Where Bhutan trekking feels truly wild
The Bumdra Monastery Trek is a rewarding two day trek in Bhutan through the enchanting Paro Valley, combining forested trails, mountain views and sacred Buddhist sites. This short trek in Bhutan begins at Sanga Chokhor Buddhist Monastery, perched on a hill northwest of Paro, where the route climbs through rich forests of pine and rhododendron. As you gain altitude, the landscape opens into a peaceful mountain setting, leading to an overnight camp in the wild beneath Bumdra Monastery. The quiet surroundings and open skies make this Paro Valley trek feel far removed from everyday life.
The journey brings you to two of the Himalayas’ most revered Buddhist pilgrimage sites, Bumdra Monastery and the iconic Tiger’s Nest. Beyond these sacred places, the trail rewards you with beautiful natural scenery throughout. Known as the “Trek of Thousand Dakinis,” after celestial female beings, this Bhutan monastery trek offers a memorable blend of nature, spirituality and adventure.
Elevation: 2320m | Drive Distance: 55Km | Drive Time: 01Hr
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your local guide and driver before setting out for Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. The drive follows the valley towards the vibrant capital city, giving you your first glimpses of Bhutanese landscapes and everyday life. Once in Thimphu, visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the Third King. Continue to the National Institute of Painting School, where students undertake a six year course in Bhutan’s thirteen traditional arts and crafts. Take your time here to appreciate the skill and patience behind Bhutan’s artistic traditions.
If you arrive over the weekend, explore Thimphu’s vegetable market, where farmers and vendors bring produce from different parts of the country. The lively stalls offer an easy introduction to local food and daily life. After sightseeing, settle into your hotel and enjoy a relaxed evening in the vibrant capital city before beginning the journey towards Punakha tomorrow morning.
Elevation: 1350m | Drive Distance: 70Km | Drive Hour: 02Hr
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast before driving east towards Punakha, Bhutan’s former capital. The road climbs gradually towards Dochula Pass, where 108 chortens stand among the mountain landscape. On a clear day, the pass opens towards a magnificent Himalayan panorama. Take a moment to appreciate the changing scenery before continuing down through forests and warmer valleys towards Punakha.
Near Lobesa, leave the vehicle for a short walk towards Chimi Lhakhang, the well known temple associated with Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman. Follow the road and village paths through the surrounding countryside, where fields, homes and everyday rural life bring a different rhythm to the journey. After visiting the temple, return to the vehicle and continue towards Punakha. As the valley opens around you, settle into your hotel and enjoy a slower evening in this historic valley, once the seat of Bhutan’s government and still the winter residence of the monastic body.
Elevation: 1350m
Head north from Punakha and continue into the countryside for a walk towards Kabji Chorten Ningpo. The trail passes through paddy fields before climbing towards the hilltop temple. Look back across the valley and notice how the landscape changes as you gain height. After visiting the temple, descend and continue towards Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, positioned above the Mo Chhu River. Enjoy the setting and views. Follow the path through the countryside and climb towards this distinctive temple, built in 1999 to promote peace in the world.
After Khamsum, descend to the parking area and drive back towards Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, positioned at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Explore its courtyards, temples and spaces while your guide shares its story. The dzong served as Bhutan’s capital centre until 1955 and remains an important national landmark. Return to your hotel for a relaxed evening.
Elevation: 2320m | Drive Distance: 70Km | Drive Hour: 03Hr
Leave Punakha after an early breakfast and retrace the mountain road towards Paro. The journey takes you through beautiful changing landscapes, from the warmer Punakha valley back towards Bhutan’s western highlands and into the Paro valley. Enjoy the views along the way and settle into the pace of the road before arriving in Paro town, where traditional architecture and broad fields create a distinctive sense of place.
Begin your Paro sightseeing at the National Museum, housed in the former watchtower above Paro Rinpung Dzong. Established as the National Museum in 1967, it holds an intriguing collection of Bhutanese art, religious paintings, ancient armour and cultural objects. From the museum, walk downhill to Paro Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Explore its courtyards and interiors before walking down to the parking area. Continue to your comfortable hotel and enjoy a restful evening ahead of your Bumdra Trek tomorrow.
Elevation: 3800m | Walking Distance: 12Km | Walking Time: 04Hr
After breakfast, drive to Sanga Choekhor Buddhist Shedra, where you meet your trekking team and prepare for the trail ahead. Leave the road behind and begin walking through blue pine and rhododendron forests. The trail climbs steadily, giving you time to settle into the rhythm. As the trees begin to thin, the landscape opens and the views across the Paro valley become increasingly rewarding. Follow the ridge as the trail gains height and the surrounding mountains gradually take centre stage.
