Bumthang Cultural Trek

3 days

This is a short trek of 3 days with maximum elevation of 3360m. Some people may find the trek easy while some may find it medium. Although it is a short trek, it is strenuous. It is usually done from March to May, September to November. Starting from Toktu Zampa, Jakar, it ends at Mesithang. This trek is so named because the opportunities to visit villages and lhakhangs are greater than on most other treks in Bhutan.

Day 1- Toktu Zampa to Ngang Lhakhang( 12 kms. 4-5 hrs. 170m ascent)

Walk down to the suspension bridge of Duer Chhu. You will come across a carved Buddha on the rock. Following the trail you will reach Thankabi Goemba. This yellow-roofed Goemba was founded in 1470 by Shamar Rinpoche, after a dispute it was taken over by Pema Lingpa. After crossing the Goemba you will again reach Ngang Lhakhang, the Swan Temple. This temple was once visited by Guru Rimpoche.

Day 2 - Ngang Lhakhang to Tahung(16 km. 6 hrs. 750m ascent, 670m descent)

This trail takes you through meadows, keep walking you will come across a lot of dwarf bamboo and several little streams to cross. Then the trail takes you up and down a small hill till you reach a small stream from where the trail becomes narrow through the forest. The trail then leads you along a stream and through dwarf bamboo, then through rhododendron forest. Moving further from here you will reach Phephe La. From here the trail goes through a dense forest and then comes to a meado full of grazing yaks and cows. From here the trails keeps going downhill to the bottom of the valley and you will reach many camping places.

Day 3 - Tahung to Mesithang (16 km. 5-6 hrs. 230m descent)

The trail leads you through Tang chhu to Tang vallage. The route the leads through road and footpath then cross the stream and take a turn into the main valley of Tang Chhu. Heading down the road you will reach Mesithang. From here you can go by vehicle.