Bumthang Owl Trek
Trip Overview
This three day trek around Bumthang offers both fantastic views of an unspoiled natural environment endowed with a diverse array of flora and fauna as well as an opportunity to visit ancient Buddhist temples and monasteries.
The trail takes you though forests of blue pine, birch, maple, spruce, juniper, bamboo and a beautiful, rugged landscape draped in countless varieties of rhododendrons. As you walk along the tranquil ridges and mountains of Bumthang you will be treated to unparalleled views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unclimbed peak in the world. There is an abundance of avian wildlife in this area and pheasants such as the beautiful Himalayan Tragopan are a common sight around April-May.
One of the best times to undertake this trek is in late spring, between April and early June when the rhododendrons are in full bloom. When trekking through this area in autumn there is a possibility of encountering Himalayan Black bears so caution should be exercised. If it is possible to schedule your trek during one of the local festivals you will be able to enjoy additional insight into the traditions and culture of this region.
Itinerary
Day 01 - PARO
Arrive to Paro, Bhutan by Druk air or Bhutan Airlines. As you exit from the airport the representative of Lhome Tours & Trekking will receive you and transfer you to hotel. After well settled in the hotel, drive for a short sightseeing, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 - PARO - SIGHTSEEING
Whole day visit around the Paro valley with the visit to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruin fortress which withstand the Tibetan invaders in 17th C., farm house to experience the life of Bhutanese living, Kyichu Lhakhang of 7th C. built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet, take a chance to visit a local farm house, Dzongdrakha monastery also known as mini Taksang, Dungtse Lhakhang built by the great bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1421. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03 - PARO - TAKSANG (Tigers Nest)
Day (hike) excursion to Taksang Gompa (Tiger Nest) monastery built on the cliff of a rock above 3000ft. above the Paro valley. First you willdrive to the hiking point and start the hike moderatly gradual uphill for one hour till the view point at the cafeteria and another hour to the monastery and one and half hour down to the transport parking besides the visiting and lunch timing. Overnight hotel.
Day 04 - PARO - PUNAKHA
Today we will drive for Punakha the old capital of Bhutan with lunch stop at Dochula pass Alt. 10000 ft. above the sea level with the view of snow capped mountains on the clear day. After lunch continue to drive to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility to hear great stories about the devine madman or saint Drukpa Kinley’s unorthodox teaching of buddhissm. Then visit the Punakha Dzong of 1638 built at the confluence of Pho-chu and Mo-chu, the male and the femal river. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05 - PUNAKHA - GANGTEY
Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelly Namgyel Chorten built by our queen mother for the well being of the king and the country. The view of Punakha valley from this temple is stunning. Then drive to Phobjikha/Gangtey valley with lunch in local restaurant enroute. On reaching Phobjikha visit the Gangtey monastery then hike down following nature trial route where the sacred black necked crane roost during its winter stay in Phobjikha. Then visit the crane center to learn more about the Black Necked Crane, the people of Phobjikha and about the vegetation and flora and fauna of the valley. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 06 - GANGTEY - BUMTHANG
The journey to Bumthang is 5-6 hours drive but make short stops along the road for short hike to stretch your leg and as well to enjoy sights of plants, flowers, birds and mammals, etc. The lunch at Trongsa in Mangdi valley. After lunch visit Trongsa Dzong and then continue your drive with loving sights of nature to Jakar, Bumthang across Yotong-la pass through Chumey valley to Chamkhar valley of Bumthang. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 07- BUMTHANG - SIGHTSEEING
Drive around to visit the Jambey Lhakhang of 7th C., built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet like the Kyichu Temple in Paro, Jakar Dzong (White bird fortress) which serves the administration and the state monastery for Bumthang Province of four valleys. After lunch visit the holy site of Guru Rinpoche “The Khujee Lhakhang” monastery of body imprint on the rock left by Guru when he meditated to appease the local deity of the valley, and make a short hike crossing the suspension bridge to visit the Tamshing Lhakhang of 15th C. built by Terton Padmalingpa, the great treasure discoverer, and also stroll around the Chamkhar town. Overnight hotel/lodge.
Day 08 - MANCHUGANG - DUR VILLAGE
The trek starts from Manchugang and takes you to Dhur village (2900m). The inhabitants of the village are the nomadic Kheps and Brokpas. This village has two distinct dialects, the Bumthang Kha and the Brokke a language spoken by the nomads. Near the river is a traditional water-driven flour mill which used to be a source of livelihood for the people of Dhur village. The trek resumes with an uphill climb through blue pine forests towards the campsite at Schonath (3450m) which is covered in hemlock and juniper trees. The otherwise silent nights are punctuated with the hooting of owls, hence the name ‘The Owl Trek’. The trek is of 4-5 hours hike.
DAY 09 - DUR VILLAGE - DRANGELA PASS
The second day of this trek is mainly through lush forests of hemlock, fir, spruce and many species of rhododendrons which are in full bloom during the months of April and May. The trail also takes you through the forests of bamboo which is the main undergrowth in this area.
