Bumthang Cultural Trek 13 Day

Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Trongsa, Jaker (Bumthang), Bumthang, Nganglhakhang, and Ugyenchholing.
Trip Grade: Easy to moderate
Best Season: (March, April, May, September, October and November)

Itinerary:
Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide who will escort you to the hotel where arrangements have been made for two night halt.

Day 2 Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress -16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel

Day 3 Paro to Thimphu
This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 4 Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne hall, and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.

Wander in the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.

Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive.
Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Evening is at leisure and dinner at hotel.

Day 5 Thimphu to Tongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes about 7-8 hours. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendeji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Tongsa.

Day 6 Tongsa to Jaker (Bumthang)
Drive to Jaker which takes about two and half hours from Tongsa, a pleasant drive through scenic forests and country side. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East-West Highway on this drive.

Bumthang (the "Plain of Ghosts") is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jaker Dzong (" Castle of the White Bird") can be seen from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Outside Lame Gompa, one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper making. Overnight halt in Hotel.

Day 7 Bumthang
Visit the Dairy Farm, Swiss Cheese Factory and Apple Juice Factory. Walk around Bumthang valley in preparation for the excursion to Nganglhakhang.

Day 8 Bumthang to Nganglhakhang
Distance 20 Kms. About 5 - 6 hours journey to Nganglhakhang at altitude of 9500ft.

The route follows the Chamkharchu, a river known for trout fish. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Nganglhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans whence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.

Day 9 Nganglhakhang to Ugyenchholing
Distance 23 Kms. About 7-8 hours journey to Ugyenchholing at 9300ft.

The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephela Pass at an altitude of 3,353m, the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight halt in camp.

Day 10 Ugyenchholing to Jaker
Distance 10 Kms., about 2 - 3 hours journey, altitude 9000ft.
The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Membar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Panshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jaker. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.

Day 11 Jaker to Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa along the East - West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Tongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Tongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12 Tongsa to Thimphu
Drive back to Thimphu along the East - West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdi Guest House. Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 13 Depart Paro Early breakfast at the hotel, drive to Paro International Airport to connect your flight to onward destination. We will help you until you depart Paro.

Package price valid until June 2008 Bumthang Cultural Trek 12 Nights / 13 Days High Season: (March, April, May, September, October and November) TOUR COST PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS:
GROUP SIZE:	TOUR COST:
1-2 persons	US$2700
3-6 persons	US$2604
7-15 persons	US$2520
16+1 persons	US$2520 (One tour leader free of charge)

Low Season : (January, February, June, July, August, and December) Bumthang Cultural Trek 12 Nights / 13 Days TOUR COST PER PERSON IN US DOLLARS :
GROUP SIZE:	TOUR COST:
1-2 persons	US$2436
3-10 persons	US$2352
11-15 persons	US$2256
16+1 persons	US$2256 (One tour leader free of charge)

Single Supplement: US$35 per night per person.
Festival Surcharge: US$30 per night per person based on festival days.

Tour Cost Includes:
Twelve nights accommodation in quality hotels in Bhutan on a twin sharing,
full-board meal plan (3 meals a day),
all ground transportation including arrival and departure,
English speaking local tour guide,
entrance fees to temples and monasteries visited,

Tour Cost Excludes:
Visa fees, international airfares, airport departure tax, personal clothing, personal insurance, alcoholic beverages, telephone, laundry, charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergency rescue costs.

The prices are same for cultural tours, treks or any other special interest tours.
Visa Fee: US$20 + US$10 as Tourism Development fee payable directly on arrival in Bhutan with 3 passport photos.
Visa Processing Time: Two weeks.
High Season: (March, April, May, September, October and November) Full particulars of all participants should be provided at least 60 days in advance in order to hold all services on confirmed basis. These months are peak seasons and flight seats and other related services are very difficult to confirm. Low Season: (January, February, June, July, August, and December)

The minimum daily package prices include the following services :
Accommodations on twin sharing basis, all transfers and sightseeing within Bhutan, services of accompanied guide, all meals, royalty and taxes to the government, riding ponies and pack animals on treks, fees to temples and monuments.