Ngalhakhang Shey at Ngalhakhang in Bumthang
Duration : 14 days

The Ngalhakhang festival is a three day festival and is held at Ngalhakhang, 4-5 hours walk and the first stop on the Bumthang Cultural Trek. For those interested in a short 3 day trek along with a 2 night festival stop, the Bumthang cultural trek along with the Ngalhakhang festival should not be missed.

Day 1 : 6 Nov Tue
Arrive in Paro from Calcutta or Bangkok.Paro sightseeing.

Day 2 : 7 Nov Wed
Continue sightseeing. Afternoon, drive to Thimphu.

Day 3 : 8 Nov Thur
Thimphu sightseeing. Thimphu

Day 4 : 9 Nov Fri
Drive to Bumthang (8-10 hrs). Sightseeing around Bumthang.

Day 5 : 10 Nov Sat
Start of the Bumthang Cultural Trek. Starting at Toktu Zampa (2540m) and camp at Ngang Lhakhang(2800m). Distance, 12 kms and walking time, 4-5 hours. The trek route takes you along the Chamkhar river through pleasant meadows and pine forest and the walk has no steep climbs. At the beginning of the trek you can visit the Thangbi Goempa. After lunch you reach the "Swan Land", Ngalhakhang. Overnight camp.

Day 6 : 11 Nov Sun
Witness the first day of Ngalhakhang Shey.

Day 7 : 12 Nov Mon
Witness second day of Ngalhakhang Shey. Camp overnight

Day 8 : 13 Nov Tue
Continue trekking. Starting at Nga Lhakhang (2800m) and camp at Tahung(2790m), also know as the meadow land. Distance, 16 kms and walking time, 6-7 hours. You can visit the Ngang Lhakhang Goempa at the start of your trek. From Ngang Lhakhang, it is a gradual climb for about 1 hour and then it is steep climb till Phephela pass at 3360m., which is the highest point on this trek and then you descend till camp. The trail takes you through beautiful forested areas with lots of leisure and stops.camp overnight

Day 9 : 14 Nov Wed
End of Trek.Distance, 10 kms to Gamling. Walking time, 2-3 hours. 16 kms more to Mesithang. Walking time, about 6 hours. Today you start at Tahung and the trail leads you to the Tang Chu and the Tang Bridge. The diversion to the 2 campsites is at the bridge. If you want to camp at Mesithang, cross the bridge and continue; otherwise keep to the left of the bridge and camp at Gamling .Camping at Gamling will provide you an opportunity to take an easy side trip to Ugyen Chholing.

Day 10 : 15 Nov Thur
Gamling / Mesithang to Bumthang .If you camp at Gamling then you will have to walk for 1 hour before crossing the Tang Chu where your car will pick you up; otherwise from Mesithang it is a 15 km dirt road drive to the junction of Bumthang - Mongar highway and then a 30 minute drive to Bumthang. You can also stop to visit Membar Tsho at this road junction.

Day 11 : 16 Nov Fri
Drive to Punakha (7-8 hours)

Day 12 : 17 Nov Sat
Visit Punakha town and the Dzong and do a 2 hour roundtrip hike to Chhimi Lhakhang (temple of the Devine madman). After lunch, drive to Thimphu (3 hours)

Day 13 : 18 Nov Sun : Thimphu to Paro.Lunch at Thimphu. Visit the weekend market. Drive to Paro in the afternoon

Day 14 : 19 Nov Mon
Depart to Calcutta or Bangkok