Bhutan Cultural Tour with Bumthang Trek 12 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 12 Days
  • Difficulty Level Moderate
  • Destination Bhutan
  • Transportation Private Comfortable Transportation
  • Activity Cultural and Historical Tours, Trekking and Hiking,
  • Best Season Feb - May and Sept- Dec
  • Group Size Min 2, max 12 People
  • Trip Start/End Paro, Bhutan
  • Max Altitude 2,895m/9,498ft

The Highlight of the Bhutan Tour with  Bumthang Trek:

  • Exploring the colorful town of Paro.
  • Hiking up to Taktsang Monastery.
  • Visiting KichuLhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan.
  • Exploring the capital city of Thimphu.
  • Visit the PunakhaDzong, the oldest and second-largest Dzong in Bhutan 
  • Visiting TrongsaDzong is a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture.
  • Exploring the mystic Buddhist monastery called Gang Lhakhang.
  • Delving deep into Bhutan's culture and traditions.
  • Experience three days of hiking in the beautiful Gangtey Valley.
  • Explore Bumthang- the religious heartland home to the oldest monasteries and temples.
  • Visit Kurje Lhakhang, Jambey Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang.

Bhutan Tour with 3- Days Bumthang Trek Best Price 2025

Explore the Himalayan beauty of Bhutan and its amazing landscapes during the city tour with the Three days Bumthang trek. 

The Cultural Tour in Bhutan with a Three-Day Bumthang Trek combines sightseeing and trekking in one trip. Starting in Paro, you'll visit landmarks like Rinpung Dzong, Ta Dzong, and Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan's oldest temple. You'll hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery and explore Thimphu's famous sites, including Memorial Chorten, the nunnery temple, and a traditional painting school. From Thimphu, you'll travel to Punakha to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong before heading to Bumthang. Along the way, you'll stop at a Yathra weaving factory and experience rural Bhutanese life during a three-day Bumthang Trek. The journey offers breathtaking views of high passes, lush valleys, charming villages, and quaint towns.

Our Bhutan Cultural Tour begins in the stunning Paro Valley, where you’ll explore significant landmarks like Rinpung Dzong, Lhakhang Temple, and Drugyal Dzong. In Thimphu, visit fascinating sites, and experience the beauty of Punakha and Gangtey, with breathtaking views of the Black Mountain ranges. Immerse yourself in Bhutan’s vibrant culture through special shows and festivals along the way.

The ideal time for the Bumthang Cultural Trek is April to May or September to October when the weather is mild and pleasant, and you can enjoy local cultural events. While trekking is possible in December and January, be prepared for colder temperatures. Adventure Club Trek ensures a comfortable and enjoyable trekking experience, offering customized itineraries to match your interests. Don't wait—embark on the Cultural Bumthang Trek and immerse yourself in the beauty and culture of Bhutan!

Join  Adventure Club Trek to make your Bhutan Cultural Tour an unforgettable journey. Feel free to reach out for details about prices, itineraries, or any other information on our Bhutan tours.

Itinerary

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As our flight approaches Bhutan, we’ll be treated to stunning views of the Himalayas, including the sacred peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon arrival, a representative from Adventure Club Trek will take you to your hotel. After lunch, we’ll explore Rinpung Dzong, known as the “fortress of the heap of jewels.” Next, we’ll visit Kichu Lhakhang, Bhutan’s oldest temple, followed by a trip to Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), built in 1646 to celebrate Bhutan’s triumph over Tibetan invaders. On clear days, we can also admire Mount Chomolhari, the country’s second-highest peak at 7,314 meters. Overnight in Paro.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,250m/7,382ft

After breakfast, we hike for 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up the mountain. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. This afternoon, we will drive to Thimphu, and spend the night.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,180m/10,434ft

In the morning, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), nunnery temple, and mini zoo to see Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Today, we also visit other landmarks of Thimphu including the National Institute of Traditional Medicine, Bhutanese traditional painting school, folk heritage museum, the majestic Tashichho Dzong, and the traditional paper factory. However, some of the landmarks are closed on the weekends (Saturdays and Sundays). Therefore, if we are in Thimphu during the weekends, we explore the Weekend Market instead. Overnight in Thimphu.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,320m/7,612ft

After breakfast, we enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La pass (3,100 m), where on a clear day we get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, we drive downhill through rhododendron, fir, and hemlock forests. We then pass through rice fields along river banks and reach Punakha. After lunch, we visit Punakha Dzong. Built between 1637-1638, it is the second oldest and the second largest dzong in Bhutan. Overnight in Punakha.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,250m/4,101ft

After an early breakfast, we drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of Bhutan. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing the 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass. There is even a chance of spotting yaks on the trail at certain times of the year. We stop in Trongsa for lunch. After which we visit Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece in Bhutanese architecture. Then, we proceed to Bumthang through lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way, we stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yantras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and we can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Overnight in Bumthang.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,850m/9,351ft

