14 Days Cultural Journey With Nature Trek in Central Bhutan
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14 Days Cultural Journey With Nature Trek in Central Bhutan
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Wed
18 Mar
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14 Days Cultural Journey With Nature Trek in Central Bhutan
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NZD 10,880
Highlights
This two-week cultural journey through the six districts of Bhutan – Paro, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang, Punakha and Thimphu offers a deep understanding of Bhutan’s rich culture and traditions that have remained untouched for centuries. The trip includes 5 days of easy and enjoyable trekking around scenic extreme remote villages in the central Bhutan district of Trongsa. The climate is warm and pleasant as the trail stays between 1000-1500m in altitude and there is a wide array of flora and fauna observable along the route including the rare Golden Langur, Red Pandas, Himalayan Black Bears, Rhesus Monkeys, Rufous-necked Hornbills and Clouded Leopards.
Hikers on this trek will have plenty of opportunities to experience traditional rural life as they will spend nights in the villages where people respect and consider nature as a source of all lives. In some of the villages, the women folks will put together cultural shows full of singing and dancing for visitors.
Itinerary
Arrive Paro International Airport & Sightseeing in Paro (2200m)
Kyichu Lhakhang
30 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedYou will be received by our guide and driver at the Paro International Airport and then you will be on your first adventure in the ‘Kingdom of the Thunder Dragon’. We will visit an auspicious 7th-century monastery Kyichu Lhakhang built in 659 AD by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to subdue the spirit of a demoness who was causing obstruction to the propagation of Buddhism.National Museum of Bhutan འབྲུག་གི་འགྲེམས་སྟོན་ཁང་།
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armor, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. If time permits, explore the Paro town and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. Paro Altitude 2,200m/7,220ft- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Lhayhuel Resort or Bhutan Mandala ResortFood And DrinksLunchDinner
Paro / Transfer to Bumthang in Central Bhutan by Domestic Flight (2600m)
Tamshing Lhakhang Temple
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedToday, you will take a domestic flight to Bumthang in central Bhutan. This domestic flight service has helped the visitors cut short traveling time from a 12-hour strenuous drive to just under 30 minutes and the flight presents stunning aerial views of the pristine valleys and mountainous topography of Bhutan. Flight Time: 30 minutes On arrival in Bumthang, you will visit the sacred Tamzhing temple built in 1501 by Terton Pema Lingpa who is considered as the patron saint of Bhutan. Among the many treasures and religious artifacts handcrafted by the Pema Lingpa himself, there is an armory that stood the test of time for five centuries bearing no rust or any sign of deterioration. It is believed that you will be cleansed of all your past sins and defilement if you circumambulate the inner sanctum of the temple 3 rounds carrying that sacred armory.Bumthang Swiss Cheese and Wine Shop
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedYou'll also visit the Swiss Cheese and Wine factory which was established by Mr. Fritz Maurer, a Swiss volunteer who came to Bhutan in the early 1960s and made Bumthang his home. Leisure time strolling the Chamkhar, the main town of Bumthang valley. Bumthang Altitude 2700m/8,860ft- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Hotel UgyenlingFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Drive to Tang Valley & Sightseeing in Bumthang (2700m)
Tang Valley
4 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, drive for about 45min to the sacred lake called Mebartso from where a sacred statue and other religious treasures were discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa. Visit the nearby Tang village and ramble through the rural settlements to understand the daily lives of the farmers of Bumthang. Home-cooked local cuisine unique to Bumthang will be organized at one of the village farmhouses for lunch. After lunch, spend some time with the local family. If interested, visit Ogyen Choling Museum. Although Ogyen Choling was a palace owned by the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan, it was regarded as being a monastery or hermitage because of its past connections with great Buddhist masters like Longhcen Rabjam (1308-63) and Terton Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). It was turned into a museum in 2001 to share its heritage and also to preserve and maintain its religious and cultural significance. Drive back to Bumthang also known as Jakar. Driving time: 2-hours round tripJambay Lhakhang བྱམས་་པ་ལྷ་ཁང་།
30 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedOne of the oldest Lhakhang in the Kingdom, Jambay Lhakhang was founded by the King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in the 7th century AD. The King was destined to build 108 Lhakhangs to subdue the spirit of the demoness that was residing in the Himalayas. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the two which were built in Bhutan. The other one is Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro, both believed to have been built on the same day.Kurje Lhakhang
