Sacred Valley – Gangkhar Puensum - 20 days

Gangkhar Puensuum, which in the Bhutanese language means "the three mountain siblings," is not famous just for being Bhutan’s highest mountain (and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world!) but is also considered the origin of much of the country's history and culture. This is because the mountain is the source of three major Bhutanese rivers, the Kuru Chu, Chamkhar Chu, and the Mangde Chu. These rivers flow through the Lhuntse, Bumthang, and Trongsa valleys respectively, and each area has a pivotal significance in Bhutanese history, religion and culture. Lhuntse provided the origins of the Royal Family and Bumthang became their family domain, while Trongsa provided the strategic power necessary to propel them to the hereditary role of kings of Bhutan.

According to local folklore, when the three rivers made their very first run down from the glaciers of Gangkhar Puensum, they talked about having a race. The Chamkhar told his two siblings that they could race along if they liked, but because he was in no hurry to get to the ocean he was going to take his time enjoying the views on his journey. This is said to be the reason why the Bumthang Valley is blessed with a wide and calm expanse, while the Trongsa and Lhuntse Valleys are steep and narrow.

Our trek takes us through the magnificent valley of Thangbi with the gradual walking pace, following valley of the Chamkhar River, pursuing its course all the way up to its icy beginnings below the stunning rampart of Gangkhar Puensuum. We return to Tsampa Gompa and then, en route to Jakar following the same trail.