Bhutan is a tiny, remote and impoverished kingdom nestling in the Himalayas between its powerful neighbors, India and China. Almost completely cut off for centuries, it has tried to let in some aspects of the outside world while fiercely guarding its ancient traditions. The Bhutanese name for Bhutan, Druk Yul, means “Land of the Thunder Dragon” and it only began to open up to outsiders in the 1970s. Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture and breathtaking scenery make it a natural tourist attraction. Tourists must travel as part of a pre-arranged package or guided tour.
Bhutan is known for the best holiday destination in the world. People from all over the world come to Bhutan to experience tradition, culture, landscape, trekking, kayaking, rafting and most of all HAPPINESS!
As Bhutan is the neighboring country of Nepal, we can arrange for perfect holiday plan in Bhutan for our guests. We ensure you are fully satisfied and extremely happy. We give you holiday of a life time.
Bumthang Cultural and Leisure Trek is one of the stunning treks in Bhutan our guests will love much.This trek will give greater opportunity to go through the countryside and the living of a Bhutanese lifestyle viz. people, villages, Lhakhang (monastery), landscape, etc. The best time to trek this route is between March-May and September-November. The trek begins with a 3 km drive from Kurje Lhakhang-Toktu Zampa.
Outline Itinerary
Day 01: arrival to kathmandu (1337m)
Day 02: sighseeing in kathmandu (1337)
Day 03: departure from kathmandu to paro
Day 04: excursion to takshang & acclimatization
Day 05: shana to soi-thangthangkha
Day 06: soi-thangthangkha to jangothang
Day 07: jangothang to lingshi (18 kms, 5-6 hours)
Day 08: lingshi to chebisa (10 kms, 5-6 hrs.)
Day 09: chebisa to shomuthang (17 kms, 6-7 hrs.)
Day 10: shomuthang to robluthang (18 kms, 6-7 hrs.)
Day 11: robluthang to limithang (19 kms, 6-7 hrs.)
Day 12: limithang to laya (10 kms, 4-5 hrs.)
Day 13: day halt at laya
Day 14: laya to koina (19 kms, 6-7 hrs.)
Day 15: koina to gasa (14 kms, 6-7 hrs.) and drive to punakha
Day 16: punakha to thimphu
Day 17: departure to kathmandu ( 1337)
Day 18: rest/shopping in kathmandu or visit to bhaktapur (1401) sigh seeing 3-4 hours
Day 19: departure from kathmandu (1337m)
mportant Information:
Our Guest’s security is of dominant concern to Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition. Please understand that the HV Treks trekking leader has the authority to adjust or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is found prudent. Unfavorable circumstances may occur during the trek. Such as dangerous weather conditions, the condition of a group member, natural events like landslides, can force changes in the itinerary. All efforts will be made to keep to the planned itinerary. The HV Treks leader will try his/her best to ensure that the trip goes smoothly and according to plan, but please be ready to be flexible if necessary. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition is capable, experienced, and prepared to give 24-hour emergency response to any accident or condition that requires attention or evacuation.
Important Also:
Himalayan Vacation Treks & Expedition requires that trekking and expedition guests have Insurance Policies. A Travel Insurance Policy should cover the cost of emergencies (including altitude sickness), injuries, and evacuations. Please, it is essential to bring your Travel Insurance Policy, or copies of your pertinent existing insurance coverage with you to Nepal. HV Treks will require a copy for our office records. We, as well, advise you to inform your existing insurance agent/company of your itinerary, including trekking, climbing, and hiking, and insure your current policy provides sufficient coverage.
Day 01: ARRIVAL TO KATHMANDU (1337m)
You are welcomed to Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal renowned for historical monuments, Hindu Temples, and Buddhist Stupas/Monasteries. We meet our guests at the Tribhuvan International Airport. A representative will be waiting with a Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition placard with our guests’ names displayed. After dropping luggage at the hotel, guests are taken for a short sightseeing tour. In the evening, guests are invited to a Welcome Dinner at a Nepali restaurant.
Day 02: SIGHSEEING IN KATHMANDU (1337m)
A local guide will be available. According to your wishes, the guide will escort you for sightseeing. Sightseeing may include the Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupati, Boudhanath, Patan Durbar Square, and the Swoyambhunath areas. Starting after breakfast, usually at 9.00am, the exploration of Kathmandu Valley can continue until 5.00pm. Lunch and dinner, you will be responsible for.
Day 03: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU TO PARO
Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition will manage vehicle and a staff to drop our valuable guests at the airport in Kathmandu. Our guests will be received at Paro airport by our Bhutanese agent and transfer to the hotel; check-in & some rest.
