Bhutan – the ‘Land of the Thunder Dragon’ – perched among the peaks of Eastern Himalayas has been described as the last Shangri-La. The tiny kingdom, second least populous nation in South Asia, shrouded in centuries of mystery, is only beginning to open up in recent years to welcome more visitors. Landlocked, it is bordered by the Tibet Autonomous Region to the north and the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh to the west and south. Being a Buddhist kingdom, it is well known for its monasteries and fortresses (known as dzongs) and offers a fascinating insight into Buddhist culture. Coupled with its dramatic Himalayan landscapes range from subtropical plains to steep mountains and valleys, Bhutan feels like a tranquil place, where time has stood still amidst landscapes of astounding and untouched beauty.
One of the best ways to experience Bhutan is to trek through one of its ancient routes or picturesque Himalayan mountain ranges. The first road in Bhutan was built only in the early 70s. Until then, people travelled along trails for over hundreds of years. Till today, some remote parts of Bhutan are still days away from the nearest road.
Domkhar Tshechu is a yearly 3-day festival that takes place at the Domkar Lhundrup Choling Monastery, Chumey valley of Bumthang district in Central Bhutan.
Tshechu is a religious festival meaning “tenth day” held annually in various temples, monasteries and dzongs throughout the country. It is held on the tenth day of a month of the lunar calendar, the exact month of which varies from place to place and temple to temple. It commemorates the birthday and deeds of Guru Rimpoche, the second Buddha. Tshechu is the grandest celebration and an important occasion for family reunion in each district. Villagers take time off from work and relatives living far away return home to be a part of the celebration. It is also a time for the local families to visit the monastery together, to offer prayers and receive blessings from the gods and local deities for a successful year.
During the festival, there are mask dances by the buddhist monks, as well as melodies and dances from the local villagers. Villagers deck out in their best to attend the festival at the monastery creating a colourful and jovial atmosphere that is highly infectious.
This itinerary combines various short walks and a day hike culminating to a 2-day trek with an overnight camp. This allows the body to gradually acclimatise to the high altitude of the region and final trek.
Bumthang is a historic and culturally rich region located in central Bhutan. It is often referred to as the “cultural heartland” of the country due to its numerous ancient temples, monasteries, and sacred sites. The Bumthang Valley is surrounded by lush greenery, pine forests, and picturesque landscapes. The terrain is relatively gentle compared to other parts of Bhutan. The day hike in the Tang valley of Bumthang, is a 12km 6-7 hour undulating hike visiting monasteries while hiking through meadows, forests and panoramic view points. Highest point is about 3350m, which is a good warm up to the Bumdra Trek.
Also called the ‘Trek of the Thousand Dakinis’ (celestial female beings), the 2-day Bumdra Trek covers 2 spectacular high altitude monasteries and several temples. It not only includes a visit to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba/3120m), but also offers views of the iconic monastery from the top, away from the usual tourist route. The next monastery is the more remote and less visited Bumdra Monastery (Cave of a Thousand Prayers/3800m). The trek starts at Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2800m) and ends at Ramthangkha. Rather than an undulating mountain terrain, it is mostly an uphill climb to Chhoe Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple (3640m) and Bumdra Lhakhang (3800m) on Day 1. The next day is mostly downhill through a few temples like Ugyen Tshemo Lhakhang (3300m), Zangto Pelri Lhakhang (3280m) and the not-to-be-missed Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba/3120m) to the end point at Ramthangkha. This overnight trek includes a night’s stay at a comfortable campsite.
The trek and festival itinerary is a unique way of experiencing the beautiful nature and rich culture of Bhutan.
There are four seasons in Bhutan. The best seasons to visit Bhutan for trekking are spring (mid-March to June) and autumn (mid-September to early December). In winter, the temperature in higher altitudes becomes very low and snowfall starts. July to early September is the monsoon season when gloomy sky and heavy rain form the typical daily weather pattern.
Autumn (mid-September to early December): This is the most popular time for trekking in Bhutan. The sky is often clear blue with barely a wisp of cloud. Though the temperatures can be cold in the higher areas of the mountains, there is little or no snow in most places yet.
Spring (mid-March to June): While the spring season may not yet be ideal for trekking in the higher mountains (above 5000m), it is the perfect time for the lower altitude treks. The spring conditions are pleasant for trekking, with cool temperatures and rhododendrons blooming across the hillsides.
This trek is graded 1B+. It is a day hike plus a 2-day scenic trek with full camping support.
No trekking experience is required. Anyone with a good level of fitness can complete this trek. The trek will bring you to an altitude ranging from 2400m-3900m in undulating mountain terrain. You will be trekking for 2 days with a 5-6kg backpack load and sleeping for 1 night at a camp at 3800m. The average trekking hours are around 5-6 hours for the 2-day trek, and around 6-7 hours for the 1-day hike.
