Bumdra
Trek
A 2-day spiritual journey above Paro — camp at 3,800 m and descend through Tiger's Nest
The Trek of
a Thousand Dakinis
The Bumdra Trek — formally known as the Trek of the Thousand Dakinis — is Bhutan's most spiritually charged short trekking adventure. Over two days and one night of camping, this moderate trail takes you from Sang Chhoekhor Buddhist College in the hills above Paro (2,800 m) to a campsite just below the sacred Bumdra Monastery (3,800 m), before descending through the forest the following day to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang) itself.
The name comes from the Tibetan Buddhist belief that the Bumdra area is a sacred congregation point for Dakinis — celestial female spiritual beings of great power — and that the ridge contains numerous sites blessed by Guru Rinpoche, the founder of Bhutanese Buddhism. Three sky burial sites in the area are held to have been sanctified by Guru Rinpoche himself, and the entire landscape is considered deeply auspicious.
From the campsite at Bumdra, the view of Paro Valley below — with the iconic white form of Tiger's Nest Monastery visible on the opposite cliff — is one of the most breathtaking perspectives available on any trek in Bhutan. The descent on Day 2 visits the Zangdopelri Temple before arriving at Tiger's Nest itself for a full temple visit — the ideal, earned conclusion to two days of spiritual walking.
Six Reasons to Trek
Bumdra
Tiger's Nest — Earned, Not Just Visited
Almost every visitor to Bhutan hikes up to Taktsang from below. The Bumdra Trek lets you arrive from above — descending through Zangdopelri Temple and approaching Tiger's Nest from the top. After camping overnight on the ridge, the monastery feels like a destination truly deserved.
Sacred Ground of the Dakinis
The Bumdra ridge is regarded as one of Bhutan's most spiritually significant landscapes. The area is believed to be a gathering place for Dakinis — celestial female beings — and contains three sky burial sites sanctified by Guru Rinpoche. Few treks in Bhutan carry this depth of sacred meaning.
Sunrise Over Paro Valley at 3,800 m
The campsite just below Bumdra Monastery sits at 3,800 m above Paro Valley. Waking to a sunrise at this elevation — with the entire valley golden below you, Tiger's Nest glowing on the cliffs across, and prayer flags fluttering in the morning silence — is a genuinely unforgettable experience.
Sang Chhoekhor Buddhist College
The trek begins at Sang Chhoekhor — a functioning Buddhist college perched on a forested hilltop at 2,800 m. Before the trail begins, you visit the college temple and meet the monks. It is a quietly moving start to a spiritually oriented journey, and the kind of access most visitors to Bhutan never experience.
Forest, Rhododendron & Pine
The trail climbs and descends through dense pine and rhododendron forest — quiet, aromatic, and largely untouched. In spring, the rhododendrons bloom in vivid colour along the upper sections of the trail. The forest birdsong and the crisp mountain air make every step a pleasure.
Perfect for Limited Time
At just 2 days and 1 night, the Bumdra Trek is the ideal adventure for travellers with a short Bhutan itinerary. It delivers camping, altitude, spiritual depth, and a Tiger's Nest visit — all in a single seamless two-day experience that fits perfectly into any Paro programme.
Trek Highlights
& Best Season
Spring (March–May): The optimal season for the Bumdra Trek. Rhododendrons are in full bloom along the upper trail, mornings are clear with superb views of Paro Valley, and temperatures at the 3,800 m campsite are cold but manageable with a good sleeping bag. April is the single best month.
Autumn (September–November): Excellent visibility and stable weather. The post-monsoon clarity delivers outstanding views from the ridge campsite — Tiger's Nest is particularly vivid across the valley in autumn morning light. October is ideal for weather stability and clear skies.
Year-round possible: Unlike longer high-altitude treks, the Bumdra Trek is possible in all seasons for properly prepared trekkers. Winter (December–February) offers a quieter, crisper experience though nights at camp are very cold. Monsoon (June–August) is feasible but trails are slippery and views are limited.
Day by Day
Itinerary
All meals are freshly prepared by your camp cook. Day 1 ends with a full camp setup near Bumdra Monastery — your tents, sleeping bags, dining tent, and hot dinner are ready on arrival. Day 2 begins with an early breakfast and sunrise views before descending. Pack horses carry all equipment — you trek with only a day pack. The trek has three possible start points; the most commonly used and recommended is Sang Chhoekhor Monastery in Shari, Paro.
Drive approximately 20 minutes from your hotel in Paro to reach the road end at Sang Chhoekhor Buddhist College — a functioning monastic college perched on a forested hilltop at 2,800 m. Take time to visit the temple and interact with the resident monks before the trail begins. From the college, the path climbs steadily through fragrant pine forest with increasingly beautiful views of Paro valley unfolding below. The trail passes through the sacred Dakini landscape, including sites believed to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche, before reaching the campsite just below Bumdra Monastery at 3,800 m. After settling into camp, hike a short distance uphill for panoramic views of the entire valley — Tiger's Nest is clearly visible on the opposite cliff. Optional activities at camp include traditional Bhutanese archery (Da) and dart throwing (Khuru), and exploring the sacred sky burial sites in the surrounding area.
Rise early for sunrise from the campsite — the morning light flooding Paro Valley from 3,800 m is one of the great rewards of the Bumdra Trek. After breakfast, begin the descent through rhododendron and pine forest toward Tiger's Nest. The trail first reaches Zangdopelri Temple — the mystical Copper-Coloured Mountain of Guru Rinpoche — from where a breathtaking bird's-eye view of Tiger's Nest and the valley temples far below is revealed. Continue the descent to Tiger's Nest (Taktsang) itself for a full visit to one of the most sacred sites in Bhutan. The complex of temples clings to a sheer cliff face at 3,120 m and is of profound religious and architectural significance. From Tiger's Nest, the trail descends to the base where your vehicle awaits. Transfer back to your hotel in Paro.
Our itineraries are always customisable. The Bumdra Trek can be extended with an extra night, or combined with a pre-trek cultural tour of Paro. Contact us to build your perfect itinerary.
Inclusions &
Exclusions
Included
- ✓Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- ✓Licensed expert Bhutanese trekking guide
- ✓Certified camp cook & kitchen assistant
- ✓All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- ✓High-quality camping tent & foam mattress
- ✓Sleeping bag & blanket
- ✓Dining tent, toilet tent & cooking equipment
- ✓Pack horses & horsemen (full portage)
- ✓Filtered & boiled drinking water throughout
- ✓Hot washing water morning & evening
- ✓First aid kit & emergency oxygen
- ✓All internal transportation (private vehicle)
- ✓Bhutan visa processing assistance
- ✓Tiger's Nest & Sang Chhoekhor entry fees
Not Included
- ✕ International airfare to/from Paro
- ✕ Travel & trekking insurance
- ✕ Personal trekking gear & clothing
- ✕ Alcoholic and soft beverages
- ✕ Personal expenses & gratuities
- ✕ Any services not listed above
Tour
Cost
| Group Size | Price Per Person (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo Traveller (1 pax) | Contact for quote | Fully private experience |
| 2 Travellers | Contact for quote | Shared support crew |
| 3–4 Travellers | Contact for quote | Best value small group |
| 5+ Travellers | Contact for quote | Group discount applicable |
All prices include Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Rates vary by season and group size. Contact us for a personalised quote — every trek is tailored to your group, dates, and preferences.
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