Ura Festival with Bumthang Trek | Festival Tours to Bhutan

Ura Festival with Bumthang Cultural Trek- 13 days trek

Day 1 : Arrive at Paro

The highlight of the flight is the breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks including Bhutan’s Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. We will arrange reception at the airport. In the afternoon, visit National Museum popularly known as Ta Dzong- once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, but now converted into National Museum. Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong- “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels” which today serves as the seat of the district administration and home for the monastic school. Evening visit to Paro town. Night at Paro at Tenzinling Resort.

Day 2 : Paro to Thimphu

Drive to Thimphu- takes 2 hours; if your visit falls on weekend, visit Thimphu weekend market. Go hiking up to Tango Monastry- most important Buddhist Colleges. Today Tango is home to the reincarnate Lama Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye.

Day 3 : Thimphu to Wangdiphodrang

Drive to Wangdiphodrang crossing Dochula pass at 10,500 ft from where you will enjoy spectacular views of the Himalayan Mountains. Afternoon visit to Punakha Dzong- ancient capital of Bhutan and now the winter residence of central monastic body and its chief abbot. Punakha Dzong lies between two rivers- Pochu (male river) and Mochu (female river). Visit the famous fertility temple- Chimi Lhakhang. Evening will be tour of Wangdue Dzong courtyard. Night in Wangdiphodrang at Dragon Nest.

Day 4 : Wangdiphodrang to Bumthang

Depart for Bumthang located in central Bhutan. Drive will be scenic with breathtaking view along the highway. Watch Trongsa Dzong- ancestral home of the royal family of Bhutan. The Dzong is an architectural wonder and example. Continue to Bumthang. Night in Bumthang at SamtenKhangsar.

Day 5 : Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang

A wonderful trek to Ngang Lhakhang begins. Hike will be for about five hours. You will pass through villages, fields and forests and cross the suspension bridges. Our trek will follow Chamkhar River. On the way, visit Thangbi Lhakhang, and then reach Ngang Yul- “Swan Land”. This is where Ngang Lhakhang- “Swan Temple” is Night in camp.

Day 6 : Bumthang to Tang

The climb will be gradual reaching Phephe La Pass- highest point of our trek 12,000 ft (3,353m). Trail will be through forests containing mini bamboo pasture, rhododendrons and conifer. Trekking will be about seven hours with several stops to enjoy nature. Night camp in Tang valley.

Day 7 : Tang to Bumthang

Visit Ugyenchholing Palace- housing the family Museum. View exhibits recreated to capture the ambience of the lifestyle of Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji. Continue past Ugyenchholing and reach Rimpochen Lhakhang- a temple dedicated to Guru Rimpoche. From here, you will be driven through Pangshing village to Jakar, Bumthang. Visit farmhouse on the way. Night in Bumthang at River Lodge.

Day 8 : Bumthang

Sightseeing and touring in and around in Bumthang.
Visit Jakar Dzong, Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang and Membertsho- Flaming Lake. Visit to Swiss farm which produces beer and cheese. Day hikes can be arranged. Night in Bumthang at River Lodge.

Day 9 : Bumthang, Ura festival

First day of Ura Yakchoe in Bumthang. Ura is considered one of the holiest valleys. Bhutanese dressed in their finest clothes and jewellery will come to attend Tshechu (festival) celebration of purification and religious blessings. Tshechu will showcase mask dances of Guru Rimpoche, glorious demonic demons and animals. Night halt at Ura.

Day 10 : Bumthang Ura Festival

Second day of Ura festival. Second night at Ura.

Day 11 : Bumthang to Wangdiphodrang

Drive to Wangdiphodrang. Stop at Trongsa to absorb the views of the valley and watch tower- located above Trongsa Dzong. Climb up the ancient ladders to the top from where you will view warrior armor and aging altars. Continue to reach Wangdiphodrang. Night halt at Dragon Nest.

Day 12 : Wangdiphodrang to Paro

Return to Paro. Afternoon hike to Taktshang Monastry- Tiger’s Nest. It is perched on a rocky ledge where Guru Padmasambhava alighted here upon the back of a tigress in the second half of the 8th century. Night in Paro at Tenzinling Resort.

Day 13 : Departure