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6 Days
Brigdungla Trek
Sacred lakes, ancient passes & hidden Himalayan legends
Duration
6 Days
Difficulty
Moderate
Destinations
Bumthang
Best Time
April-June, September-November
Overview
One of central Bhutan's most untouched highland adventures, crossing pristine alpine forests and sacred mountain landscapes to Brigdungla Pass at 4,490m. Journey through Bumthang's mythical highlands where folklore, spirituality, and wilderness exist in harmony, with sweeping panoramas of Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), Jomolhari, Kula Kangri, and on clear days, distant Kanchenjunga. Experience encounters with traditional yak-herding families, explore scattered glacial lakes, and contemplate the sacred Mount Pholha believed to be dwelling place of protective deities.
Journey Highlights
Brigdungla Pass (4,490m) - trek's highest point
Views of Gangkhar Puensum, Jomolhari, Kula Kangri, Kanchenjunga
Sacred Mount Pholha and alpine lakes
Traditional yak-herding family encounter
Pristine glacial lakes and alpine meadows
Tharpaling Monastery views from camp
Tailored Itinerary
1
Day 1: Hurji Village to Phubtsho Camp
Drive 30 minutes from Bumthang to Hurji Village trailhead in Chumey Valley. Trek 6km (5-6 hours) ascending through blue pine forest transitioning to spruce, hemlock, and rhododendron. Cross a clear mountain stream. Reach Phubtsho campsite (3,500m) with views of Chumey Valley, Tharpaling Monastery, Gangkhar Puensum (7,570m), Kula Kangri (7,538m), and Jitchu Drake (6,989m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Himalayan peak sunset views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Hurji Village trailhead start along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Chumey Valley panoramic views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Blue pine and hemlock forest ascent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
Camping at Phubtsho (3,500m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
2
Day 2: Phubtsho to Khichackpa Camp
Trek 10km (5-6 hours) ascending through hemlock and rhododendron forests before emerging above treeline into alpine meadows. Cross Rinchen Tsemoi Pass (4,300m) with 360-degree panorama including Kanchenjunga (8,586m) in Sikkim and Bumthang Valley views. Camp at Khichackpa (4,000m) near two pristine lakes with views of mysterious Dorzing La (Black Mountain). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine meadow emergence as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Kanchenjunga distant views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Sacred lakes and Dorzing La views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Rinchen Tsemoi Pass (4,300m) with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Khichackpa (4,000m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
3
Day 3: Khichackpa to Tshemchi Camp
Trek 11km (7-8 hours) - one of the most rewarding days. Climb through rugged alpine terrain to Brigdungla Pass (4,490m), the trek's highest point with prayer flags, sharp ridges, glacial basins, and icy blue lakes. Descend rocky slopes to Tshemchi campsite (4,200m) with magnificent views of sacred Lhasa Bumpa hill. Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Prayer flags and panoramic views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Brigdungla Pass crossing (4,490m) - highest point with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Glacial lakes and ridges with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Sacred Lhasa Bumpa views with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tshemchi (4,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
4
Day 4: Rest Day at Tshemchi
Acclimatization and exploration day. Visit views of sacred Mount Pholha (4,500m), the spiritual heart of Sumthang believed to be dwelling place of protective deities. Locals describe Pholha as shaped like a giant hand holding a precious jewel. Explore scattered sacred lakes, alpine vegetation, and absorb the spiritual atmosphere of Bhutan's highlands. Your wellbeing is our top priority, with gradual elevation gain, acclimatization time, and comfortable pacing designed for safety.
Experience Highlights
- Photography and contemplation as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Rest and acclimatization to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Alpine lake exploration with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
- Sacred Mount Pholha viewing with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
Camping at Tshemchi (4,200m)
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
5
Day 5: Tshemchi to Wongbu Camp
Trek 10km (5-6 hours) descending across high alpine slopes with hardy Ballu Sullu bushes. Enjoy 360-degree Himalayan panoramas with countless lakes shimmering below distant ridges. Lunch stop at Laptsa (4,240m) beside a crystal-clear mountain stream. Continue across alpine meadows to serene Wongbu campsite (4,090m). Camps are carefully chosen for their beauty beside alpine lakes, under the watch of ancient glaciers, or in sweeping highland pastures and meadows.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine slope traverse as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Wongbu meadow camp to recharge, adapt to altitude, and enjoy the mountain atmosphere
- Continuous Himalayan panoramas with wide Himalayan panoramas and changing alpine landscapes
- Laptsa streamside lunch with serene waterside scenery and excellent photo opportunities
Camping at Wongbu (4,090m)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
6
Day 6: Wongbu to Bim Village to Jakar
Final trek 13km (5-6 hours) descending through green mountain slopes with yak herds and alpine lakes. Visit the last yak-herding family of the region living traditional semi-nomadic lifestyle. Continue through forests and meadows to Bim Village (2,300m). Drive one hour to Chamkhar (Jakar Town) for hot shower and celebration. These ancient footpaths once used by herders, traders, pilgrims, and monks now offer a rare chance to walk through one of the last untouched mountain sanctuaries on earth.
Experience Highlights
- Alpine to forest descent along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Yak-herding family cultural encounter as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
- Bim Village trek completion along scenic routes linking culture, nature, and local life
- Drive to Jakar - celebration as a richer guest experience with context, story, and place
Hotel in Bumthang (Jakar)
Meals: Breakfast, Packed Lunch, Dinner
Inclusions
- Sustainable Tourism Fee (USD $100 per night)
- All monument and entrance fees
- All transfers and sightseeing
- All meals: Full board during trek
- Unlimited drinking mineral water
- Camping equipment and cook
- Pack animals for luggage
- Trek support team
- English-speaking licensed tour guide
- Transportation in comfortable SUV
Exclusions
- Airfare
- Personal expenses (drinks, laundry, spa, telephone, shopping)
- Bank or transaction charges
- Travel and medical insurance
- Tips and gratuities for guide and driver
- Personal trekking gear
Booking Protocol
Contact us to book this spiritually rich highland trek. Total distance approximately 50km over 6 days. Maximum altitude 4,490m at Brigdungla Pass. Perfect for travelers seeking remote, authentic high-altitude experiences in central Bhutan.
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Executive Summary
- Duration
- 6 Days
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Destinations
- Bumthang
- Best Season
- April-June, September-November
Living Traditions
Festivals of Bhutan
Experience vibrant Tshechu festivals featuring sacred mask dances, ancient rituals, and colorful celebrations that have been passed down through centuries.
Download 2026 Festival Dates (PDF)
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