Bumthang
The Four Holy Cliffs (Dragchen Zhi)
In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, a revered teacher, traveled across Tibet and Bhutan, both physically and through miraculous means. During his travels, he blessed the land, including mountains, cliffs, lakes, and hidden treasures that would later be discovered by Buddhist masters for the benefit of people. Four of these sacred places are called the Four Holy Cliffs (Dragchen Zhi). These are Shugdrak in Choekhor Valley, Choejedrak in Chume Valley, Thowadra, and Kunzangdrak in Tang Valley. Even today, visitors can see the imprints left by Guru Rinpoche, which are considered important for future generations. You can find details about these hikes in the pages for each valley.
Padtselling Temple
Time: 2 hours 30 minutes hike up
1-hour drive down
Difficulty: Strenuous
To challenge your fitness, hike to Padtselling Temple, a 2 hours 30 minutes climb. Drive past the Red Panda Brewery and turn right at the white-blue fence near the agricultural offices. The trail climbs steeply through the forest and flower meadows with great views of Choekhor Valley. Padtselling means “Place where Lotus Flowers Grow” and was established in the 18th century by Siddha Namgyal Lhendub.
Thangbi Goemba and Nga Lhakhang
Time: 45-minute drive to Thangbi Goemba
4-hour walk to Nga Lhakhang
1 hour 15-minute drive back
Difficulty: Easy
This hike offers a peaceful walk through forests, with stops at temples and farmhouses. You can take a longer or shorter route. If you choose the longer one, you’ll cross a suspension bridge and walk by bamboo forests and meadows. From Thangbi Goemba, you can visit Nga Lhakhang, a 15th-century temple visited by Guru Rinpoche.
Luege Rowe
Time: 30-minute drive to Menchugang
3-hour hike up, 2-hour hike down
Difficulty: Strenuous
Luege Rowe is a temple high in the mountains with views over Dhur Village and Choekhor Valley. The hike is steep but rewarding, and pilgrims believe their prayers will be answered if they walk under the temple’s nine mandalas. You can also visit a cave where holy water flows from the mountainside, and see sheep imprints in the rocks.
Shugdrak Hike
Time: 50-minute drive
30-minute hike up, 20-minute hike down
Difficulty: Easy
Shugdrak is one of the four holy cliffs. The hike is easy, and the view from the top is breathtaking. It’s a perfect spot for a picnic lunch. The temple is dedicated to Guru Rinpoche and built on a rock face, similar to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery in Paro.
Lamey Goemba – Zhambhala Lhakhang – Choejedrak – Tharpaling:
Time: 15-minute drive to starting point
3 hours climb, 30-minute descent
1-hour drive back
Difficulty: Strenuous
This challenging hike feels like a pilgrimage, taking you up through a forest to Tharpaling at 3,600 meters. You will visit sacred sites like Choejedrak, one of the four holy cliffs. The forest changes as you climb, with beautiful views and several great picnic spots.
Chhume Excursion
Time: 45-minute drive to Nimalung.
A half-day trip to Chhume Valley offers an active yet easy experience. Visit the Yathra weaving center, where you can see traditional wool dyeing and weaving, and then explore the Nimalung Monastery, founded in 1935, before enjoying a peaceful picnic.
Shamsul Lhakang
Time: 1-hour hike up
30-minute hike down
Difficulty: Moderate
Shamsul Lhakang offers a nice half-day hike with views of forests, snow-covered mountains, and the small traditional village of Shingkhar. This hike is moderate and takes you to a temple with spectacular views.
Choekhor Valley – Tang Valley (Bumthang Cultural Trek).
Time: 50-minute drive
6 – 7 hours hike, 1-hour drive back
Difficulty: Strenuous
This hike offers a cultural experience, taking you past temples, monasteries, and through forests and meadows, with a climb to Phephe La Pass. You’ll also visit the remote and beautiful Tang Valley, with stunning views along the way.
Tang Valley Excursion with Lunch in Ogyen Chholing Palace
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive to Tang Valley, 5-minute hike to Membartsho,
45-minute hike up to Ogyen Chholing Museum
Difficulty: Easy
In Tang Valley, visit Membartsho (The Burning Lake), a sacred site tied to a legend about Pema Lingpa. You can also explore the Ogyen Chholing Palace, now a museum, and enjoy a traditional lunch with views of the valley.
Kunzangdrak
Time: 45-minute drive, 2 hours hike up, 1 hour down.
Difficulty: Moderate
Kunzangdrak is one of the four holy cliffs, and the hike to the temple offers beautiful views. It was founded by Pema Lingpa in the 15th century and is believed to have been visited by Guru Rinpoche.
Tang Thowadrak
Time: 1 hour 30 minutes’ drive, 2-3 hour hike up, 2-hour hike down.
Difficulty: Strenuous.
Thowadrak is the fourth holy cliff, located deep in Tang Valley. The hike is challenging but offers stunning views. The temple is believed to have been founded by Guru Rinpoche’s consort, and many small meditation retreats are scattered around the temple.