Bhutan Bumdra Trek – Best Short Trek
Bhutan Bumdra Trek – Best Short Trek
Bhutan Bumdra Trek – Best Short Trek

Bhutan Bumdra Trek – Best Short Trek & Camping Experience in Bhutan

Highlights of Bhutan Bumdra Trek and Bhutan Tour

  • Visit the National Memorial Chorten. It is a sacred stupa, built in memory of Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. You’ll see elderly Bhutanese circumambulating the chorten, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras. The stupa itself is decorated with beautiful mandalas, intricate murals, golden spires, and statues representing Buddhist teachings.
  • Explore Tashichho Dzong, located along the Wang Chhu River. This is a huge fortress and home to the king’s throne, government offices, and monastic headquarters. Here, you observe the daily lives of monks and gain insight into Bhutanese governance.
  • Drive through Dochula Pass, located at 3,100 meters. From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayan range such as Gangkar Puensum.
  • Get into Bhutan’s rich history by visiting Punakha Dzong. See amazing wood carvings, big courtyards, and colorful murals depicting Buddhist legends.
  • Cross one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan, Punakha Suspension Bridge. Located above the Mo Chhu River, the bridge gives you a thrilling experience. You’ll see amazing views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
  • Enjoy the best view of the Paro Valley from Paro Dzong, also known as Runpung Dzong, which is one of Bhutan’s most charming fortresses. You will be amazed by its architecture. The biggest festival of Bhutan, Paro Tsechu is also held in the courtyard of this Dzong.
  • Enjoy the Bumdra Trek as you hike through pine forests and incredible viewpoints overlooking the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys.
  • Immerse in the serenity and tranquility of Bumdra Monastery, also known as the Cave of a Thousand Prayers, located at 3,800m.
  • Camp at Bumdra, surrounded by rugged mountains. Here, experience sleeping under a starlit sky in a peaceful surrounding.
  • Explore the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery(Taktsang Monastery). From the monastery, get the panoramic views of the Paro Valley. See the caves inside the monastery where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated.
  • Experience Bhutan’s culture and hospitality throughout the tour. Savor unique Bhutanese dishes such as Ema Datshi, Dumplings, and many more.

Overview of Bhutan Tour and Bumdra Camping Trek

Bhutan Bumdra Trek is one of the best short treks in Bhutan, which can be completed in just two days. This two-day trek is famous for its great camping spots. Not to mention, it’s a hassle-free camping experience because you do not have to carry your tents; the campsite provides one. Our curated Bhumdra Trek package includes sightseeing in Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro for three days and trekking for two days. 

The major places you explore on this tour are:

  • Thimphu

In Thimphu, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten where you see locals performing religious rituals, spinning prayer wheels, and chanting mantras. Then, you visit Tashichho Dzong where you witness its Incredible architecture, explore the inside of the Dzong, and learn about Bhutanese governance and monastic traditions.

  • Dochula Pass

En route from Thimphu to Punakha, you come across Dochula Pass. Dochula Pass is an amazing mountain pass from where you can get panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayas. Also, the 108 chortens are a highlight here.

  • Punakha

In Punakha, the major highlight is Punakha Dzong also known as the Palace of Great Happiness. Here you explore its giant halls, intricate murals, and ancient relics. Also, you walk across the Punakha Suspension Bridge from where you get the thrilling views of the valley and river below.

  • Paro

In Paro, you visit Rinpung Dzong from where you get mesmerizing views of Paro Valley. Inside the Dzong, you see unique woodwork, and massive walls showcasing Bhutanese architecture. It is also a home to numerous monks, so you’ll enjoy observing their monastic life.

  • Bumdra Monastery

During the Bumdra Trek, you visit Bumdra Monastery also known as the Cave of a Thousand Prayers. Here, you immerse yourself in the beauty and serenity of the monastery. In the night, you camp near the monastery.

  • Tiger’s Nest Monastery

You visit Tiger’s Nest Monastery at the end of your trip. Here you enjoy breathtaking views of the Paro Valley. Inside, you explore sacred caves inside the monastery and adore the architecture of the Monastery.

This Bumdra Trek with Bhutan Tour starts when you arrive at Paro International Airport. From there, a drive takes you to Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. Along the way, you’ll drive by beautiful valleys, villages, and mountain roads. In Thimphu, you will visit the National Memorial Chorten a sacred sit,e and the Tashichho Dzong where you can see the interesting mix of religion and politics in Bhutan.

Then, the journey takes you to Punakha, a beautiful valley reached via the Dochula Pass. Here you will stop to see the 108 memorial chortens standing against the Himalayas. As you drive into Punakha you will visit the Punakha Dzong a fortress of beauty located at the confluence of two rivers. You might even cross the Punakha Suspension Bridge for great valley views.

From Punakha, the trip continues to Paro. In Paro, you will visit the architectural wonder of Rinpung Dzong and the unique Ta Dzong which houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Each of these sites will give you a deeper understanding of Bhutanese heritage and monastic life before the trek begins.

Now, Bhutan Bumdra Camping Trek begins. The trek starts from Sang Choekor Buddhist College where a steep but rewarding climb takes you through a landscape of fluttering prayer flags, dense forests, and beautiful views. Along the way, you will stop at the serene Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple before reaching Bumdra Monastery. In the night you will camp under a sky full of stars and soak in the peaceful surroundings. The next day you wake up to the breathtaking  Himalayan views and start your descent. As you trek down you will see the famous Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. Near the monastery, you will stop at the Sangtopelri viewpoint to see the monastery precariously perched on the edge of a cliff. A short climb will bring you to the entrance of this sacred site where you will visit the temple, murals, and relics. Then, you will start your final descent to Paro. The trip ends with a warm farewell as you are transferred to Paro International Airport for your departure.

