The Bumdra Trek
Embark on a Journey Where Nature Meets Serenity.
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This is a 10-day itinerary offering a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking natural beauty. The itinerary covers the valleys of Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue, Phobjikha/ Gangtey and the Paro Valley with two days of Bumdra trek. This opportunity to experience Bhutan from its most happening capital city to the most beautiful glacial valley with a trek on the top of serene mountains makes it unforgettable experience. The Bumdra Trek can be done from 3 different places; Shari Village, Taktshang, or Sangchoekor Monastery. The most recommended starting point is from the Sangchhoekor Monastery. The trail gives one of the most beautiful views of the Paro valley and passes through pine forest. You can also get a bird’s eye view of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Bumdra has three sky burial sites and you shall have a lot of opportunities for photography.
Details about the package
What's included
- All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
Lunches may be provided in other tourist Restaurants or picnic lunches in certain cases (While on tour). During Trek, all lunches shall be packed lunch. - Accommodations;
While on Tour accommodation shall be provided in a minimum 3 star hotel. Tented accommodation shall be provided during trek.
- Certified, English speaking guide throughout the tour and trek
Language Guides may be available at an additional cost, however this shall entirely depend upon the requirements confirmed at the time of booking - Exclusive vehicle for all transfers as per the group size
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments
- Sustainable development fund
Indian Nationals – INR 1200 per person per night
Others – USD 100 per person per night - USD 40 Visa Fee (for travelers other than Indian Nationals)
- Other govt taxes applicable
Unlike other treks we do not have to carry our tents for Bumdra Trek. There are fixed camps in Bumdra, we shall book the same for you. Incase of unavailability, we may have to carry it. If we are booking the available camps, only the guide shall accompany you during the trek. Other Crew members shall not be there. Once we book the camp in Bumdra, they shall also provide us with meals.
- Cost related to planning and confirming your trip to Bhutan excluding the cost not within our premises. Additional Cost may be applicable in certain cases.
Complimentary
- Assistance with Bhutan Travel Info
- Guidance in planning your Bhutan tour
- Drinking water during the tour
- A traditional cultural show
- Hot stone bath in a village house
- National dress and Archery experience
- Fulfill a necessary holiday, a lifetime experience.
- Personalized attention, all details are taken care.
- Full insights – cultural & natural aspects of Bhutan
- Visits to both popular and less visited sights
- Local experience and Interactions
- A complete discovery of Western Bhutan
- Experience breathtaking views of the Himalayan range, lush forests, and vibrant meadows along the trek.
- Visit the serene Bumdra Lhakhang, and soak in its spiritual ambiance and panoramic vistas.
- Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its dramatic location and rich history. Also visit the less Visited Sangchhoekor Monastery.
- Keep an eye out for diverse flora and fauna, including rare bird species, as you traverse varied landscapes.
- Happy smiles, unique experiences,
- Luxuries of time, you have it all.
- Enjoy a unique camping experience under the stars, surrounded by nature’s tranquility.
- Connect with the spiritual essence of Bhutan through its monasteries, prayer flags, and tranquil surroundings.
- Suitable for all trekking levels, offering a blend of challenging and leisurely sections, perfect for adventurers and nature lovers alike.
- The Bumdra Trek promises a memorable adventure filled with natural beauty, spiritual significance, and rich cultural experiences!
- Trip Rating: Easy – Moderate
- Travel Type: Nature, Culture, Walks, Hikes/ Trek Local Interactions & Experiences, Sights & Monuments
- Arrival: Paro international Airport
- Departure: Paro International Airport
- Duration: 9 Nights, 10 Days
- Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Wangdue, Gangtey/ Phobjikha and Paro.
- Best Time: Mid Feb to Mid June and Sep to Dec
- Trek Starting Point: Sangchhoekor Monastery at 2800 m
- Trek ends at: Base of Taktshang Monastery.
Travel Cost
Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies for different months and different Nationalities.
The cost does not include the following:
- All kinds of bank charges
- Single room supplement
- Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
- Any form of insurance
- Any kinds of bottled drinks
- Flights fares – both domestic and international
- Gratitude and Tipping
- Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
(if not included in the inclusion or complimentary) - All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
- Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip
Notes
- We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels or any other services such as flights and transport.
- Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
- This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc
- It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.
- Except for the planning, guidance and information phase, all bookings are confirmed only after the receipt of the tour payment.
Cancellation Policies
- We shall charge a minimal amount of USD 30 as administrative charges for any bookings cancelled more than a month before the date of travel.
- 25% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within one month to 16 days from date of travel.
- 50% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within 15 days to 7 days from date of travel.
- 100% cancellation charges shall be applicable for any any bookings cancelled within 6 days from date of travel or no show
- Cancellation charges shall also depend upon the policies of the parties from whom we have taken the services such as hotels and airlines. The cancellation charges levied by the external parties shall be applicable incase it exceeds the amount as mentioned above in points 1 – 4.
Itinerary
DRIVING DISTANCE: 55 KM | DRIVING TIME: 1.5 HR
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.
ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M
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.
ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 140 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR
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
ALTITUDE OF PHOBJIKHA: 2900 M
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.
ALTITUDE OF PHOBJIKHA: 2900 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 80 KM | 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.
ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA : 1250 M
DRIVING DISTANCE: 135 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR.
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.
ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M
7 KM | 4 HR | 960 M ASCENT
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.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3800 M
4 – 5 HR 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.
ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3800 M
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
This 10-day itinerary with Bumdra Trek comes to end with the drive to Paro Airport and farewell.
Book this tour
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