Bumthang Cultural Tour

This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against the Tibetan invasion. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can by viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch walk up the hill just above Olathang Hotel to stretch your legs for the excursion to taktsang Monastery view point

Country

Bhutan

Duration

13 Days

Difficulty

Easy

Trip Type

Cultural Tour

Max Altitude

3353 m / 11000 ft

Best Season

March - May / September - November

Accomodation

3***Hotel + Logde accommodation on twin sharing bed basis during the Trekking.

Meals

All meals (Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast) with cup of hot drinks during the trekking.

Start/End Point

Paro/Thimpu

Highlights & Overview

Arrival in Paro with scenic Druk Air flight over the Himalayas
Sightseeing in Paro including Paro Dzong, National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang
Thimphu city tour with Tashichho Dzong, Memorial Chorten, and handicraft centers
Drive across Dochula Pass with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and Himalayan views
Trongsa Dzong – historic fortress and masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture
Bumthang Valley exploration – cultural heartland of Bhutan
Visit to Jakar Dzong, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Monastery
Nganglhakhang village visit – traditional lifestyle in the Bumthang region
Ugyenchholing Palace Museum and rural village experiences
Scenic drives through lush valleys, rice terraces, and pine forests
Interaction with local people, culture, and traditional Bhutanese hospitality
The Bhutan Cultural and Valley Exploration Tour is a remarkable journey through the mystical Land of the Thunder Dragon, offering a perfect balance of history, spirituality, and scenic beauty. Beginning in Paro, travelers experience the essence of Bhutanese culture with visits to landmarks such as the Paro Dzong, the National Museum, and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country. The adventure continues in Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital city, where modernity blends seamlessly with tradition. Visitors explore the majestic Tashichho Dzong, admire the Memorial Chorten, and discover traditional arts and crafts that preserve Bhutan’s cultural heritage. Crossing the breathtaking Dochula Pass, adorned with 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and offering magnificent views of the Himalayan peaks, the journey leads deeper into central Bhutan. In Trongsa, the imposing Trongsa Dzong dominates the landscape, serving as a historical and spiritual center that once controlled vital trade routes. Traveling further, the road unfolds into the Bumthang Valley, often considered the spiritual and cultural heartland of Bhutan. Here, the Jakar Dzong, sacred temples like Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Monastery, and vibrant festivals reveal the depth of Bhutanese Buddhism and its living traditions. The tour also includes visits to the picturesque Nganglhakhang village and the Ugyenchholing Palace Museum, offering insights into rural life, noble traditions, and Bhutan’s timeless heritage. Along the way, travelers are rewarded with scenic drives through lush valleys, terraced fields, and forests of pine and rhododendron, capturing the serene beauty that makes Bhutan so unique. Designed for travelers who wish to discover Bhutan’s culture and landscapes without engaging in high-altitude trekking, this cultural journey offers a deep and meaningful exploration of Bhutan’s fortresses, monasteries, traditional villages, and mountain valleys. With its blend of spirituality, history, and natural charm, this Bhutan tour promises an enriching experience that lingers long after the journey ends.

Bumthang Cultural Tour Itinerary

During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by a representative of Kinga Tours & Trek Ltd. then drive to Olathang Hotel through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to Ta-Dzong (Museum). Overnight at Olathang Hotel.

Max Altitude

2250m/ 7382ft

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Drive winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invasion. This fortress, now a burned shell, was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against the Tibetan invasion. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can by viewed on a clear day. On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch walk up the hill just above Olathang Hotel to stretch your legs for the excursion to taktsang Monastery view point.

Max Altitude

2940 m/9645 ft

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means river or water ) down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon lunch at the Hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King telling their prayer beads as they walk. Overnight in Hotel.

Max Altitude

2334 m /7657 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in the town, visit the handicraft emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced of you like. Afternoon visit Tashichho-Dzong. Overnight at the Hotel.

