Bumthang Owl Trekking

One of the easy treks in Bhutan which provides a glimpse of the rich culture and biodiversity of the country.

Trip Code
AMT - BHUTAN - 203
Best Season

Spring & Autumn

Trip Grade

Max Altitude

N/A

Accomodation

Teahouses/Lodges

Transportation

Flight/Jeep or Bus

Meals

BB/Full Board

Group Size

Any

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Introduction

The trip to Bumthang Owl Trekking takes you on an amazing journey that is short but full of excitement and adventure. Bumthang is one of the best places in Bhutan to explore its rich cultural diversity and religious centers. The trekking goes through some of the most beautiful landscapes and refreshing environments that would stay in your memories forever. We would start the trekking from Menchugang and go through the valleys, forests and landscapes before reaching Tharpaling Dratsang, the final destination of our journey.

One of the unique attractions of Bumthang trekking is the site of owls for the most part of the trek. This is the reason why the term owl has been added to the Bumthang Trekking. If you are lucky, you can also get to see a few black bears on the journey. The other attractions of the trip are the stunning view of the glaciers and mountains; the fields covered with rhododendron flowers and exotic flora.

Bumthang Owl Trekking Highlights

  • One of the unique trekking experiences that not only gives you the
    amazing view of Himalayan peaks but hauling of owls throughout the
    trip. You may also get a rare sight of black bears.
  • The stunning view of the mountain peaks, including Mount Gangkar Phuensum covered with snow is spectacular to watch.
  • The landscapes are not only beautiful but also covered with a
    variety of flora and fauna. There are a variety of forests, including
    pine, juniper, and fir to boost your experience.
  • An opportunity to mingle with the inhabitants of local nomads and
    spend a few hours understanding their unique dialects, traditions and
    culture.
  • Purify your body and soul with a sip of holy water at the Zambhalha,
    Chuedak and Tharpaling monasteries that we would be visiting on the
    last day of our trip.

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at the Paro International Airport and transfer to hotel.

Our representatives will greet you at the Paro International Airport. In the afternoon, we will be visiting Drugyal Dzong which is about half an hour ride from the hotel. In the evening, we would spend some time at the Ta Dzong, exploring the National Museum. After the dinner, we would be spending night at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Visit to Taktsang Monastery.

We would leave early in the morning for the Taktsang Monastery or the Tiger’s Nest, traveling through the beautiful pine forests. The rest of the day would be dedicated to exploring some of the best places in Paro.

Day 03: Travel from Paro to Thimphu.

On the next day, we would leave Paro and travel to Thimphu. It would be an amazing ride traveling along the Paro and Wang rivers downstream and then taking an upward ride to Thimphu. After reaching the beautiful city of Thimphu and having dinner at the hotel, we would be visiting Memorial Chorten. In the evening, we would explore the central monastic body, the Tashichho Dzong. After dinner, we would be spending the night at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: Travel from Thimphu to Punakha.

We would leave Thimphu early in the morning for the next destination, Punakha. The road to Punakha gives you a spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountain peaks covered with snow. We would be going through the Dochula Pass touching the altitude of 3140 m going through the beautiful forests. In the Punkaha, we would have enough time to visit Punakha Dzong located at a beautiful location in the middle of the two rivers, Mo Chu (Female River) and Pho Chu (Male River). After dinner, we would be spending a night at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 05: Travel from Punakha to Trongsa.

The drive from Punkha to Trongsa gives you lots of opportunities to explore the natural beauty of the place. We would first drive the first 7 km via road and then take a walk of about half an hour to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa). We would be crossing the suspension bridge on the way built over the Mochu River. The Pelela Pass would take you to the final destination of Trongsa town. After the dinner, we would be spending a night at the hotel in Trongsa.

Day 06: Travel from Trongsa to Bumthang.

In Trongsa, we would be visiting two spectacular destinations, the Trongsa Dzong and the Ta Dzong. In the afternoon, we would leave the hotel in the afternoon for Bumthang. After dinner, we would be spending a night at the hotel in Bumthang.

