Flying into Paro, Bhutan, is an awe-inspiring experience that sets the stage for your journey. As you approach Paro Airport, the aircraft weaves through the majestic Himalayas, offering breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. The flight path takes you over rugged landscapes and traditional Bhutanese villages, culminating in a dramatic descent into the narrow Paro Valley. The approach is renowned for its stunning scenery, where every moment feels like a glimpse into a hidden world of natural beauty and serenity, making your arrival in Bhutan a truly unforgettable experience.
The Bumthang Owl Trek is a pleasant three-day journey through the heart of Bhutan, renowned for its cultural richness and scenic beauty. Often referred to as Bhutan’s ‘cultural heartland,’ Bumthang offers a trek through picturesque valleys and alongside clear, trout-filled rivers. Along the way, you’ll encounter a wealth of ancient temples and lhakhangs, as well as charming small villages where you can take a break and soak in the local atmosphere.
While the trek is generally easy, the most demanding part involves a 500-meter ascent to the Pephe La pass. This segment may present a moderate challenge, but it is well worth the effort for the stunning views and cultural experiences that await. The ideal times to undertake the Bumthang Owl Trek are in spring or autumn, when the weather is most favorable for trekking and exploring this culturally rich region.
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)
Arrive Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park…
Overnight stay at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m)
Day 2: Local sightseeing in Thimphu
After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Explore the Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..
Late in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion.
Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…
Overnight stay at the Hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320)
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass Located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Bhutan longest suspension bridge & Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 04: Punakha – Bumthang (220km, approx 9 hrs drive)
After an early breakfast check out from hotel and drive to Trongsa across Pele-La-Pass (11,120 ft.), Then drive to Bumthang over the Yutong-La-Pass (11,155 ft.).
You will reach Bumthang by late in the evening and on arrival, check in to the hotel, refresh and relax..
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 05: Full day Bumthang Local Sightseeing
After breakfast visit Jakar Dzong (Castle of White Bird). Then visit Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang and Chakhar Lhakhang (Iron Castle). After lunch visit Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple of the good message) and to the Membarstho (“The burning Lake”)..
While in Chumey valley in Bumthang, visit the Yathra Weaving Factory. In the evening visit a local handloom weaving house and Interact with the weavers.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 06: Manchugang to Dhur 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’.
Day 07. Dhur 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.
Day 08. Drangela Pass – Tharpaling monastry
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.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,800m)
Day 09: Bumthang – Punakha / Wangdue (220km, approx 9 hrs drive).
After breakfast drive back to Punakha.On your way visit Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong (An ancient watch tower) drive further and Enroute to visit Chendbji Chorten (built in the style of the great Bodhanath Chorten of Nepal).
Reach Punakha by late afternoon so, check into your hotel, refresh and relax…
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)
Day 10: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)
After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”).
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)..
Day 11: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).
After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After the Hike drive back to the hotel refresh and relax.
Evening an exploratory walk around the market area and hang out in some renown coffee shops…
Overnight stay will be at hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)
Day 12: “Final Adieu” – Farewell & Departure
After the hearty breakfast check out of the hotel and transfer to Paro Airport enjoying the and there your team will bid you the final adieu with an undying hope of your visiting our country again to explore the unvisited parts and regions with many more adventures together. We bid you farewell with picturesque memories of Bhutan.
For your accommodation, we have selected Department of Tourism-approved Trekking camp site & 3-star hotels, ensuring you have a comfortable and enjoyable stay throughout your trip. These hotels offer great services and amenities to enhance your experience in Bhutan.
If you would like to make any changes to the hotel selections or upgrade your stay to a higher category, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Our team is happy to assist you in customizing your accommodations to better suit your preferences.
We are here to ensure that your tour is tailored to your needs and expectations. Looking forward to hearing from you!
Day 1: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 2: Thimphu – Overnight stay at Hotel Dharla
Day 3: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 4: Bumthang – Overnight stay at Chumey nature resorts
Day 5: Bumthang – Overnight stay at Chumey nature resorts
Day 6: Trekking – overnight stay at Schonath campsite – Altitude approx 3450 m
Day 7: Trekking – overnight stay at Kitiphu ridge campsite – Altitude approx 3870 m
Day 8: Bumthang – Overnight stay at Chumey nature resorts
Day 9: Punakha – Overnight stay at Hotel Kingaling
Day 10: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Day 11: Paro – Overnight stay at Riverfront Resort
Trekking Inclusion
Please note that the type of vehicle will be, SUV, Ertiga, Innova, H1 Bus, HiAce Bus, or Coaster Bus—will be arranged based on the number of travelers in group before and after the trek including pick from trekking starting and ending point.
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Booking policy:
Payment Policy:
12Days/11 Nights
Bhutan