The Bumthang Ride
From 4.774 €

The Bumthang Ride

holiday package
Created: Friday, August 1, 2025
Ref ID: 31671444
prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
4.774 €
Based on 2 adults
Itinerary
Tours
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Day 1: Thimphu

ITALY / PARO / THIMPHU (-/-/D)
Embark on a unique horseback journey through the Kingdom of Happiness.
Step off the beaten path and ride deep into the heart of Bhutan on sturdy local Yueta horses along the ancient Royal Trail. Explore stunning Himalayan valleys, serene monasteries, sacred temples, and traditional villages.
This slow-paced journey allows you to fully appreciate the region’s rare mountain fauna and alpine flora. Evenings under the stars in tented camps offer unforgettable stargazing in pristine air.
The adventure blends horseback riding, light trekking, and cultural exploration, capturing Bhutan’s landscapes, spiritual heritage, and warm hospitality—true to its title as the “Happiest Country in the World.”
Accommodations vary from cozy hotels and local farmhouses to monasteries and tented camps. Days include picnic lunches near mountain streams and hearty Bhutanese dinners for a true taste of rural life.

Arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH – 2,300m), meet your local guide and transfer to Thimphu (approx. 1 hour).
After check-in and rest, if time permits, visit two iconic landmarks:
The National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of the Third King and a symbol of peace.
The Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest seated Buddha statues in the world, offering panoramic views over the valley.
Dinner and overnight at the hotel.


Day 2: Punakha

THIMPHU / PUNAKHA (B/L/D)
Morning visits in Thimphu include:
Simply Bhutan, a unique living museum showcasing traditional culture, architecture, and daily life.
National Textile Museum, featuring intricate weavings by Bhutanese women.
Changangkha Lhakhang, a 13th-century hilltop temple.
Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, a curious-looking mammal linked to local legend.
Transfer to Punakha (approx. 1.5 hours), crossing the Dochu-La Pass (3,010m), marked by 108 chortens and offering breathtaking views of snow-capped Himalayan peaks on clear days. Visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang, a royal temple celebrating the military victories of Bhutan’s Fourth King. Stop at the Royal Botanical Garden, home to rhododendrons, magnolias, and rare orchids.
Upon arrival in Punakha, enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang, the “Fertility Temple” dedicated to the 15th-century Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley.


Day 3: Punakha

PUNAKHA (B/L/D)
Morning hike through rice fields to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten, built in 2004 by the Queen Mother to promote peace.
Afterward, explore the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1638 at the confluence of the Pho Chu (Father River) and Mo Chu (Mother River), renowned for its architecture and spiritual significance.


Day 4: Bumthang

PUNAKHA / BUMTHANG (B/L/D)
A scenic 4.5-hour drive to Bumthang via the Pele La Pass (3,300m), which marks the traditional boundary between western and central Bhutan.
Stop for a picnic at Chendebji Chorten, a 19th-century stupa built in the style of Kathmandu’s Swayambhunath.
Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan (built 1647), and the Tower Museum, dedicated to the monarchy and royal genealogy.
Continue through Yotongla Pass to Chumey Weaving Centre, known for handcrafted woolen textiles called yathra.


Day 5:

BUMTHANG / TANG VALLEY (B/L/D)
Transfer (1.5 hours) to the peaceful Tang Valley.
Settle into a welcoming local farmhouse, meet the horses, and enjoy a traditional lunch.
Afternoon: introductory horseback ride through idyllic countryside to a nearby village, including a visit to the Ugyen Choling Palace Museum, offering insight into Bhutanese nobility.


Day 6:

TANG VALLEY / KUNZANGDRA (B/L/D)
Full day on horseback through terraced fields, forest, and village landscapes.
Picnic en route before reaching Kunzangdra Monastery (founded 1488 by Pema Lingpa).
Set up camp near the village. Explore the clifftop monastery, home to sacred relics and stunning views. Overnight in tented camp.


Day 7:

KUNZANGDRA / PEDTSELING (B/L/D)
Ride through dense forest to the Padselling Monastery area.
Set up camp and explore the serene monastery, perched on a mountaintop with spectacular views—ideal for photography.
Overnight in tented camp.


