- 14 Days
Bumthang Owl Trek provides a rewarding mix of cultural insights and scenic landscapes on a moderate three-day hike between Menchugang and Jakar Dzong. The trail features rich biodiversity and stunning views of the surrounding valleys and the vast Himalayan range, creating unforgettable memories. It is also an excellent alternative to the Bumthang Cultural Trek, which has been significantly impacted by farm road construction.
Best Season: March, April, May, November, December
Itinerary Overview
(12 Days)
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
Day 02: Hike to Paro Taktsang
Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu
Day 05: Thimphu – Punakha
Day 06: Punakha – Phobjikha
Day 07: Phobjikha – Trongsa
Day 08: Trongsa – Bumthang
Day 09: Bumthang
Day 10: Bumthang Menchugang – Schonath (3450 metres)
Day 11: Schonath – Kitiphu (3870 metres)
Day 12: Kitiphu – Bumthang
Day 13: Bumthang – Thimphu
Day 14: Thimphu – Paro (Departure)













Detailed Itinerary
Your journey begins with a scenic mountain flight offering stunning views of Himalayan peaks like Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing in Paro, you’ll be greeted by a company representative and transferred to your hotel. After lunch, explore Ta Dzong, once a 17th-century watchtower and now the National Museum, followed by a visit to the impressive Rinpung Dzong. You’ll also stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. The day ends with a leisurely stroll through Paro’s main street and explore local café.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Paro
After breakfast, hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff 900 meters above the valley floor. For those unable to hike, horse rides are available up to the halfway point. After lunch, visit the historic ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that once defended Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Overnight stay at a hotel or farmhouse in Paro.
En route to Thimphu, we’ll stop at Tamchoe Lhakhang, a historic temple believed to be one of the residences of 14th-century Buddhist master Thangtong Gyalpo, also known as the “Iron Bridge Builder.” He famously constructed 58 iron chain bridges across Bhutan and Tibet, with one still standing beside the temple today. After lunch, we’ll head to the memorial chorten, a stupa built in honor of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. In the evening, enjoy a leisurely walk along Thimphu’s main street.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu
We begin the day with a visit to Tashichho Dzong, the grand seat of Bhutan’s government, which houses the King’s office, Throne Room, key ministries, and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot. Next, we will visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang), where the world’s largest seated Buddha overlooks panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. After lunch, we will tour the Arts and Crafts School, where students learn and practice traditional Bhutanese art.
We will then explore the National Library, known for its ancient texts and manuscripts. In the evening, we’ll stop at Sangaygang viewpoint for a stunning view of the city, followed by a visit to the Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s unique national animal.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Thimphu
After an early breakfast, we will proceed to Punakha, a beautiful valley known for its warm subtropical climate. About 45 minutes into the drive, we will stop at the scenic Dochula Pass (3,100m), offering breathtaking views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. The pass is also home to the 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens, built in honor of Bhutanese soldiers. En route, we take a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the 15th-century temple dedicated to the eccentric saint Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” This revered monastery is known for blessings of fertility.
After lunch, we visit the majestic Punakha Dzong, once the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still the winter residence of the Chief Abbot. Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the fortress is a masterpiece of traditional architecture, dramatically set between the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It houses some of Bhutan’s most sacred religious relics. To end the day, we enjoy a gentle walk to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, offering stunning river views and photo opportunities.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha/Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast, we’ll set out for Gangtey, traveling through Wangduephodrang. En route, we’ll pause to visit the striking Wangduephodrang Dzong, dramatically situated on a ridge at the confluence of two rivers. We’ll also stop by a local village to get a glimpse of everyday life in the area.
The drive then winds through mountain roads lined with oak and rhododendron forests, crossing a high pass before descending into the picturesque Phobjikha Valley. In the evening, take a stroll through Gangtey village and explore Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the kingdom. The day ends with a cozy overnight stay, either in a charming guest house or at a serene campsite under the open sky.
Overnight stay at Gangtey
Known as one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, Phobjikha is also the winter sanctuary (from November to March) for the majestic black-necked cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan Plateau. The valley’s natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere make it one of the country’s most captivating destinations. In the morning, we will visit the Black-Necked Crane Information Centre, where, during the winter months (November to March), you may catch a glimpse of these elegant migratory birds that travel from Tibet to spend the season here.
