Bumdra Trek in Bhutan.
The 2-day Bumdra Trek in Bhutan is a picturesque and spiritual adventure, offering stunning views and a glimpse into Bhutanese culture. The trek begins at Sang Choekhor Monastery in Shari, where you embark on a hike through lush pine forests, enjoying breathtaking views of Paro Valley below. The trek provides unique perspectives of the Tiger’s Nest Monastery and scenic vistas of the surrounding hills, including a stunning sunset view over the Haa valley.
At Bumdra Camp, situated at 3,800 meters, trekkers can explore three sky burial sites, believed to be blessed by Guru Rinpoche. The trek offers opportunities to practice archery, play Khuru (dart), or simply relax amidst nature. The total trek distance is about 20 km (10 km per day), with moderate difficulty and altitudes reaching over 3,800 meters.
Bumdra Trek in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- 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.
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 Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours.
- Day 7. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.
Bumdra trek cost:
The costs given below are inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
The Bumdra trek costs / prices for different group sizes are below:
- Solo travel: US $ 2155.
- 2 people: US $ 1970 per person.
- 3 people or more: US $ 1790 per person.
Nature of trip: Private & guided Bhutan trip.
Detailed Itinerary for Bumdra trek.
Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can explore Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and artifacts. Afterward, head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an impressive fortress-monastery known for its stunning Bhutanese architecture and strategic location.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and hospitality firsthand.
End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 2. Trek to Bumdra monastery (Bumdra trek in Bhutan) | 7 km | 4 hours | Bumdra trek altitude / difficulty 3500 m.
In the morning, drive to Sangchoekor Buddhist College in the Paro Valley, where the Bumdra Trek begins at an altitude of 2,800 meters. From here, hike uphill for about 2 hours, passing by Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, a peaceful temple, until you reach the Bumdra Monastery (known as the Cave of Thousand Prayers).
After a well-deserved lunch, take time to explore the monastery or choose to climb a nearby peak at around 4,000 meters for stunning panoramic views. This optional peak hike takes around 2–3 hours.
Afterward, return to the camp for a relaxing evening.
Hiking duration: 3 – 4 hours to camp, optional 2–3 hours return trek to peak, Trek difficulty level: Moderate.
Day 3. Bumdra – Tiger’s nest – Thimphu (Bumdra trek in Bhutan) | 68 km | Drive: 1 1/2 hours | Hike: 4 hours.
In the morning, begin your return journey from Bumdra, passing through the gate of Tiger’s Nest Monastery. This sacred site is where Guru Rinpoche, the tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have flown on the back of a tigress. After descending from the hill, you’ll reach the base where your vehicle will pick you up, marking the end of the Bumdra trek at an altitude of 2,280 meters.
In the afternoon, drive to Drugyal Dzong, the ruins of a fortress built in 1647 by the revered Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which once defended against Tibetan invasions.
Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.
On your way to Thimphu, stop at Tamchog Monastery, built in the 15th century by Thang Tong Gyalpo, the famed iron bridge builder.
Enjoy dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 4. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten and the tallest Buddha statue (51.5 meters) in the world, followed by Changangkha Lhakhang and the Takin Preserve Center. Enjoy stunning views from Sangaygang Viewpoint and visit Dupthop Lhakhang, a surviving nunnery. Lunch will be at Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant.
In the afternoon, explore the painting school, part of the School of 13 Arts and Crafts. In the evening, visit Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat, and have free time to stroll in town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing | 76 Km | Drive: 3 hours | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochu La Pass, which is famous for its 108 stupas. Afterward, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman” and the temple of fertility.
In the afternoon, explore Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which also serves as the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the spiritual leader of Bhutan.
In the evening, drive to Yabesa Village and hike to the majestic Khamsum Yuelley Monastery, known for its beautiful location and views.
Dinner and overnight in a hotel.
Day 6. Punakha – Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu | 90 km | Drive: 3 hours.
In the morning, walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, the Punakha Suspension Bridge, which spans 160 meters. Afterward, drive to Thimphu via Wangdue Phodrang, stopping to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong, built in 1638 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Enjoy lunch at the Dochula Cafeteria, and continue the drive to Thimphu.
In the afternoon, visit the Postal Museum, where you can create personalized stamps as a fun souvenir. Then, experience an archery match at Changlimithang Stadium, where the national sport is played.
In the evening, take time to stroll around the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day 7. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | Drive: 1 hour.
After breakfast, drive to the Paro Airport for your departure. This marks the end of your Bumdra Trek and tour in Bhutan.
FAQs - Bumdra Trek.
Is it possible to do Bumdra trek itinerary in a day ?
Yes, if you are a seasoned trekker / hiker, you can do this Bumdra trek itinerary in a day and many people have done it. You have to be fit and should have a good stamina to complete in a day. This is a short trek in Bhutan with high altitude gains in a day.
what is the Bumdra trek difficulty level ?
For a seasoned trekker or hiker, it is a relatively easy trek. For those who are not fit and used to high altitude terrain, it is a fairly difficult trek with steep climb and altitude gain.
What is the food like in Bhutan?
Bhutanese cuisine is simple but flavorful, with a focus on rice, vegetables, meat (mainly pork, chicken, and beef), and chili. A popular dish is Ema Datshi, a spicy cheese and chili dish. Tea is a staple, and butter tea is commonly consumed.
Is the riding pony included in the Bumdra trek cost ?
You have to pay separately for riding pony @ US $ 10 and is not included in the Bumdra trek cost mentioned above.
What should I pack for a cultural tour in Bhutan?
Pack modest, comfortable clothing for visiting monasteries and temples. In the cooler months, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop, especially in the highlands. It’s also advisable to carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
What to pack for a trek
- 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.
- Flash light.
- Rain coat (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.
- Sunglasses.
Optional items:
- Head gear.
- Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
- One towel.
- Wet – packed tissue paper.
Contact Us:
- Mobile: +975- 17939874
- whatsapp: +975- 17939874
- Mail: bhutanwanderlust7@gmail.com
- Mail: info@bhutanwanderlust.com