Bumdra Trek

Day 1: Arrival at Paro – Paro Sightseeing

Upon arrival, visit the National Museum, which once served as a Ta Dzong (watchtower) to protect the Paro Rinpung Dzong below from invasions from all directions. A visit through the galleries shows the country’s transition from the Stone Age to a modern Mahayanist Buddhist and multicultural kingdom with its cultural heritage intact.

Visit the Rinpung Dzong. Fortress built in 1644 now houses the government administration offices of the district and district monastic body.

Then visit Kichu Lhakhang. The Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo originally built this temple in the 7th century.

Overnight in Paro (1 Night)

Day 2: Bumdra Trek Start

After breakfast, drive towards Sang Choekor Buddhist College. Standing at 2,800 m on the north bank of Paro Chhu, the institute commands outstanding views of the valley below.

From here, you will start your hike towards Bumdra Monastery (3,800 m). This route is graded one of the easiest and most beautiful treks in the country. The initial one to two-hour of hike will take you through ascent of a shady and forested ridge and towards a clearing with prayer flags and views down into both the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys.

Further one to two hour’s walk away will take you to Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple). The trail undulates before the last steep section up to the pretty temple, which offers commanding views south over Paro and northwards to the snowcapped Himalayas.

About an hour from there on will take you to Bumdra Monastery, literally translating to Cave of a Thousand Prayers. Your campsite will be the Yak grazing ground located just below the monastery

Overnight at Bumdra (1 Night at Campsite)

Day 3: Bumdra Trek End

After breakfast, you will return from your hike.

After one to two hours of descent you will catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. Continuing further across the mountainside, you will reach the gardens of Zangto Pelri (Heaven on Earth).

An hour later you will reach Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Lair). Perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of 4000ft, Taktshang gets it's name from its foundation. It is one of the most venerated pilgrimme sites in the Himalayan world. Despite the fact that it has 13 holy places, most people can only visit the main site called Taktshang Pelphug.

After the hike, visit the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Tenzin Drukdra built the dzong in 1649 at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate victory over Tibetan invasion. Unfortunately, this massive structure was razed down by fire in 1950s.

In 2016, it was announced that the Dzong will be rebuild and restored to its formerly glory to commemorate important events including the birth of the Crown Prince, 400 years since the visit of Zhabdrung in 1616, and the birth year of Guru Rimpoche.

At the end of the day, you can enjoy Hot Stone Bath.

Overnight at Paro (1 Night)

Day 4: Paro – Punakha Sightseeing

After breakfast, proceed to Punakha valley, the ancient capital of Bhutan. En route visit Tachhogang Lhakhang, the Temple of the hill of Excellent Horses. This temple was built in 15th century as a result of visitation from Balaha, the Excellent Horse.

En-route, enjoy the scenic beauty of the pass with the majestic Druk Wangyal Lhakhang and 108 stupas on the crest of Dochu La. If the sky is clear one will also be able to enjoy the panoramic view of beautiful mountain ranges and peaks of the Greater Himalaya including Gangkar Puensum (7497 M), probably the highest unclimbed mountain in the world.

Then drive 7 km upstream Puna-Tshang Chu and hike up to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched high on the strategic ridge above Punakha valley. En-route, visit the Dho Jhaga Lama Lhakhang.

Then, visit the Grand Fortress of Punakha Dzong which houses the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot. This massive fortress, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, is situated between two rivers known as Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river)

Overnight in Punakha (1 Night)

Day 5: Punakha – Gangtey Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive to Gangtey. Enroute you will be able to see the ruins of Wangdi Phodrang Dzong, built in 1639 AD..

Over an hour’s drive from Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is Gangtey. There, we will visit Gangtey Gompa (monastery) built in 1613 AD.

Take a two hour-long pleasurable walk along the Nature Trail.

Lunch will be arranged at a farmhouse.

Then, explore Phobjikha valley, which is famous for being the winter home of endangered Black Necked Cranes. There, visit the crane centre.

Overnight at Gangtey (1 Night)

Day 6: Gangtey – Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast, drive back to Thimphu. En route; visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple built on a round hillock in 1499. The 14th Drukpa hierarch Lama Ngawang Chogyel built this temple, also known as The Temple of Fertility. Lama Ngawang Chogyel’s cousin, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the divine madman, formerly blessed the site. It is believed that Drukpa Kuenley subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt”. The Chimi Lhakhang is worshipped as the Temple of Fertility

Once there, visit the Great Buddha Dordema popularly known as Buddha Point. At 169 feet (52 m), it is one of the largest Buddha rupas in the world. Sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of 13th Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler of Bhutan), it overlooks the Thimphu valley.

Visit the National Memorial Chorten, a huge stupa built in memory of the 3rd King (reigned from 1952-72); affectionately known as the father of modern Bhutan.

In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the massive structure that houses the office of the King, the Throne Room and part of Government Ministries. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the senior monks and the Chief Abbot (the Je Khenpo). It is the main Secretariat building. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1961 in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Optional:
Visit Motithang Takin Preserve. Originally a small zoo, it was later converted to a preserve when it was observed that these animals refrained from inhabiting in the surrounding forest, even when they were set free following the Royal Decree that mandated animals should not be captivated.

The animal owes a special place in the culture of Bhutan and hence is the national animal.

Overnight at Thimphu (1 Night)

Day 7: Hike to Tango Monastery

After breakfast drive to the base for a 2-hour excursion to Tango monastery. Located 14 kilometres North of the capital city, Tango was founded by Phajo Drugom Zhipo in the 13th century. The monastery was built to its present form by the 4th Druk Desi (Temporal Ruler) Tenzin Rabgye in 1688.

The location of the monastery is believed to be the holy place where Avalokiteshwara revealed himself as the self emanated form of the Wrathful Hayagriva.

After breakfast, visit one of the oldest temples of the valley, the 15th century Changangkha Lhakhang.

Day 8: Depart Paro

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward flight.