Bumthang
Owl Trek
Where the forest speaks at night — 3 days through Bhutan's spiritual heartland
The Trek Named
After the Night's Call
The Bumthang Owl Trek takes its evocative name from a simple and unforgettable truth: in the forests of the Choekhor Valley, owls fill the night. Camp under a hemlock and juniper canopy at Schonath, and you will hear them — hooting, calling, and on clear moonlit nights, silently crossing the tree line in search of prey. It is this quality of night that defines the trek and stays with those who have walked it.
This is a 3-day easy to moderate trek that begins at Menchugang and passes through Dhur — the largest village in Bumthang valley, home to around 800 people and three distinct communities including the nomadic Brokpas. The trail climbs through virgin temperate forests of blue pine, hemlock, fir, spruce, and juniper, crosses the Drangela Pass at 3,600 m, and descends past the ancient monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak, and Tharpaling before finishing with a sweeping view of Jakar Dzong from the Kikila Ridge on the Royal Heritage Trail.
Regarded as one of the finest short treks in Bhutan, the Owl Trek was originally developed as a better alternative to the Bumthang Cultural Trek, which has been significantly affected by farm road construction. The Owl Trek preserves everything that made the cultural route special — and adds its own quiet magic.
Six Reasons to Walk
the Owl Trek
The Owls of Choekhor Valley
The Choekhor Valley is home to an exceptional population of owls. After dark at the Schonath campsite, the forest comes alive with their calls. On bright moonlit nights you can watch them drift low across the clearings — a genuinely rare wildlife experience.
Pristine Temperate Forest
The trail passes through untouched virgin forest of blue pine, hemlock, fir, spruce, juniper, bamboo, birch, maple, chestnut, and — in late spring — spectacular rhododendron bloom. This is Bhutan's wilderness at its most alive and unspoiled.
Views of Gangkar Puensum
From Drangela Pass and the Kitiphu ridge, on clear days you are rewarded with a panoramic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,564 m) — Bhutan's highest peak and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. A sight reserved only for those who walk there.
Dhur Village — Living Tradition
Dhur is the largest village in Bumthang, home to three distinct communities: the Kheps (farmers), the Brokpas (yak herders), and a hybrid of the two. The village speaks two dialects. Visiting a traditional water-driven flour mill here is a highlight of day one.
Ancient Monasteries
The trek descends past the monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak (with its extraordinary 100 stone carvings of Avalokiteshvara — found nowhere else in Bhutan), and the important learning centre of Tharpaling. This is sacred Buddhist terrain.
The Royal Heritage Trail Finale
The final leg follows the ancient Royal Heritage Trail between Trongsa and Bumthang — the same route used by Bhutan's royalty for centuries. It ends with what many consider the finest view of Jakar Dzong, the trekkers' triumphant reward.
Trek Highlights
& Best Season
Spring (March–June): The rhododendrons are in full bloom along the entire route, temperatures are pleasant, and forest wildlife is most active. April–May is the peak season for pheasant sightings.
Autumn (November–December): Crystal-clear mountain views, stable weather, and excellent visibility of Gangkar Puensum from the high passes. Nights are cold — pack accordingly.
Summer (Monsoon): Possible but trails can be wet and slippery. Views are often obscured. Winter (January–February) can be too cold for comfortable camping.
Tentative
Itinerary
2,900 m – 3,870 m
3–5 hours per day
All food on trek is freshly prepared by your camp cook. Each morning begins with a wake-up call at 6–6:30 am, warm washing water, and tea or coffee at your tent. Trekking begins around 8:30–9 am at a leisurely pace with a packed lunch on trail. Camp is pitched and ready when you arrive each afternoon.
