Bumdrak Trek and Tours; Bhutan's Shortest Trek

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Trekking Itinerary

Embark on a 7-day journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Bhutan, starting with cultural explorations in Paro, an exhilarating trek to the serene Bumdra Monastery, and a visit to the iconic Tiger’s Nest. Conclude your adventure with sightseeing in Thimphu and Punakha, experiencing Bhutan’s rich heritage and natural beauty.

Day 1

Arrival in Paro

Your journey begins with a scenic flight into Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan's national carrier. On clear days, this flight offers magnificent views of some of the world's highest peaks, including the towering Gangkar Puensum. As you descend into the lush green Paro Valley, the natural beauty of Bhutan unfolds before your eyes, setting the tone for the adventures ahead. Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by a representative from Authentic Bhutan Tours, who will drive you to Paro Rimpung Dzong, a significant center of civil and religious authority in the region. After a delightful lunch in Paro town, you will explore Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, is one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, steeped in history and spirituality. The evening offers a serene stroll around Paro Valley, known for its surpassing beauty, before enjoying dinner and an overnight stay at a comfortable hotel in Paro.

Day 2

Trek to Bumdra Monastery

After breakfast at the hotel, the team from Bhutan Cultural Caravans Agency will drive you to Sang Choekor Buddhist College in the Paro Valley, which sits at an elevation of 2,800 meters. From there, you will begin a challenging uphill trek, with the initial 60% of the journey being the most difficult, as it ascends from the college to Chhoetse Monastery. After a two-hour climb, you will enjoy a hot packed lunch before continuing past Chhoetse Monastery towards Bumdra Monastery. The first one to two hours of this ascent are steep, but much of it will be shaded. As you approach a clearing adorned with prayer flags, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of both the Paro and Do Chhu valleys. Upon reaching the Bumdra Monastery, you can visit the monastery, offer prayers, and hang prayer flags. If you feel up to it, you can also climb the nearby peak, which reaches approximately 4,000 meters. After a day of trekking and exploring, you will return to the campsite for dinner and an overnight stay in tents.

Day 3

Bumdra Monastery to Tiger’s Nest and Thimphu

The final day of your trek begins with breakfast at the Bumdra campsite. You will then set out on the trail towards Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. The descent takes you through ancient pine and rhododendron forests, and after one to two hours, you will glimpse the golden roofs of temples below the trail. The path continues along the mountainside, passing between monasteries and temples before reaching the gardens of Sangtopelri, known as "Heaven on Earth." Finally, you will arrive at the renowned Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliffside. After visiting Tiger’s Nest and enjoying the serene atmosphere, you will have lunch. In the afternoon, you will drive to the ruins of Drukgyal Fortress, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. On your return to Paro Town, you will stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, constructed by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 659 A.D. to subdue a demoness. Continuing to Thimphu, you will visit Tachog Monastery, built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the "Iron Bridge Builder," in the 15th century, and observe the three chortens at the confluence of the Thimphu and Paro rivers.

Day 4

Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, your day of sightseeing in Thimphu begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 by the Grand Queen Mother of Bhutan in memory of her late husband, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. From there, you will proceed to Buddha Point to see the 169-foot-tall Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu Valley. Highlights of your Thimphu tour include the National Library, the Painting School, Simply Bhutan, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the Indigenous Hospital, Zilukha Nunnery, Dechen Phodrang, and Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body. In the evening, you will have time to stroll through Thimphu city, visiting the Handicrafts Emporium and shopping for souvenirs. You will spend the night at Hotel Ghalingkha or a similar establishment and dine at an authentic Bhutanese restaurant.

Day 5

Thimphu to Punakha

After breakfast, you will embark on a three-hour drive to Punakha, passing through Dochula Pass, which sits at an elevation of 3,100 meters. If the weather is clear, you will enjoy stunning views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks. En route to Punakha, you will visit the Chime Lhakhang fertility temple, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. After lunch in Punakha Town or at the Chimi Lhakhang cafe, you will explore Punakha Dzong, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years, this fortress served as the seat of the government. You will also visit the Punakha Suspension Bridge, the longest in Bhutan, spanning 160-180 meters and connecting the two sides of the village. Dinner and an overnight stay will be at Hotel Zhingkham Resort or a similar accommodation in Punakha.

Day 6

Punakha to Thimphu

Following breakfast, you will drive to Yabesa village, where you will hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The 40-minute hike takes you through scenic rice fields, providing a glimpse of local farmers at work. The monastery, built by Her Majesty Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk, is situated on a hill and features brilliant paintings in the Nyingmapa tradition. After the hike, you will drive back to Thimphu, a journey of approximately three hours. Upon arrival, you will check in at your hotel, such as Ghalingkha or a similar establishment, and enjoy dinner at the hotel.

Day 7

Departure from Paro

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport by a representative from Bhutan Cultural Caravans Agency for your outbound journey, concluding your memorable trek and tour in Bhutan.