The trek starts from Thangbi Goemba, near the small village of Thangbi, and follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout fish.  After an hour, we will pass the Zangling Lhakhang on the hill to the right.  Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang.  From here the trail enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan), at the center of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple).  In bygone days, the valley was populated by swans, and hence the name Ngang Yul. We will camp tonight at an altitude of 2900m.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,895m/9,498ft

We will begin today’s trek with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3360m, 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. We descend to Tang valley before arriving at Ugyen Choling Village. Our camp tonight is by the side of the river at an altitude of 2760m.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,895m/9,498ft

In the morning, walk up to the Ugyen Choling Palace, which is a repository for artifacts of ancient nobility. We will then take a short walk downhill to Kizam where our vehicle will be waiting to pick us up.  From here it is a 25km drive to the junction of the road near Mebartsho. We can visit the Mebertsho Lake (burning lake) where Terton Pemalingpa, is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century.  This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese on auspicious days. Overnight in Bumthang.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,745m/9,006ft

Today we visit impressive landmarks in Jakar. Jakar Dzong is the administrative center of the valley. Jambay Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, dating back to when Buddhism was first introduced here.  Kurjey Lhakhang is one of the most sacred monasteries in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche, a great 8th-century spiritual master left his body imprint on the cave when he was meditating. We also visit Tamshing Lhakhang, a treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Overnight in Bumthang.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,745m/9,006ft

We begin the day by touring the Bumthang market and then driving to Wangdue.  It is a typical Bhutanese town with its dramatic Dzong perched on a ridge at the bend of a river. Other villages nearby the Wangdue village are also known for their slate and stone carvings. Overnight in Wangdue.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,240m/4,068ft

This morning we return to Paro via Dochula Pass. On the way, we visit Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Divine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. We stop for lunch at Dochula pass. Here, we visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is one of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. We continue our drive to Paro. The evening will be free for us to explore the town. Overnight in Paro.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude2,250m/7,382ft

Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after having breakfast, we will be transferred to the airport depending on the flight schedule.

  • MealsBreakfast

Note: - Your safety is of the utmost concern while traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary, but we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline, and illnesses or an injury can occur. To avoid dangerous situations, we may occasionally change the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That being said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and keep your safety our number one priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • All arrival and departure transfers in a private tourist vehicle.
  • Full board meals with tea/coffee and snacks - for the duration of your stay.
  • Bhutan visa fees and processing assistance.
  • Safe drinking water will be supplied during the tour
  • Government-approved A and B category hotels on a twin-shared basis.
  • Tented camp during trekking on a twin-shared basis.
  • Transportation in a comfortable private vehicle(s).
  • Experienced English-speaking guides and local staff.
  • Trekking equipment like sleeping bags, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, mattresses, etc.
  • Trekking cooks and trek assistants.
  • Porter services for trekking.
  • All applicable Bhutanese government taxes/royalties and Company services charges.

Price Excludes

  • Nepal Entry Visa fees - at present $30 for 15 days and  US$ 50 for 30 days.
  • Airfare for international flights to and from Bhutan
  • All city tours with permits, and entrance fees for museums and monuments.
  • Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet, laundry)
  • Travel and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
  • Tips and gratitude were provided to staff.
  • Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc)

     

Date & Prices

     
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 01, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayMarch 12, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2959
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 08, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayMarch 19, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2959
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 15, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayMarch 26, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2959
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 22, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 02, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2959
Start DateStart: SaturdayMarch 29, 2025End DateEnd: WednesdayApril 09, 2025StatusStatusAvailablePricePriceUS $2959

We guarantee departure on all of our published dates! However, if they don't match your travel plans, we will gladly help you set your date! Whether you're looking for private trips as a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group, you can plan your tailor-made trips now! Please get in touch with us for price details and any other queries.

Useful Info

Visa Information

Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.


You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator, who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. You will be required to show your visa clearance letter at your point of entry, and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Accommodation

The government approved and classified hotels in Bhutan as grades A, B, and C. These government-approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of booking, we will be accommodated in A-grade hotels in Paro and Thimpu and B-grade hotels in Punakha, Wangdue, and Bumthang. All accommodations are on a twin-shared basis. A single supplement will be served on request. 

Meals

All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner) will be made available on the trip. A variety of meals are available in most hotels, the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non-vegetarian dishes are generally available in Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season.

 

Weather Information

There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan's warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons, and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.

Spring (March, April & May)

This is considered the most beautiful time of the year, radiant and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation, fruit trees are blossoming, and locals are naturally mirthful and cheery when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro tsechu festival.

Autumn (September, October & November)

Autumn is lovely, with clear and crisp blue skies providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate. You can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.

Monsoon (June, July & August)

During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or, if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.

Winter (December, January & February)

Winter in Bhutan is sunny, calm, and agreeable. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley, where you can expect to see a vast expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.

Safety Guidelines

Credit cards are not a convenient payment source in Bhutan, as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.

You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.

The local currency is the Ngultrum, pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.

Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being disallowed mainly in public places. Consumption is not entirely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)

Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.

When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted, as some areas do not.

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