7-Day Best of Bhutan with One night Bumdra Camping

After breakfast, Hike to the Wangdi Tse Lhakhang, a short yet rewarding trek in Thimphu, Bhutan, offering stunning views of the valley and a chance to visit an ancient monastery. This easy hike is perfect for those looking to enjoy nature while immersing themselves in Bhutanese culture. Royal Takin Preserve also known as the Mini Zoo by many is a small natural preserve for the Takin – Bhutan’s national animal. And visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, also known as the “Buddha Point,” a massive statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in the Kingdom of Bhutan.

Lunch at the Folk Heritage Restaurant in Thimphu offers a delightful opportunity to savor authentic Bhutanese cuisine in a traditional setting. Located next to the Folk Heritage Museum, the restaurant complements the cultural experience with its unique ambiance and carefully curated menu.

The Folk Heritage Museum is a restored 19th-century traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, providing visitors with an authentic glimpse into the rural lifestyle of Bhutan.

Visit Pangri Zampa – Astrology College and seek and find out your astrology birth chart. Learn your Bhutanese name and your fortune in a fascinating sitting with a Buddhist monk.

The Authentic Bhutanese Crafts Bazaar in Thimphu offers a unique shopping experience, showcasing traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and artisanal products.

Lastly, Tashichhodzong visit. This magnificent structure stands proudly on the banks of the Wang Chhu River and serves as both a religious and administrative hub of Bhutan. Now it houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the King and central monk body.

If you’re interested, we can explore some nightlife activities and try local beer and whiskey.

Overnight in Thimphu

After breakfast, Drive to Punakha (2 and half hrs). On the way, stop at Dochula Pass.
Dochula Pass is a mountain pass located in the Kingdom of Bhutan, a landlocked country in the Eastern Himalayas. It sits at an elevation of around 3,100 meters (10,200 feet) above sea level. The pass is renowned for its breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges, including the majestic peaks of the snow-capped Himalayas. Once here, you will witness 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens.

On rrival, walk across farmhouses to reach Chimi Lhakhang, A 15th-century fertility temple, blessed by Lam Drukpa Kuenley, who is known as the Divine Madman for his eccentric behaviors. He is also considered a symbol of fertility and many childless couples go to his temple for blessing. 

Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connect the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.Then visit Punakha Dzong, one of the majestic fortresses which is located between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Then visit the longest suspension bridge across the dzong, spanning 160m over the Phochu River, and connect the Punakha Dzong (fortress) with the nearby villages and agricultural lands.

Overnight in Punakha

After breakfast, 45 minutes hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyel chorten with the picturesque view of the rice terraces along the river. It is a beautiful chorten located on a ridge at Kabesa Gewog in Punakha overlooking several villages. It is a 30-minute drive from the Khuruthang Town and a 45-minute uphill hike from the base of the hill through suspension bridge and rice fields.

Then drive to Paro (3 and half hrs). After lunch visit Paro Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest and most revered temples in Bhutan, steeped in history and spiritual significance and visit Chencho Weaving Center in Paro Town, a locally-run weaving center showcases the intricate art of traditional Bhutanese weaving, offering visitors a chance to witness skilled artisans at work.

Later, stroll around Paro downtown for shopping or a cup of coffee.
Namgay Artisanal Brewery: Did you know Bhutan has some of the most reputed and highly enjoyed brews? Well, if you are a beer lover and want to taste some of the finest brews, you must visit the Namgay Artisanal Brewery in Paro Valley.

Overnight in Paro

Trek begins with an Early morning drive to Sang Choekhor, the Buddhist College, with outstanding views of the valley below. Striding out on foot from here, we make the one to two-hour ascent of the ridge, which is steep at times but in cool shade. Above us, the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang temple nestles in the mountainside – a further two-hour walk, where we will stop for lunch.

After a final climb through Monastery fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into the ancient forest, coming out on a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chorten and white flags. Our wild camp for the night is tucked under Bumdra monastery (Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers) with incredible views of the Himalayan range. If time permits, we can visit the monastery and also climb the peak to the sky burial site (about 4,000m) for even better views, returning in time for a hearty dinner.

Duration: 4 to 6 hours to camp, 2 to 3 hours optional return trek to peak

Difficulty: Moderate to hard

Overnight: Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m)

Hike from Yak Pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m) via Zangto Pelri Monasteries to Taktsang Monastery (2,900m)

After a filling breakfast, we can either head back into the valley or linger a while to soak up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the zig-zag trail. During our descent, we catch glimpses of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between the temples, before reaching the gardens of Zangktopelri, from where we can see straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang monastery, perched against the cliff-face far below. An hour later and we are at the gates of Taktsang, looking across the gorge; a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps to pass into Tiger’s Nest itself. Retracing our steps we begin the final descent to reach our vehicle and drive back to the Hotel.

Duration: 5 to 7 hours, depending on time taken in monasteries

Difficulty: Moderate

In the morning drive to Paro airport for departure to your onward destination.