Bumthang: The Cradle of Bhutanese Civilization



Duration: 12-21 days
Year round departures
Costs: From $3,000


Bumthang is unlike any other place in Bhutan. Barbara Crossette in her fine book on Bhutan 'So Close to Heaven: The Vanishing Kingdoms of the Himalaya' specifically singles out Bumthang as the place most representative of Bhutanese culture and their unique style of Buddhism. As one descends the last mountain pass from western Bhutan into the Bumthang valley, the sense of well-being becomes almost palpable. Nowhere else in Bhutan are sacred geographic sites and monasteries so densely clustered. Many of the great monasteries of Bumthang are visited on this trip as well as lesser known sites which often require a bit of light walking. Bumthang's ancient forests, seemingly straight out of Tolkien's Middle Earth, which are passed en route to mountain hermitages, are a destination themselves. Many of Bhutan's most interesting Tsechu festivals occur in villages scattered throughout the 3 valleys that compose Bumthang. This is largely due to the prolific activity of two of Bhutan's most's important Buddhist patriarchs-the 8th century tantric geomancer known as Guru Rinpoche and the 15th century enlightened blacksmith Pema Lingpa. Together we will explore sites revered by Buddhists the world over because of the former enlightened presence of these two masters. This is truly a journey into the heart of Bhutanese culture and Buddhism. These journeys also include the sights of Paro, Thimphu and the Phobjikha valley. Contact us for more information.