We offer a choice of easy and more challenging treks in this eastern tea-growing region of the Himalaya, that is famed for its exotic bird life and wonderful flora. Superb views from the Singalila Ridge and the approach to the awesome east face of Kangchenjunga are highlights of the area.
Trekking : 3 Days
Departures : September, October and March
Costs : Click here for price list
This holiday is an inspiring journey through central Bhutan combined with a three-day trek, which provides a fantastic insight into rural life in the Kingdom. Several days before and after the trek are devoted to the cultural heritage of Bhutan, travelling overland to explore the country’s fascinating fortresses, monasteries, towns and villages. This epic journey starts with a day among the cultural sights of Paro: Ta Dzong fortress, housing the National Museum, Rinpung Dzong, now a monastery and venue for the fabled spring festival, and Kyichu Lhakhang, the most sacred of Buddhist shrines. A short drive brings us to the capital Thimphu, for visits to the School of Painting, where the intricate Thangkhas are made, the Traditional Medicine School and National Library, which contains precious and ancient Buddhist texts. Travelling overland, we cross Dochula Pass, which may bring awe-inspiring views of Bhutan’s highest peaks. We spend a night at Tongsa, the ancestral abode of the Royal Family, before arriving at Bumthang, where the dazzling Kurje Monastery and fortress of Jakar Dzong await. This heralds the start of our three-day trek though a peaceful landscape of forested hills and cultivated valleys, which is the homeland of rural communities, where life has changed little in centuries. The Bumthang Valley is also home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries in the country. On our return journey we visit Punakha, once the capital of Bhutan and the most fertile valley in the Kingdom.
Fitness & Experience : This trek is on well-graded trails and is suitable for walkers of reasonable fitness and in good health. Expect some sections of ascent and descent.
Outline Itinerary :
Day 1: Arrive Kathmandu, transfer to hotel. Rest of the day free.
Day 2: Free in Kathmandu
Day 3: Fly to Paro, Bhutan and transfer to hotel.
Days 4: Full day of sightseeing in and around Paro.
Days 5: Exploring Thimphu, the capital.
Day 6: Overland journey to Tongsa.
Day 7: Tongsa to Bumthang visiting Tongsa and Jakar Dzongs
Days 8-10: Trekking the scenic Bumthang Trail, a gentle trek with plenty of village and rural life. At the end of the trek we return to Bumthang, stopping at the sacred lake of Membertsho. Overnight Bumthang.
Day 11: Drive to Punakha, visit the 7th century monastery of Jambey Lhakhang.
Day 12: Drive to Paro and afternoon visit to the market.
Day 13: Return flight to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.