Bhutan Tour Dates
All of our Bhutanese tours are private, tailor made journeys for independent travel and dates of your choice. We can easily customize your Bhutan Tour to spend more time in the places and doing the activities that you are interested in. This tour can be experienced all year around.
Overview and Highlights
The Bumthang Cultural Trek is a short, easy-to-moderate trek (about 3-4 days, ~40 km) through the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, the Bumthang Valley. It combines gentle hiking with immersive cultural experiences, passing through villages, monasteries, temples and sacred sites linked to Guru Rinpoche and Bhutan’s early history. Unlike high altitude treks, it is more focused on culture, landscapes and local life than on strenuous mountain crossings.
Bumthang Cultural Trek (11 Nights 12 Days)
Day 1: Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu
Warm welcome at Paro International airport by our representatives. Drive to Thimphu along the Pachu and Wangchu rivers. Enroute stop at Tachokgang Iron Bridge. Evening stroll in Thimphu Main Street and craft Bazaar.
Overnight: Thimphu
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Cultural Exploration
Morning visit to Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma statue, Changangkha 12th century temple. Afternoon visit to Takin preservation center, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Evening: Cultural performance (Mask dance and folk songs).
Overnight: Thimphu
Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
Scenic drive across Dochu La Pass (3100m), panoramic Himalayan views and 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten. Descend to lush Punakha valley. Visit Punakha Dzong. Leisure walk across the long suspension bridge.
Overnight: Punakha
Overnight: Punakha
Day 4: Punakha Exploration
Morning hike to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple) – village walk through rice paddies. Afternoon: Short hike to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten. Option: River rafting in Phochu/Mochu.
Overnight: Punakha
Overnight: Punakha
Day 5: Punakha – Trongsa – Bumthang
Drive through Pele La pass (3300m) into central Bhutan. Stop at Trongsa Dzong & Tower of Trongsa Museum. Continue to Bumthang valley.
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 6: Bumthang Cultural Day
Explore sacred sites: Jambey Lhakhang, Kurji Lhakhang, Tamshing Monastery. Visit Red Panda Brewery and Cheese Factory.
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 7: Trek Day 1 – Toktu Zampa to Ngang Lhakhang
Trek distance 12 km, 5 hours, altitude gain: 170 m. Begin trek from Toktu Zampa, passing villages and farm lands. Camp near Ngang Lhakhang.
Overnight: Camp
Overnight: Camp
Day 8: Trek Day 2 – Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyen Choling
Trek distance 18 km, 6-7 hours, altitude gain 750 m. Cross Phephe La pass (3360m) with prayer flags. Descend to Ugyen Choling village. Visit Ugyen Choling Palace Museum.
Overnight: Camp
Overnight: Camp
Day 9: Trek Day 3 – Ugyen Choling to Jakar
Trek distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, mostly downhill. Descend through villages, meadows and streams to Jakar (Bumthang Town) or optional car pick up from Ugyen Choling and drive to Jakar. End of the trek.
Overnight: Bumthang
Overnight: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang – Paro (Flight or Long Drive)
Option 1: Take a domestic flight (35 minutes) from Bumthang to Paro.
Option 2: Drive back via Trongsa and Wangdiphodrang (10 hours).
Overnight: Paro
Option 2: Drive back via Trongsa and Wangdiphodrang (10 hours).
Overnight: Paro
Day 11: Paro – Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery)
Iconic 5-6 hours hike to Taktsang Monastery (3120m) perched on a cliff. Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria. Afternoon visit to Kyichu Lhakhang. Evening: Farewell cultural dinner with local family.
Overnight: Paro
Overnight: Paro
Day 12: Departure from Paro
Transfer to airport for onward journey. Tashi Delek!
*This is a personalized private tour that can be curated to your liking—whether you are a solo traveler, part of a family, or with a group of friends. We will be happy to adjust the activities matching your interest and schedule. This is your trip, your way!