Bumdra Trek

1. Day 1 Paro - Thimphu ▾

   • 55 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar” on your exit from the Airport gate.

   Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu river (Wangchhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive o the well maintained roasd between Paro and Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu.

   You may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu ▾

   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   A leisure breakfast in the morning. Visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Changangkha Monastery built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama.

   Spend some time here enjoying the breathtaking view, the soothing Himalayan breeze and ample photo opportunities. Drive down towards Gumji Lam to visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

   A typical Bhutanese Lunch at Simply Bhutan. Tasting the local “Arra” (Bhutanese Local alcohol) is a great experience. After lunch visit the the National Institute for Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in this institute.

   Then drive towards Kuenselphodrang, where stands the biggest statue of Buddha Drodenma. In addition, a mesmerizing view of Thimphu Valley, biking and hiking trails and a picnic spot makes it worth a visit. Visit the National Memorial Chhorten.

   This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. It is a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu. Lighting Butter lamps and circumambulating the chhorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs.

   A private interaction session with a Bhutanese Host in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host as you converse in regards to this new place and its cultures. Dinner and overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights. Explore the Lawala Pass.

   A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey/ Phobjikha, one of the most beautiful Glacial Valleys in the Himalayas. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views and the soothing Himalayan breeze.

   Dinner and overnight in Hotel

4. Day 4 Phobjikha Valley ▾

   • 2,900 m Altitude of Phobjikha

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

5. Day 5 Gangtey – Punakha ▾

   • 80 km Driving distance
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   DRIVINF TIME: 2.5 HR Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Punakha – Paro ▾

   • 135 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village. After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. Finally Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

   Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Paro – Bumdra (Trek Starts) ▾

   • 7 km Trekking distance
   • 4 hr On the trail
   • 960 m Ascent
   • 3,800 m Altitude of Campsite

   Our adventure begins with a morning drive to Sangchen Choekhor, Visit the Monastery and start your trek. As we climb through a blue pine and rhododendron forest, Bhutan’s untouched nature shall unfolded, rich with history and culture at 3,800 meters.

   After a challenging ascent, we shall reached a Yak Pasture adorned with prayer flags, offering stunning views of the Paro and Do Chhu valleys. We will arrive at Choechotse Lhakhang, a temple with a Denpa statue believed to have saved the valley from disease.

   Enjoy your packed lunch soaking in the beautiful views. Continuing upward, we shall be rewarded with breathtaking sights of Paro International Airport and the snow-capped Himalayas. After descending through a charming forest, a vast meadow dotted with sacred Chortens and prayer flags shall greet us.

   Take a moment to appreciate the serene landscape before arriving at the Bumdra Campsite. The campsite, near Bumdra Monastery is stunning. Dinner and overnight in camp.

8. Day 8 Explore the higher ridges in Bumdra. ▾

   • 5 hr Driving time
   • 3,800 m Altitude of Campsite

   WALK | 400 – 800 M ASCENT After breakfast, we shall start our hike towards the higher ridges used for sky burial. We can choose among the two summits. One is approximately 4378 m and the other one goes upto 4600 m. the first one takes around 3-4 hours for an average walker.

   The second one takes about 5-6 hours for an average walker. The views are spectacular on a clear day. Please note it shall be very cold and windy on the top. We will have to carry our own packed lunch. In the evening walk back to camp at Bumdra.

9. Day 9 Bumdra – Paro ▾

   We shall start walking back towards Taktshang Monastery. Visit the Monastery and walk down to the base. Your vehicle shall be waiting for you here. Drive to Hotel and rest for a while. In the evening, Drive to a local farmhouse for dinner with a Bhutanese family.

   Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Overnight in hotel. ALTITUDE: 2280 M

10. Day 10 Departure ▾

    This 10-day itinerary with Bumdra Trek comes to end with the drive to Paro Airport and farewell.

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