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)

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 forest 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.

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.