Bhutan Bumdra Trek – 5 days – Prakriti Prabhav: Tourism Hub Nepal

Best Season
All year
Maximum Altitude
3800m
Arrival City
Paro
Departure City
Paro
Accomodation
Included
Meals
Included
Operated by
Pristine Himalayan Trekker
Group Size
5 - 10
Destinations
Bhutan
Activities
Hiking & Trekking, Sightseeing
Trip Type
Trekking & Hiking
Difficulty
Medium

Trip Overviews

The Bhutan Bumdra Trek is an engaging one that takes one through some of the most picturesque terrains, culturally endearing locales, and the opportunity to experience spirituality.

Where your thrilling Himalayan adventure begins, you will tour the region’s many culturally and historically important sites, such as the Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum of Paro (Ta Dzong).

The trek starts from Sangchen Choekhor, a beautiful monastery where tourists get to behold exquisite views of Paro.

Blue pine, oak, and rhododendron forests and the fresh atmosphere, stone-paved animal paths and spectacular views of high mountains, ancient temples and meditation caves.

You gain altitude gradually and reach Bumdra, a beautiful campsite (3,800m) surrounded with simplicity and natural beauty that you would only see from the stars.

On the third day, there will be a ridge hike you can either go to the easy one or the moderate one.

The first leads you to the Bumdra Sky Burial Site(4200m),which provides a vast view of the mountains.

The second path is slightly longer and can only be taken up to the height of 4,600 meters thus viewing is even more spectacular.

The journey ends with the descent to the famous site of Paro Taktsang Monastery – it is a monastery located on a hill, and all that is visible from beneath is the steep cliff face and the monastery clinging to it.

Associated with religious worship, it is one of the most recognized sites in Bhutan.

This itinerary is an introduction to Bhutan, guiding you from Paro to the beautiful trek of the monastery and back to Paro with the impressions of the views, the monastic thoughts that influenced Bhutan and the peculiarities of customs.

The 5-day Bhutan Bumdra Trek is perfect for anyone who would like to have a shorter trek experience, but would like to be immersing themselves in breathtaking sceneries, historical sites and spiritual encounters.

It is a remarkable journey for people willing to see the calm and the size of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

Trip Highlights

Hike through verdant forests, alpine meadows, and panoramic mountain trails.
Visit the sacred monastery with elaborate artwork and spectacular views of Paro Valley.
Explore the serene monastery on a rocky cliff and culturally important sky burial site.
Enjoy mesmerizing aerial views of the Paro Valley and surrounding mountain peaks.
Hike into the world-famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, an architectural wonder clung onto a cliff side.
Enjoy the golden hour view over the Himalayas from high camps.
Savor freshly prepared meals to keep you going through the trek.
Enjoy Bhutan's intense spiritual heritage and traditional hospitality.

Day 01 :

Arrival in Paro (2,250m/7,381ft) – Explore the Cultural Highlights

Your tour starts with an incredible 1.5 to 2 hours by air and marvel at the striking views that encompass the south face of the great himalayas.

When you reach Paro International Airport, which is the only entry point for international tourists, a guide from our company will meet you.

Later have a visit to Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower built to defend the valley in the 17th century, and converted into the national museum in Bhutan.

On the next leg of the tour, travellers are presented with Rinpung Dzong – an architectural marvel that once functioned as both an administrative district centre and a monastic body established in 1646.

Nearer to it is a traditional cantilever bridge known as the Nemi Zam or more commonly as the Khyber Pass Bridge.

If you find yourself in Paro on the weekend you will be able to visit the Paro weekly bazaar which is a market where locals come to sell and buy goods such as fruits and vegetables, homemade products, and other items.

In the evening drive back to your hotel where you will have your dinner and have a night’s accommodation in preparation for the beginning of the trip the following morning.

Day 02 :

Drive to Sangchen Chokhor – Trek to Bumdra (3,800m/12,467ft)

Drive to the starting point for your trek at Sangchen Chokhor Monastery after an early breakfast. This center of Buddhist philosophy offers the most magnificent panoramic views of the Paro Valley.

The trek starts with its uphill climb through thick forests of Himalayan Blue Pine, Oak, and Rhododendron.

We will pass by Chochong Tse, the 17th-century historical temple and meditation cave at the top of the hill, and then continue along the hill ridge.

Mesmerizing vistas of faraway mountain peaks and sprawling valleys greet tourists along this trail.

As we walk further up and across the tree line, a change in landscape greets us in forms of thinner vegetation, together with expansive views.

The latter part of the afternoon reaches us at Bumdra Campsite that has an elevation of 3,800m.

