Bumthang is extraordinarily beautiful, even for Bhutan.
Its four high valleys are draped with forests that
embrace small monasteries, chortens, traditional stone
houses, and markets. Elevations on trek stay below 12,000
feet, and each day’s walk is steadfastly unhurried. After
arriving in Paro, we zig zag up to the revelatory Dochu La,
then descend to Punakha for a nice day’s walkabout and a
visit to its sterling dzong. Then we’re off to Bumthang, Bhutan’s
most sacred valley, hallowed 1,200 years ago by the
visits of Padmasambhava (the great Buddhist master, called
Guru Rinpoche, or the Precious Teacher). Our four-day trek
takes us through forests and farmlands and over trout
streams to remote villages in which the rest of the world’s
last couple of centuries are dim and not particularly enticing
rumors. Few treks offer such an intimate look into
Bhutan’s delicate
and charming daily life.
Several of our departures coincide with centuries-old festivals in remote villages where we will be welcomed as honored guests:
Sept. 27 - Oct. 13, 2008 (Thimphu and Wangdiphodrang festivals); Oct. 17 - Nov. 2, 2008 (no festival, but very good weather); Nov. 7 - 23, 2008 (Jambay and Prakhar tshechus)
Mar. 2 – 18, 2009 (Punakha festival); Mar. 25 – Apr. 10, 2009 (Paro festival); May 1 – 17, 2009; Sept. 24 – Oct. 10, 2009 (Thimphu festival); Oct. 28 – Nov. 13, 2009 (Jambay and Prakhar festivals); Nov. 7 – 23, 2009 (King’s Birthday)
Several of our departures coincide with centuries-old festivals in remote villages where we will be welcomed as honored guests:
Sept. 27 - Oct. 13, 2008 (Thimphu and Wangdiphodrang festivals); Oct. 17 - Nov. 2, 2008 (no festival, but very good weather); Nov. 7 - 23, 2008 (Jambay and Prakhar tshechus)
Mar. 2 – 18, 2009 (Punakha festival); Mar. 25 – Apr. 10, 2009 (Paro festival); May 1 – 17, 2009; Sept. 24 – Oct. 10, 2009 (Thimphu festival); Oct. 28 – Nov. 13, 2009 (Jambay and Prakhar festivals); Nov. 7 – 23, 2009 (King’s Birthday)
Days 1 & 2: USA to Bangkok • Day 3: fly to Paro • Day 4: explore Paro
• Day 5: drive to Punakha • Day 6: drive to Bumthang • Days 7–10: on trek
• Day 11: drive to Gangtey • Day 12: walking in the Phobjikha Valley
• Day 13: drive to Thimphu • Day 14: return to Paro • Day 15: roaming in the
Paro Valley • Day 16: fly to Bangkok • Day 17: return to USA.
The Sacred Valleys Trek
Trip Details
2008 Departures:
17 days
Activity Type:
Trekking
,
Touring
Trip Price:
2008: From $5295
2009: From $5550
- September 27 - October 13
- October 17 - November 2
- November 7 - November 23
- March 2 - March 18
- March 25 - April 10
- May 1 - May 17
- September 24 - October 10
- October 28 - November 13
- November 7 - November 23
Activity Type:
Trip Price:
2008: From $5295
2009: From $5550

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- General Description
- Health Precautions
- Reading List
- Travel Conditions
- Visa Information
- Weather Information
- More Bhutan Trips
- More Trekking Trips