Day 8:

PEDTSELING / JAKAR (B/L/D)
Gentle riding through forest paths and farmland.
Visit Dorjibi Village, interact with locals and learn about traditional farming.
Arrive in Jakar, check-in at hotel, and relax before afternoon visits:
Jambay Lhakhang (7th-century temple)
Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated and left his body imprint (kurjey)
Kharchu Dratsang, a large monastic school where you can witness monks in debate


Day 9:

JAKAR / CHOKHORTEY (B/L/D)
Ride through quiet villages, engage with locals, observe potato farming and daily life.
More experienced riders can trot with the lead guide.
Upon arrival in Chokhortey, stay at a comfortable farmhouse. Enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath—a traditional Bhutanese remedy to ease tired muscles.


Day 10:

CHOKHORTEY / TANG VALLEY / JAKAR (B/L/D)
After breakfast, ride back over a mountain pass (3,000m) to the stables.
Enjoy scenic views and possible wildlife sightings.
After caring for your horse, transfer to Jakar for overnight.
Free time to explore or relax at the hotel.


Day 11: Paro

JAKAR / PARO (B/L/D)
Transfer to the airport for domestic flight to Paro.
Visit:
Rinpung Dzong, a magnificent fortress featured in Little Buddha
Bhutan National Museum (Ta Dzong), with exhibits on natural history, heritage, and art


Day 12: Paro

PARO (B/L/D)
Day hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900m above the valley.
Optional shorter hike to Taktsang Cafeteria for those preferring a gentler walk.
Enjoy tea with views of the monastery.
In the afternoon, unwind with a traditional hot stone bath at a local farmhouse.
If time allows, visit:
Kichu Lhakhang (7th-century temple)
Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique three-storey temple with Buddhist iconography


Day 13:

PARO / ITALY (B/-/-)
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for your international flight.

Notes:
Itinerary may be subject to change due to weather or circumstances beyond our control.

(B/L/D): B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner

TRIP DETAILS
Duration: 13 Days / 12 Nights
Difficulty: °°° (Intermediate)
Accommodation: Hotels, camps, local farmhouses
Horses: Yueta – sturdy local mountain horse
Saddles: Mongolian-style
Pace: 4–6 hours of riding per day for 6 days, mostly at a walk due to mountain terrain
Helmet required
Min Age: 10 years
Max Weight: 90 kg

What to Bring:
Layered riding gear, protective helmet, sunscreen, insect repellent, Bhutanese currency (euros rarely accepted), sleeping bag (available locally for USD 30), headlamp, solar charger, water bottle, waist or day pack.

Accommodation Overview:
Night 1: Peaceful Residency – Thimphu
Nights 2 & 3: Zhingkham Resort – Punakha
Night 4: Mountain Resort – Bumthang
Night 5: Local farmhouse – Tang Valley
Nights 6 & 7: Tented Camp – no electricity, includes shower & toilet tents
Night 8: Hotel – Jakar
Night 9: Local farmhouse – Chokhortey
Night 10: Hotel – Jakar
Nights 11 & 12: Tashi Namgay Resort – Paro

Departure dates available on request year-round with a minimum of 2 participants.
GROUP SIZE: MIN 2 – MAX 10

SUPPLEMENTS & DISCOUNTS
Supplement for 2-person departure: €190.00 per person

prezzo del pacchetto per persona From
4.774 €
Based on 2 adults
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This idea includes
Destinations 4
Tours 1
Tour summary
Guide languages
English
Included
All meals as per itinerary
Transfers to/from Paro Airport
12 nights of accommodation
6 days on horseback (4 to 6 hours per day)
Horses and riding equipment provided
Expert English-speaking local guide
Round-trip domestic flight
Entry fees to sites and attractions
Government taxes
Visa fees
Basic insurance covering medical assistance, medical repatriation, and luggage damage
Excluded
International flights to/from Paro
Meals not mentioned in the program
Airport taxes, beverages outside of meals, tips, and personal expenses
Alcoholic beverages
Sleeping bag (available on site for USD 30)
Anything not specifically mentioned under "The price includes"
Optional or cancellation insurance