The Bumthang Owl Trek

Arrive in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus. Note that most airlines arrive late at night into Bangkok, and your MT Sobek flight from Bangkok to Paro departs very early the next morning. If your flight into Bangkok is delayed by even just a few hours, you may miss the group departure flight to Paro. Therefore we encourage you to arrive a day or two early in Bangkok to explore this fascinating city, or to help overcome jet lag before the tour actually starts.

Fly to Paro, Transfer to Thimphu

Welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan! Upon arrival in Paro Airport, situated in one of the country's most historic valleys, meet your MT Sobek guide and transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Paro Valley is known as the kingdom's "rice bowl" because it produces everything from red rice to wheat, millet, potatoes, apples, and seasonal vegetables. Meanwhile Thimphu is both the political and economic center of Bhutan. Visit the Royal Textile Academy, where you get a brief introduction to Bhutan and the evolution of its textile industry.

Explore Thimphu

Enjoy Thimphu and adjust to jet lag with an easy exploration of the town's main sights. Visit the National Institute for Zorig Chusum — commonly know as "the painting school" — which provides instruction in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts, including painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Also stop at the National Memorial Chorten, the most iconic structure in Thimphu. In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle hike through the woods above Thimphu. Before dinner, learn about Bhutan's unique concept of Gross National Happiness by an expert in the field of, well, happiness!

Explore Dzongs & Go Rafting in Punakha

Drive to Punakha in the morning, stopping to visit Simtokha Dzong — a dzong is a citadel — and Dochula Pass along the way. Before descending from Dochula Pass (11,500') into the fertile Punakha Valley, if weather is agreeable you'll be treated to your first views of the majestic mountain ranges, including Gangchen Ta (Tiger Mountain, 22,440'), Masagang (23,500'), Thsengdagang (23,300') and Gangkarpheunsum (24,836'). After lunch, enjoy white-water rafting on the MoChu River, passing the incredible Punakha Dzong (also known as the "Palace of Happiness"). This afternoon, tour the dzong — the most beautiful and well-known fortress in all of Bhutan.

Cross Pela La & Yutong La Passes (9180')

After breakfast, continue your journey toward the Pela La, crossing the Black Mountains, which divide western and central Bhutan. On the five-hour drive to Trongsa, enjoy lovely views of yaks grazing among magnolias and rhododendrons. Trongsa used to be the gateway between the east and the west, and its dzong, built in 1647, is a true masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Tour the dzong and then, after lunch, drive another three hours to Bumthang, crossing over Yutong La Pass — described as one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.

Attend a Festival in Bumthang

Enjoy the day attending one of Bumthang's many local festivals. Known throughout the kingdom for their spectacular colors and costumes, the festivals here are a true pleasure and fortune to experience. Witness the religious mask dances and find ease in interacting with the local people, who will be dressed up in their finest attire.

Begin Owl Trek: Bumthang to Schonath

Lace up your boots! Trek begins with a drive to Menchugang and the village of Dhur (9,514'), which consists of about 75 households with a population of around 800 people. Start with a walk above the village for an interesting an overall view of the area. Then descend down to the river, cross it on a suspension bridge, and head up to the road. Here the trail takes a left turn following a stream, then meanders gradually uphill through pine forest, bamboo, and finally fir trees just below camp (11,319').

Trek Day 2: Schonath to Kitiphu/Tharpaling

Take in the real wilderness of Bhutan as you trek through virgin forest of spruce, hemlock, fir, birch, and rhododendron (in full bloom in April and May). After about two hours, arrive at Drangela Pass (11,811'). Ascend the Kitiphu Ridge (12,697') for tonight's camp. Weather permitting, enjoy a wonderful view of the valley and the panoramic snowcapped Himalayas, including Gangkar Puensum (24,836'), Bhutan's highest mountain. Climb down to the monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak, and Tharpaling where you will witness life in a monastery firsthand.

Trek Day 3: Tharpaling to Bumthang

After breakfast, descend towards the local monasteries, and have the opportunity to visit Chuedak Monastery, distinguished by the 100 Avoloketeshwara (the god of compassion). Here, you may pray for yourself and all living beings. Towards the afternoon, the hike will take you along the Kikila Ridge following the traditional trekking route used by the Royals to migrate between Trongsa and Bumthang. At the trail end, you will be picked up and transferred to the hotel.

Return to Paro

Easy day today! This morning, transfer to the Bumthang Airport for your flight to Paro, where the rest of the day is free to explore.

Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Today it's a steep hike to a traditional teahouse for a great view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Taktsang, meaning "tiger's nest," is Bhutan's most spiritual place and a major pilgrimage spot. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, Taktsang has been completely rebuilt. After a tea break, continue up to visit the temple built on the cliff. Enjoy lunch on the way down, some free time back in Paro, and then a festive farewell dinner with the group.

Depart for Bangkok

After breakfast, bid farewell to the kingdom of Bhutan as you transfer to the Paro Airport for your departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sightsee, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.

Depart for Home

Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight. Or if you'd prefer to spend a bit more time in Asia, join one of our exciting extensions in India, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Ask our Regional Specialist for details!