After few hours of walking you will arrive at the Drangela Pass (3600m). Climbing up the Kitiphu ridge brings you to the campsite for the night at an altitude of about 3870m. From this point you can have a fresh view of snow capped mountains and valleys underneath. This is also when you can view the mount Gangkarpunsum (7541m), the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The trek is of 3-4 hours hike.
Day 10 - DRANGELA PASS - THARPALING MONASTERY
On day three you descend towards the monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling. Chuedak monastery has 100 Avoloketeshvaras in the form of Chukchizhey (eleven heads) where you may pray for yourself and all living beings.Towards the afternoon the trek will take you along the ridge of Kikila and following the traditional trek route between Trongsa and Bumthang (the Royal Heritage Trail) through scenic hills and forests. Finally you will have the best view of Jakar Dzong and come to end of the trek at Bumthang. The hike is of 4-5 hour.
You could come out in Chumey valley where you will meet the transportation to transfer to Trongsa the seat of Central Governor who was the first elected monarch of Bhutan in 1907. Overnight Hotel in Trongsa or in Chamkhar, Bumthang.
Day 11 - CHAMKHAR/TRONGSA - PUNAKHA
Today make the journey back to the western region crossing the Yotong-la and Peli-la pass, through the Mangdi province of Trongsa and Sha province of Wangdue with lunch stop at Chendebjee. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 12 - PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
Begin the drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan through the winding road passing villages and farmlands, across the Dochu-la pass and pass the immigration check point at Lhungtso the Tibetan refuge settlement area. The drive is of 3 hours. Lunch in Thimphu and after lunch visit Largest Buddha statue, Zilkha nunnery and then visit Tashi chho Dzong the secretariat building. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13 - THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING
Visit around Thimphu valley with the visit to Memorial Chorten of 3rd King of Bhutan, Changangkha Lhankhang of 13th C., National Herbal Institute and hospital, National Heritage Museum, Institude of Arts and Crafts,, National Library, Handicraft Emporium and shopping for souvenirs. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 14 - THIMPHU – PARO AIRPORT
Drive 1 hour to the Paro International airport for the onward Journey back home. The guide and driver will see you to the airport.
Included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Extensive sightseeing as indicated in itinerary and entrance fees as applicable
- In trek - accommodation high quality wind and water proof A-shaped 2 men sleeping tent with comfortable mattress, pillows, hot water bag, dinning tent, sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent.
- Pack ponies, trekking staff: Cook & helpers and well trained and licesed trekking guide.
Excluded
- Airfare
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping bags (you can hire one but let us know before)
Good to Know
Itinerary
Day 01 - PARO
Arrive to Paro, Bhutan by Druk air or Bhutan Airlines. As you exit from the airport the representative of Lhome Tours & Trekking will receive you and transfer you to hotel. After well settled in the hotel, drive for a short sightseeing, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 02 - PARO - SIGHTSEEING
Whole day visit around the Paro valley with the visit to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruin fortress which withstand the Tibetan invaders in 17th C., farm house to experience the life of Bhutanese living, Kyichu Lhakhang of 7th C. built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet, take a chance to visit a local farm house, Dzongdrakha monastery also known as mini Taksang, Dungtse Lhakhang built by the great bridge builder Thangtong Gyelpo in 1421. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03 - PARO - TAKSANG (Tigers Nest)
Day (hike) excursion to Taksang Gompa (Tiger Nest) monastery built on the cliff of a rock above 3000ft. above the Paro valley. First you willdrive to the hiking point and start the hike moderatly gradual uphill for one hour till the view point at the cafeteria and another hour to the monastery and one and half hour down to the transport parking besides the visiting and lunch timing. Overnight hotel.
Day 04 - PARO - PUNAKHA
Today we will drive for Punakha the old capital of Bhutan with lunch stop at Dochula pass Alt. 10000 ft. above the sea level with the view of snow capped mountains on the clear day. After lunch continue to drive to Punakha and visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility to hear great stories about the devine madman or saint Drukpa Kinley’s unorthodox teaching of buddhissm. Then visit the Punakha Dzong of 1638 built at the confluence of Pho-chu and Mo-chu, the male and the femal river. Overnight in hotel.
