Trekking, Hiking, Backpacking in Bhutan

Bumthang is one of the loveliest valleys and the spiritual heartland of Bhutan. The entire valley is dotted with sacred temples and monasteries dating back to the 7th century. Longchen Rabjampa, a great saint and scholar described Bumthang as a “Vision of Paradise” and a “Lotus in Bloom”. He also mentioned that Bumthang will be the birthplace of Jampa or Maitreya, the Buddha of the Future. Jampa Lhakhang, one of the most sacred 7th century temples in Bumthang, has the statue of Jampa (Maitreya) as the central figure. There are three stone steps inside the main sanctuary of the temple believed to represent past, present and future. These steps are slowly sinking into the ground and people believe that when all of them disappear the Future Buddha will arrive. Many people also refer to Bumthang as the “Switzerland of Bhutan” because of its spectacular open valleys, breathtaking scenery, beautiful rivers and mountains.

Trekking is definitely the best way to discover the secrets of this magical valley of incomparable beauty. Like all people in the country, people of Bumthang's remote villages are warm and friendly, and still live in harmony with their centuries-old traditions. On the first and third days of the trek, we follow the village trail along a trout filled river, past beautiful farmhouses and, many chortens (stupa), mani-walls, fluttering prayer flags and several 600-700 years old monasteries and temples, all bearing witness to the importance of Buddhism in the daily life of Bhutanese people. You will see farmers ploughing fields in traditional style using oxen, grinding grain in water-powered grist mills .... On the second day, the trail winds up and down through thick forests of maple, fir, pine and rhododendron, as we cross Phephe-La pass at 3,350 meters, the highest point on this trek. On the third and last day, we walk past the ancient fortress of Ugyen Choling, the home of the famous saint Longchen Rabjampa. The trek ends near Rimochen Lhakhang temple, which was founded by Guru Rinpoche (the Second Buddha) in the 8th century. A huge rock in front of the temple has the body-print of Guru Rinpoche and his two consorts, and slightly further down is his “Bathtub”. Inside the temple, there is a footprint of the “Lotus Princess”, daughter of a 8th century Tibetan King, who accompanied the Guru on a pilgrimage and died at the age of eight in this temple. Her body is believed to be enshrined in the rock with most precious “Ter” (hidden treasures). An impression of a door on the rock is believed to be the mystic keys to these hidden treasures. The rock also has an impression of Guru Rinpoche and his favourite consort, Yeshey Tsogyal, in an endearing embrace. The top of the rock cliff contains the seat of Guru Rinpoche from where he preached the Dharma.

We camp near small villges and ancient temples. On the first night, villagers may join us to enjoy local music and folk dancing around the evening campfire.

Important Note
Most of our trips take place during the busy season and it is difficult to secure reservations on Druk Air and in Hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Wangdi Phodrang, Tongsa and Bumthang. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that we can confirm the resrvation you choose.

The rule of thumb is: Book as far in advance as possible, but don't hesitate to contact us at the last minute if free time suddenly comes your way.