Max Altitude

2334 m /7657 ft

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes approximately 7-8 hours. Packed lunch will be provided at the Hotel. Lunch stop at Chendeje Chorten. Overnight at Tongsa Tourist Lodge.

Max Altitude

2430 m/7972 ft

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Drive to Jakar takes approximately 21/2hours. Tales of great teacher Gruru Padmasambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you can see Jakar Dzong “The castle of White Bird”. Lunch at Tourist Lodge. Afternoon hike upto Lama Gompa, a place built by 1st King for his two nun sisters. Outside of Lame Gompa, one can see the old style of Bhutanese paper making. Overnight in Bumthang Tourist Lodge.

Max Altitude

2800 m/9186 ft

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Walk in and around Bumthang valley or visit the diary farm, Swiss cheese factory and apple juice factory. Try to get some of each – they are best in Bhutan. Also fishing in Chamkhar chu (chu means river or water) can be done.

Max Altitude

2800 m/9186 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout, lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang then you enter to the swan land Ngang Yul with its centre swan temple Nganglhakang. This part of the valley was at first inhabited by the swans who gave their name Ngang. The Lama Namkha Samdrup having a dreamt a vision of how to build a Gompa shot an arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed Nganglakhang was erected, Cultural programme can be arranged in the evening. Overnight in camp. Alt. 9500ft. Distance –20kms about 5/6hours.

Max Altitude

2896 m / 9500 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Climb gradually to Phephela pass Alt. 3353m / 11000ft. the highest point on the trek route. The trail you follow until the pass takes yo through one of the most beautiful frosted area of this region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Max Altitude

3353 m / 11000 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

The trail you follow takes you along the Tang-chu, another trout filled river. Along the banks of this river is Tang Rimpochen Lhakhang who first foundation is ascribed to Guru Rinpoche and its second foundation to the “treasure finder” Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to Jakar you visit Mebar Tsho “flaming Lake”. At Pangshing the transport is provided for onward journey. Alt 9000ft (approximately). Distance – 10 kms about 2-3 hours.

Max Altitude

2743 m / 9000 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Drive to Tongsa, on the way you may fish some trout if you wish. Lunch at Tongsa Tourist Lodge. After lunch at leisure. Overnight at Tongsa Tourist Lodge.

Max Altitude

1372 m / 4500 ft

Accomodation

Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Drive to Thimphu takes approximately 7-8 hours. Picnic lunch will be provided at the Tongsa Tourist Lodge. Lunch stop at Wang Guest House. Overnight at the Hotel.

Max Altitude

2350 m / 7710 ft

Accomodation

Hotel

Meals

Breakfast

Drive to International Airport at Paro for onward flight.

Max Altitude

2230 m / 7313 ft

Accomodation

Hotel / Lodge

Meals

Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast

Price Includes

Price Doesn't Include

Packing Lists

Cloathing

Lightweight shirts and t-shirts
Long-sleeved shirts for sun and bug protection
Trekking pants or comfortable travel pants
Light fleece or jacket for mornings and evenings
Waterproof jacket or windbreaker
Hat or cap for sun protection
Gloves (optional for higher elevations)
Comfortable walking shoes or trekking shoes
Sandals or flip-flops for evenings

Gears

Backpack (25–35 liters for day trips)
Daypack for daily excursions
Water bottles or hydration system
Sunglasses with UV protection
Trekking poles (optional for walking stability)
Camera or smartphone for photos
Travel adapters and chargers

Personal Items

Personal toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, shampoo)
Small towel
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
Personal first aid kit and medications
Travel documents (passport, permits, tickets, travel insurance)
Hand sanitizer and wet wipes

Other Items You Can Bring

Snacks and energy bars
Notebook and pen
Plastic bags or stuff sacks to keep belongings dry
Optional binoculars for sightseeing and bird watching
Light rain cover for backpack

Elevation Profile

Trip Video

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Bumthang Cultural Tour Trek Questions

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