4 Nights 5 Days Bumdrak Hike

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your hotel

After lunch visit the following:

The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Wed-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling centenary farmers’ market where farmers from neighboring areas come to sell their farm produces. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

In the evening you may explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or Kisa villa or Thimphu Tower or Tara Phendeyling hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Thimphu-Paro sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Paro

Thimphu-Paro :Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hours

Altitude at Paro :2200 m

After breakfast visit Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Also visit The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

Then travel to Paro & visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk back down to Rimpung Bridge. Also visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan

After lunch visit Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 7^th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

In the evening explore Paro town.

Dinner and Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro valley.

Day 3: Hike to Bumdrak Monastery & Explore Bumdrak, overnight in camping at Bumdrak

Altitude at Bumdrak:3900 m

After breakfast drive to Sangchoekor , Sangchen Chokor Monastery and visit the monastery and enjoy the good scenery surrounding that monastery. Sangchen Chokor monastery was built by Tulku Chogal sacha Tenzin in 1765. Sangchen Chokhor Densa (residence) means offerings of the relics to three realms.

Then hike to Bumdrak with packed pinic lunch. The trek starts in a forestry ridge where Bhutan's untouched nature is seen in all its beauty. After hiking for about 3 hours you will reach Chhoe Tse Lhakang temple which has a grand view of Paro valley and the snow-capped mountain ranges that surround Bhutan.

After an hour or 2 of crisscrossing in the forest, you will come to a open meadow with religious chortens and prayer flags which are the only sign of human influence in the untouched landscape.From the meadow the Bumdrak monastery a short distance away.

After refreshment in the camp, relax with great view of Paro valley below after tiring day hike.

Dinner and overnight at camp at Bumdrak Monastery.

Day 4: Hike from Bumdrak to Paro via Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery),overnight at hotel in Paro

Altitude at Tiger Nest Monastery:3000 m

After breakfast you will explore Bumdrak and you will also visit Bumdrak monastery ( Bumdrak means Cave of Thousand Prayers).A legend has it that one hundred thousand angels descended and left footprints on a rock 800 years ago.

While at the same time enjoy breathtaking view from Bumdrak.

You can also hike further up to visit all pilgrim sites at Bumdrak.

Then hike back to Paro through the trekking trail leading to Taktsang monastery. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Then visit a farmhouse which offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can have traditional Bhutanese lunch and also you can try your hand at archery game using traditional bow and arrow made out of bamboo.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Tradtional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or Khangkhu Resort or similar in Paro.

Day 5: Fly out of Paro

After breakfast travel to Paro airport for your flight out of Paro.