Bumthang Cultural Trek
Duration: 3 Days

Max Elevation: 3,360m
Highest Camp: 2,800m
Standard: Easy-Medium
Season: March to May & September to November
Start: Toktu Zampa (Bumthang)
Finish: Mesithang (Bumthang)
 

This lovely valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in this sacred region. Bumthang is well known as one of the main cultural centre of Bhutan and there are many opportunities to visit temples and small Bhutanese villages along the trek route. Although the trek is on the easy side, it involves a few major climbs like the one up to Pephe La with an ascent of about 500 m.

Day 1

Start: Toktu Zampa
End: Ngang Lhakhang
Walking Distance: 12 km
Walk Time: 4-5 hours
Ascent: 170m ascent
Camp Altitude: 2,800m

The route follows the Chamkhar Chhu, a river known for trout. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul


Day 2

Start: Ngang Lhakhang
End: Tahung
Walking Distance: 16 km
Walk Time: 6 hours
Ascent: 750m
Descent: 670m
Camp Altitude: 2,720m

The day starts out across meadows and with the view of the valley below. Then you climb gradually to Phephe La (3,360m), the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. The path leads you downhill into a broad valley. Amongst several possible camping places the most likely one is uphill behind the village of Tahung.


Day 3

Start: Tahung
End: Mesithang
Walking Distance: 16 km
Walk Time: 4-5 hours
Descent: 230m


The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche's Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake) and lead you to Tang Ugyen Choling. Ugyen Choling Palace houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan. From here you will soon reach the road head.

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