Bhutan Adventure with Bumdra Trek

Flying into Bhutan offers the most spectacular views of the Himalayan ranges, including Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,028ft), Mt. Kanchenjunga (8,586m/28,169ft) and Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,564m/24,836ft). On arrival we meet you at Paro International Airport after clearing your immigration and customs formalities. Today we travel to Thimphu (54-km) for an hour, the capital of Bhutan and transfer to your hotel for check-in. Stop off at the 13th century Tachog Lhakhang (temple) en route, built by Saint Dupthop Thangtong Gyalpo (the iron bridge builder). Continue travelling via Chhuzom (24-km) where the Pachhu and Wangchhu Rivers join. Chhuzom (confluence) is a major road junction connecting Thimphu (30-km) to the northeast, Haa (82-km) to the southwest and Phuentsholing (141-km) to the south. This evening, visit the Tashichhodzong, first constructed in 1216 AD and re-built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan), which now houses some ministries, the office and throne room of His Majesty the King and the Central Monk Body. Enjoy a welcome drink and dinner with authentic traditional Bhutanese meals in the evening. Overnight in Thimphu.

Today we explore the best attractions of Thimphu city (2,300m), home to approximately 138,736 inhabitants. Thimphu is a small city but has many attractive places. Morning begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (stupa), built in 1974 in honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (1928-1972). This stupa is a prominent monument for Bhutanese daily worship in the city with its golden spires and bells. Another must see place to tick off on your list is Kuenselphodrang (the largest 169ft Buddha Dordenma statue in the world), built in 2006 and sits atop a hill, overlooking the Southern entrance to Thimphu city. Our next stop is at the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, established in 1971 where students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. Later, a short drive (15 to 20-minute) takes us to the Sangaygang Hill next to the Bhutan Broadcasting Service Tower for a breathtaking view of the Thimphu Valley. From here, enjoy a short and easy hike (1.5 to 2 hours) to the Wangditse Gonpa. The walk takes you through the forest of pine tress. Head down to Dechen Phodrang Monastic School where we meet up our transport. You may have time to explore the Centenary Farmers Market (Thimphu’s weekend market), a platform for Bhutanese farmers to sell farm produces, local arts and crafts, etc. Overnight in Thimphu.

After early breakfast, we travel (71-km) about 3 hours to Punakha, once the winter capital of Bhutan until 1955. Along the Thimphu–Phunakha highway follow a rough road approximately (45-minutes) leading to the Tashigang Gonpa (monastery) before reaching Hongtsho. A hike to Lungchutse Gonpa can also be done as a loop starting from Dochula Pass (3,050m) and finishing at Hongtsho village with Trashigang Gonpa. We begin one of the rejuvenating and picturesque hikes (3 hours) climbing up through a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, hemlock, birch, juniper, spur and bamboo undergrowth past a row of fluttering prayer flags to Lungchutse temple. On clear days, you could enjoy 360-degree views of all major mountains of Bhutan from the temple including Jomolhari (7,314m), Gangchey Ta (Great Tiger Mountain, 6,784m), Masang Gang (shaped like a trident, 7,194m), Zongphu Gang (Table Mountain, 7,094m) and Gangkar Puensum (Bhutan’s highest mountain, 7,564m). Behind these major mountains lie the Tibetan plateaus. Next, we descend the trail towards Dochula Pass for a lunch break, where the picturesque Druk Wangyal Chortens (108 stupas) stand. Continue our scenic journey (52-km) to Punakha–Wangdue Phodrang Valley. Arriving in Punakha (1,350m), visit the fertility Chimi Lhakhang (temple) en route, nestled on a round hillock near a village called Sopsokha, built in 1499 by Saint Drukpa Kunley (known as the Divine Madman). The temple is about 10-km from Punakha Dzong and takes 20-minutes walk through agriculture fields. Legend has it that the childless couples wishing to have a baby from across Bhutan and occasionally from overseas are blessed with a child after visiting this mysterious temple. Overnight in Punakha.

Discover the delights of Punakha–Wangdue Phodrang Valley. Punakha is situated in western Bhutan with a warm and temperate climate, bordered by Gasa to the north, Thimphu to the west and Wangdue Phodrang to the east and south, and also a popular tourist destination. You’ll at first drive (7-km) about 30-minutes to the parking by the Mochhu River before climbing up the majestic Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk built this 100ft tall temple in 1994, located on a strategic ridge overlooking terraced fields and countryside of Punakha Valley. From the parking, cross a suspension bridge over the Mochhu River and walk up through paddy fields to the base of the hill before climbing a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. It takes about 45-minutes to hike up to the top. In the afternoon, sightseeing includes the Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) Rivers. Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan) built the dzong in 1637. Jacaranda trees beautifully cover the dzong with the purple bloom of flowers in the spring. Your tour continues to the charming Rinchengang village opposite to the Wangduephodrang Dzong, which is about 20-minutes walk uphill from the highway, and the village is known for its skill in traditional method of stone masonry. Our final stop is at the Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery Buddhist College in Wolakha, spectacularly located on a hilltop (25-minutes drive from Punakha Dzong). The Queen Mothers’ parents built it in 2008 for nuns to pursue higher Buddhist studies. Overnight in Punakha.

This morning, our return journey (122-km) about 4 hours takes us to Paro, pausing en route at Dochula Pass (3,050m) and soak up the panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, including Bhutan’s highest mountain (Mt. Gangkar Puensum at 7,564m). Continue to Paro, home to the famous Taktshang Monstery (also known as Tiger’s Nest), National Museum, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Later, we explore the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower), located about 6-km from Paro town, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Walk down to the Paro Dzong (also known as Rinpung Dzong), which is located across the Pachhu River and about 2-km from Paro International Airport. The dzong was built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (founder of Bhutan) to safeguard Paro Valley against Tibetan invasions. Overnight in Paro.

Rise early and take a short drive (30-minutes) out of Paro town to the Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m), the trek starting point. From here, the trail (7-km) about 4-hours starts with a steep ascent in the cool shade through forests of blue pine, rhododendron and oak trees until reaching the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple), where you can enjoy a spectacular view of Paro and Do Chhu valleys. Continue to climb up the last steep elevation, overlooking the views of south Paro and snow-capped Himalayas. After another climb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we hike into the ancient forest before reaching a wide meadow with sacred chortens (stupas). Later, visit the Bumdra Monastery (3,800m), the cave of a thousand prayers which is located nearby the camp. If you are feeling energetic, walk uphill further towards north where you’re rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding Himalayas. Overnight in tented camp below the monastery.

After a hearty breakfast, we either head straight downhill into Paro Valley or linger awhile soaking up the views. Follow the ancient route of pine and rhododendron forest leading to the monks’ zigzagging trail. After 1-2 hours of descent, you’ll catch glimpses of golden temples. After passing the Gardens of Zangthopelri (Heaven on Earth) and a waterfall, our exploration takes us to the stunning Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) at 2,950m. The monastery is one of the most revered pilgrimage places in Bhutan because Guru Rinpoche (one the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism) is believed to have flown to the site on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. It is stunning in its beauty and location. It is perched on clinging on a rock cliff at 900m above the Paro Valley floor. Enjoy touring the monastery at a leisurely pace. Afterwards, your transport will pick you from Ramthangkha (about 12-km from Paro town) and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Paro.

Your tour ends this morning after breakfast. We transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Our guide and driver from Bhutan Green Travel will see you off. Tashi Delek (Goodbye and Good Luck!)