13 DAYS
Thimphu-Gangtey –punakha –paro-Bumdra trek
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive, Transfer to Thimphu & Explore
1hr/54kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Mouth Everest
- Kanchenjunga and Makalu
- Jhomolhari
- Jichu Drake
- Tserimgang
02: Places and Temples
- Kuensel Phodrang
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by our M3 guide. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free or program may be arranged, according to choice or flight timing.
On arrival visit-Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) is another place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The point has the largest statue of the Buddha. (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 02
Thimphu Valley Exploration
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
- Post Office
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- National Library
- Tashichho Dzong
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: The private weaving centre frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the gho and kira (traditional attire) worn by the King and Queen for their marriage ceremony in October 2011. Visitors to the centre can watch weavers at work and interact with them.
Post Office, located in the heart of the town, is worth a visit. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan. You can also make personalized stamps with your pictures on it and take it as a souvenir or send a letter or a postcard to your family/friends with your picture on the stamp! (Closed on Sat 1 pm/ Sun / Govt. Holidays)
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. (Open Mon-Fri 10 am-3:30 pm, Sat 10 am-12 pm, Closed on Sun & Govt. Holidays)
National Library: which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion? (Open Mon – Fri 09 am – 04 pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays)
Later in the evening visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 03
Transfer to Gangtey Valley
5-6 hrs/130 Km
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Masagang
- Tsendegang
- Terigang
- Jejegangphugang
- Kangphugang
- Zongaphugang
- Gangkar Puensum
02: Places and Temples
- Phobjikha Valley
After an early breakfast, you will set off for Phobjikha; driving up to Dochu-la pass (3,088 m/10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. 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.
Then continue onwards, reaching Wangduephodrang town in time for lunch. From here, it is a long, winding descent into the Wangduephodrang valley, which is about 1,700m below the pass. Continuing on the highway, we follow the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing thru forests of bamboo and oak, and just before crossing the Pele La pass, enroute Radak Shang Temple and finally you will find the hidden Phobjikha Valley. Gangtey/phobjikha valley is considered one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Bhutan (3000 m/9800 ft). The area is best known as the home of the rare Black-necked Cranes that migrate to Bhutan from Tibet in Nov and leave by March, and thus is a protected area for wildlife. On arrival visit the Crane Information Centre to learn more about these elegant and shy birds. (Overnight at hotel in Gangtey)
Day 04
Explore Gangtey Natural
1.5 Hrs /Easy walk
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Gangtey Goempa Monastery
- Gangtey Natural Trail
- Khewa Lhakhang
After breakfast Visit the 16th century Gangtey Goempa Monastery perched on a hill that rises above the valley floor making it a landmark for the valley. It is the central seat of the Pedling tradition of Buddhism in Western Bhutan, and was built as a centre of spiritual teaching.
After the visit; explore the Gangtey Natural Trail, considered as the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the mani (like Chorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1.5 hrs. Starting from the Prayer-wall on the northern side of Gangtey monastery, the trail leads down towards a sloping area of green grass, flanked by pine trees on either side. At this point the Semchubara village should be visible on the opposite side, at roughly the same height. The path continues to descend until it crosses a river, called the Bara Chhu. The loud babbling of the Bara Chhu River meets the silent meandering Nake Chhu River. After the Bara Chhu Bridge, the trail passes through the lower parts of the Bara village and by a lonely chorten/stupa. Here you will have a good view of Bara village on your left and Gangtey monastery to your right. As you reach Semchubara village, there is a small shed for resting below the trail. Walking further from there, you reach the edge of the wetland where the Cranes roost in the winter. After few minutes’ walk you are opposite to the crane information centre. Continue walking and you will reach Khewang Lhakhang, which makes an interesting visit and provides additional insight into the religious and cultural history of Phobjikha/Gangtey Valley.
Afternoon at leisure or if you would like to further explore the valley on foot you may do so. (Overnight at hotel in Gangtey)
Day 05
Transfer to Punakha
3 hours /76 Kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Chimi Lhakhang
After breakfast, transfer to punakha valley following the scenic beauty of dangchu and the forested mountain. On arrival hike to the nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the “Divine Madman”, an eccentric monk from the 16th century famous for many his many amusing, Rabelaisian folklore stories.
Afternoon -Leisure at town. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)
Day 06
Punakha Valley exploration
6hrs/172kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Nalanda Monastery
- Nobgang Village
- Punakha Dzong
After breakfast visit Nalanda Monastery to visit the monks who are pursuing higher Buddhist studies and learning English as well. You may interact with the monks and chat with them. They will be more than happy to practice their English language skills with you.
