BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

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BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

TREKKING
10 Nights / 11 Days
includes:
  • transports
  • sight seeing
  • food
  • hotels

EASY TREK - The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. This three day trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside, and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life.Best time to Travel: March to May & September to November.

DAY 1: Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight)

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to the hotel on completion of arrival formalities. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 2: Paro

Full day of sightseeing in Paro. In the morning, visit Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower for Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) and in 1968 inaugurated as the National Museum. The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro's monastic community. After lunch, drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. We may also have time to visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the kingdom. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 3: Paro - Thimpu

Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km. before Thimphu, pause briefly to admire Bhutan's most ancient fortress Simtokha Dzong (built in 1627), rising up from a small hilltop on the right side of the road. After lunch, visit as time permits: the National Memorial Chorten (built as a memorial to Bhutan's third king and as a monument to world peace); the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained; the Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format; Tashichhodzong, (the fortress of the glorious religion), which houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 4: Thimphu - Trongsa

Drive to Tongsa via Dochu-la pass (3,088m). On a clear day there is a superb view from here of Bhutanis highest peaks. 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.Continue on to Wangduephodrang town, which is also our lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa.

DAY 5: Trongsa - Bumthang

Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padma sambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

DAY 6: Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang

14km, 6 hours The trek begins today. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu (river), taking us through meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by many villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Camp overnight at village (2,900m).

DAY 7: Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing

The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards Phephe-la pass (3,340m). From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the side of the river near the village.

DAY 8: Ugyenchholing - Bumthang

11km, 4 hours In the morning, walk up to Ugyenchholing Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people go there to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang

DAY 9: Bumthang - Punakha

Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the incarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

DAY 10: Punakha - Paro

Today we drive to Paro. It will be a relaxing day, as we reach Paro by lunch time. Free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the afternoon. Take a stroll around Paro market in the evening. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

DAY 11: Paro Depart

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.

INCLUSION

  • Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
  • Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
  • Single room supplement is additional cost on per night per room basis
  • All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
  • Bottled mineral water for the entire trip (except water ordered in the hotels and restaurants)
  • Afternoon tea and snacks
  • English speaking and knowledgeable guide
  • Comfortable SUV and a reliable driver
  • Museum entrance fees
  • Visa fee and processing charges
  • Tourism Development Fund
  • Government taxes
  • All administrative cost
  • Full service & assistance before, during and after your Bhutan trip

EXCLUSION

  • Airfare to and from Bhutan (we can arrange you tickets for you if you wish)
  • Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels
  • Travel or health insurance
  • Wire transfer
  • Laundry
  • Gratuity/Tip for guides and drivers
  • Anything that is not mentioned in the INCLUSION.

Starts from US $ 2500/- per person

Visa fee (One Time)

USD $ 40/- per person for entire tour in Bhutan.

Passport: A valid passport is required for travel to Bhutan and the validity of the passport should be minimum 6 months.

Terms & Conditions


Booking

Your contract is with Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels. A contract exists between us when we have confirmed you on our tour / hotel booking / or any other travel related services of your choice and we have received your booking request and deposits. All correspondence/s in respect of Tours / Travel Service bookings should be addressed to Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels.

Payments

For the services contracted, 40 % advance payment should be made to hold the booking on a confirmed basis and the balance amount should be paid before commencement of your tour. We hold the right to decide upon the amount to be paid as an advance payment, based on the nature of services and the time left for the commencement of the services.

Payment Options

Payment can be made by Bank Transfer, Cash payment to our office or by Demand Draft / Cheque. All payments should be free and clear of any withholding tax and deduction. Bank charges, if any, for remittance (by remitting bank or by intermediary bank) would be strictly borne by payer.

Rights to amend the itinerary if required

Tour once commenced will strictly go as per the itinerary finalised. In case of events and circumstances beyond our control, we reserve the right to change all or parts of the contents of the itinerary for safety and well being of our esteemed passengers.

Policy Regarding Cancellation / No Show / Early Departure

In case of cancellation of tour/travel services due to any avoidable/unavoidable reason/s we must be informed in writing. Cancellation charges would be effective from the date we receive letter in writing and cancellation charges would be as follows:

  • 30 days & prior to arrival – 10% of the tour/service cost.
  • 20 days to 18 days prior to arrival – 20% of the tour/service cost.
  • 14 days to 16 days prior to arrival – 25% of the tour/service cost.
  • 10 days to 08 days prior to arrival – 50% of the tour/service cost.
  • 07 days & less, prior to arrival or no show – NO REFUND.

Please note – Irrespective of above mentioned cancellations slabs – in case of cancellation of tour services after the booking is made with us – a minimum 10% service charges would be applicable.

Refund

In case you cancel the trip after commencement refund would be restricted to a limited amount that too would depend on the amount that we would be able to recover from the hoteliers we patronize. For unused hotel accommodation, chartered transportation and missed meals etc. we do not bear any responsibility to refund.

Where as in case of Cancellation before the commencement, it will take atleast two weeks time to refund the said amount.

Our Liabilities & Limitations

Please note that after the finalization of the tour/service cost, if there are any hikes in entrance fees of monuments/museums, taxes, fuel cost or guide charges by the Govt. of India, the same would be charged as extra.

Mountain Adventure Tours & Travels act only in the capacity of agent for the hotels, airlines, transporters, railways & contractors providing other services & all exchange orders, receipts, contracts & tickets issued by us are issued subject to terms & conditions under which these services are provided by them.

All itineraries are sample itineraries, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule. Numerous factors such as weather, road conditions, the physical ability of the participants etc. may dictate itinerary changes either before the tour or while on the trail. We reserve the right to change any schedule in the interest of the trip participants’ safety, comfort & general well being.

Our rates are based on the prevailing rates as negotiated by us with the hotels, airlines etc. Hotels and Airlines retain the right to modify the rates without notice. In case of such changes the rates quoted before the modification, can be changed by us according to the modifications by hotels or airlines. All hotel bookings are based on usual check in and checkout time of the hotels until unless indicated in the itinerary.

We shall not be responsible for any delays & alterations in the programme or expenses incurred – directly or indirectly – due to natural hazards, flight cancellations, accident, breakdown of machinery or equipments, breakdown of transport, weather, sickness, landslides, political closures or any untoward incidents.

We shall not be responsible for any loss, injury or damage to person, property, or otherwise in connection with any accommodation, transportation or other services, resulting – directly or indirectly – from any act of GOD, dangers, fire, accident, breakdown in machinery or equipment, breakdown of transport, wars, civil disturbances, strikes, riots, thefts, pilferages, epidemics, medical or custom department regulations, defaults, or any other causes beyond our control.

We do not have any insurance policy covering the expenses for accident, sickness, loss due to theft, or any other reasons. Visitors are advised to seek such insurance arrangements in their home country. All baggage & personal property/s at all times are at the client’s risk.

Passports & Visas

To travel to India from overseas countries except for the citizen of Nepal & Bhutan, one needs a 06 months valid passport and a valid Visa. And processing of Passport and Visa are not included in the tour cost.

Health

Any person who has a contagious disease is forbidden to travel, any person found during the tour with such a disease will be asked to leave the tour and will have to make their own arrangements to return home.