8 Days Bhutan Cultural Tour with 2-Day Bumdrak Trek

Our guide and driver will receive you on your arrival at the only International Airport located in Paro. We'll begin by first visiting the National Museum of Bhutan and then transfer to the capital city Thimphu.

The National Museum of Bhutan is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. Ta Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. Lunch will be hosted either in Paro or Thimphu depending on your flight arrival time.

We then drive to the capital city Thimphu. Distance from Paro to Thimphu 55 km, Driving time 1.5-hours, Thimphu altitude 2,334m/7,655ft, Paro altitude 2,195m/7,200ft

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main center of commerce, religion and government in the country. Arriving in Thimphu, visit the magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher peace in the world.

From there we visit Weaving Center. Weaving is an integral part of the culture and tradition of Bhutan. You will see both men and women weaving some of the most intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of traditional Bhutanese textiles.

If time permits , we pass by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Dinner and overnight at Kuenphen Rabten Resort or Hotel Amodhara

After an early breakfast, we will do a 2-3-hour return hike to Tango Monastery and then after lunch do some sightseeing in the capital city. Tango Monastery is located north of Thimphu about 14km away. Following the trail through the forests, the walk uphill takes about 1.5 hours. Tango Monastery was originally founded in 1222 by the Tibetan scholar Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who first established the Drukpa Kagyu School of Buddhism in Bhutan and subsequently became the state religion. After visiting the monastery and offering prayers, we retrace our steps back to the base and drive to Thimphu town. Lunch will be served at Folk Heritage Restaurant or at a similar one.

After lunch, we visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum where 13 Bhutanese traditional arts & crafts are taught. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).

Located nearby is the National Library established to preserve and promote the rich literary, cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan. The scriptures and document collection held in the library and archives are a national treasure and a fundamental source for Bhutanese history, religion, medicine, arts and culture. The library also has an extensive collection of manuscripts, xylographs and wooden printing blocks that were used for printing religious textbooks and scriptures. Both art school and the national library open during working days adn on Saturdays from 10:00-12:00.

From there we go to take a stroll at Craft Bazaar along the main Thimphu street where you'll find all sorts of authentic Bhutanese handicrafts (optional).

After breakfast at the hotel, we will drive to Punakha Valley via the picturesque mountain pass Dochula at an altitude of 3,150 meters above sea level, visit 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as "Temple of Fertility".

We then drive to Punakha valley and stop briefly at Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy grand panoramic views of some of Bhutan’s highest mountains, if the weather is clear. We continue driving towards Punakha gradually descending to the lower warmer valley within an hour and a half.

Distance from Thimphu to Punakha 74km, Driving time 3-hours, Punakha altitude 1,200m

About 11km before reaching Punakha town, visit the famous 15th-century Chimi Lhakhang popularly known among tourists as the “Temple of Fertility”. A gentle walk through the terraced rice fields and traditional farmhouses painted with phalluses will give you a unique experience. After lunch at a nearby hotel or at one of the homestays, we drive to Punakha town and visit the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture, the 17th-century Punakha Dzong which displays fine Bhutanese arts and craftsmanship which continues to influence Bhutanese architecture to this day. You'll spend some time appreciating the intricate woodworks and sacred wall paintings. From there walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge that runs over Phochu river. Punakha Dzong is built on the confluence of glacial-fed Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers.

The driver will pick you up from other side of the bridge or you can continue walking through the beautiful terraced rice fields to Namgay Zam Homestay for overnight.

Dinner and overnight at Namgay Zam Homestay in the village of Yusakha for overnight. Staying at the village homestay is a perfect way to experience the life of an ordinary Bhutanese family. You can participate in preparing your dinner and learn how to cook some of the popular dishes of Bhutan. If interested, you can also soak in a traditional hot stone bath believed to have a therapeutic and revitalizing effect. If this homestay is not available, you’ll stay at Meri Puensum Resort.

After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten located on a mountain ridge and visit the historic Punakha Dzong before we drive to Phobjikha valley.

The hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten takes about 2-3 hours round trip through the terraced rice fields and a short uphill climb before reaching the serene sacred site on the hilltop overlooking fertile Punakha valley. After the hike, return back to the road head and drive to Punakha town for lunch.

