Prayer Flags & Buddhist Monasteries To Tigers Nest

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Paro - Bumdra Monastery - Tigers Nest
Duration:
2 days / 1 night
Price:
from £ 329.- per person (excluding flights)
Best time to travel:
Mid-February to May and September to November.

The Bumdra trek is a great taster of Bhutanese treks if you want to give it a try, but don't feel like committing to a full-scale one. You'll spend 2 days exploring the area around Paro, walking through the vast valley, passing temples and monasteries – watching the sunset over the mountains of Haa. This trek may be a challenge for some, taking you up 4,000m in just one day, but you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of an intriguing cliff-face pilgrimage site, small chapels and Tiger's Nest itself.

Day 1 – Paro – Bumdra monastery (3,800m)

Today’s hike starts with a steep ascent in the cool shade, shortly reaching a clearing with prayer flags, where you can enjoy a spectacular view of both Paro and Do Chhu valleys. You’ll continue on to reach the last steep elevation, overlooking views of the snow-capped Himalayas.

After another short climb through ruins and fluttering flags, you’ll hike into the ancient rhododendron forests before reaching a wide meadow with Sacred chortens (stupas) – a short walk from your campsite tonight. You’ll also be able to visit the monastery located not so far from the camp and climb towards the north of the peak for a better view of the Himalayan ranges.

Who is this hike suitable for?

The Bumdra Trek is a short but steep hike, covering around 12km in two days, with significant altitude gain. If you’re an avid hiker, then this trek is not particularly challenging however, it’s the altitude that is not to be underestimated. Starting the hike at 2,800m, you will then climb to 3,800m on day one and descend to 2,600m the next day. Therefore, it’s recommended that you do a few other hikes in the area to acclimatise to the high elevation, preparing you for this trek and ensuring you’re able to have an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Although the route itself does have some steep inclines and uneven paths, it’s worth pushing through to the campsite in the clouds, where you will be rewarded with incredible views of the snow-capped Himalayan mountains as you wind down and camp among the stars.

Day 2 – Bumdra – Tigers Nest – Paro

After a hearty breakfast overlooking the vast landscape, you have the option to linger a while and soak up the view and even hang a few prayer flags of your own. In your own time, you’ll drop back onto the ancient route of pine and rhododendron forest of the monks’ zigzagging trail. After a few hours of descent, you’ll catch glimpses of golden temples below and soon come upon the first of many.

After passing gardens and waterfalls you’ll end the trip with a visit to the majestic Tiger’s Nest, sure to be the highlight of your trek! Once you’ve finished taking in the stunning views of this spectacular temple – your driver will pick you up, taking you to your hotel for tonight. When you’re all checked in, you can spend the evening taking a stroll through Paro town.