Bumdra Trek in Bhutan-7 Days

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrive in Paro and enjoy local sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m
Day 2: Trek to Bumdra Monastery | 7 km | 4 hours | Altitude: 3500 m | Difficulty: Moderate
Day 3: Hike from Bumdra to Tiger’s Nest, then drive to Thimphu | 68 km | Drive: 1.5 hours | Hike: 4 hours
Day 4: Sightseeing in Thimphu | Altitude: 2334 m
Day 5: Travel from Thimphu to Punakha for sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m
Day 6: Journey from Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang and back to Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours
Day 7: Return to Paro for departure | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour

Bumdra Trek Cost:

The costs include a sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $100 per person per night and a Bhutan visa fee of US $40 per person. Entrance fees for monuments and festivals are not included.

Cost per person based on group size:

• Solo Traveler: US $2145
• Group of 2: US $1960 per person
• Group of 3 or more: US $1780 per person

Day 1: Arrive in Paro and Sightseeing | Altitude: 2280 m

Upon your arrival at Paro airport, your guide from Yak Holidays will greet you and take you to your hotel.

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, Ta Dzong.

Next, explore Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

In the evening, experience a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 2: Trek to Bumdra Monastery | 7 km | 4 hours | Altitude: 3500 m

In the morning, drive to Sangchoekor Buddhist College in the Paro Valley (starting altitude: 2800 m). Hike uphill for about 2 hours, passing Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, and reach near Bumdra Monastery, known as the Cave of Thousand Prayers.

After lunch, visit the monastery or hike a nearby peak at around 4000 meters before returning to the camp.

Dinner and overnight stay in camp.

Hiking duration: 3-4 hours to camp, optional 2-3 hours return trek to the peak. Difficulty level: Moderate.

Day 3: Hike from Bumdra via Tiger’s Nest to Thimphu

In the morning, descend from Bumdra through the gate of Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a sacred site where Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to on a tigress. Continue downhill to the base where vehicles will pick you up (end of Bumdra trek, altitude: 2280 m).

In the afternoon, visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Then, explore Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 659 A.D by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

Drive to Thimphu, stopping at Tamchog Monastery, constructed in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Hiking duration: 5-7 hours. Difficulty level: Easy.

Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m

In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974) and the world’s tallest statue of a sitting Buddha (51.5 meters).

Then, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang View Point, and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant.

In the afternoon, tour the painting school and the school of 13 arts and crafts.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat, followed by free time for shopping and photography in town.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 5: Thimphu to Punakha Sightseeing | 76 km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 1242 m

In the morning, drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochu La Pass with its 108 stupas.

Next, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman.” This temple is also referred to as the “Temple of Fertility.”

In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which serves as the winter residence of Je Khenpo.

In the evening, drive to Yabesa Village and hike to the Khamsum Yulley Monastery.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 6: Punakha to Wangdue Phodrang to Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours

In the morning, cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge (160 m) in Punakha.

Drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang, viewing the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

Lunch at Dochu La Cafeteria and continue driving to Thimphu.

In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum where you can create personalized stamps.

Watch an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.

In the evening, enjoy free time for shopping and photography in town.

Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 7: Thimphu to Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, concluding your Bumdra trek and tour of Bhutan.