After lunch, transfer to Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is a vast U-shaped glacial valley at an elevation of about 3,000m/9,840ft and it is a winter home for endangered Black-necked Crane from November until they migrate back to the Tibetan Plateau in March.

Distance from Punakha to Phobjikha valley 80km, Driving time 3-hours, Phobjikha valley altitude 3000m

On arrival in Phobjikha valley, visit the famous landmark in Phobjikha valley, a 17th-century Gangtey Monastery popularly known as Gangtey Gonpa (gonpa literally means “remote place” and is usually a place of religious significance). Founded in 1613, this is one of the largest monasteries in Bhutan. The monastery also has a monastic college where hundreds of monks study Buddhist philosophy.. An annual religious festival, Gangtey Tshechu, is held at this majestic monastery during autumn when the harvest season is just over. A series of dazzling sacred mask dances interspersed by Bhutanese folk dances are performed during this festival.

Overnight at Dewachen Resort or Yue-Loki Guesthouse

After breakfast, venture out on an exhilarating nature hike and after lunch transfer back to Paro valley. The Gangtey Nature trail is about 5km and takes approximately 3 hours through the woods surrounded by splendid nature all around, wonderful meadows, beautiful traditional village houses, farmlands and crystalline streams. This short nature trail gives you a great feeling of the valley and an understanding of the livelihood of the people living there. Lots of opportunities to take beautiful pictures!

After lunch, transfer back to Paro for overnight. Distance from Phobjikha to Paro 188km, Driving time 5-hours

Dinner and overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After an early breakfast, drive 30 minutes to the starting point of the trek, Paro Sangchoekhor Buddhist College located on a hilltop overlooking Paro valley. If you are interested, visit the monastery and get blessings and then start the trek steadily climbing up through the ridge covered by the forest of fir and pine trees. You'll see several species of Rhododendron flowers along the route from April to early June. About 2 hours 30 minutes into gradual climbing, you'll come to a cleared spot on which colourful prayer flags are hoisted. Packed lunch will be served here. Continue to trek for approximately 1 hour 30 minutes to reach the campsite, Bumdrak at 3,860m/12,665ft above sea level. Your camp will be just below the sacred Bumdrak temple, on a peaceful and heavenlike mountain meadow.

Trekking Time: 4-5 hours, Bumdrak Campsite Altitude: 3,860m/12,665ft

Bumdrak is a sacred temple perched on a cliff close to the campsite. There is a sacred cave inside the temple which was blessed by 100,000 dakinis in the 8th century AD during the life of Guru Padmasambhava who brought Buddhism to Bhutan. You can visit the temple and spend some time praying and meditating. Those who are still energetic, can hike further up for about 45 minutes to the summit and enjoy unobstructed panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys below.

Full-service outdoor camping at Bumdrak Meadow

For early risers, you may want to observe and take pictures of beautiful sunrise on a clear weather. You may also see an endangered species of Himalayan Monal Pheasant wandering freely near the camping tents. After breakfast, you can hang around for a while appreciating the pristine environment or taking pictures before we begin our return journey viaTaktsang monastery. The downhill descent is steep but we will walk at our own pace and explore the flora along the ancient trails used by monks and pilgrims. 

En route, you will come across Yoeselgang Monastery and 15th-century Ugyen Tsemo monastery. Hiking further down will bring us to the third temple, Zangdogpelri from where you can look down and see the impressive Taktsang monastery perched precariously on a rocky cliff. We will continue our descent and visit the sacred Taktsang monastery, the most recognized site in Bhutan. Lunch will be served at the Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria. Only vegetarian meal is served at this cafeteria to show respect to the sacred Taktsang Monastery.

Descending further down after lunch, you'll meet your driver at the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time or drive directly to the hotel.

Towards the late afternoon, you'll visit one of the beautiful farmhouses in Paro for delicious authentic home-cooked local cuisine. If you are interested in a therapeutic & revitalizing home spa, take a dip in a traditional hot stone bath for an additional fee of about USD20 paid directly to the owner. Specially selected river stones are heated in a wood-fired fireplace and dropped in the wooden bathtub releasing minerals. Special herbs are also added in the tub.

Overnight at Khangkhu Resort or Bhutan Mandala Resort

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time you will be transferred to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Our guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before checking in and bid you farewell with a prayer for your safety and happy journey ahead.