Bumthang Trek - 11 Days

Begin your journey with a scenic flight to Paro, offering breathtaking views of some of the world's highest mountains. Upon arrival, a representative from the Himalayan Dream Team will greet you. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art, and handicrafts, providing an excellent introduction to Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered a master of meditation by the Bhutanese. Later, drive along the picturesque Pachu River to Thimphu. After dinner at your hotel, your guide will give an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette

Spend a full day exploring Thimphu, Bhutan's bustling capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King and dedicated to world peace. Continue to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob Monastery, home to the Zilukha Nunnery. Discover Bhutanese art at the School for Arts and Crafts, where students learn 13 traditional arts. Visit the National Library, housing ancient Bhutanese scriptures, and the Traditional Paper Factory to see the paper-making process. Explore a replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. Walk through the Thimphu Market, open from Friday to Sunday, to see local produce and handicrafts. End your day with a visit to Tashichhodzong, the fortress of the glorious religion, housing ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. 

Drive from Thimphu to Trongsa, passing the Dochu-La pass (3,100m) and Pele La pass (3,420m) on the Black Mountain range. Along the way, stop at the Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century. As you approach Trongsa, you will see the imposing Trongsa Dzong across a deep canyon

Visit the Trongsa Dzong, the largest Dzong in Bhutan, and the Ta Dzong Museum, which houses historical artifacts of the Royal Family. Continue to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong (Dzong of the White Bird) and the 16th-century Tamshing Lhakhang, which contains ancient Buddhist wall paintings. After lunch, visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places in Bhutan, and the 7th-century Jambay Lhakhang

Start your trek following the Chamkhar Chu River, passing through meadows, blue pine forests, and villages. The trek is gentle and relaxing, offering ample opportunities to interact with locals and experience their way of life. Overnight at a farmhouse in Ngang Lhakhang

you'll depart from Ngang Lhakhang after an early breakfast, ascending gradually through juniper and rhododendron forests towards the Phephe La Pass at 3,360 meters. The climb offers stunning alpine views, and upon reaching the pass, you'll enjoy a panoramic vista of the surrounding mountains. After a brief rest, descend into the serene Tang Valley, passing through alpine meadows and small hamlets, stopping for a scenic packed lunch along the way. By late afternoon, you'll arrive at Ugyencholing Village, where you'll visit the 16th-century Tang Ugyencholing Palace and its museum, which showcases traditional rural Bhutanese life. End your day with a traditional dinner and overnight stay at a local guesthouse, reflecting on the day's journey and experiences.

In the morning, visit the 16th-century Tang Ugyencholing Palace, which also houses a small museum providing an excellent overview of traditional rural life in Bhutan. On the way back to Bumthang, visit the sacred Mebartso (The Lake of Fire), where Terton Pemalingpa is said to have discovered a hidden treasure

After breakfast, depart for Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival, enjoy a stroll through the Punakha township. 

Begin your day with a visit to the magnificent Punakha Dzong, a stunning example of Bhutanese architecture built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’. Nestled at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers, this grand fortress serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo and numerous monks who migrate here from Thimphu to escape the cold. The three-story main temple within the dzong is a breathtaking sight, featuring four intricately embossed entrance pillars made from cypress and adorned with gold and silver. This historic site also holds the distinction of being the location where Bhutan’s first king was crowned in 1907, making it a place of great national significance.

After exploring the dzong, embark on a scenic drive back to Thimphu. Here, take the opportunity to visit local handicraft and souvenir stores, where you can find traditional Bhutanese crafts, textiles, and unique mementos to bring home. Following this shopping excursion, continue your journey to Paro, enjoying the lush valleys and picturesque mountains along the way. Upon arrival in Paro, check into your hotel and unwind for the evening, reflecting on the rich cultural experiences of the day. Prepare for the adventures that await you in Paro, as you settle in for a restful night.

Start your day with an invigorating hike to the iconic Taktshang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest (3120M). Perched dramatically on a sheer cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley, this monastery is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural landmark. Despite being consumed by a mysterious fire in 1998, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), flew to this site on the back of a tigress, making it a significant spiritual destination. The round-trip hike takes about three hours and offers breathtaking views and a profound sense of tranquility.

After the hike, immerse yourself in local culture with a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse. Here, you can enjoy a meal, take a hot stone bath, and even spend the night, experiencing the rustic charm and hospitality of a Bhutanese home. Later, visit the Ta Dzong, originally a watchtower built in the 17th century to protect against Tibetan invasions, now serving as the National Museum since 1968. Then, explore the Rimpung Dzong, a fortress built in 1644 by the revered Zhabdrung, which remains a center of spiritual and administrative activity and hosts the annual Paro Tsechu festival. Conclude your day with a leisurely stroll around Paro town, observing the daily lives of the locals.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Tashi Delek and safe travels!