The Cloud Kingdom with Bumdra camp

This Bhutan walking holiday has as much focus on cultural sites as it does on natural wonders, but with plenty of hiking thrown into the mix. By walking to some of the country’s most spectacular monasteries, we endeavor to help you gain an insight into Bhutan’s Buddhist culture in the most profound way possible. During the week, we cover the three valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha and Paro, all varied in terms of ecosystems and landscapes.

One of the highlights of this walking holiday is our trek to Bumdra Monastery where we camp overnight in the Himalayan wilderness way up in the clouds, our final destination being the iconic Taktsang Goemba or Tiger’s Nest Monastery. We hike along ancient mountain paths, following in the footsteps of pilgrims going back over the centuries, but where today’s tourists hardly ever go. It really is a spectacular and, for many, a very sacred journey.

All of your camping equipment will be provided for the overnight adventure, and we will also provide a camp dinner, breakfast and lunches.

Day 1: Arrive Paro - Thimphu

Paro-Thimphu (54 km, 1 hr drive)

Arrive Paro by Drukair (Royal Bhutan Airlines) or Bhutan Airlines (Private Airlines).You will be received at the Paro International Airport by Bhutan Travel Service representative, who will be your guide throughout your tour.

You directly travel to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. The road runs down through the Paro valley, to Chuzom (Confluence) at the entrance to the valley, where the Paro and Thimphu rivers meet. The road passes along a narrow valley with high, rocky cliffs on the left, and then the valley opens out into farmland on the approach to Thimphu. 

On arrival at Thimphu, check into your hotel and after a refreshment or lunch, visit the following places:

•  Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Thu-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held by the side of Wangchu River. A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Thursday afternoon till Sunday evening. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
• Archery Match (National Game of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium.
• Kuenselphodrang (commonly known as Buddha Point) where the largest Buddha statue in the country is perched on the hillock overlooking the Thimphu Valley. You may take a nature hike through Kuenselphodran Nature Park for about 20-30 minutes.
   
• Tashichhoe Dzong, a fortress of the glorious religion. It was built in 1641 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyel and was reconstructed into present structure by the late King, His majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.
   
• The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings, at the National Memorial Chorten. 
   
• Craft Bazaar – A one stop place to witness Bhutanese culture and to buy Bhutan made art and craft product. The Bazaar in its 80 stalls covers all aspects of the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. You will get to see craftsmen and artisans from across the country displaying and selling their handicrafts. You can also visit other handicraft stores in town.

Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu -Punakha

(Distance: 71 kmEstimated driving time: 2 1/2 hrs.)

After breakfast, travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass 3140 m). In the clear sky enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. Then pass by the beautiful 108 chortens built on the hill by Her Majesty Ashi Dorji WangmoWangchuck (Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

Also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) .The temple was built to honor His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme SingyeWangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.

Then continue your journey towards Punakha.

Punakha has been inextricably linked to some of the most momentous events in the Bhutanese history. Punakha had served as the capital of Bhutan from 1637 till 1907 and the 1st National Assembly was held there. 

On the way, stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the paddy fields to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

After lunch visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (Male River) and the Mochu (Female River). The Dzong was built in 1637 by ZhabdrungNgawangNamgyal (the person who unified Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King GongsarUgyenWangchuck. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored in the recent years by the 4th King Jigme SingyeWangchuck. At the Dzong, you can see the highest standards of woodwork.

In the evening, visitSangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there.

Dinner and overnight inPunakha.

Day 3: Punakha – Sightseeing & Hike for 2 Hrs

After early breakfast travel to Punakha. Check in Hotel in Punakha and later explore around Punakha valley and look for semi-nomadic tribal people known in Bhutan as “Layaps” (Interaction with Layap people is possible only from Dec –end of March). They can be seen in and around Punakha valley during the winter months when they migrate southward from Laya to escape the extreme cold.

After a picnic lunch nearby the Pho Chu River, we will drive back to Lobesa and to visit a farm house. Here we will see a Traditional Bhutanese cooking and farming demonstration. Afterwards, participate in some unique Bhutanese recreational activities including Khuru, a Bhutanese dart game, Archery, The National Game of Bhutan and Degor, a throwing competition. Drive to KhamsumYulleyNamgyelChorten through fields of vegetables, rice paddies and tiny hamlets. This Chorten holds very special significance being consecrated in 1999 and dedicated to the protection of the former Crown Prince – today’s current King Jigme KhesarNamgyelWangchuck. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there.After lunch, you will visit Rinchengang village in Wangduephodrang where you will take a short walk through the village and have free interaction with the villagers. Round trip hike will take about 1 hr. At the same time, you can view the Wangdue Dzong.

Dinner and overnight inPunakha.

Day 4: Punakha Valley to Paro Valley (4hrs +) Hike 1 Hr.

Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch at one of the local restaurants.

This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Paro Dzong with its cantilever bridge; Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit followed by a visit to the old ruined fortress of the Drugyel Dzong (14km from Paro). This is the historical site of the Fort of Drukpa Victory, from which the Bhutanese used to repel the Tibetan invaders again and again. On a clear day views of the 7314 m snow domed peaks of sacred Mt Chomolhari can be seen. Dinner and overnight inParo.

Day 5: Start of Bumdra Hike (Trek to Bumdra)

Hike from Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,800m) to yak pastures below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m). The adventure begins with an early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor to meet our ponies and while they are being loaded we may pay our respects at the college. Above and ahead the ChhoeTse Lhakhang (temple) nestles in the mountainside 1-2 hours walk away. Our home for the night is tucked in under Bumdra Monastery (cave of a thousand prayers) making the most of the awesome views of the Himalayan range. After lunch we can visit the monastery (if it is occupied) and also climb the peak to the north (about 4000m) for even better views, returning in time for a slap up dinner. Duration: 4-5 hours to camp 2-3 hours return trek to peak (optional) Difficulty: Moderate to Hard. Overnight at Bumdra Wilderness Camp.

Day 6: Bumdra to Paro (via Tiger Nest Monastery)

Hike from Yak pasture below Bumdra Monastery (3,800m) via Zangtopelri Monasteries to Taktsang Monastery (2,900m). After a hearty breakfast, we either head straight back into the valley or linger a while soaking up the view and perhaps hang some prayer flags of our own. Eventually we have to drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ winding trail. After a couple of hours of descent we begin to catch glimpses of the golden temples below.

The path snakes across the mountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Zangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can peer over the edge and 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 and we pass into Tiger’s Nest itself. The Monastery is an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists.

The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Retracing our steps we begin the final descent of about 45 minutes to reach our vehicle and drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal to control northern route to Tibet (from here, it is only a two-day hike to the border with Tibet, China dominated by Mt Jhomalhari ). Difficulty: Moderate. Dinner and overnight inParo.

Day 7- Departure

In the morning, after breakfast representative from Bhutan Travel Service will see you off at the Paro airport for your onward flight.