Bumthang Owl Trek

Day 01: Arrival in Paro and transfer to Thimphu(60kms and 1 hr drive)

Once you land at the Paro International Airport(2250mtrs), you will be well received by our Professional Tour Guide and Driver.

After that, proceed to Thimphu visiting a few places on the way:

Tachog Monastery and Iron Bridge: Viewing from a hilltop, this Monastery was built in the 15th century by a great spiritual master Thang Thong Gyelpo. In addition, he also built an Iron Bridge which your guide will show you on the way to the Monastery. After the Monastery, continue till the mid-way where you will witness the confluence of two rivers, “Pa Chu” and “Wang Chu” accompanied by three different types of Stupas (Tibetan, Bhutanese, and Nepalese). After a short walk, continue your journey till you reach Thimphu(Capital City of Bhutan).

After the arrival, have lunch/snacks and explore the Capital City on foot. Evening visit:

Textile Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, it showcases the textile and the art of weaving. Make a visit to know the textiles and the techniques used to weave the Bhutanese attire.

Centenary Vegetable Market: Explore the local vegetable market where you will find the local and organic fruits, vegetables, dairy products, etc.

Visit Changlimithang Archery Ground: Here you will witness the live Archery(National Game) matches.

Tashichho Dzong(Fortress): Built in the 17th Century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal(First Governor of Bhutan), it is divided into two parts: Administrative block and Monastic block. It also houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. Moreover, the annual Festival “Tshechu” is also celebrated at this Fortress. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 02: Thimphu local Sightseeing

After the breakfast visit the following places:

Cheri Monastery: Take a 45 minutes drive to reach the base of Cheri Monastery and embrace an hour hike to the Monastery. Built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the retreat centre for the Drukpa lineage of  Kagyu sect of Buddhism. Your guide will give you the insights of the Monastery.

Kuensel Phodrang(Buddha Point): Standing at a height of 169ft(51.5m) is The Buddha Dordenma which was built from 2006 to 2015 to have peace and prosperity in the world.

Changangkha Lhakhang: It was established in 13th century by Nyima, one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo(Introduced Drukpa Kagyu sects in Bhutan) to flourish Drukpa Kagyu. Today this Monastery is very much famous for naming a new born baby.

Takin Preserve Centre: Here you can witness the National Animal of Bhutan Takin who has the head of a goat and the body of a cow. Mythologically it was created by a great spiritual master Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man) in the 15th century and it is an endangered species.

Thangthong Dewachen Nunnery: Established in 1976 by the 16th emanation of Thangtong Gyalpo(Iron Bridge Builder),Drubthob Rikey Jadrel. Here the nuns they study Buddhism and dedicate their lives for community service. Currently is has about 70 nuns.

National Library and Archives: This Library was established in 1967 to preserve and promote the rich cultural and religious heritage of Bhutan where sacred religious books and manuscripts are collected. In addition, it also has the world’s Largest Book.

Painting School: It is a school where students learn 13 arts and crafts like wood carving, painting, embroidery, sculpturing, tailoring, etc. You can witness the students learning the skills in different classrooms.

Folk Heritage Museum: Established in 2001 by the Queen Mother, the Museum provides the insights of Bhutanese culture and it’s way of life. It showcases the typical Bhutanese house with living room, storage room, alter room, kitchen, tools and utensils used by them. You will also witness the process of making the local wine(Ara) and the roasted rice(Zau). Evening explore Thimphu city by walk. Overnight stay in Thimphu.

Day 03: Thimphu to Punakha and local sightseeing (80kms and 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast proceed to Punakha(1350mtrs) and visit the following places:

Dochula Pass(30mins): On the way to Punahka, stop at Dochu La Pass(3150m) to witness the 108 stupas built in 2003 by the Queen Mother. Additionally, you will also have a view of the Himalayan Mountain Ranges if the weather is clear.