We will proceed to Trongsa in the afternoon, crossing Pele-la pass which is (3,300m/10,830ft). Towards the evening, we will explore Trongsa market.
Overnight Stay at Trongsa
After breakfast, we’ll explore Trongsa Dzong, a striking fortress constructed in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Once the seat of power in ancient Bhutan, it remains a site of major historical importance. By tradition, every Bhutanese monarch must first serve as the Penlop (Governor) of Trongsa before becoming king.
We’ll then head to the nearby Ta Dzong, a former watchtower, before setting off on a scenic drive to Bumthang, which takes around three hours. Roughly 29 kilometers from Trongsa, we’ll ascend the Yutong La Pass at 3,400 meters above sea level. Another 13 kilometers will lead us into the wide, fertile Chumey Valley. On arrival in Bumthang, we’ll settle in at our hotel for the night.
Bumthang is one of the most sacred places in Bhutan. Your visit includes Kurje Lhakhang, where the revered Indian saint Guru Padmasambhava subdued a local demon and left his body imprint on a rock. You’ will also explore Jambay Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Another key site is Jakar Dzong, or “Fortress of the White Bird,” constructed in the 17th century.
You’ll also visit Kuencho Sum Lhakhang and the mystical Mebar Tsho, or Flaming Lake, which are important sites in Bhutanese spiritual tradition. In the evening we will explore local market.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Bumthang
The Owl Trek begins at Manchugang and leads to Dhur, Bumthang’s largest village at 2,900 meters, home to 800 people from three livelihood groups and two distinct dialects. A viewpoint above the village offers scenic sights, while a traditional water-driven flour mill—recently restored—highlights local heritage. The trail then ascends through blue pine forests to the first campsite at Schonath (3,450 meters). The frequent night time calls of owls in this area, inspired the trek’s name- the owl trek.
The trek ascends through untouched forests of spruce, fir, birch, and blooming rhododendrons, with bamboo undergrowth adding to the wilderness. After reaching Drangela Pass (3,600m), the trail climbs to a campsite on Kitiphu ridge (3,870m). From the summit (4,000m), trekkers are rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Bhutan’s highest peak, Gangkar Puensum (7,541m).
A breathtaking sunrise marks the beginning of your final day on the trail—an unforgettable moment in Bhutan’s highlands. The descent takes you to the historic monasteries of Zambhalha, Chuedak, and Tharpaling, offering a glimpse into monastic life and Bhutan’s deep-rooted Buddhist traditions. Chuedak Monastery is especially remarkable, home to 100 statues of Avalokiteshvara in the rare eleven-headed form, Chukchizhey—found nowhere else in the country.
In the afternoon, you’ll walk along the scenic Kikila ridge before joining the ancient Trongsa–Bumthang route, known as the Royal Heritage Trail. The trek concludes with a striking view of Jakar Dzong, leaving you with lasting memories of this enriching three-day trekking.
The day begins with an early morning drive to Thimphu, lasting about seven hours. Along the way, there are stops for lunch in Trongsa and a tea break in Wangduephodrang. The journey offers scenic mountain views before arriving in Thimphu for hotel check-in, dinner, and an overnight stay.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your departure flight.
Disclaimer: All Bhutan tours and treks are private and fully customizable. You can schedule on your preferred dates within the trekking season. You can tailor the itinerary to focus on your interests by clicking the ‘Tailor-Design this Tour’ tab.
What is included
- Bhutan Tourist Tariff, Royalty & Visa fees.
- All private excursions and transfers in superior air-conditioned vehicle.
- Local English speaking guide/tour leader.
- Experienced driver
- All entrance fees and permits.
- Double room on twin sharing basis in government approved 3 star hotels
- All three meals (does not cover water and other beverages ordered in hotels/restaurants)
- Bottled mineral water for the entire trip
- Afternoon tea and snacks
What is not included
- All personal expenses such as bars, beverages, laundry, telephone and tips.
- Health / Travel Insurance.
- Any other beverages (alcoholic or non-alcoholic) including water ordered in restaurants and hotels