Bumdra Trek

The first visit in Thimphu is the National Memorial Chorten, which was the idea of Bhutan’s Third King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (1928-1972). He wished for the building to be a monument for world peace, and later it also served as a memorial to the Third King after he passed away.

Next, we will head to one of the most renowned sites of Bhutan — Buddha Point (Buddha Dordenma Statue). The 51.5 m (168 ft) statue is the image of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting on a meditation hall, and is believed to emit an aura of peace and happiness to the world. There are 125,000 smaller buddha statues placed inside the giant gold-gilded statue.

We can walk around to experience the local life in Thimphu. The bustling city is Bhutan’s centre of commerce, religion and government. What makes it so attractive is the dynamic vibe of the streets and the juxtaposition of ancient tradition and modernity that one can find in Thimphu. Also, there are great pubs and numerous events in the evening, you will enjoy

Today, you dive deeper into the soul of Thimphu. Your first stop is Changangkha Lhakhang, a guardian temple perched on a ridge overlooking the city since the 12th century. This isn’t just a historical site; it’s a living part of local life. Parents have come here for centuries to seek auspicious names for their newborns from the protector deity Tamdrin. If you’re curious about your own path, you can even offer your birth date to the resident astrologer, who will consult divination charts to determine which protective prayer flags might best serve you.

Next, you’ll step into the past at the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Textile Museum. The heritage museum is a fascinating time capsule, built as a traditional 19th-century rural home using rammed mud and timber. Inside, you’ll see the actual tools and household objects that defined Bhutanese village life, and you might even catch a live demonstration of rural skills and customs.

Finally, you’ll explore the National Textile Museum, a must-see for anyone captivated by Bhutan’s famous national art of thagzo, or weaving. It’s the perfect place to admire the intricate patterns of traditional clothing and watch how these beautiful textiles come to life on different materials and in various styles.

Today, you leave the bustling streets of Thimphu behind and journey back in time. Your destination is Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan from 1637 to 1907. The drive covers 75 kilometers and takes roughly three hours, gently descending from the capital’s 2,400-meter elevation down to Punakha’s lush, lower altitude of 1,300 meters.

Your journey hits a spectacular high point—literally—at Dochula Pass. Perched at 3,050 meters, this pass is a sensory feast. On a clear day, you are greeted by a breathtaking panorama: 108 chortens (stupas) standing in quiet dignity against the backdrop of the mighty, snow-capped Himalayan peaks. It is one of the most photographed and revered spots in the country, and you will quickly understand why.

Descending from the pass, you arrive in Punakha and come face-to-face with its crown jewel: the Punakha Dzong, aptly named the “Place of Great Happiness.” This isn’t just any fortress; it is the second oldest dzong in Bhutan and a silent witness to some of the nation’s most pivotal historical moments. Its architecture is stunning, its riverside setting is picturesque, but its true significance lies within. The dzong houses the sacred preserved remains of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the legendary figure who first unified Bhutan as a nation. It also safeguards the Ranjung Karsapani, a deeply revered relic. Walking through its courtyards, you can feel the weight of history and the spiritual reverence that permeates every timber and stone.

Today, you bid farewell to the warm valley of Punakha and make your way back to Paro, covering 125 kilometers over roughly four hours. But this isn’t just a transfer day—it’s a journey filled with blessings, legends, and architectural wonders.

Your first stop is a gentle, soul-lifting hike to Chimi Lhakhang, affectionately known as the “Temple of Fertility.” The trail is easy, climbing only about 20 meters, but the 30-minute walk is a delight in itself. You’ll wander through beautiful, rolling hillock fields before arriving at this revered temple, perched at 1,500 meters. It is a place of profound spiritual significance, where couples from around the world come seeking blessings.

After your hike, you continue onward to Paro, where the afternoon unveils one of Bhutan’s most iconic structures: the magnificent Paro Rinpung Dzong, or the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels.” This isn’t just a single building; it’s an entire complex of courtyards, temples, and administrative offices, all encircled by towering, ancient walls. Positioned dramatically on a steep hillside, the dzong offers breathtaking views of the entire Paro Valley—a patchwork of endless green landscapes framed by giant mountains.

In the morning, we will drive to Sang Choekor Shedra (2,900 m -9,514 ft), the starting point for the Bumdra trek. It is a Buddhist college, where we will visit briefly and receive blessings for a safe trek.

From the parking lot, you will follow the trail to the left, then keep climbing until reaching a forestry ridge of blue pines, oaks and rhododendrons. The ridge with payer flag is a great location to view the striking landscape of Paro and Do Chhu valleys.

You will trek down to the valley, crossing the lush forest of pine trees of rhododendrons and continuing on the monk’s zigzagging trail. Once on the trek for 30 minutes, look back to Bumdra for the last time.

After about an hour walking downhill, through silver pines and larch covered in lichen, you will arrive at Yoeselgang, the ‘Shining Summit,’ at 3,300 m (10,826 ft). You can view a beautiful woodblock print depicting Guru Rinpoche’s eight incarnations here. You will come to Ugyen Tshemo Lhakhang (3,280 m -10,761 ft) after another ten minutes, followed by Zangto Pelri Lhakhang (3,300 m -10,826 ft). If you are brave, peering over the edge for the splendid sight of Taktsang monastery’s ornate rooftops perching against the cliff far below.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide will take you to the airport for flight to your onward destination.