After lunch drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The Dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 Mtrs.).
Drive back to visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the holiest and oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gyampo.
Later, visit a traditional Bhutanese Farm House.
Evening at leisure in Paro town
Dinner & overnight Hotel
Day 04: PARO SIGHTSEEING INCLUDING HIKE TO TAKSHANG MONASTERY
Following early breakfast, excursion to view & visit the spectacular Takshang Monastery; “Takshang” literally means Tiger’s Nest. The Monastery is believed to have been built in 1684 on the spot where Guru Rimpoche (founder of Buddhism in Bhutan) flew on the back of a Tigress and meditated to subdue the demons in Paro valley. The trail to the Monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. This incredible Monastery clings vertically to the edge of a granite rock cliff that plunges 900 meters above the valley floor.
Lunch at Takshang Cafeteria.
Later visit Taa Dzong, formerly a watch tower but now houses the National Museum. Taa Dzong holds unique and varied collections, ranging from ancient armor to textiles, Thangkha paintings, stamps, coins and natural history.
Walk down the hillside terrain to visit Rimpong Dzong, built in 1646 during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It now houses Paro’s monk body and offices of the civil administration. Rimpong Dzong is the venue for the famous Paro Tsechu festival, held annually in the spring.
Continue to walk down-hill and through the traditional cantilever wooden bridge to Paro town.
Dinner & overnight Hotel
Day 05: THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING & AFTERNOON DRIVE TO PUNAKHA
Visit Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Zilukha Nunnery, National Library, Folk Heritage Museum, Zorig Chosum (Painting School), Post & Telegraph office to view Bhutanese stamps, Takkin (national animal) Preservation center, Sangyegang view point, Buddha’s Point, Handicrafts Emporium, Bhutanese Handmade Paper factory and Tashichhodzong (the central secretariat building).
Lunch at a local restaurant and drive to Punakha
Dinner & overnight Hotel
Day 06: DRIVE TO BUMTHANG
Early breakfast and visit Punakha Dzong, which looks like a ship between two rivers i.e. Pho Chu and Mo Chu
Visit Khamsum Yule Monastery.
Continue sightseeing; visit Chimmi Lhakhang (a temple of fertility which is regarded as a pilgrimage site for barren couple).
Drive further to Wangduephodrang to visit town and drive to Bumthang.
Overnight Hotel
Day 07: BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING
Full day sightseeing -visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang (Monastery), Kurjee Lhakhang (Monastery), Thamsing and Kencho Sum Lhakhang (Monastery), Swiss Farm, Bumthang sheep farm, Diary farm & Juice factory.
Overnight Hotel/Guest House
Day 08: TREK STARTS FROM TOKTU ZAMPA TO NGANG LHAKHANG
Walk through Duer Chhu crossing suspension bridge and a carving of Lord Buddha on the rock beyond the bridge and pass through Bumthang Chhu(River) along government animal husbandry office and Thankabi Goemba.
Follow the left bank of Bumthang Chhu over Tibetan-style Chorten surrounded by prayer flags and a further steep climb, you will reach Ngang Lhakhang. There are two water-driven prayer wheels around the camp site. Distance is 12 kms, takes approximately 4-5 hours.
Overnight Camp
Day 09: NGANG LHAKHANG TO TAHUNG
Beyond Ngang Lhankhang, the trail takes you through more level area and thick forest of bamboo, forming sunless and cold. With lots of climbing and descending, you will reach the camping site at Tahung. Distance is 16 kms, and takes approximately 6 hours.
Overnight Camp
Day 10: TAHUNG TO MESITHANG
The trekking route leads downstream next to the river, sometime on the road, and sometime on the footpath, to reach Tang valley at an altitude of 2640 Meters. You can move down to Mesithang, which is 2 km south of Tang. Distance is 16 kms, and takes approximately 5-6 hours. Your vehicle will be at Mesithang to receive you and drive to the hotel.
Overnight Guest House
Day 11: DRIVE BACK TO THIMPHU
Early breakfast and drive back to Thimphu. Overnight Hotel
Day 12: DEPARTURE TO KATHMANDU
Today we travel to Kathmandu by air. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition will manage vehicle and a staff to receive our valuable guests at the airport. If we have time, we can go to look around or go for shopping in Kathmandu.
Day 13: REST/SHOPPING IN KATHMANDU OR VISIT TO BHAKTAPUR SIGHSEEING (1401) 3-4 hours
This day is free too. If you wish, a sightseeing trip to the ancient temple/king’s seat of the world heritage site of incredible Bhaktapur can be arranged. The tour lasts 4 hours, and will cost an additional upcharge. In the evening, a Farewell Dinner is given by Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition.
