Bumthang Owl Trek

Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty
Easy
Best Season
Mar - May, Oct - Dec
Group Size
2 - 12 People

Tour Overview

The perfect introduction to Himalayan trekking, the Bumthang Owl Trek is a gentle 3-day walk through one of Bhutan’s most beautiful and spiritual valleys. Named for the many owls that call through the night, this easy trek connects sacred sites and traditional villages.

Walking 3-5 hours per day on well-maintained trails, this trek is suitable for all fitness levels. Highlights include crossing Drangela Pass with views of the world’s highest unclimbed peak (Gangkhar Puensum), visiting ancient Tharpaling Monastery, and experiencing the authentic rural life of Bumthang Valley.

Gentle 3-day trek suitable for all
Views of Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m)
Visit Tharpaling Monastery
Bumthang sacred temples
Traditional village homestay option
Burning Lake pilgrimage
Tiger's Nest Monastery

Day-by-Day Itinerary

1

Arrival in Paro

Welcome to Bhutan

Arrive in Paro and spend the afternoon exploring before the journey to Bumthang.

  • Flight into Paro
  • Transfer to hotel
  • Visit Paro Rinpung Dzong
  • Explore Paro town
  • Welcome dinner
  • Briefing on journey ahead
2

Paro to Bumthang

Journey to spiritual heartland

Drive across Bhutan to the sacred Bumthang Valley, crossing multiple mountain passes.

  • Early departure
  • Cross Dochula Pass
  • Continue through Trongsa
  • Visit Trongsa Dzong
  • Cross Yotong La Pass
  • Arrive Bumthang evening
  • Check into hotel
  • Orientation for trek
3

Bumthang Sacred Sites

Explore before trekking

Spend the day visiting Bumthang's ancient temples and sacred sites.

  • Visit Kurjey Lhakhang
  • Explore Jambay Lhakhang
  • See Tamshing Goemba
  • Traditional lunch
  • Visit Jakar Dzong
  • Trek preparation
  • Dinner in Bumthang
4

Trek Day 1: Manchugang to Tharpaling

Begin the Owl Trek

The trek begins with a climb through forests to the ancient Tharpaling Monastery.

  • Drive to Manchugang trailhead
  • Begin gentle climb
  • Walk through pine and oak forest
  • Listen for owls in forest
  • Lunch on trail
  • Arrive at Tharpaling Monastery
  • Explore 14th-century monastery
  • Camp or stay in basic lodge
  • Altitude: 3,600m
5

Trek Day 2: Tharpaling to Gogona

Cross Drangela Pass

Cross Drangela Pass with stunning views of Gangkhar Puensum, the world's highest unclimbed mountain.

  • Morning meditation opportunity
  • Begin climb to Drangela Pass
  • Reach pass at 3,600m
  • Stunning views of Gangkhar Puensum
  • Descend through meadows
  • Pass yak herder camps
  • Arrive at Gogona village
  • Homestay or camping
  • Evening with local family
6

Trek Day 3: Gogona to Choekhor Valley

Trek completion

Final day of trekking, descending through villages to the Choekhor Valley floor.

  • Morning farewell to hosts
  • Gentle descent through villages
  • Walk through farmland
  • Meet locals along trail
  • Arrive at road head
  • Meet vehicle
  • Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake)
  • Celebration dinner
  • Overnight Bumthang
7

Return to Paro & Tiger's Nest

Long drive and monastery hike

Return drive to Paro with a late afternoon hike to Tiger's Nest.

  • Early departure from Bumthang
  • Scenic drive west
  • Arrive Paro afternoon
  • Begin Tiger's Nest hike
  • Explore monastery
  • Descend by evening
  • Farewell dinner
8

Departure

Farewell

Depart from Paro.

  • Breakfast
  • Shopping
  • Airport transfer
  • Departure