You will need thermal base layers, a fleece jacket and an outer shell jacket. When at the campsite and after sunset, a down jacket will help keep you warm. A down sleeping bag is also needed and provided.
A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive Paro. Drive to Thimpu. Overnight: Thimpu hotel (2330m) |
-/-/D |
| 2 |
Acclimatisation sightseeing day in Thimpu, visiting Memorial Chorten, Buddha Dordenma and short hike to Changangkha Lhakhang. Overnight: Thimpu hotel (2330m) |
B/L/D |
| 3 |
Drive to Punakha (1250m). Enroute hike Tashigang Gompa to Dochu La pass (3050m). Visit Chimi Lhakang and Punakha Dzong. Overnight: Punakha hotel (1250m) |
B/L/D |
| 4 |
Drive to Bumthang district Jakar town (2800m). Enroute visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (2180m). Overnight: Jakar hotel (2800m) |
B/L/D |
| 5 |
Day hike in Bumthang (highest point at 3350m) Overnight: Jakar hotel (2800m) |
B/L/D |
| 6 |
Domkhar Festival at Chumey. Overnight: Chumey hotel (2900m) |
B/L/D |
| 7 |
Drive to Gangtey (2900m). Take a short walk on the Gangtey Nature Trail to admire the Phobjikha Valley. Overnight: Gangtey hotel (2900m) |
B/L/D |
| 8 |
Drive to Paro (2200m) via Wangdi. Overnight: Paro hotel (2200m) |
B/L/D |
| 9-10 |
Bumdra Trek Overnight: Camp (3800m), Paro hotel (2200m) |
B/L/D |
| 11 | Depart Paro | B/-/- |
| DATES | PRICE |
| — | – (SGD) / person |
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list and gear discount from selected Singapore outdoor outfitters
3. Complimentary group training sessions
4. Rope skill workshop (for climbs that require rope up and/or fixed rope skill)
We carefully select and establish strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure safe participation by everyone.
Our local climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in all regions in Bhutan, possess intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions and culture. They carry a comprehensive first aid kit for emergency purpose.
Participants for Ace Adventure Expeditions’ organised trips, you will be assisted with your visa application.
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC)).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by our licensed Bhutanese partner directly.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to us and we will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Upon payment, the visa clearance will be processed within 1 month prior to your travel date.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit https://www.mfa.gov.bt/?page_id=220.
The Bhutanese ngultrum (Nu) is pegged to the Indian rupee and not available outside Bhutan.
You can spend Indian Rupees in Bhutan. Bring US dollars, as they are the easiest currency to change. You receive better exchange rates for high value (USD100) notes and also in some of the luxury hotels. Euros and GBP are also accepted throughout. ATMs are located within all main towns throughout Bhutan, where money can be withdrawn using a Visa or MasterCard.
Major hotels, restaurants and handicrafts shops in Bhutan accept credit cards. Otherwise, in smaller shops, and in rural areas, it is best to use cash.
Bhutan’s electricity is 230V and 50HZ. There are mainly 2 types of plugs used in Bhutan. Two narrow round pins (Type F) is the most common, useable with most European plugs; and three-pronged thick round pins (Type D).
The national language is Dzongkha, the native language of the Ngalops of western Bhutan. Dzongkha literally means the language spoken in the Dzongs, massive fortresses that serve as the administrative centres and monasteries. Besides this, Bhutan is linguistically rich with over nineteen dialects spoken, differentiated by the geographical locations of the various ethnic groups.
English is the medium of instruction in schools so it is widely spoken, especially those working in the tourist service industry.
It is not advisable to drink untreated water in Bhutan. Bottled water is provided in the car during the day of your travel. You can also buy bottled water for consumption in your hotel room. On the trek, boiled drinking water is provided at camp.
Tipping is not traditionally a culture in Bhutan. However, with the growth of tourism, tipping in Bhutan has become an expected thing among guides and drivers.
Your meals are included in the tour package, except drinks. You can tip a 10% to the drink bill (if any), or do not have to tip if there is a 10% service charge, along with 10% Bhutan sales tax added to your bill.
The Bhutanese are generally tolerant of Westerners and don’t expect that they will necessarily follow, or understand local customs, so they are not quick to take offence, but it is worth bearing in mind the following:
With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.
It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action.
It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Bhutan. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
|
Hepatitis A |
Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
|
Rabies
|
Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
|
Tetanus
|
Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
|
Typhoid Fever |
Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
|
Influenza |
A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx.
