Bumthang Cultural Tour 14 Days
Day – 1 Arrive Paro: During the journey, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representative from Bhutan Majestic Travel who will escort you to Hotel Afternoon: Free
Day – 2 Paro — Thimphu: Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Dzong means fortress. This was actually the watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and houses the District Administration office and the Monk Body. It was built in 1646 AD. If time permits, visit Drugyal Dzong (Ruin Fortress), 15km from Paro Town. The name Drugyal means “Victorious “. The Dzong was built in 1649 AD by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the founder of Bhutan, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the chains of defensive fortresses against Tibetan invasion. The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. Tea at Hotel and leave for Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km from Paro and takes about 2 hours to drive. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Bumthang Cultural Tour 14 Days
Day – 3 Thimphu — Thimphu: Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. The Painting school where traditional art is still kept alive through instruction in the art of painting Thankas (Sacred Buddhist scroll). The Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Lunch at Hotel
Afternoon: Visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It also houses the largest Monastic schools in the country. It was built in 1629 AD. Visit Tashichho Dzong. This massive structure houses part of the Government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Tashichho Dzong is the main Secretariat building.
Day – 4 Thimphu — Punakha 77km: On the way, halt at Dochula pass (26 km) for tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of the eastern Himalayan mountains. Afternoon: Visit Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan. Punakha Dzong lies between the rivers Phochu and Mochu, “Male River and Female River.” The Dzong now houses the District Administration office and the winter residence of the state monastic body and its chief abbot. It was built in 1637 AD. Visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong which is 13 km. from Punakha. Wangdiphodrang Dzong and its small town is perched on a hill between two rivers. This is another District Administration office housed in a fortress ( Dzong ). It was built in 1638 AD. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day – 5 Punakha to Trongsa. (139 km.): Overnight in Trongsa.
Day — 6 Trongsa — Bumthang: Visit the Trongsa Dzong, this Dzong was the ancestral home of the ruling dynasty. It is also the District Administration office. It was built in 1648 AD. Visit the Ta-Dzong, the watch tower where displays of Mongol armors can be seen. Lunch at Trongsa. Afternoon: Drive to Bumthang (Jakar) 68 km. The journey takes about 3 hrs. and is over one of the most scenically beautiful route in Bhutan. Check in at the Guest House. Bumthang Cultural Tour 14 Days
Day – 7 A full day excursion of Bumthang valley: The visitors can visit the historical Jakar Dzong built by Minjur Tenpa, the Third Druk Desi in 1646 AD. It was later repaired and expanded by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgay, the Fourth Desi, in 1683 AD. ” Desi ” means temporal ruler appointed by Shabdrung. It is probably the biggest Dzong in Bhutan with the surrounding walls about 1 km. in circumference. The central tower (Utsi) is about 150 ft. high. Visit several ancient and sacred Buddhist Monasteries, Bumthang sheep farm, Diary farm, Juice factory, Mebar Tso (flaming lake ), and other places of interest.
Day — 8 Bumthang — Trongsa: More sight seeing in Bumthang. Lunch in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa. Overnight stay in Trongsa.
Day – 9 Drive to Gangtey Gompa (174 km): Overnight halt in Gangtey Guest House. Gangtey is a beautiful place situated at an altitude of 3000m. From Gangtey, one can view the nearby picturesque black mountain ranges as well as the beautiful Phobjikha valley. The place was inaccessible except on horse back or on foot until recently.
Day – 10 Begin the three day trek, Gangtey Gompa — Gogona: The trail winds through meadows and fields and then climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia, and rhododendron to the Tselela pass. (3320m) Overnight in camp. Altitude: 3000m, Distance: 14 km, Time: 5-6 hrs. Bumthang Cultural Tour 14 Days
Day – 11 Gogona — Kothokha: A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass (3390 m). The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of the mountains. Distance: 16km, Time: 6-7 hrs. Overnight camp.
Day – 12 Kothokha — Chuzomsa: A short ascent will bring you to the Tashila pass (2780 m). Be sure to fill your water bottles shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. You walk through an ever changing landscape into the drainage of Dangchu river. Overnight camping along the Dangchu.
Day – 13 Chuzomsa — Paro: Chuzomsa to motor road which is only about 45 minutes walk and from there we will drive to Paro. Lunch on the way in Thimphu and drive on to Paro. Thimphu falls on the way with only a 6km diversion. Check in Hotel.
Day – 14 Paro — Paro: Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from the hotel) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest.” The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000ft. and overlooks the Paro River. The round trip hike takes about 4-5 hrs. Picnic lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria. Bumthang Cultural Tour 14 Days
Day — 15 Depart Paro: Drive to Paro International Airport and your Guide and Driver would bid Farewell and wish you a very safe journey back home.