Chimi Lhakhang(Temple of fertility): Upon reaching Punakha, take a short hike towards Chimi Lhakhang crossing a small village and paddy fields. Built in 15th century by Lam Drukpa Kuenley(Divine Mad Man), the temple is know as No Dog Temple. However, today it is also known as the temple of fertility where people come to get the fertility blessing if they are barren. People all around the globe visits the temple and receives the fertility blessing. Your guide will narrate the story of No Dog Temple and show you the evidences of fertility.

Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Lying between the two rivers, Pho Chu(male river) and Mochu(female river) is Punakha Dzong previously known as Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). It was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for war tactics. Today is serves as the winter residence of Monastic Body of Bhutan.

Suspension Bridge: It is one of the longest Suspension Bridges in Bhutan with the length of about 300mtrs. It connects the Dzong with the villages on the other side of Pho Chu. Take a short walk on the bridge, experience the cool breeze with the flattering flags and mingle with the locals.

Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery: Built in 2008 by Yab Ugyen Dorji and his wife, the nunnery serves as Buddhists college for nuns. Today it has about 100 nuns undergoing training. Overnight stay in Punakha.

Day 04: Punakha to Bumthang (200kms 6 hrs drive)
After the breakfast drive towards Bumthang(2800mtrs), the Mini Switzerland of Bhutan. On the way visit the following places:

Pelela Pass(3420mtrs): It connects Wangdue and Trongsa Districts and is also the gateway to eastern Bhutan. From here you can view Mt. Jomolhari, and Jitchu Drake, if the weather is clear.

Chendebji Chorten(2430m): The stupa was built in Nepalese style like the Bodhanath Temple of Nepal in the 18th century by Oensey Tshering Wangchuk to pin down the evil sprits.

Trongsa Ta Dzong (Museum): It was built in 1652 by the first Governor of Trongsa, Chogyal Minjur Tenpa to watch over and to guard the Trongsa Dzong from the rebellions. Today it houses the Royal Heritage museum and holds many sacred Buddhist and Royal relics.

Trongsa Dzong: Built in 17th century by Chogyel Minjur Tenpa upon the command of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, is the largest Dzong of Bhutan. It was built mainly to have control over the eastern part of Bhutan. In addition, the first two kings of Bhutan ruled from this Dzong, and still today we have the tradition of crowning the prince as Trongsa Penlop(provincial governor) before acceding to the throne.

Yotongla Pass(3425mtrs): It connects Trongsa and Bumthang districts. Stop here for some photos and enjoy the cool breeze.

Yatha(Woolen)Weaving Center: This center is well known for woolen products, mostly made from yak hair and sheep wool. Make a visit to witness the yathra products.

Jakar Dzong(castle of white bird): After you reach Bumthang, visit the Fortress. Built in 1549 by Ngagi Wangchuk the Dzong serves as the Administrative and Monastic center. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 05: Bumthang(Jakar) Local Sightseeing

After the breakfast, visit the following places:

Jampay Lhakhang: One of the 108 temples built in 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gonpo, is  the oldest temple in Bhutan. It is also known for a famous festival called the “Naked Dance” which is performed annually. During this festival the naked monks perform a dance which is believed to ward off evil bringing good luck.

Kurjey Lhakhang: It consists of three Lhakhangs, the oldest one built in 1652 by Minjur Tempa, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint on the rock behind the temple. Second temple was built in 1900 by Ugyen Wangchuk, the First King of Bhutan. The third Temple was built in 1984 by Ashi Kesang Wangchuk, wife of third King.

Lhodrak Karchu Lhakhang: Founded by Namkhai Nyingpo Rinpoche in the 1980s, it is Nyingmapa Monastery where the Nyingma sect of Buddhism is practiced and promoted. It will be an amazing experience to see about 200 monks chanting the mantras.

Kenchosum Lhakhang(Temple of 3 Jewels): Founded in 8th century by Guru Padmasamba and hid some of the treasures underneath the temple. Later in 15th century it was renovated by Terton Pema Lingpa to fulfill Guru’s prophecy. Unfortunately, the original temple was destroyed by fire in 2010 but was again restored to it’s glory.