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedVisit Kurjey Lhakhang which is built on the sacred site blessed by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century. Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan and is revered as the second Buddha in Tibetan Buddhism. If you wish, visit one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, the 7th century Jambay Lhakhang believed to have been built overnight by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Kaila Guesthouse or Hotel UgyenlingFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Bumthang / Transfer to Trongsa in Central Bhutan (2200m)
Trongsa
3 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeFollowing a hearty breakfast at the hotel, drive to the district of Tongsa. En route, stop briefly at Chumey village to see Yathra Weaving Center (Yathra is the colorful textiles hand woven out of sheep and yak hair) and get insights on the traditional attires and the weaving culture of the people of Bumthang. From there continue to drive gaining altitude gradually and reach a serene mountain pass, Yotong La at 3,425m/11,235ft and then descend down to Trongsa. Driving Time: 2 hours, Trongsa Altitude 2,000m/7,217ftThe Tower of Trongsa Museum
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedArriving Trongsa, you'll visit Royal Heritage Museum housed in the 17th-century watchtower located on a promontory overlooking the Majestic Trongsa Dzong. The Royal Heritage Museum provides an insight into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history and showcases the religious and artistic traditions of Bhutan.Trongsa Dzong ཀྲོང་གསར་རྫོང།
1 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe 17th-century Trongsa Dzong holds a significant place in the history of Bhutan as it was from here that the ancestors of the Royal family of Bhutan emerged as the most powerful rulers in the 19th and early 20th centuries. The first and second hereditary kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat of power. There is a tradition that the crown prince must be invested as Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa) here at Trongsa Dzong before he ascends the golden throne of the King.Thru Epang Palace ཁྲུས་སྤང་ཕོ་བྲང་།
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedIn the neighborhood, there is also Thruepang Palace which you can visit if interested. This two-storied simple palace situated just above the highway in the town is the birthplace of our Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It was here that on 2nd May 1928, His Majesty was born to King Jigme Wangchuck and Ashi Puntsho Choden. He spent most of his early childhood days here in this Thurepang Palace. Leisure time around Trongsa town.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight in Norbu Linka ResortFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
[Trek Begins]: Tongtongphey / Jangbi Village (1500m)
Jangbi Lhakhang
5 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter an early breakfast at the hotel, we drive for about 2.5 hours along the Trongsa-Zhemgang highway to the starting point of the trek, Tongtongphey. En route, stop briefly to visit Kuenga Rabten Palace, an important heritage in Bhutanese history. It was built in 1929 as the winter palace of the second king. You will learn about the early days of Bhutan’s monarchy. We then drive to the starting point of the trek and hike down to the Mangdi river where you cross a suspension bridge. On this stretch of the journey the otherwise rare Golden Langurs, an endangered species of primate are abundant and almost impossible to miss. You will come in contact with the Monpas who are believed to be the first inhabitants of Bhutan. A glimpse into their lifestyle coupled with mythical legends about their origins further validates this claim. The campsite in Jangbi stands on the valley sill, which offers a resplendent view of the Mangdi valley. Distance 7-10km, Hiking Time 3-4 hours- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at JangbiFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Jangbi Village / Kudra Village (1500m)
Jangbi Community School
6 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe morning allows you to further interact with the Monpas. Before you proceed, you can also pay a visit to the orchid garden that houses around 75 different varieties of orchids. The trail to Kudra is especially interesting as it passes stone imprints of Guru Rinpoche’s footprints, dagger and phallus. Lunch is served just before you arrive at Phrumzur, one of the Monpa villages. After a quick visit to the village Lhakhang in Phrumzur and you then proceed to the campsite in Kudra. En route, you’ll encounter another small Monpa village called Lekpogang, after which, the campsite in Kudra is just an hour’s walk. The campsite offers a bird’s-eye view of Nyimshong village and also of Zhemgang town. Distance 13-14km, Hiking Time 6 hours- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at Kudra Village (1500m)Food And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Kudra Village / Nabji Village (1370m)
Korphu Lhakhang
6 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThis part of the trek is a collage of streams, waterfalls and thick forests that will give you an invigorating feeling of being out in the wild. Animals such as Himalayan Squirrels, Rhesus Macaques, and small snakes are often spotted along the trail. Himalayan black bears, Red pandas, tigers and Clouded leopards are also present in this region. Upon arrival at the holy tree in Nabji, the villagers will give you a warm reception. Nabji is a beautiful village with paddy fields circling the clustered houses. You can also hike to the community school and interact with students. Distance 11-14km, Hiking Time 5-6 hours- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at NabjiFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Nabji Village / Korphu Village (1550m)
Korphu Campsite
