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The Bumthang Cultural Trek

The Bumthang Cultural Trek


This is a short three day, popular and fairly easy trek that takes you through beautiful valleys and along clear, trout-filled rivers. Bumthang is often known as the ‘cultural heartland’ of Bhutan. It takes you through villages and heritage sites in the valley of Bumthang area. The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of Bhutan and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside, and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life. It is to be noted that this trek involves the climb to Phephe La (3360 m) and this part may be strenuous. The best time to embark on this trek is in spring or autumn. Along with the trek you would be embarking on Cultural Tour where you would visit some of the key sight seeing places in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Bumthang.

Brief Description of Cities covered in this tour

Thimphu: Capital and the largest city of Bhutan - Only capital city in the world that does not have traffic lights - Main center of Commerce, Religion and Government in the country - Most modern city of Bhutan and has abundance of restaurants, internet cafes, nightclubs and shopping center. It is one of the few cities of Bhutan having ATM facilities. 

Paro: Small town in the western part of Bhutan - Also home to Paro Airport, Bhutan’s only International Airport - The valley has many isolated small villages and is known for red rice - Also home to most of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries.

Punakha and Wangdue: Punakha and Wangdue is located in the same valley. These two places are located within a distance of 13 km. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan and the seat of government until 1955 - The valley is fed by the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu rivers - It is one of very few places in Bhutan which offers Rafting facilities - It is the winter seat of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and the monk body at present.

Gangtey/Phobjikha: The famous Phobjikha Valley is located in Wangdue district - Phobjikha is the winter roosting place for endangered black necked crane and the valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

Trongsa: Also known as the Vanguard of the Warriors - The first and Second Kings of Bhutan ruled Bhutan from Trongsa - The Crown Prince normally holds the position of the Trongsa Penlop before ascending to the Throne.

Bumthang: Bumthang District is one of the 20 districts comprising Bhutan - The most historic dzongkhag if the number of ancient temples and sacred sites is counted - Consists of the four mountain valleys of Ura, Chumey, Tang and Choekhor, although occasionally the entire district is referred to as Bumthang valley - Literally, Bumthang directly translates to "beautiful field". "Bum" is said to be the abbreviation for either "Bumpa" (a vessel for holy water) describing the shape and the nature of the Valley, or simply "Bum" meaning Girl, thang means field or ground.


Trip Facts


Our aim is to ensure that the travel to Bhutan is a "Life Time Experience" for our guests. Except the overnight destination and the period of the trek, the itineraries are flexible and can be modified as per the convinience and the requirement of our guests. 

Travel type: Trek / Hikes / Cultural / Photography

Pick up: Paro

Drop: Paro

Duration: 14 Nights / 15 Days

Destinations: Paro,Thimphu,Wangdue Phodrang,Punakha/Wangdue,Trongsa,Bumthang,Gangtey/Phobjikha

Possible Departures:

Best Period for this trek are March to May and September to November.

However, the departures would depend upon flight schedule and seats availability. 

In case of unavailability of rooms in the desired hotels or to accomodate any exigencies, we reserve the right the modify the itinerary as may be needed to confirm the booking.

If a particular sight seeing is closed because of Government Holiday and other occasions, we would provide, alternate sightseeing in its place to capture and experience Bhutan.

Valued Added Services:

We can provide following additional valued added experiences in Bhutan at additional cost wherever applicable -

  • Candle Light Dinner.
  • Picnic lunch at Riverside.
  • Preaching session by the Monk followed by blessing ceremony.
  • Archery Session.
  • Traditional Hot Stone Bath in a rural home.
  • Traditional Cultural Show for 1 hour.
  • Evening with Bhutanese family in farm house, dinner and local ara experience.
  • Ara (Rice liquor) brewing lessons.
  • Overnight Home Stay, where experience local life, learn to cook Bhutanese Dishes, learn about Bhutanese Life and interact with host family, join family in their daily activities.
  • Village walk to experience Rural Bhutanese life.
  • Bhutan Culinary Session.
  • Apple harvesting & plucking tours in Paro (Main Season – End of September)
  • Traditional Gho & Kira wearing session.
  • Personalized Stamps.
  • Traditional wedding to renew the vows.
  • Camping options at Thimphu (outskirts), Paro, Punakha and Haa.
  • Experience Rafting at Punakha.
  • One side bicycle between Thimphu – Paro and return by vehicle.
  • Day excursion on Royal Enfield Motor Bikes to Chele La Pass.
  • Additional day hiking options in Thimphu, Paro, Punakha and Gangtey.

Outline Itinerary


Day 1. Paro - Thimphu

Day 2. Thimphu Sightseeing

Day 3. Thimphu - Gangtey/Phobjikha

Day 4. Gangtey/Phobjikha

Day 5. Gangtey - Trongsa - Bumthang:

Day 6. Bumthang Sightseeing

Day 7. Jakar - Nagang Lhakhang (Start of the Trek)

Day 8. Nagang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing

Day 9. Ugyenchholing - Jakar

Day 10. Bumthang: Excursion to Ura valley

Day 11. Bumthang - Punakha

Day 12. Punakha/Wangdue Sightseeing

Day 13. Wangdue Phodrang/Punakha - Paro

Day 14. Paro Sightseeing

Day 15. Departure