Tamzing Lhakhang: Built by Pema Lingpa in 1501,the temple centers the teaching of  Pema Lingpa’s tradition of Buddhist studies. It took four years to built the temple.

Swiss Cheese Factory and Red Panda Brewery: Established in the 1960s by Mr. Fritz Maurer, the factory produces Emmenthal and Gouda using the latest cheese making machines. Additionally, it also produces Apple Cider, Wines, Apple Brandy and local Honey. At the Brewery you can also witness the process of making native Red Panda beer.  Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 06: Jakar to Manchugang to Dhur (Trek Starts)

As you start from Manchugang, it will take you about 4-5 hours to reach a popular village in Bumthang, known as Dhur (2900m) which  consists of nomadic Kheps and Brokpas. People here mainly depend on yaks for their daily livelihood and they communicate mainly in two dialects known as Bumthang Kha and Brokke. However, continuing uphill through blue pine forest will lead you to your campsite at Schonath (3450mtrs). Since the hooting of owls are common in this place, the name ‘The Owl Trek’ has been given to the same.

Day 07: Shona to Kitiphu

It takes about 4-5 hours to reach your next destination, Kitiphu(3870mtrs). However, first you need to go through the lush forests of hemlock, fir, spruce, rhododendrons and bamboos followed by the Drangela Pass (3600m). You will also have a beautiful good view of Mt. Gangkarpunsum (7541m), the highest unclimbed peak in the world. Overnight stay at camp in Kitiphu.

Day 08: Kitiphu – Tharpaling Monastry(Trek Ends).

Today is your final day of the ‘The Owl Trek.’ From here descend towards the monasteries viz, Zambhalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling. In Chuedak monastery you will witness 100 Avoloketeshvaras. After that, proceed towards the ridge of Kikila and follow the traditional trek route between Trongsa and Bumthang (Royal Heritage Trail). Eventually with the beautiful view of Jakar Dzong, your trek will come to an end. Overnight stay in Bumthang.

Day 09: Bumthang to Phobjikha (160kms and 4 hrs drive)

After the breakfast, proceed to Phobjikha Valley(2900mtrs) which is the winter home for Black Necked Crane and visit the following places:

Gangtey Monastery: It was established in 1613 by the first Peling Gyalse Rinpoche or Gangteng Tulku, Rigdzin Pema Tinley who was the grandson of the great Spiritual Master Terton Pema Lingpa(Treasure Discoverer). It also serves as a Nyingmapa School of Buddhism where the Nyingma sect of Buddhism is practiced and promoted. The Black Necked Crane Festival is also held at this monastery every year on the 11th of November.

Gangtey Nature Trail: Take a short nature hike encountering the breadth taking views of the valley, villages, streams, birds and the nature. Though the hike is short, it will give you immense joy and satisfaction as you connect yourself with the nature.

The Crane Center: Here you will find the information on the Black Necked Crane and also can view the bird using the high-powered telescope. However, the birds are available only in winter. Nevertheless, there are two injured Black Necked Cranes caged which you can see and take photographs of.

Day 10: Phobjikha to Paro and local, sightseeing(220kms and 5hrs Drive).

After the breakfast, proceed further to Paro(2250mtrs) and visit the following places:

Lamperi Royal Botanical Park: It has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you would find about 38 out of 46 species of rhododendron of Bhutan and spot some species birds and animals.

Ta Dzong(National Museum): Built in 1649 as a watch Tower by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal so that they could watch over Paro Valley or enemies coming. Later in 1968, it was established as a National Museum of Bhutan.

Paro Ringpung Dzong(Fortress of Heap of Jewel):  Built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal for administrative and monastic purposes for Paro Districts. In 1993 some scenes of a film named Little Buddha were also filmed in this Dzong. Later you can try wearing our national dress Gho(male)/Kira(female) and take photographs(optional). In the evening, explore Paro market by walk. Overnight stay in Paro.

Day 11: Taktsang(Tiger’s Nest) Hike