Start: 2,500 m · Camp: 3,450 m
4–5 hours
Drive from Bumthang town to the trek start at Menchugang. Begin trekking, passing through Dhur village — the largest village in Bumthang valley at 2,900 m, home to around 800 people from three distinct communities including the nomadic Brokpas. Visit a traditional water-driven flour mill beside the river, recently rehabilitated as a symbol of authentic Bhutanese heritage. Continue uphill through beautiful blue pine forest, climbing steadily to the camp at Schonath (3,450 m), surrounded by hemlock and juniper. Tonight, the owls begin — the chorus through the forest is the reason this trek has its name.
Drangela Pass: 3,600 m · Kitiphu: 3,870 m
4–5 hours
Trek through lush temperate forest of hemlock, fir, spruce, and multiple species of rhododendron (spectacular in spring bloom). After approximately 2 hours you reach Drangela Pass at 3,600 m. Continue to the Kitiphu ridge at 3,870 m — the highest point of the trek. On clear days, this is the viewpoint for a stunning panorama of Mt. Gangkar Puensum (7,564 m), Bhutan's highest peak and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world. The views of the valleys below and the snow-capped Himalayas are breathtaking. Camp at Kitiphu.
Descent to Jakar: ~2,580 m
4–5 hours
Begin with a sunrise over the Himalayas before descending toward three remarkable monasteries. First, Zambhalha Monastery; then Chuedak Monastery — home to 100 stone carvings of Avalokiteshvara in the form of Chukchizhey (eleven heads), found nowhere else in Bhutan and regarded as one of the most sacred prayer sites in the country. Continue to Tharpaling, one of Bumthang's most important Buddhist learning centres. In the afternoon, follow the Kikila ridge along the ancient Royal Heritage Trail between Trongsa and Bumthang. The trek culminates in a sweeping, unforgettable view of Jakar Dzong from the ridge — a panorama that rewards every step taken over the past three days. Transfer by vehicle back to Bumthang town.
This itinerary is a guide. We are happy to customise the number of days, pacing, or add pre/post trek sightseeing in Bumthang, Trongsa, Punakha, or Paro. Contact us to design your perfect journey.
Inclusions &
Exclusions
Included
- ✓ Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- ✓ Licensed expert Bhutanese trekking guide
- ✓ Certified camp cook & assistant
- ✓ All meals on trek (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- ✓ High-quality camping tents & foam mattresses
- ✓ Sleeping bags & blankets
- ✓ Dining tent, toilet tent & utensils
- ✓ Pack horses & horsemen (portage)
- ✓ Filtered/boiled drinking water throughout
- ✓ Hot washing water morning & evening
- ✓ Communal first aid kit & oxygen canisters
- ✓ All internal transport (private vehicle)
- ✓ Bhutan visa processing assistance
- ✓ Monastery & cultural site entry fees
Not Included
- ✕ International airfare to/from Paro
- ✕ Travel & trekking insurance
- ✕ Personal trekking equipment & clothing
- ✕ Alcoholic and soft beverages
- ✕ Personal expenses and gratuities
- ✕ Any services not listed above
Tour
Cost
| Group Size | Trekking Surcharge (USD / person / day) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Solo (1 person) | Contact for quote | Private fully-supported experience |
| 2 persons | Contact for quote | Shared support crew |
| 3 persons | Contact for quote | Best value for small groups |
| 4+ persons | Contact for quote | Group rate applicable |
All prices include Bhutan's Sustainable Development Fee (SDF). Trekking surcharges are additional to SDF, guide fees, and vehicle charges. Rates vary by season and group size. Contact us for a personalised quote — every trek is tailored to your group, dates, and preferences.
Payment &
Cancellation Policy
We believe in transparent, fair terms. Please review our complete Payment Terms and Tour Cancellation Policy before confirming your booking.
Read Full PolicyPhoto
Gallery
Customise Your
Bhutan Tour Today
Fill in the form and our expert team will get back to you within 24 hours.
More Bhutan Trekking
Druk Path Trek
Embark on The Druk Path Trek in Bhutan, exploring breathtaking landscapes, high passes, and sacred sites for a unique adventure.
Jomolhari Trek
The Jomolhari Trek offers stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari, high passes, and serene meadows, showcasing Bhutan's breathtaking landscapes.
