridge Nyami Zam which is built over the Pa Chhu River. From here you can get a good picture of the Ta Dzong, Dzong & the bridge.

Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious Leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt exterior is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, "Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon." Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria. On the way back visit 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country.

Evening, visit a typical village home for a traditional Bhutanese style dinner accompanied by the local liquor called "Ara" (tastes somewhat like the Japanese Sake).

Overnight Paro(Alt; 2,280m)

Druk Air normally departs in the morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, your transfer to the airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.