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)

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.

• General Description
• Health Precautions
• Reading List
• Travel Conditions
• Visa Information
• Weather Information

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