5 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedEn route to Korphu, visit Nabji temple located amidst verdant paddy fields. There is a stone pillar on which Guru Rinpoche imprinted the thumbs of two warring kings as a symbol of peace. Korphu is situated on a mountaintop at an altitude of 1,500m. The most striking thing about Korphu is that the people exemplify hospitality almost treating you like royalty. The villagers will welcome you in traditional style singing traditional songs of praise and wellbeing. They also perform the traditional ‘Tashi Labey’ dance to bid you farewell. The villagers can explain and demonstrate and even allow you to participate in the quintessential Bhutanese games of ‘Khuru’, ‘Dego’, ‘Sok-sum’, and ‘Gee-dum’. You can visit the village temple that houses sacred relics of Pema Lingpa, the most famous Terton or ‘Treasure revealer’ in Bhutan. Distance 11-12km, Hiking Time 4-6 hours- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at KorphuFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Korphu Village / Nimshong Village (1300m)
Nimshong Campsite
5 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedThe hike from Korphu to Nyimshong is pleasant and arguably the best location for bird watching as it is home to over 395 avian species. The elusive Rufous Necked Hornbill has its nesting holes adjacent to the trail. The walk is interspaced with waterfalls and, streams and cantilever bridges. The evening brings you to Nyimshong village. The campsite is equipped with an amphitheater. The women of Nyimshong have a penchant for singing and dancing and often put on cultural shows for visitors. Distance 11-12km, Hiking Time 4-5 hours- AccommodationsFull-service outdoor camping at NimshongFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
[Trek Ends]: Nimshong Village / Transfer to Phobjikha Valley (3000m)
Phobjikha Valley
8 hoursAdmission Ticket FreeYou begin by descending towards the Mangdi River. You are likely to see Herons, River-lapwings and even Golden Langurs in this region. A steep hour-long climb will bring you to the road from where your driver will be waiting. From there we drive to Phobjikha valley via Trongsa. Lunch will be served at Trongsa town. Hiking Distance 5-6km Hiking Time 4-5 hours After lunch at Trongsa, drive to Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000 meters and it is a winter home for endangered Black Necked Crane from November and migrates back to the Tibetan plateau by the beginning of March. Driving distance 150km, Time 4.5 hours, Phobjikha Altitude 3,000m/9,842ft- AccommodationsDinner and 0vernight at Yueloki Guest House or Phobjikha ResortFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Phobjikha Valley / Transfer to Punakha Valley (1200m)
Gangtey Monastery
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedToday before we transfer to Paro, visit the famous landmark in this valley, Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (gonpa literally means “high remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance) founded in 1613. The name Gangtey is derived from the fact that the Goenpa is built on a peak (Tey) of a hillock (Gang). The present abbot of this monastery is the ninth Gangtey Trulku His Holiness Kunzang Rigzin Pema Namgyal. The monastery also has a monastic college where hundreds of monks study Buddhism. If you are interested, we do Gangtey Nature Hike in the pristine valley adn then transfer to Paro after lunch.Gangtey Nature Trail
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedToday, you will do Gangtey Nature Hike and after lunch, transfer to Punakha valley for overnight stay. After breakfast, begin Gangtey Nature Trail Hike. The trail is about 5km long and takes approximately 2.5 hours including ample time to take photographs and observe pristine natural surroundings. The nature trail begins from Gangtey Monastery and leads through wonderful meadows, forests, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands, crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and understanding of the community living there. Transfer to Punakha valley. Driving Time 2.5-hours, Punakha Altitude 1,200m/3,937ftChimi Lhakhang Temple
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedIn Punakha, visit Chimi Lhakhang Temple located about a 30-minute walk from the nearest road through the beautiful terraced rice fields and farmhouses. Chimi Lhakhang was built in 1499 by Lama Ngawang Chogyal on a site blessed by his older brother, Lama Drukpa Kuenley who was known as ‘Divine Madman’ for his obscene behavior and unorthodox ways of propagating Buddhism. He would often express his desire for sex and use phallus as a medium to subdue malevolent spirits. Today, one of the relics of Chime Lhakhang is a phallus. The blessing of the phallus is considered sacred particularly to women who are unable to conceive a child as it brings fertility to women, giving them the ability to bear offspring. Because of this belief, people like to call Chimi Lhakhang as “Temple of Fertility”. Married couples who are unable to conceive a child often come to this temple seeking blessings from the Divine Madman Explore the nearby village.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Aum Leki Wangmo Homestay or Hotel SonamgangFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Punakha Valley / Transfer to Capital City Thimphu (2334m)
Punakha Dzong
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedAfter breakfast, you will visit the historic Punakha Dzong and transfer to the capital city Thimphu. The historic Punakha Dzong locally known as “Palace of Great Bliss” was built in 1637 to guard the region against Tibetan forces. This beautiful and most impressive Dzong in Bhutan is a fine example of traditional Bhutanese architecture, painting and craftsmanship. The Dzong served as the administrative center and the seat of the Government of Bhutan until 1955. It now serves as the office of the District Administrator (Dzongdag) and the winter residence of the Chief Abbot of Bhutan, Je Khenpo. Transfer to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Driving distance 74km, Driving time 2.5-3 hours, Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,657ftDochula Pass
