Bumdra Trek

Sangchen Choekor Shedra to Bumdra

4 hours 7 KM 1120 m

The trek itself requires a degree of fitness as in some areas it can be difficult but as yak’s and horses carry all of the luggage except for your personal backpack it only requires a medium level of fitness. The trek depending on your specification can have the luxury of a bed set up or simple sleeping bags both of which give a unique take on the whole experience.

The trek like most places in Bhutan have some flat areas and many uphill areas but regardless of where you are the scenic view is extraordinary. Certain parts where small stupas (A small structure containing religious artefacts inside) decorate the area showcasing the Bhutanese religious take of interacting with nature. In one area on the way to the start of the Bumdra trek in Punakha, there is 108 small statue along the way to the Dochula pass which many Bhutanese stops for a break and walk around to admire the sight.

The Trek can start at Sang Choekor which is in Paro, which also has a Buddhist college known as Sang Choekor Lhakang where you can visit briefly and ask for a blessing for a good trek from the monks. After the blessings, the trek starts with the first landmark being Chhoe Tse Lhakang temple about 2 hours away. The trek starts in a forestry ridge where Bhutan's untouched nature is seen in all its beauty. This continues on till a clearing is reached with prayer flags serving as landmarks and a breathtaking view of Paro and Do Chhu valley.

 The Chhoe Tse Lhakang when reached has a grand view of Paro valley and the snow-capped mountain ranges that surround Bhutan.

 A small break is recommended to take in the view as after taking in the sights it takes 20 minutes to pass through the ruins and prayer flags to get back into the forest. After an hour traversing in the forest, an open meadow with religious chortens and prayer flags are the only sign of human influence in the untouched landscape.

 From the meadow the Bumdra monastery where most people camp for the night is only a short while away after which reaching offers lunch and meditation practices. The beauty of Bumdra monastery and its surroundings is best seen as words can only provide the slightest understanding of its vistas.

Bumdra to Paro valley

3 hours 7 KM 1277 m 1260 m

After spending the night the trek route often takes people back to Paro through the Taktsang monastery which is described in another article as a short summary of which does not do it justice. The descent back into the valley of Paro is marked when the golden roof’s and the great monastery of Taksang is seen thus marking the end of the Bumdra trek.


Though requiring a great deal of climbing the first day on trek, you will be rewarded with the spectacular views of the valley and the snow-capped mountains, the second day of the trek is relatively much easier with mostly descending.