Day 14: DEPARTURE FROM KATHMANDU (1337)
Today, we check the list of all necessary documents and goods of our guest. We confirm the flight tickets before 72 hours of departure flight. We advise our guest to put passport and tickets at their handbag for convenience. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition staff representative will take our valuable guests to the airport (3 hours prior to your flight) and bid goodbye. It will be not only goodbye, but also the welcome for next visit to Nepal.
December ,January and February
It is called the winter season in Nepal. It is a season for snowfall in mountain region above 4300m in Nepal. So trekking is possible below 4500m during this period. This season is noted for occasional snowfall at higher elevations in Himalayas. Though it gets colder in night, often it offers the clear day / blue sky and relatively less trekkers on the trail.Sunrise and Sunset are seen very clear and beautiful in this season. So tourist who wants to pass short holidays during this period Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes to see splendid view of nature. During this period, we arrange family tour to experience natural beauty with short hikings and cultural tour.It is suitable for homestay tour through which different rituals and culture can be experienced during this period. The famous homestay like Sailung Timal homestay,Timal homestay, Tamang Heritage Homestay, Ghalegaon Homestay are the special places to visit. Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour for this places. Chitawan National park Bardiya National Park are also the places to have live experience of culture and rituals.
March , April and May
It is spring season which is known as trekking season in Nepal. A smooth wind and gentle breeze is felt all over the country. Sunny days and clear weather are the supportive factors for trekking in this season. Presence of cloud can be seen in the sky during this season.So a short rainfall can be felt during this period. It is the season of expedition and climbing high peaks in Nepal .So many tourist from different parts of the world come to climb peaks above 7000m in this season. Himalyan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and journey for climbing during this period.Peak climbing period can be enlength upto June so Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition arranges attractive programmes during this period.This period offer plenty of opportunities for clear mountain views. It is also the time for flowers to blossom, and the national flower of Nepal – rhododendrons – coat the mountainsides with its colorful beauty throughout the spring.Except rhododendrons , many kind of natural flora and fauna makes Nepal very beautiful during this season
June ,July and August
It is rainy season in Nepal. As it is the season of heavy rainfall. it is also known as the crops harvesting season in Nepal. In this season, trekking is slight difficult in Nepal. These times are blessed for the keen botanist as the higher valleys and meadows blossom with flowers and lush vegetation. Trekking in the rain-shadow (places are out of reach of the rain clouds because of the high mountains) areas north of the Himalaya like Upper Mustang and Dolpo could be an ideal trek selection. However, Himalayan vacation Treks and Expedition arranges tour and trek during this period in dry areas. We arrange treks and tour in dry areas like Mustang , Upper Dolpa , Leh Ladakh (India) and Tibet.
September , October and November
Moderate temperatures, clear sky with outstanding views, making it a great time to do any of our trek. Occasional short storms may dump snow at high altitudes.This is the season of feast and festivals. This is also known as the special season for flowers in Nepal. Marigold is the popular and found best in this season. Temples and holy places are visited during this period. Festivals like Dashain , Tihar and Chhath are celebrated during this season. Long national holidays are offered for this festival for civil workers. This season is known as the king of the season. No rainfall, sunny days and moderate temperature are the most favourable factors of this season for treks and tours in Nepal.Every kind of treks and tours can be done during this period.So many tourist come to see beautiful Nepal in this season. Many trekking routes are full of tourist during this season. Peaks 6000m to 7000m are the best destination for climbing in this season.Himalayan Vacation Treks and Expedition welcomes tourist to feel the splendid view of nature of Nepal in this season.
This list is a guideline to help you pack for your adventure. Please understand that the items listed below will vary according to the season and the duration of the trek. The weight limit for your luggage is 33 pounds or 12 kg. Your gear will be carried by your porter and you will be required to carry your own day-pack (with your valuables and things of immediate importance to you). We also suggest that you pack only what is necessary. Our list of equipment is prepared on the basis of our long experience. The Himalayan Vacation Trek & Expedition Team leader will check your gear to insure you have all necessary equipment at the start of the trek. If necessary, the HVTreks’ guide will request additions of necessary equipment when and where it is available.
Important documents and items
Head
Upper Body
Hands
Lower Body
Feet
Sleeping
Rucksack and Travel Bags
Medical
-Note: In the larger towns and cities of Nepal, pharmacies have available common over-the-counter pharmaceuticals. Western/foreign brand name products and prescription drugs are not. We suggest you bring the pharmaceuticals you use in enough quantity.
Practical Items