Continue towards a broad alpine meadow decorated with chortens and prayer flags, a striking change from the forest. From here, look towards Bumdra Monastery and take in the sense of space around the high pasture. Your campsite sits just below the monastery, giving you a peaceful setting for the night. Once camp is ready, slow down, enjoy the open landscape and watch the changing light across the peaks before dinner.
Elevation: 2320m | Walking Distance: 10Km | Walking Time: 05Hr
Wake to the quiet of the mountains around you and take in the morning landscape around Bumdra before beginning your descent. Leave camp behind and follow the trail through lush forests of pine, fir and rhododendron. The woodland brings welcome shade and calm and a different atmosphere from the open alpine terrain of the previous day. As you descend, the trail gradually leads you towards the spiritual heart of Paro and several monasteries along the way.
The journey reaches Taktsang, better known as Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on a cliffside, the monastery remains one of the Himalayas’ most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Tradition holds that Guru Padmasambhava came here in the eighth century and meditated in a cave, later becoming associated with the form Guru Dorji Droloe. Explore the monastery and its sacred surroundings before following the trail downhill. From there, drive back to Paro and settle into your hotel.
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel and take one final moment to appreciate Paro before your departure. Depending on your flight time, you may have space to rest, pack and reflect on your journey across Bhutan. From the quiet valleys and historic dzongs to the forests, mountain trails and high camp of Bumdra, the past few days have offered many different ways to experience Bhutan.
When it is time to leave, meet your guide and driver for the drive to Paro International Airport. Your Bhutan journey now comes to an end as you say goodbye to the people who have looked after you along the way. Carry lasting memories of the mountains, monasteries, villages and moments between destinations as you continue your onward journey. The road out of Paro may be familiar by now, but Bhutan rarely leaves curious travelers with the feeling that they have seen it all.
Reach the high meadows of Bumdra and settle into a campsite surrounded by open mountain skies. As daylight fades, watch the Himalayan peaks change colour before darkness takes over. Far from towns and distractions, the evening slows naturally, leaving you with warm food, quiet conversations and an unforgettable night outdoors.
Follow forest trails, alpine meadows and ridgelines that gradually reveal wider mountain views. The trail asks for steady steps, but rewards your effort with changing landscapes at every turn. Walk with your guide, pause when something catches your eye and let the rhythm of the mountains shape your day.
Step outside your tent to crisp mountain air and a landscape transformed by morning light. On clear days, distant Himalayan peaks rise dramatically across the horizon. Enjoy breakfast in the open before beginning your descent, carrying more than photographs with you: the quiet satisfaction of having spent time above the clouds.
Prepare for several days of walking across changing terrain and altitude. You do not need advanced mountaineering skills, but you should feel comfortable hiking for several hours each day. Build your stamina before arrival with regular walks, hill training or longer hikes. Arrive rested, prepared and ready for the trail.
Bumdra takes you into high mountain country, where altitude can affect even experienced hikers. Walk at a steady pace, drink plenty of water and listen to your body throughout the trek. Your guide will monitor your progress and help you adjust your pace, rest when needed and respond to any concerns.
Pack light, but prepare for changing mountain weather. Bring warm layers, waterproof outerwear, sturdy hiking boots, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses and a reusable water bottle. A comfortable daypack keeps your essentials close while your larger luggage stays behind. Your guide will also advise you on any trek-specific requirements.
Mountain weather can change quickly, even when the morning begins clear. Expect cool temperatures at higher elevations and prepare for wind, rain or cold nights. Spring and autumn generally offer good trekking conditions, but conditions remain changeable. Come prepared for the weather you may encounter, rather than the forecast you expect.
Your local trekking team keeps the journey organized, comfortable and connected to Bhutan. Your guide leads the way, manages the daily rhythm and shares knowledge of the landscapes and places you pass. The support crew handles camp logistics, allowing you to focus on walking, exploring and enjoying the experience.
Ready to walk higher, sleep beneath Himalayan skies and experience Bhutan beyond the usual? Let’s shape your Bumdra adventure together.
Make it yours
On trek: 06 daysDuration in Bhutan: 09 days
On trek: 14 daysDuration in Bhutan: 21 days
On trek: 07 daysDuration in Bhutan: 12 days
Tell us what you’re looking for. We’ll help you create the journey
Connect with expert