Bumdra Trek

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines
Druk Airways and Bhutan Airlines flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport, immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro
After Breakfast proceeds to drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1647 by the Shabdrung to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over the Tibetans in war of 1644.
Visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum) and then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong which has a long and fascinating history.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03: Paro / Thimphu (60 km, 2 hours)
After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. Enroute stop at Chuzom (confluence) where Paro River joins Thimphu river. Nearby Thimphu, visit to Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom which now houses the School for Buddhist studies.
Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit National Memorial Chorten: The building of this landmark was envisaged by the third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, as a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the Father of modern Bhutan”) and a monument to world peace. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Then proceed to Buddha Dordenma is a gigantic Shakyamuni Buddha statue under construction in the mountains of Bhutan. The statue will house over one hundred thousand smaller Buddha statues, each of which, like the Buddha Dordenma itself, the Buddha Dordenma is sited amidst the ruins of Kuensel Phodrang, the palace of Sherab Wangchuck, the thirteenth Desi Druk, overlooking the southern approach to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.
Then, visit Handicrafts Emporium, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum followed by visit to local market. Trashichhodzong, This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body also chance to witness the national flag ceremony. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04: Thimphu – Punakha
Morning, Thimphu sightseeing, visiting National Library, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute. After lunch, drive to Punakha, the old capital town of Bhutan. Stop enroute at Dochula pass (3,050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan.

On arrival, check into the hotel. Evening visit Punakha Dzong, the fortress of 17th century. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Punakha / Wangduephodrang / Gangtey (70 km, 3 hours)
After breakfast drive to Gangtey via Wangduephodrang. Visit majestic Wangdue Dzong and interesting local market.
Further ahead pass through dense forests and oak, rhododendron tress, reaching at Gangtey (Phobjikha).
Evening take a walk around Gangtey village and visit Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in this region. Overnight at in Gangtey
Day 06: Gangtey / Trongsa (120 km, 4.1/2 hours)
Morning explore Phobjikha valley which is famous for Black Necked Cranes. The cranes migrate here from Central Asiatic plateau to escape its harsh winters.
After lunch drive to Trongsa crossing 3,300m high Pele la pass. Evening visit to Trongsa market. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 07: Trongsa / Bumthang (68 km, 3 hours)
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, the master piece of Bhutanese architecture and see Ta Dzong, the watch tower, built to defend this Dzong and surrounding region.

After lunch, proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 08: Bumthang.
Bumthang is the general name given to combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitude varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Visit to Tamshing Lhakhang, the treasure house of interesting religious Buddhist paintings. Then visit, Jakar Dzong, the administrative centre of the valley.

Afternoon visit Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most sacred places. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang, the ancient monastery dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the country.
Evening visit to local shops. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 09: Bumthang / Wangduephodrang (205 km, 7 hours)
Morning after visiting Bumthang market, drive to Wangdue . Lunch would be served enroute at one of the famous restaurant in Trongsa town.
Evening take a stroll around Wangdue town, visiting shops, local market and mingling with people. Overnight at the hotel in Wangduephodrang.

Day 10: Wangduephodrang / Paro (77 km, 3 hours)
Morning excursion to Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about 30 minute walk across field from the road to the temple. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. It then follows a tiny stream downhill to Yoaka and across more fields before making a short climb to Chimi Lhakhang. Afternoon drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro Bumdra Day Hike.
After an early breakfast, we will drive to Paro, Sang Choekor, where our trekking crewmembers will be waiting for us. Our trek will start from here to Bumdra. The trek to Bumdra for about first 1-2hrs walk will be ascent of a shady, forested ridge, brings us to a clearing with prayer flags and views down into both the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys.
The Chhoe Tse Lhakhang (temple) nestles on the mountainside about 2 hrs hike from Sang Chokor. The trail undulates before the last steep section up to the pretty temple, which offers commanding views south over Paro and northwards to the snow-capped Himalayas.
After a final 20-minute climb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, we plunge back into ancient forest, and, after traversing for about 40 minutes, we come out onto a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags.
After lunch we will start our trek to Paro via Taktshang Monastery. After one to two hours of descent we catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth), from here you get views of the Taktsang Monastery.
An hour later you reach Taktsang Monastery. You can have your coffee break at the view point and further walk down hill for an hour will reach the road head where your vehicle will be waiting for you.
The Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous touristic destinations of the country and the cultural icon of Bhutan.
Visiting the Paro Taktsang Monastery is an unforgettable experience thanks to its unique location and the views of surrounding majestic mountains and emerald green valleys.
It was first built in 1692 by Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye, where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. Legend states that Guru Rimpoche flew to the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to subdue evil demons residing within it. The cave has been considered a sacred site ever since and many famous saints have travelled to meditate in it.
In 1998, the Paro Taktsang was almost completely burned down – and was restored to its original form by 2005.
at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12: Depart Paro.
After breakfast transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.