12 Days Bumthang Owl Trek

Overview of Tour

The Bumthang Owl Trek is a rewarding 12-day journey that combines cultural discovery with pristine Himalayan wilderness. Beginning in the spiritual heartland of Bhutan, Bumthang, this trek takes you through quaint villages, ancient temples, and lush forests alive with the calls of owls and other rare wildlife. The trail ascends to scenic ridges offering panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, including the majestic Gangkar Puensum. Along the way, you’ll encounter monasteries steeped in history, fluttering prayer flags, and serene campsites nestled amidst rhododendron and juniper forests. Perfect for nature lovers and culture seekers alike, the Bumthang Owl Trek offers an unforgettable blend of adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking landscapes.

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Itinerary Details

  • Arrival at Paro International Airport
  • Meet with your designated guide and driver
  • Optional brief sightseeing for acclimatization, based on energy levels
  • Recommended rest to prepare for the demanding hike to Taktsang Monastery the following day
  • Overnight at a hotel in Paro
  • Early morning drive to the trailhead of Taktsang Monastery
  • 3-hour uphill hike followed by a 2-hour descent
  • Monastery situated at approximately 3,120 meters (10,240 feet), founded in the 8th century by Guru Padmasambhava
  • Return to Paro for a traditional hot stone bath (similar benefits to hot springs)
  • Enjoy authentic Bhutanese dinner with locally brewed alcohol made from rice, corn, or wheat
  • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Bhutan’s oldest temple) en route back
  • Evening stroll in Paro town
  • Overnight at a hotel in Paro
  • Morning visit to Ta Dzong, a former watchtower turned National Museum
  • Walk downhill past Rinpung Dzong and cross the iconic cantilever bridge
  • Afternoon drive to Thimphu (approx. 1.5 to 2 hours)
  • En route, stop at 15th-century iron bridge engineered by Thangtong Gyalpo

– In Thimphu:

  • Visit National Memorial Chorten
  • Stop at Buddha Dordenma and take a short nature hike beneath the statue
  • Explore Simply Bhutan Museum and Zorig Chusum Institute to view traditional crafts in progress
  • Visit Tashichhodzong, seat of Bhutan’s government and monastic administration
  • Free evening to stroll safely in Thimphu town
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  • Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
  • Moderate 5-kilometer uphill hike through pine forests to Phajoding Goemba (3,640 meters)
  • Panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and Eastern Himalayas on clear days
  • Tour of the 13th-century monastery: includes 10 temples and 15 meditation retreats
  • Learn about founder Phajo Drugom Zhigpo from Kham, Tibet
  • Observe monastic life and leisure activities
  • Afternoon rest or optional shopping in Thimphu
  • Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu
  • Full-day drive over Dochula Pass (3,100 meters) with Himalayan vistas
  • Descend into Wangdue Valley (1,200 meters)
  • Stop for a panoramic view of Wangdue town and visit its dzong
  • Visit weaving centers in Chumey and Trongsa town along the route
  • Total travel duration: 7 to 8 hours
  • Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang
  • Morning visit to Jakar Dzong (“Fortress of the White Bird”) overlooking Chokhor Valley
  • Tour Jampa Lhakhang, Kencho Sum Lhakhang, and other spiritual landmarks
  • Optional biking or riverside hike along Chamkhar Chhu
  • Explore town of Chamkhar and interact with local artisans
  • Altitude ranges between 2,600 meters and 4,000 meters
  • Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang
  • Trek begins at Manchugang, heading toward Dhur village (2,900 meters)
  • Interaction with Brokpa nomads and Bumthang Kha speakers
  • Visit to traditional water-powered flour mill
  • Continue climbing through blue pine forest to campsite at Schonath (3,450 meters)
  • Duration: 4–5 hours of hiking
  • Overnight at campsite
  • Hike through hemlock, fir, spruce, rhododendron, and bamboo forests
  • Arrive at Drangela Pass (3,600 meters)
  • Ascend Kitiphu ridge to overnight campsite at 3,870 meters
  • View of Gangkar Puensum (7,541 meters), the world’s highest unclimbed mountain
  • Duration: 3–4 hours of hiking

Overnight at campsite

  • Descend through scenic hills toward Chuedak and Tharpaling monasteries
  • Visit to Chukchizhey shrine with 100 forms of Avalokiteshvara
  • Follow Royal Heritage Trail linking Trongsa and Bumthang
  • Conclude trek with views of Jakar Dzong
  • Duration: 4–5 hours of hiking
  • Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang
  • Drive approximately 5 hours through changing vegetation zones
  • Stop at Trongsa Dzong, historic seat of Bhutan’s kings
  • Continue into Phobjikha Valley, winter habitat of black-necked cranes
  • Visit Gangtey Goempa, a 17th-century Buddhist monastery overlooking the valley
  • Overnight at a lodge in Phobjikha
  • Morning hike along Gangtey Nature Trail through rhododendron and bamboo forests
  • Drive from trailhead to Punakha via Wangdue (approx. 3 to 4 hours)
  • Stop at Chimi Lhakhang, temple of fertility built by Lama Drukpa Kunley
  • Optional farm stay or hotel in Punakha
  • Morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten with scenic views of river and valley
  • Optional rafting/kayaking excursion along the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers
  • Visit Punakha Dzong, famed for its architecture and springtime jacaranda blooms
  • Drive to Paro (approximately 4 hours)

Overnight at hotel in Paro

Other Tour Packages

Package Inclusion

– 3*** hotel or Homestay with three meals
– Professional cultural and trekking Guide
– SUV and 4×4 Truck with experienced driver.
– Tea and bottle water throughout the trip.
– Hot stone Herbal bath
– Monumental & National Park fees
– Visa fees
– SDF Fees (SDF Sustainable Development Fees directly paid to Govt)
– Sleeping Tent
– Sleeping bag if required
– Sleeping Mat
– Solar lamp in dining and kitchen tent.
– Pillow, Inner Blanket & Hot water bag.
– Dinning Tent & Dining sets.
– Kitchen Tent & Kitchen Sets
– Toilet Tent, Pot & Paper.
– Horse for Luggage

Package Exclusion

– All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.

– Medical / Travel Insurance.