Horse Riding Trek in Bumthang

Tour Itinerary

 Day 1: Arrival in Thimphu (Approx. Alt: 2300m, Dist. 55 KM)

Your trip to Bhutan begins with a breathtaking flight over the Himalayas, offering views of some of the world's highest peaks. Upon arrival, your guide and driver will meet you and drive to Thimphu, about an hour away. Check into your hotel. If time permits, visit the Memorial Stupa, built for world peace, and Tashi Chodzong, the seat of Bhutan's government. Overnight in a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2: Explore Thimphu (Approx. Alt: 2300m)

Morning sightseeing includes visits to the living museum Simply Bhutan, the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory, and the Painting School (closed Dec 17 - Mar 1). The school preserves traditional painting, sculpting, and wood carving. Also visit the Textile Museum, showcasing the masterful handwork of Bhutanese women, the 13th-century Changangkha Temple, and the Takin Mini Zoo, home to Bhutan’s national animal. Overnight in Thimphu.

 Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha (Approx. Alt: 1200m, Dist. 77 KM)

After breakfast, proceed to Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass (3,100m). The pass offers stupendous views of the eastern Himalayas. En route, take a short hike to the Temple of the Divine Madman, also known as the Temple of Fertility. Enjoy walking through villages and rice fields. Arrive in Punakha, the capital of Bhutan until 1955, and still the winter residence of the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1638. Overnight in a hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Punakha to Bumthang (Approx. Alt: 3000m, Dist. 210 KM)

Drive to Trongsa, about four and a half hours away, crossing Pele La Pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west Bhutan. Stop for a picnic lunch at Chendebji Chorten, built in the 18th century in Nepalese style. Visit Trongsa Dzong, the largest in Bhutan, and the Tower Museum, dedicated to Bhutan’s monarchs. Continue to Bumthang, stopping at Chume Weaving Center, known for its traditional woolen products. Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 5: Explore Bumthang (Approx. Alt: 3000m)

Visit Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Hike about an hour to Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. Another 45-minute walk takes you to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in the 15th century by Pema Lingpa. Make a short stop at Konchog Sum Lhakhang. Stroll through Bumthang market area. Overnight in Bumthang.

 Day 6: Drive to Tang Valley (Approx. Alt: 3100m, Dist. 1.5 Hours)

Drive about an hour and a half to Tang Valley, where your horse ranch is located. Check into Ugen Chholing Manor Guest House. Tour the manor and, after lunch, take a familiarization ride to the nearby village. This will help you get acquainted with your horse. Visit local village homes and interact with the residents. Overnight in Tang Valley.

Day 7: Tang Valley to Kunzangdrak Village (Approx. Alt: 3400m, Dist. 5-6 Hours)

Begin your ride after breakfast. The journey takes around 5-6 hours, passing through villages, fields, and forests. Camp near Kunzangdrak village. Visit Kunzangdra Monastery, founded by Pema Lingpa in 1488. Overnight in a campsite near the village.

 Day 8: Kunzangdrak to Padselling Monastery (Approx. Alt: 3400m, Dist. 6 Hours)

Start your day with some riding exercises to improve balance and confidence. Ride through forests and hillsides towards your next campsite. Explore Padselling Monastery and the nearby village and temple. Option to stay in the monastery. Overnight in a campsite near the monastery.

Day 9: Padselling to Dorjibi Village and Jakar (Approx. Alt: 3200m, Dist. 4-5 Hours)

Enjoy a relaxing ride through forests and hillsides, descending to the village of Dorjibi. Advanced riders can participate in trotting, while beginners can practice their riding exercises. After visiting Dorjibi village, you can camp or take a short drive to Jakar for overnight stay. Explore Jakar’s town and local attractions. Overnight in Jakar.

 Day 10: Jakar to Chokhortey (Approx. Alt: 3200m, Dist. 5-6 Hours)

Enjoy a relaxing ride while exploring local villages and meeting the friendly people. Watch farmers at work and visit village temples and farmhouses. Advanced riders can trot as guided by the trail leader. Overnight in Chokhortey.

Day 11: Chokhortey to Tang and Jakar (Approx. Alt: 3100m, Dist. 5-6 Hours)

Ride along mountain trails, crossing a 3000m pass. Advanced riders can enjoy trotting, while beginners practice riding exercises. After returning to the stables, care for your horse before saying your final goodbyes. Drive to Jakar for an overnight stay.

 Day 12: Bumthang to Paro (Approx. Alt: 2200m, Dist. 30-Minute Flight)

After breakfast, drive to the domestic airport for your flight to Paro. Upon arrival, visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) and Rinpung Dzong. Overnight in Paro.

 Day 13: Explore Paro (Approx. Alt: 2200m)

Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), taking about an hour uphill. Guru Rinpoche meditated here in the 8th century. Visit the ruined Drukgyel Dzong, Kyichu Lhakhang, and Dungtse Lhakhang. Overnight in Paro.

 Day 14: Departure

After an early breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to your onward destination.