Grade: Easy
Season: March to May & September to November
Trip Duration: 11 Days
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Day 1: Arrive Paro ( by Druk Air), Thimphu
Fly to Paro by Bhutan’s national airline Druk Air. After completion of arrival formalities, You will be met by our representative and drive to Paro town for lunch. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 and now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration. In the late afternoon drive to Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu (1¹/2 hour drive). Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2: Thimphu, Punakha (3 hour drive)
Morning visit the National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Folk Heritage Museum, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional Paper Factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo and Handicrafts Emporium. Following lunch drive to Punakha (an ancient capital of Bhutan). Stop en route at Dochula pass (3050 m) for refreshments. On a clear day this pass often offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges. Arrive Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong (the winter residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot and the central monastic body). Overnight at Punakha
Day 3: Punkha - Trongsa(5 hour drive)
Start early for the fabulous drive to the central valleys of Bhutan. The drive to Trongsa is via Wangdue and across Pele-la pass (3,300m/10,830 ft). The pass is marked by a large white chorten prayer flags. There is an abrupt change in vegetation at this point, with mountain forest replaced by high altitude dwarf bamboo. Then continue onwards, reaching Chendebji in time for lunch. View the Chendebji Chorten patterned on Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath Stupa, with eyes panted at four cardinal points. Arrive at Trongsa in afternoon and check into the hotel for the night.
Side trip to Phobjikha valley. It is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau. There is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century.
Day 4: Trongsa - Bumthang
After breakfast, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five Kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne. The Dzong is a massive structure with many levels, sloping down the contours of the ridge on which it is built. Then drive to Bumthang, over the Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds up to the pass, 28 km from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley of Bumthang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 5: Bumthang
This is one of the most spectacular valleys in Bhutan and also the heartland of Buddhism. In the morning visit Kurjey Lhakhang (where the saint Guru Pasmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock) and Tamshing Monastery (one of the oldest monastic schools built by Terton Pema Lingpa). We also visit Jambay Lhakhang (one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7th century) and Jakar Dzong (administrative center of the region). Stroll in the town and villages. Overnight in Bumthang.
Day 6: Bumthang - Nang Lhakhang (start trek)
Distance - 14 Kms/8.7 miles; Time 5 hours
Drive north from Jakar to the starting point at Tokto Zampa. The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its trout and through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We also pass by many villages and temples on this easy and relaxing day. Camp overnight at village. Altitude of Ngang Lhakhang: 2,800 m/9184 ft.
Day 7: Nang Lhakhang -Ugyencholing
Distance - 23 kms/15 miles; Time 7 - 8 hours
In the morning the trail ascends gradually through the thick forest of junipers and rhododendrons towards Phephela pass (3,465 m/11,365 ft). After lunch below the pass, we descend along the long path, through meadows and grazing fields to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyencholing village. Altitude of Ugyencholing: 2,850m
Day 8: Ugyencholing - Bumthang ( finish Trek)
In the morning walk up to Ugyencholing palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum. We then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tsho “Flaming Lake” one of Bhutan’s a most sacred pilgrimage site where devotees float small-lighted butter lamps on the water. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9: Bumthang - Wangdue
The drive to Wangdue is about 7 hours via Trongsa. Picnic will be served at convenient spot. Overnight in Wangdue.
Day 10: Wangdue - Paro(41/2 hour drive)
Morning drive to Paro across Dochula Pass. Afternoon free time for leisure or last minute shopping. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro (by Druk Air)
DAfter early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. |
