Cultural Bhutan & Bumthang Trek
Discover Bhutan's cultural and religious heartland

The beautiful Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Choskhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. The Dzongs and the most important temples are in the large Choskhor valley, commonly referred to as Bumthang Valley. There are two versions of the origin of the name - the valley is supposed to be shaped like a Bumpa, a vessel that contains holy water, and Thang meaning ‘field’ or ‘flat place.’ The religious connotation of the name aptly applies to the sacred character of the region. The less respectful translation relates to the particularly beautiful women who live here – bum means girl.

It would be difficult to find so many important temples and monasteries in such a small area anywhere else in Bhutan.Add to this all the magic that is Bhutan and you have an incredible journey - the dramatically situated dzongs, splendid architecture, beautiful handicrafts, magnificent mountain scenery and countryside festooned with prayerflags.

The three-day trek leads through meadows and birch, fir and rhododendron forests, camping overnight near villages - some with temples dedicated to Padmasambhava. The highest point is the Phephe Pass at 3360m.

A night spent with a local family in a farmhouse in the Drukyel Valley introduces the best of Bhutanese life. And nearby Drukyel Dzong, from where numerous Tibetan invasions have been repelled, is a favorite place for locals to practice Bhutan's naional sport - archery.

Add-on accommodation and sightseeing packages available in Kathmandu pre or post tour.