Family Trekking and Cultural Tour in Bumthang - 7 Days

Visit Bumthang either by air or land, settle at your hotel, and experience a convenient orientation after your journey. Take a look at the magnificent Jakar Dzong, called the "White Bird Castle" because it is the main administration center and demonstrates Bhutanese traditional architecture. Explore busy markets where families get to see everyday life, try the local produce, and buy handmade items. You’ll spend the afternoon walking slowly around Jakar town, meeting your local guide and having your first traditional meal in Bhutan. Evening events include lessons about the sites and days to come, and an early bedtime to help with acclimatization to the Mount Everest region ahead of visiting the next day.

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Start your spiritual journey this day in Kurje Lhakhang, the site where Guru Rinpoche remained in meditation and left his physical imprint. You’ll find three beautiful temples here, all with murals, historic statues, and enjoyable family-friendly courtyards. The next stop is Tamshing Monastery, created by Pema Lingpa, which holds important Buddhist artwork and is still occupied by monks. People can add prayer wheel prayers, watch monks in debate, and observe Bhutanese Buddhist practices. During the afternoon, pilgrims have picnics beside the river, enjoy using their cameras, and interact with the pilgrims from Lourdes. Evenings usually include displays of traditional dance about the monasteries’ important histories and religious values.

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Get a glimpse of clean alpine environments and traditional mountain farming by going on a gentle walk in the Ura Valley together with your family. The beautiful Ura Village is home to traditional design, kind communities, and incredible mountain views that are worth exploring. Guests are welcome to view local houses, discover different regional crafts, and find out more about the highlands' culture and habits. Spend a wonderful time with your family, relaxing in front of prayer flags, wildflowers, and the beautiful scenery. In the afternoon, children can hike a little way to see the view, do some photography, and enjoy games in nature. On this day, you go back to your place in Bumthang, discuss the day, and prepare yourself for tomorrow’s trek to Jakar Valley.

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Start a journey with the whole family to explore clean and beautiful spots from Bumthang to Jakar Valley, a trek designed for average fitness levels and children. Travelers along the trail enjoy sightings of flowing rivers, cross through forests filled with pine and rhododendron, and find plenty of stops that offer spectacular vistas of the valley. Visitors may watch several bird species, gather fascinating stones and leaves, and gain information about local nature from experienced guides. Don’t forget to bring healthier snacks for the trail and enjoy breathtaking scenes with your meal. At the riverside walk, families can join in on getting wet, skipping stones, or taking pictures of the area’s nature. Since you stay in the same place at night, family time is warm, evening stargazing is possible, and reflecting on the day’s events is easy.

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Find out more about Mebar Tsho Lake, as it is believed that the treasure found here by Pema Lingpa is why this site is still popular with pilgrims. Getting to the site involves walking through the forest, teaching families about gentle exercise and beautiful scenery. Find out about the bravery of the treasure finder and what fascinating religious artifacts were discovered in the holy waters. Everyone in the family is welcome to join water blessing ceremonies, write down their wishes, and relax with a moment of quiet meditation beside the lake. You can enjoy close family time with nature watching, nice walks, and photographing all kinds of plants and wildlife in the forest. Guests enjoy a second trip to the forest, visits to caves for meditation, and a special picnic lunch after breakfast. Evening includes storytelling on Bhutan’s legends and traditional spiritual practices.

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Get a taste of pure Bhutanese life by walking through traditional farms and joining in on farming tasks that are done by local families each season. Talk to farmers who follow programs to traditionally grow red rice, barley, potatoes, and vegetables with organic methods learned from their ancestors. When at the farm, children can help with animal feeding, egg gathering, or help out with vegetable harvesting. Gain insight into how traditional food is saved, compost is used, and how farming is related to Buddhism. Experience lunch made of ingredients picked on the farm, which gives your meal a unique and genuine character. In the afternoon, visitors take part in fun local activities, observe craftsmen, and have some cultural conversations with farm families. Evening is finished with dinner and preparing clothes for the next morning.

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Admire more of Bhutan’s beauty on your way from Bumthang to Paro, allowing you to gather your experiences from the week before you leave. Once you reach Paro, families may stop by Paro Dzong or browse the town’s nice cafes and stores for things to remember the trip by. You’ll find time for a break in the afternoon, upload some photos from the mountain, and if possible, tour the National Museum. Highlights of the last day are a unique family farewell dinner, cultural presentations, and celebrations of what was achieved on the trip. Get your guide’s contact details and those of some fellow trekkers, and collect a certificate for what you experienced after climbing down. Later in the day, we help you pack, confirm all your bookings, and give you the last bits of cultural advice.

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