- 26 days
- Bhutan
- Trekking
On one of our most extended Bhutanese treks, you experience everything from the fantastic mountain ranges in the Himalayas to charming villages, monasteries, and fortresses.
Key Information
Explore Bhutan on a combination of a tour and a short trek
Bhutan tour and a short Bumthang Trek offer the best combination of a cultural experience with a moderate 3-day trek in the Bumthang region. You will experience an abundance of flora and fauna on the trail and panoramic views of the valleys below the hilltops and the Himalayan peaks extending over a broad horizon. This will be an experience of a lifetime in the “Land of the Thunder Dragon.”.
Why Choose Us?
- Our expert trek leader will ensure your safety while enhancing your trekking experience.
- Your private social bubble by staying in less busy lodges and trekking away from the crowded trails where possible.
- Experience the lovely landscape and people
Detailed Itinerary
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Arrive in Paro. Our airport representative will meet you and escort you to the hotel. Overnight at Paro.
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We hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the morning. It usually takes about three hours to reach the monastery. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century and meditated for three months. The present-day monastery was constructed in 1684. We visit Ta-dzong in the afternoon. It was built as a watchtower in defence of Paro. This dzong (fort) was converted into the National Museum in 1967. It contains antique thanka (traditional Buddhist) paintings, textiles, armour, and weapons. Next, we drive to the 17th-century Rinpung dzong, erected to defend the Tibetans’ valley against invasion.
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We drive along the winding road beside the Pa Chu (Chu means water or river) river downstream until we reach its confluence with the Wang Chu – River. Then, we drive up the valley to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After lunch, we visit the Memorial Chorten, Traditional Medicine (herbal) Hospital, and Painting School.
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We start early in the morning for our drive to Bumthang via Dochula pass. The highest peaks of Bhutan, such as the Gangkar Puensum, Table mountain, Jeje Khang, and Masakhang Gangchey ta, can be seen from here on clear days. We continue our drive after stopping for lunch to Bumthang via the Pele la pass 3150 meters.
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We begin our trek from Toktu Zampa. We follow the trail along the Chamkhar Chu river. We have a lunch stop at Thangbi Lhakhang and continue our hike to the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) and Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). Ngang means swan in the Bhutanese language.
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We start our day by hiking across meadows that follow with a gradual climb to Phephe La 3360meters. It is the highest point of this trekking route. Next, the trail takes us across beautiful forested areas with numerous stops to enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Finally, the trail leads us downhill into a broad valley near the village of Taichung in the Tang valley.
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The trail ahead takes us along the Tang Chu river, going past the Tang Rimpoche’s Lhakhang (temple). Next, the trail passes by the Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) and leads us to Tang Ugyen Choling. The Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the fascinating museums in Bhutan. Finally, we reach the road head after a short walk, and we drive to Bumthang.
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Drive to Thimphu. We have time to either shop for souvenirs or relax in the afternoon.
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We have sightseeing in Thimphu in the morning and drive to Paro after our tour.
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You will be driven to Paro airport to catch your flight back home.
Cost Includes:
- Accommodation on twin sharing basis
- All meals on the whole tour and trek
- Entrance fees
- Local leader
- Pack animals or porters on the trek
- Trek permit
- Park fees
- Private Transportation
- Sightseeing as indicated
Cost Excludes:
- International airport taxes
- Visa fee – $40 + $10 Tourism development fee
- If less than three persons F.I.T fee of US$400 for a single person. US$300 per person for two persons
- All optional additional tours or activities during free time
- Transfers outside of the tour program
- Travel insurance (purchase on your own)
- Tips (suggested amount US$75 per week for staff only; leader’s tip at your discretion)
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A Responsible promise
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
Free Cancellation With the Responsible Promise 100% Money-Back Guarantee
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st, 2021, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Complete flexibility on your booking
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
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Trek FAQ
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a visa?
You are required to have a valid visa to enter Bhutan. The Bhutanese Embassies abroad do not issue visas, and visa on arrival is non-existent. Therefore, it is best to get a visa for Bhutan before arriving.You must submit a scanned copy of your passport details four weeks before your arrival date. After that, your travel company will process your application and provide you with a visa copy. After that, it usually takes 2-3 working days to approve the application.
You need to have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the length of your stay.
The visa fee is US$40, and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is US$10. These fees need to be sent together with the tour payment.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.