One night Bumdra Trek with Cultural Immersion

Day 01: Arrive at Paro & Discover Paro valley

Discover the great Himalayan peaks as you fly into Paro Airport. On arrival, you will be received by your private guide with a traditional white scarf of auspiciousness and escort you for sightseeing.

Traverse the traditional wooden cantilever bridge to reach Paro Rinpung Dzong or the fortress on Heap of Jewels and explore the astonishing architecture and paintings before visiting the National Museum to discover the artifacts dating back to 4000 BCE. The National Museum or the Ta Dzong served as a watchtower to protect the Paro Dzong in the olden days.

Later take a leisure hike to the ancient Zuri Dzong. The trail offers enchanting view of the verdant Paro valley, Paro Dzong and the Ta Dzong.

If time permits try your taste pallets to the different flavors of Bhutanese beer at Namgay Artisinal Brewery.

Overnight: Hotel in Paro

Day 02: Sangchen Choekor Bumdra

Trek Begins:

Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m) to Yak Pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m). The adventure begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor to meet our ponies and while they are being loaded, we may pay our respects at the College. The initial 1–2-hour ascent of a ridge can be steep at times but in the cool shade. We will reach a clearing with prayer flags and enjoy a spectacular view of both the Paro and Do Chhu valleys.

About 1-2 hours walk away is the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple); which nestles at the side of the mountain. The trail continues and when we reach the last steep elevation, we will see a temple overlooking the views of Paro airport and the snow-capped Himalaya. After another 20 minutes of climbing through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we hike into the ancient forest for about 40 minutes before we reach a wide meadow with sacred Chortens and prayer flags. We will spend a night at Bumdra Monastery (the cave of a thousand prayers).

It has an awesome view of the Himalayan. After lunch, we can visit the monastery (if it is unoccupied) and climb towards the north of the peak (about 4000m) for a better view of the Himalayan before returning for dinner.

Overnight at Luxurious camp

Day 03: Bumdra Trek Ends At Tiger’s Nest 

After a hearty breakfast in the jaw-dropping landscape, it is time to either head straight back into the valley or linger awhile soaking up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually, we have to drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail. After 1-2 hours of descent, we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below and soon come upon the first of many on our way back from the wilds.

The path snakes across the mountainside between the monasteries and temples before reaching the gardens of Zangdopelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can bravely peer over the edge and straight down onto the ornate roofs Taktsang in the cliff far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang looking across the gorge a steep descent to a waterfall then ascent on steps and you are passing into the Tiger’s Nest itself.

Taktsang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest) is the most recognizable sites in Bhutan. Built precariously on a hillside cliff, it sits more than 10,000 feet above sea level. Accessible only by foot, we follow a trail decorated with colorful prayer flags along the way to protect travelers from evil spirits. Built over the caves that Guru Padmasambhava meditated in for three years, this eighth-century father of Bhutan Buddhism is said to have been brought there on the back of a tigress. One of the most sacred sites in Bhutan it offers breathtaking views to those energetic enough to make it to the top.

In the evening you can relax over a traditional hot stone bath and try your skills in a game of local archery.

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 04: Explore Thimphu valley 

Drive from Paro to Thimphu, on your way stop at invigorating Tachog Lhakhang located across Paro River in a medieval setup.

On arriving at Thimphu, visit the vibrant Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang and get an aerial view of the largest town of Bhutan.

Take a stroll through the Authentic Bhutanese Craft Bazaar to buy Bhutanese souvenirs to take home.

In the evening discover the historic Tashichho Dzong and witness the flag-lowering ceremony before exploring its exquisite architecture.

Later explore the only city in the world without a single traffic light before returning to your hotel.

Duration of Drive: 1.5 hours (54Km)

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 05: Departure  

Our team will drop you at the airport and bid you farewell.