Bhutan Shangrila Tour with Bumthang Cultural trek

Arrive in Paro by druk air from Kathmandu at 10.30 am, the only national carrier. The flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes. Upon arriving the Paro Valley and after completing visa formalities, you will be met by Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels’ representative at the airport. We will then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The journey would take us one and half hours. Upon arriving Thimphu, we will visit the National Painting school to see the young men and women at work in the production of handicraft items. Some specialize in mask making, some in wood curving, some in slate curving, and others in embroidery & scroll painting. If time permits ,Visit the Takin centre and the Buddha point. Later visit the Tashichoedzong.

Early morning after breakfast, drive to Bumthang. On the way stop for a while for Dochula highlight and further drive to Punakha to visit the Dzong. Drive further to Bumthang via Trongsa.. View the Trongsa Dzong and cross over the Pelela Pass (3300m). On clear weather, we should be able to see the view of a chain of mountains bordering Tibet to the north. Further to east we drive to cross over the Yotongla Pass(3400m) and then descend to Chumi Valley and pass by a weaving center- where professional weavers weave well-patterned fabrics out of wool and yak hair known as “yathra”. Bumthang is known for its four spectacular valleys and was the seat of the government until the reign of second king. The district is famous for its historical sites.

Distance 12km, four to five hours, 170m ascent, camp altitude 2,800m. After early breakfast start our journey to ToktuZampa. The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout. 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 Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul.

Distance 16km, six hours, 750m ascent, 670m descent, camp altitude 2,720m. The day starts out across meadows and with the view of the valley below. Then you climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), 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. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping places the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.

Distance-16km, four to five hours, 230m descent. The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang. The trek will pass the MebarTsho (Flaming Lake) and lead you to Tang UgyenCholing. UgyenCholing Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan. From here you will soon reach the road head.

After early breakfast, we drive to Gangtey Gompa, a seat of the Ngyingmapa Buddhism, a religious sect in Bhutan. The present chief abbot of the monastery is the 9th reincarnate of the descendant of TertonPemalingpa. The journey would take about 5 – 6 hrs.Upon arriving Gangtey, Check in at Farm House/ Home stay and relax. Evening experience Bhutanese hospitality with Host family.

Morning after breakfast. Drive to Paro. Upon arriving Paro, visit the Paro Museum and Paro Dzong. Evening at Leisure

Paro is a valley of religion and myth. The most famous landmark, the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), stands on a granite cliff about 800m above the valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, a famous Buddhist saint, flew to Paro on a tigress and meditated at Taktsang. The monastery is considered as a national treasure of Bhutan. The hike to Taktsang would take us around two and half hours. To reach a cafeteria, a point from where one can enjoy a great view of the monastery is more than an hour walk from the road-head uphill. Those interested can walk further 45 minutes uphill to get a closer view of the monastery and return to the cafeteria for lunch. The journey downward to the road-head would take us less than one and half hours. Afternoon at leisure.

After breakfast drive to the airport for departure.