Trekking from Ngang Lhakhang - Ogyenchholing in Bhutamthang

This is a fairly easy eleven-day trek that takes you through beautiful valleys and along clear, trout-filled rivers. Bumthang is often known as the ‘cultural heartland’ of Bhutan and there are plenty of ancient temples to visit during the hike.

In addition to the numerous lhakhangs there are also a number of small villages where you can stop and rest. The only segment of the trek that may prove challenging is a 500m ascent to Pephe La pass. The best time to embark on this trek is in spring or autumn. 

The highlight of these tours is places like Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangduephodrang, Trongsa and Bumtang.

Duration: 11 Days and 10 Nights

Altitude 3340m/10950ft:

Best time: Mar-June & Sept-Nov).

Detailed Itinerary [We can also customize as per your requirement]

Day 01: Arrive Paro

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by your Across Himalaya Travels representative and transferred to the hotel on completion of arrival formalities. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro Valley sightseeing:

Full day of sightseeing in Paro. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) and in 1968 inaugurated as the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community. After lunch, drive ups the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. We may also have time to visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the kingdom. Option: After breakfast drive to the start of the path for the hike to Takstang retreat (Tiger’s Lair) and trek to the view point where there is small wooden tea house with beautiful views of the most scenic of monasteries clinging to the cliffs 900m above Paro valley. The round trip will take about 4 to 5 hrs. It is said the Guru Rinpoche arrived here back of a tigress, and meditated at place, hence the monatery is called “Tiger’s Nest.” This side, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visit by Shabdrung Ngawang  Namgyal in 1646. It is a place of pilgrimage which Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. Over night at hotel in paro.

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. visit the National Memorial Chorten (built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king and as a monument to world peace).The National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; Folk Heritage museum, the weaving center at changzam to where fine textile are made, the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format; Tashichhodzong, (“the fortress of the glorious religion”), which houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Thimphu – Trongsa

Drive to Trongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,100m). On a clear day there is a superb view from here of Bhutan’s highest peaks. On a clear day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m) a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Continue on to Wangduephodrang town, which is also our lunch stop. Then proceed to Trongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

Day 05: Trongsa – Bumthang

Morning visit to striking Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock, visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings: Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang14km, 6 hours.

The trek begins today. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), taking us through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by many villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Camp overnight at village (2,900m).

Day 07: Ngang Lhakhang – Ogyenchhoeling 19km, 7-8 hours.

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la pass (3,340m). From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ogyenchhoeling village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the river side near the village.

Day 08: Ogyenchhoeling – Bumthang 11km, 4 hours.

In the morning, walk up to Ogyenchhoeling Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang. Rest of the day at leisure.

Day 09: Bumthang – Punakha.

Morning: Drive to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 10: Punakha – Paro

Today we drive to Paro. It will be a relaxing day, as we reach Paro by lunchtime. Free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the afternoon. Take a stroll around Paro market in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro depart:

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

Detail costing for this tour

Land cost: USD $ 1400.00 (USD $ 280.00 per night) 

Visa Fee: USD $   40.00

Tourism Development Fund: USD $   10.00

Net package cost per person: USD $ 1450.00 + Airfares 

What’s included:

a)    Expert leadership

b)    All accommodations

c)    All meals

d)    All transportation during the tour

e)    All activities as noted in the itinerary

f)       Bottled water while on drive and hiking

* All rates based on three or more traveling together on twin room sharing basis.

SURCHARGE

Individual tourists and smaller groups of less than three persons shall be subject to the following surcharges:

a)    Single Individual: US$ 40/ per night halt

b)    Group of 2: US$ 30/ per person per night halt

c)    The 10% agency commission payable to agents abroad shall not be deductible from the surcharge.

d)  The surcharge will not be applicable to representatives of foreign travel agents on business study or promotional visit duly approved and cleared by TCB.