Day 05 - PUNAKHA - GANGTEY
Morning hike to Khamsum Yuelly Namgyel Chorten built by our queen mother for the well being of the king and the country. The view of Punakha valley from this temple is stunning. Then drive to Phobjikha/Gangtey valley with lunch in local restaurant enroute. On reaching Phobjikha visit the Gangtey monastery then hike down following nature trial route where the sacred black necked crane roost during its winter stay in Phobjikha. Then visit the crane center to learn more about the Black Necked Crane, the people of Phobjikha and about the vegetation and flora and fauna of the valley. Overnight hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 06 - GANGTEY - BUMTHANG
The journey to Bumthang is 5-6 hours drive but make short stops along the road for short hike to stretch your leg and as well to enjoy sights of plants, flowers, birds and mammals, etc. The lunch at Trongsa in Mangdi valley. After lunch visit Trongsa Dzong and then continue your drive with loving sights of nature to Jakar, Bumthang across Yotong-la pass through Chumey valley to Chamkhar valley of Bumthang. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 07- BUMTHANG - SIGHTSEEING
Drive around to visit the Jambey Lhakhang of 7th C., built by the first Buddhist King of Tibet like the Kyichu Temple in Paro, Jakar Dzong (White bird fortress) which serves the administration and the state monastery for Bumthang Province of four valleys. After lunch visit the holy site of Guru Rinpoche “The Khujee Lhakhang” monastery of body imprint on the rock left by Guru when he meditated to appease the local deity of the valley, and make a short hike crossing the suspension bridge to visit the Tamshing Lhakhang of 15th C. built by Terton Padmalingpa, the great treasure discoverer, and also stroll around the Chamkhar town. Overnight hotel/lodge.
Day 08 - MANCHUGANG - DUR VILLAGE
The trek starts from Manchugang and takes you to Dhur village (2900m). The inhabitants of the village are the nomadic Kheps and Brokpas. This village has two distinct dialects, the Bumthang Kha and the Brokke a language spoken by the nomads. Near the river is a traditional water-driven flour mill which used to be a source of livelihood for the people of Dhur village. The trek resumes with an uphill climb through blue pine forests towards the campsite at Schonath (3450m) which is covered in hemlock and juniper trees. The otherwise silent nights are punctuated with the hooting of owls, hence the name ‘The Owl Trek’. The trek is of 4-5 hours hike.
DAY 09 - DUR VILLAGE - DRANGELA PASS
The second day of this trek is mainly through lush forests of hemlock, fir, spruce and many species of rhododendrons which are in full bloom during the months of April and May. The trail also takes you through the forests of bamboo which is the main undergrowth in this area.
After few hours of walking you will arrive at the Drangela Pass (3600m). Climbing up the Kitiphu ridge brings you to the campsite for the night at an altitude of about 3870m. From this point you can have a fresh view of snow capped mountains and valleys underneath. This is also when you can view the mount Gangkarpunsum (7541m), the highest unclimbed peak in the world. The trek is of 3-4 hours hike.
Day 10 - DRANGELA PASS - THARPALING MONASTERY
On day three you descend towards the monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling. Chuedak monastery has 100 Avoloketeshvaras in the form of Chukchizhey (eleven heads) where you may pray for yourself and all living beings.Towards the afternoon the trek will take you along the ridge of Kikila and following the traditional trek route between Trongsa and Bumthang (the Royal Heritage Trail) through scenic hills and forests. Finally you will have the best view of Jakar Dzong and come to end of the trek at Bumthang. The hike is of 4-5 hour.
You could come out in Chumey valley where you will meet the transportation to transfer to Trongsa the seat of Central Governor who was the first elected monarch of Bhutan in 1907. Overnight Hotel in Trongsa or in Chamkhar, Bumthang.
Day 11 - CHAMKHAR/TRONGSA - PUNAKHA
Today make the journey back to the western region crossing the Yotong-la and Peli-la pass, through the Mangdi province of Trongsa and Sha province of Wangdue with lunch stop at Chendebjee. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 12 - PUNAKHA - THIMPHU
Begin the drive to Thimphu the capital city of Bhutan through the winding road passing villages and farmlands, across the Dochu-la pass and pass the immigration check point at Lhungtso the Tibetan refuge settlement area. The drive is of 3 hours. Lunch in Thimphu and after lunch visit Largest Buddha statue, Zilkha nunnery and then visit Tashi chho Dzong the secretariat building. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13 - THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING
Visit around Thimphu valley with the visit to Memorial Chorten of 3rd King of Bhutan, Changangkha Lhankhang of 13th C., National Herbal Institute and hospital, National Heritage Museum, Institude of Arts and Crafts,, National Library, Handicraft Emporium and shopping for souvenirs. Overnight hotel in Thimphu
Day 14 - THIMPHU – PARO AIRPORT
Drive 1 hour to the Paro International airport for the onward Journey back home. The guide and driver will see you to the airport.
Included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver.
- Accommodation in carefully selected, highest standard government approved hotels & guesthouses.
- All meals in Bhutan.
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Extensive sightseeing as indicated in itinerary and entrance fees as applicable
- In trek - accommodation high quality wind and water proof A-shaped 2 men sleeping tent with comfortable mattress, pillows, hot water bag, dinning tent, sleeping tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent.
- Pack ponies, trekking staff: Cook & helpers and well trained and licesed trekking guide.
Excluded
- Airfare
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Medical / Travel Insurance.
- Sleeping bags (you can hire one but let us know before)
Good to Know
Top Reviews
Lhomen Tours Trekking
2019-12-18 07:36:34
Best season : March, April, May, October , November Normal season: January, June, September, December