Continue and Drive toward Nobgang Village and start day hike from (Nobganag village –punakha (2-3 hrs hike).From here trek further down towards Yongu village. Take the trail that goes through Logodama village school. It will be nice to pass through this village school. From the school take a few minutes’ walk to an orchard. Enjoy Himalayan grapes, passion fruits and pears in the months of May to June. Lemons will be there throughout the year. Mandarin fruits will be in season from October until late December. Descend another 25 minutes to reach your vehicle waiting near the Punakha Dzong Cantilever Bridge.
From here, walk across the cantilever bridge over the Mo Chu (female) river and visit Punakha Dzong (fortress). The Dzong is strategically built at the junction of the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) river. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong/fortress has been fully restored to its former glory. Punakha Dzong is one of the most beautiful fortresses in Bhutan. (Overnight at Hotel in Punakha)
Day 07
Transfer to Paro Valley & explore
4 hrs/130 kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten
- Punakha Dzong
- Pho Chu and Mo Chu
- Chimi Lakhang
After breakfast depart to Paro. This beautiful valley encapsulates a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan’s oldest temples and monasteries, the country’s only airport, and the National Museum. Mt. Chomolhari (7,300 m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley, its glacial waters plunging through deep gorges to form the Pa Chu (Paro River). The Paro valley is one of the kingdom’s most fertile, producing the bulk of Bhutan’s famous red rice from its terraced fields.
On arrival, you could visit the National Museum (Closed on govt holiday) where an intriguing collection of artifacts provide a wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom. Just a short walk downhill lays the dominating Paro Dzong, a fine example of Bhutanese historic architecture. From the Dzong, the tours cross Nyamai Zampa, a traditional cantilever bridge and enjoy the beauty of the nature. Later in the evening, visit the auspicious Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument pinning down the left foot of a treacherous ogress. This is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan dating back to the 7th century. (Overnight at hotel in Paro)
Day 08
Drive and hike to Kila Gompa Nunnery
1.5 – 2 hrs/45 kms
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Kila Gompa
Today morning drive to Kila Gompa: Drive to Chele-la pass. After driving 4 km to Bondey village, we take a side road and begin the steep climb up the hillside to Chele-la (3,810m/12,573ft), reaching the pass after a 45 km drive upwards through blue pine & rhododendron forest (1.5 -2 hr drive). On a clear day there is a superb view of Mts. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake from this point. From here we walk down hill through the forests to the Nunnery. Kila Gompa is about 2 hrs walk from Chele-la, down a path through pine forest. The Nunnery is the serene home of Buddhist nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment. In this gompa, nestled in a craggy patch of rock on the mountainside below Chele-la pass, they spend their days in religious studies, prayer and meditation. After the nunnery visit, walk down to the road-head to meet your vehicle (45 min walk). After picnic lunch drive back to
Paro Later and rest at hotel (Overnight at hotel in Paro)
Day 09
Taktsang hike
5 hrs up and down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.
(Overnight at Hotel in Paro)
Day 10
Bumdra Trek
1 Night Camp
Day 01: Hike to yak pasture
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Bumdra Monastery
Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m) to yak pasture below Bumdra
Monastery (3,800m).Today’s adventure begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor to meet our ponies. While they are being loaded we may pay our respects at the College. The initial one to two-hour ascentof a ridge, which is steep at times but in cool shade, brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and views down intothe Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Above and ahead the ChhoeTseLhakhang (temple) nestles in the mountainside—
a one to two-hour walk away. The trail undulates for a while before the last steep pull up to the pretty temple whichboasts commanding views south over Paro and northwards to the snowcapped Himalayas. After a final 20-minuteclimb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into ancient forest, traversing for about 40 minutes,coming out on a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags. Our home for the night is tucked in under Bumdra Monastery (Cave of a Thousand Prayers) maximising the incredible views of theHimalayan range. After lunch we can visit the monastery and also climb the peak to the north (about 4,000m) foreven better views, returning in time for dinner.
Duration: 3 – 4 hours to camp 2– 3 hours optional return trek to peak
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Overnight: Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m)
Day 11
Trek ends
Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
Hike from Yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m) via Sangtopelri Monasteries to TaktsangMonastery (2,900m)After a hearty breakfast, it is time to either head straight back intothe valley or linger awhile soaking up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we haveto drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail. After one to twohours of descent we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across themountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) fromwhich you can bravely peer the over edge and straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang Monasteryperched against the cliff-face far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang looking across thegorge; a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps and we are passing into Tiger’s Nest itself. Retracingour steps we begin the final descent of about 45 minutes to reach our vehicle.
Duration: 5 – 7 hours depending on time taken in monasteries
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 12
Day at leisure
Take a stroll along the main street or take refreshments at a local café
(Overnight at hotel in Paro)
Day 13
Depart Paro
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.