This package is perfect for those looking for a camping trek near Paro, Bhutan. It is a short trek and gives you immersive trekking and camping experience while exploring the country’s cultural highlights.

Itinerary
Trip PlanExpand all
Max Altitude: 2400 Meals: Lunch and DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will meet your guide and drive to Thimphu. It’s a 1.5-hour scenic drive. Then, you visit the National Memorial Chorten which lies in a peaceful surrounding. Here you see beautiful Mansalas, paintings, statues, and shrines, adore the chorten’s exterior and interior, and people perform kora(Circumambulation of the stupa), spin prayer wheels, and chant prayers. Then, you visit Tashichhi Dzong. Here, you see its impressive architecture, stunning temples and shrines within Dzong, the daily life of monks, and learn about Dzong’s history. You end the day with a hearty Bhutanese cuisine.

Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

Max Altitude: 1250 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Begin the day with a drive from Thimphu to Punakha. It’s a 2 hours drive through beautiful landscapes and Dochula Pass (3,100m). You stop to see the 108 chortens built by Queen Mother in memory of Bhutan’s victory over Indian militants. Then, we continue the drive towards Punakha Dzong. The Dzong is located at the meeting point of two rivers, Mo Chhu and Pho Chuu. Here, you see Dzong’s wonderful architecture and explore courtyards and temples. You also have the option to walk across the nearby Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest in Bhutan. From the bridge, you’ll get thrilling views of the valley and rivers below. The the exploration of the Dzong, check in to your hotel.

Overnight at Hotel in Punakha.

Max Altitude: 2200 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Today, you drive back to Paro. As you reach Paro, you visit Paro Dzong, also known as Runpung Dzong. Here, you see the Dzong’s incredible architectural design, explore the Dzong’s courtyards, learn about its history, and witness the monastic life of the monks. Then, you explore Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. Here, you see its unique architecture. Unlike most dzongs, Ta Dzong has a round, cylindrical structure. You get to see the panoramic views of the Paro Valley. You also explore the collection of Bhutanese art and artifacts such as Thangkas, statues and sculptures, textiles, handicrafts, and many more.

Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Max Altitude: 3800 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Begin the hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800 meters) to a yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery(3,800 meters). The start of the trek is uphill to a ridge with prayer flags. From here, you get the most beautiful views of Paro and Do Chhu Valley. Then, you reach a temple called Chhoe Tse Lhakhang. You continue hiking up until you reach Bumdra Monastery, which is also known as Cave of a Thousand Prayers From here, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vows of the surrounding mountains and valleys. You also have the option to hike further to a peak at 4,000 m for even more mesmerizing Himalayan views. Then, you camp under the starlit sky.

Overnight in a Tented Camp at Bumdra.

 

Max Altitude: 2200 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerAccommodation: Hotel

Wake up to the breathtaking views from the Camp. After breakfast, you begin to descend, following a zigzagging monk’s trail through rhododendrons and pine forests. As you hike down, you get a glimpse of Taktsang Monastery(Tiger’s Nest Monastery). You reach the Sangtopelri(Heaven on Earth) viewpoint. From here, you get the view of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery on the cliffside. Continue hiking down to a waterfall, then climb up the steps to the monastery. From the monastery, you get a striking view of the Paro Valley. Inside the monastery, there are several temples and shrines with intricate statues, paintings, and religious artifacts. After exploring the monastery, you descend to the valley and drive to your hotel in Paro.

Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Meals: Breakfast

Today marks the end of your Bhutan Tour and Bumdra Trek. You are transferred to the Paro International Airport for your departure flight.

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Cost Details
Includes
  • Private transportation By SUV Car/ Toyota Hiace / Coaster as per the group size.
  • All necessary travel permits 
  • English speaking local guide.
  • Accommodation on One Twin /Double room basis.
  • Sightseeing and monastery entrance fees as per the itinerary
  • Meal plan: Full Board Basis (B,L,D)
  • Bhutanese Govt SDF $100 per person/ per night
  • Bottle of drinking water while on tour.
  • Bhutan visa fees
Excludes

·      Flight ticket of any sector

·      Additional cost due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance

·      Personal expenses such as drink, guide tips & etc.

Essential Information

How easy is the Bumdra Monastery Trek?

The Bumdra Monastery Trek is quite easy for those who have hiking experience. It is considered to be of moderate difficulty. What makes the trek quite challenging is the altitude and terrain. The trek reaches an altitude of around 3,800 meters at Bumdra Monastery. While not extremely high, altitude can still affect some. As for the trekking trails, it involves several steep ascents and descents as well as some uneven terrain. Compared to other treks in Bhutan like Druk Path trek, the Bumdra trek is short and doable for everyone. For people with a good level of fitness and hiking experience, Bumdra Trek is an excellent option!

Paro to Bumdra Trek distance?

The distance from Paro to Bumdra is about 7 km. The hike takes about 5 hours. The trek is completed in two days.

What’s the best time for Bumdra Trek Bhutan?

The best time for Bumdra Trek in Bhutan is during the spring (March to May) and autumn ( September to November).

During these months, the weather is at its finest for sightseeing and trekking. During spring, the temperatures are mild, ranging from 10-20℃ during the day, and the nighttime temperatures range from 3 to 5℃. Likewise, during autumn, the daytime temperatures range from 18℃ to 23℃, and the nighttime temperatures range from 10℃ to 15℃.

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