2 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedEn route to Thimphu, stop at Dochula, a sacred mountain pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level from where you can see, on a clear day, some of the highest peaks of Bhutan. Before the construction of these beautiful 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens (stupas) in 2004, this mountain pass remained only as a sacred place blessed by a famous Buddhist saint, Lam Drukpa Kuenley in late 15th century. Lunch will be served at Dochula Cafe.Buddha Dordenma
45 minsAdmission Ticket IncludedOn arrival in Thimphu, visit the magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch tall Buddha statues of the same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years. Leisure time in Thimphu town.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel AmodharaFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Thimphu / Paro / Hike to The Famed Paro Taktsang Monastery (2200m)
Paro Taktsang
6 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedTaktsang monastery is built on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff. The round-trip hike takes approximately 4-5 hours for most hikers but you can hike at your own pace. We suggest you start early. Oneway horse riding on you way up is available up to the midpoint (Taktsang Cafeteria) for about USD20. Taktsang which literally translates to ‘Tiger’s Nest’, is regarded as one of the most important monasteries in Bhutan. Its history is associated with the visit of Guru Padmasambhava (known as Guru Rinpoche), the Indian saint who came to Bhutan and introduced Tantric Buddhism in the mid-eighth century AD. After lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria, we retrace our steps back to the base where our driver will be waiting. From there we drive to Paro town and spend some leisure time. Driving distance from Thimphu to Paro 5km, Driving time 1.5 hrsSonam's Homestay
3 hoursAdmission Ticket IncludedTowards the late afternoon, visit one of the beautiful farmhouses for authentic home-cooked local cuisine. If you are interested, you can soak in a traditional therapeutic and revitalizing traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about US$15 per person.- AccommodationsDinner and overnight at Udumwara Resort or Bhutan Mandala ResortFood And DrinksBreakfastLunchDinner
Transfer to Paro International Airport for Departure
Paro International Airport
30 minsAdmission Ticket FreeAfter breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check in.- Food And DrinksBreakfast
What's included
INCLUDED
All internal taxes for the services listed above
All ground transportation including round trip airport transfers
Porters & Ponies
5 nights full-service outdoor camping in the wilderness amidst pristine nature
All meals (breakfast, lunch & dinner) and light snacks
Visa Fee & Processing. You'll receive your e-Visa within 4-5 days business days.
All entry fees including trekking permit
Lunch (13)
Experienced English-speaking licensed tour guide.
Dinner (13)
Breakfast (13)
8 nights accommodations at 3-star hotels certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan
One-way domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang on Day 2
NOT INCLUDED
Travel insurance is mandatory for trekking adventures.
International flights. Let us know if you need help with arranging flights to and from Bhutan.
Emergency evacuation
Sleeping bag & travel pillow (you need for camping during trekking)
Alcoholic beverages, laundry services, telephone call charges
Tip to guide and driver
Guide speaking other major languages can be arranged for an additional fee.
Any other expenses of personal nature
Customer reviews
Additional information
Must Know
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Good To Know
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
A minimum of 2 participants are required to run this tour and can be run on a private basis.
We highly recommend booking at least a few months before the departure date so that we have enough time to ensure the flights are available. To process visa, it only takes 4-5 business days.
There are only two airlines that connect Bhutan with the outside world and so securing air tickets can be difficult especially during the months of high season. Currently, Bhutan is connected with these cities - Bagdogra, Bangkok, Delhi, Dhaka, Guwahati, Kathmandu, Kolkata, Singapore. We recommend you book your international flights a few months in advance especially if you plan to visit during the high season months of March to May and September to November. If you need help in arranging flights to/from Bhutan, please let us know much in advance.
After you book the tour, kindly send us clear passports copies of all the participants. A biodata page including the machine-readable zone must be seen clearly. Passports should have a minimum of 6 MONTHS validity from the day you depart from Bhutan. You may also want to check the passport requirements by your next destination country after Bhutan. A copy of your e-Visa will be emailed to you once it is approved. It only takes 4-5 business days to get visa approval and it is 100 percent guaranteed as long as we receive clear passport copies of all the participants. The actual visa will be stamped on your passport upon arrival. Send the passport copies to the Local Supplier E-mail address.
Participants below the age of 18 years old MUST be accompanied by at least one adult.
Location
Address
Lamgong Gewog, Paro, Bhutan 12001
Provider
Bhutan Acorn Tours and Travel
Best price guaranteed
From
NZD 10,880
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