Bumthang and the Black-Necked Cranes Trek
Holiday Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE Land Only package services begin with the evening meal.
Day 2: After the short and spectacular flight to Bhutan's only airport at Paro, we meet our Bhutanese guide. We hike to the classic viewpoint for the Taktsang Monastery clinging improbably to a cliff face, before driving to the capital, Thimpu where we check into our hotel.
Day 3: We drive across the Dochu La to Punakha, then continue eastwards, turning off the main road into the delightful Phobjikha Valley. Overnight in a lodge at Gantey.
Day 4: An early wake up call as we go out to see the black-necked cranes. The rest of the day is free to explore this settlement with its impressive monastery.
Day 5: Today, we drive to Tongsa Dzong, then on to the town of Jakar at the heart of the district of Bumthang. Overnight in a lodge.
Day 6: We visit the Jambay Lhakhang festival today. As much a spectacle as the whirling masked dancers, are the throngs of local people who dress in their finest robes and come to the festival both for spiritual enlightenment and also to have fun socialising with friends and neighbours. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 7: The first day of the 'Owl Trek' takes us from the village of Dhur through forests of blue pine to our camp at Shonath (3450m).
Day 8: We continue our trek through virgin forest of spruce, hemlock, fir, birch bamboo, and rhododendron. Reaching the Drangela La (3600m), we ascend a ridge with a breathtaking panorama to our next camp at Keth (3830m).
Day 9: A final day of trekking passing monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling and finishing on the Royal Heritage Trail back to Jakar. We then drive to Tongsa and check into the group hotel. 4 - 5 hours walking.
Day 10: A long drive back across the passes, via Thimpu to Paro, where we check into our hotel.
Day 11: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the group hotel. We have a guided sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon.
Day 12: KE Land Only package services end after breakfast. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