Day 07: Trekking to Dhur Village.

We would be starting to trek from the near the nearby village of Manchugang. The first destination would be the Dhur village, located at an altitude of 2900m. The trek goes through the dense pine forests. The Owls are the special attraction of the trek that would be hovering over you all the way. That is why the trek is known as ‘Owl Trek’. After dinner in the Dhur village, we would spend the night in the camp.

Day 08: Trekking continues from Dhur village to the Drangela Pass.

The trekking becomes more enjoyable as we start to move to the Drangela Pass. The trek takes you through the amazing forests with a variety of trees including spruce, fir, rhododendrons, and hemlock. The trek takes you upwards to the Drangela pass at the altitude of 3600m. We would be spending the night at a camp in the Kitiphu ridge at the altitude of 3870m. The trek gives you a wonderful view of the tall and beautiful white peaks including the Mt. Gangkar Puensum with an altitude of 7541m. We would take the dinner and set up camp at the Drangela pass.

Day 09: Trekking through the monasteries.

This would be a special day of trekking as we would be visiting some of the oldest and the most beautiful monasteries on the way. The trekking would get easier as we start to descend from the top to explore the monasteries like Tharpaling, Choedak, and Zambhala. By the afternoon, you would have finished visiting the monasteries and traveling through the beautiful hills and forests to reach Bumthang by the night where we would have dinner and stay at the hotel overnight.

Day 10: Drive from Bumthang to Thimphu.

After an early breakfast at the hotel, we would take a long drive from Bumthang to Thimphu. We would be taking dinner at the hotel and spend the night in Thimphu.

Day 11: Sightseeing at Thimphu.

The trekking might be over but the trip continues as we visit some beautiful destinations in Thimphu. This day of the trip would be dedicated to sightseeing at Thimphu which would include the Tango Monastery, a mini zoo at Motithang, and the Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, we would leave for the city of Paro where we would be taking the dinner and spending rest of the night.

Day 12: Departure to the Paro Airport.

We would arrange for the transfer to Paro Airport at the scheduled departure time of your flight.

Cost & Dates

N/A

TOUR MAP

Additional Information

What is the best Time to Travel Bhutan ?

The most favorable time to travel Bhutan is during Autumn(September, October & November) and Spring(March, April & May). During these seasons the weather will be clear, flowers will bloom on the way, the charm of the atmosphere can be felt by the heart, you will get the chance to be involved in different festivals, hallucinating views of the Himalayas can be seen and including everything the trekking path will be easier and fun.

 

Is a Visa Required to trek Bhutan ?

Except the citizens of India, Bangladesh and Maldives all visitors will need a visa to visit Bhutan. Bhutan Trekking Permit is compulsory for all individual international tourists.

 

How long does it take to trek Bhutan Druk Yul ?

Bhutan Druk Yul trek is a journey of 8 days. This journey will start and end at Kathmandu. In between you will travel to Paro, Thimphu, Wangduephodrang and Punakha and various magnificent places . You will get a full day for sightseeing of some of the most amazing world heritage sites in Kathmandu before departure.

 

Why is Bhutan known as the land of Thunder Dragon ?

According to Tibetan and Bhutanese Mythology Durk means Thunder Dragon. They have acknowledged it as the Bhutanese National Symbol and included it on the national anthem, national emblem and national flag. In Dzongkha Bhutan is called Druk Yul "Kingdom of Druk" thus also known as Land of thunder Dragon.

 

What to wear in Bhutan ?

While on the Journey to Bhutan there are no restrictions on clothing but make sure it is comfortable and suits the environment. We recommend lightweight walking shoes, full sleeve light wool clothes, good sunglass, a hat and lastly a trekking jacket. If you are traveling Bhutan in winter we advise you to pack woolen clothes to keep yourself warm.
Note: You should try to avoid body revealing clothes as much as you can and make sure to do it while visiting cultural heritage.

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