Bumdra Trek in Bhutan
Explore the enchanting Bumdra trek in Bhutan over two picturesque days, delving into the itinerary, costs, altitude, difficulty, and distance. This trek offers three starting points, with the Sang Choekhor monastery in Shari being highly recommended. Meandering through a pine forest, the trail unveils breathtaking views of Paro in the valley below. The trek adds a touch of romance as hikers can relish the mesmerizing sunset over the hills of Haa. Additionally, a bird’s eye view of the Tiger’s Nest monastery (Taktsang) and its surrounding chapels enhances the trekking experience. The region boasts three sky burial sites, believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche.
In Bumdra, diversify your experience by hiking to a sky burial site, engaging in archery or the Khuru game (Dart), or simply enjoying leisure time. The opportunities for photography are boundless, especially for nature enthusiasts captivated by the stunning landscapes.
Bumdra trek in Bhutan – Trip facts:
- Trek duration: 02 days.
- Bumdra trek distance: 14 kilometers.
- Starting point: Sangchekhor monastery (2800 m).
- Trek end point: Base of the Tiger’s nest monastery.
- Best time for Bumdra trek: Oct. – Dec. & Mid Feb. – May.
- Bumdra trek altitude: 4000 m, highest point on Bumdra (Sky burial site): 4378 m.
- Bumdra trek difficulty level: moderately difficult.
Highlights of the trip:
- Picturesque landscape.
- Ancient monasteries and temples & dzongs (Forts).
- Pristine villages and farmhouse.
- Meet local people.
- Witness archery matches.
- Museums and government institutions.
Sketch Itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.
- Day 2. Trek to Bumdra monastery (Bumdra trek in Bhutan) | 7 km | 4 hours | Bumdra trek altitude / difficulty 3500 m.
- Day 3. Bumdra – Tiger’s nest – Thimphu (Bumdra trek in Bhutan) | 68 km | Drive: 1 1/2 hours | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 4. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 5. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 6. Punakha – Wangdue – Wangdue – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours.
- Day 7. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.
Comprehensive Schedule for the Bumdra Trek.
Upon your arrival at Paro airport, your guide from Yak Holidays will warmly welcome you and transport you to the nearby hotel.
In the afternoon, explore the Ta Dzong, which serves as the National Museum of Bhutan.
Following that, proceed to visit Rinpung Dzong, a fortress built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
As the evening unfolds, experience the hospitality of a Bhutanese farmhouse.
Conclude the day with dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
Embark on the Bumdra Trek adventure by starting the day with a drive to Sangchoekor Buddhist College in the Paro Valley (Starting Altitude: 2,800 meters). Begin a 2-hour uphill walk, passing Chhoe Tse Lhakhang and reaching the vicinity of the Bumdra Monastery, also known as the Cave of Thousand Prayers.
Following lunch, explore the monastery or opt for a climb to a nearby peak, situated at approximately 4,000 meters. Return to the camp for the evening.
Conclude the day with dinner and spend the night at the camp.
Hiking Duration: 3-4 hours to the camp, optional 2-3 hours for the return trek to the peak. Bumdra Trek Difficulty Level: Moderate.
Start the day by retracing your steps from Bumdra, passing through the entrance of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, where Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic, is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress while bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Descend and reach the base of the hill, where awaiting vehicles will transport you (Concluding the Bumdra Trek in Bhutan itinerary, Altitude: 2280 meters).
In the afternoon, journey to the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a fortress erected in 1647 by the illustrious Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Subsequently, visit Kichu Lhakhang, an ancient temple constructed in 659 A.D. by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo, ranking among the oldest temples in the country.
Continue the drive to Thimphu, with a stop at Tamchog Monastery, an architectural gem dating back to the 15th century and built by Thang Tong Gyalpo.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
Hiking Duration: 5-7 hours. Bumdra Trek Difficulty Level: Easy.
Start your day by exploring the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974, and marvel at the world’s tallest sitting Buddha statue towering at 51.5 meters. Next, visit Changangkha Lhakhang, the Takin Preserve Center, Sangaygang View Point, and Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s rare surviving nunneries.
Enjoy lunch at the Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant.
In the afternoon, tour the Painting School, also known as the School of 13 Arts and Crafts.
As the day progresses, visit the Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Secretariat. Later, take some free time to explore the town for shopping and photography.
Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, embark on a journey to Punakha. En route, make a stop at Dochu La Pass adorned with 108 stupas.
Proceed to visit Chimi Lhakhang, constructed 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, explore Punakha Dzong, established in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and serving as the winter residence of Je Khenpo.
As the evening approaches, drive to Yabesa village and undertake a hike to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Monastery.
Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.
In the morning, take a stroll across the Punakha Suspension Bridge, considered the longest of its kind in Bhutan, spanning 160 meters.
Drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang, pausing to observe the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, erected in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Have lunch at the Dochula Cafeteria and continue the journey to Thimphu.
During the afternoon, explore the Postal Museum, offering the opportunity to create personalized stamps. Then, witness an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.
As the evening unfolds, enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll in the town, engaging in shopping and photography.
Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell (End of Bumdra trek in Bhutan with tour).
Trip Cost Includes:
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner and evening tea / coffee].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee.
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water during the tour.
Trip Cost Excludes:
- Entrance fees for museums / monuments and festival visits.
- Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares.
- Trip insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, camera charges, incidentals, portage, bellboy charges tips or any other services.
Trek Cost Includes:
Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) Nu.1000
- One trekking guide.
- Trekking cook.
- Helpers.
- Ponies and yaks.
- Tents (Sleeping tent, mess tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent and shower tent etc).
- 3 meals a day’s + evening tea.
- Mattresses and all other trekking accessories.
- Note: For trekking a load of 25 kg is allowed.
Singapore – Paro – Singapore (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 1080.
- Business Class: US $ 1680.
Bangkok – Paro – Bangkok (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 906.
- Business Class: US $ 1290.
Kathmandu – Paro – Kathmandu. (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 466.
- Business Class: US $ 710.
Delhi – Paro – Delhi (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 606.
- Business Class: US $ 1033.
Kolkata – Paro – Kolkata (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 452.
- Business Class: US $ 706.
Dhaka (Bangladesh) – Paro – Dhaka (Round Fares):
- Economy Class: US $ 462.
- Business Class: US $ 766.
Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.
- Strong comfortable trekking boots – water-resistant for the rainy period-June-August.
- Sunscreen.
- Flashlight.
- Raincoat (especially for rainy period –June-August).
- Head gear/hat/cap; sun and rain protection.
- Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
- Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
- Lots of socks.
- Warm clothes.
Optional items to bring for Bumdra trek:
- Sunglasses.
- Head gear.
- Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
- One towel.
- Pillowcase.
- Wet-packed tissue paper.
- Pillow.