Dine under the stars after enjoying a hearty dinner in this beautiful setting. Retire in your cozy tent to slumber after a satisfying trek.

Day 03 :

Ridge Hike in Bumdra (3,800m/12,467ft)

Do get up early to enjoy a wonderful sunrise over the horizon of the Himalayas that is spectacular at its best!

Today, we’ll hike along the ridge, with two options to choose from:

Short Summit Hike (4,200m/13,779ft): A moderate 3-4 hour trek to Bumdra sky burial site that is for the young and noble souls.

Extended Hike (4,600m/15,091ft): A slightly longer 5-6 hours to another higher ridge point provides a much broader view of the mountains and valleys.

Both options guarantee enchanting views and provide a feeling of calmness.

Finally, after this tedious hike, we shall make our way back to the camp for lunch then the rest of the evening can be spent in leisure. If we have time we will go to nearby Bumdra Monastery as well.

Day 04 :

Trek to Paro via Taktsang Monastery (3,120m/10,236ft)

After breakfast, we begin the journey of descending down to the famous Paro Taktsang Monastery or also famously known as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

It then follows a trail that goes downhill along a section that is slanting, filled with big stones together with a small part of dense vegetation and cliff scene views.

Sitting at the edge of a 3,120m steep slope, it offers a splendid view of the valleys below.

It is also a part of the sacred shrine for pilgrims in the kingdom of Bhutan. Spend sufficient time walking around the monastery, absorbing its atmosphere, and learning more about its rich history.

We will further descend from Taktsang to the car parking lot from where the vehicle will be arranged to transfer us back to Paro town.

Once you arrive at the hotel, the rest of the day is free to relax or do some strolling of your own.

Day 05 :

Departure from Paro

Following breakfast, conducted at the hotel, you will prepare for your departure. In case you arrive early, you would have some time to go around paro or perhaps do some shopping for the souvenirs.

You will be dropped off at Paro International Airport for your onward journey with sweet memories of the Bumdra Trek.

FAQs

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How safe is Bhutan?

Bhutan is considered as one of the safest countries in the world to travel. It is a relatively safe nation with low levels of criminal activity, and people are friendly with visitors to their land.

Apart from violence that is hardly ever witnessed, cases of theft, especially for petty items, are almost unheard of.

Nevertheless, basic measures should be still applied, for example, do not leave your belongings unattended and be cautious in a crowd.

This can give the travelers a feel of safety whether they are in cities or in the jungles on mountain trekkings.

What is the weather usually like in Bhutan?

Bhutan’s weather varies much with altitude and season. The lower valleys like Paro and Thimphu have gentle and pleasant weather, but the higher altitudes get very cold, especially during winter.

Spring-March to May-and autumn-September to November-offer clear skies and moderate temperatures, hence are the most popular seasons to travel.

Summers, starting from June to August, receive heavy rainfall, while winters, starting from December to February, are cold and sometimes snowfall is recorded in higher regions. Always check the weather before packing.

Are Cards/Cashless transactions widely accepted in Bhutan?

Cash is the most popular method of payment in Bhutan, especially in villages and small establishments. Most major hotels, upmarket restaurants, and some souvenir shops in towns like Paro and Thimphu allow service charges with credit cards.

Major towns have ATMs, though international cards do not always work reliably. It is best to carry enough cash in local currency-Ngultrum BTN or, if needed, Indian Rupees (INR) for small expenses.

How difficult is the Bumdra Trek?

Given this profile, the Bumdra Trek is considered a medium-level trek, which may just well suit beginners as well as experts in trekking. With strenuous stretches of steep ascents together with descents – adding high altitude to it-come with their share of hitches.

Since uphill trekking forms a part of daily engagements, a reasonable or fundamental level of fitness has become imperative.

One has been promised of a much-worth experiencing tour with judicious choice of time, adequate drinking, and acclimatization.

When is the best time to visit Bhutan?

The best time to visit Bhutan is in spring from March to May and in autumn from September to November. These seasons offer clear skies, pleasant temperatures, and vibrant landscapes, making them ideal for trekking and sightseeing.

Spring showcases blooming rhododendrons, while autumn offers crystal-clear mountain views. However, Bhutan is a year-round destination, and each season has its unique charm, including winter festivals and summer greenery.

Will I have altitude sickness during the Bumdra Trek?

Since more than 3,800 meters or 12,500 feet will be reached, altitude sickness can occur in the Bumdra Trek.

However, this trek goes at a moderate pace and the ascent is gradually done so most trekkers acclimate pretty well.

It would be better if you stayed hydrated, avoided alcohol, and moved with a constant pace of walking in order to avoid symptoms. You shall be helped properly in case any symptom like dizziness, nausea, and headache occurs.