Short and beautiful trek in the eastern part of Bhutan. The Lhakhang was named as Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses a Jowo Shakya Muni statue (The Buddha as a Prince) brought from Punakha Dzong.
Rigsum Goenpa trek in Bhutan. It’s a 3-day circular trek starting from the remote Trashi Yangse district. Legend has it that Lama Tshering Gyamtsho (Disciple of the 9th Je-Khenpo) from Punakha Drstshang lived during the 18th century and founded a cave with clear body prints of Rigsum Goenpo when he reached a place called Pemaling located towards the north of Trashi Yangtse. A powerful local deity called Genyen Phanbu was the guardian of the sacred cave. The Lama befriended the deity with his spiritual power and built a small Lhakhang for his meditation. After the death of Lama, his nephew and spiritual heir Lama Jangchhub Gyeltshen renovated and extended the Lhakhang with unique mural paintings of Lord Buddha’s life history.
Rigsum Goenpa Trip Facts
- Trek Name: Rigsum Goenpa trek
- Trek Duration: 3 Days Circular Trek
- Trek Route: Paro-Bumthang-Mongar-Trashiyangtse-Trek begins-Mongar-Bumthang-Paro
- Trek Start and End: Paro to Paro
- Guide: Licensed Tour Guide
- Meals: Full board
Rigsum Goenpa Trek Highlight
- Explore the hidden temples.
- Visit the remotest district of Bhutan.
- Enjoy the mountain flights.
Trek Cost
- Solo travellers Cost USD 4440.00
- 2 Pax Group Cost USD 3890.00 Per Person
- 3 to 4 Pax Cost USD 3340.00 Per Person
Practical Information:
Permits:
- Ensure you have the necessary permits for trekking in Bhutan, which can be arranged through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.
Guides and Porters:
- Hiring a local guide is recommended for safety and to enrich your experience with local knowledge. Porters can help carry your gear, making the trek more manageable.
Packing Essentials:
- Clothing: Layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy trekking boots, rain gear.
- Camping Gear: Tent, sleeping bag, cooking equipment (if not staying in guesthouses).
- Food and Water: Sufficient supplies, water purification tablets or filters.
- Other Essentials: First aid kit, trekking poles, sunscreen, insect repellent.
Physical Preparation:
- Ensure you are in good physical condition, as the trek involves several hours of hiking each day with significant elevation changes.
Respect Local Customs:
- Be mindful of Bhutanese customs and traditions. Dress modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and religious sites.
Best Time to Trek:
- Spring (March to May): Pleasant weather and blooming rhododendrons.
- Autumn (September to November): Clear skies and moderate temperatures.
The Rigsum Goenpa Trek offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and spiritual experience, making it a memorable adventure in Bhutan.
Similar Tours and Sights in Bhutan
Rigsum Goenpa Detail Itinerary
Arriving at Paro Airport in Bhutan is a unique and breathtaking experience. Here’s what you can expect:
Landing Experience: Paro Airport is known for being one of the most challenging airports to land at due to its location in a deep valley surrounded by sharp peaks. The approach requires skilled pilots and provides an exhilarating experience with stunning views of the Himalayas.
Scenic Views: As you descend, you’ll get panoramic views of the lush green valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Bhutanese houses. On a clear day, you might also see snow-capped peaks in the distance, including the sacred Jomolhari mountain.
Traditional Welcome:Upon arrival, you will be greeted with a warm Bhutanese welcome. The airport itself has a charming traditional Bhutanese architectural style, with intricate woodwork and decorations.
Take a short Bumthang flight from Paro. Flying from Paro to Bumthang offers an unforgettable experience with stunning aerial views of Bhutan’s rugged terrain and majestic Himalayan peaks. Here’s what you can expect:
Flight Experience:
Airlines: The primary airlines operating this route are Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines) only. The flight route takes you over beautiful landscapes, including lush valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Passengers often catch glimpses of iconic peaks such as Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum.
Flight Duration:The flight from Paro to Bumthang typically takes about 30-45 minutes. It's a relatively short flight but packed with breathtaking scenery.
Paro Airport: Before departure, you can enjoy the traditional Bhutanese architecture and hospitality at Paro Airport. The airport offers basic amenities and a comfortable waiting area.
Bumthang (Bathpalathang) Airport: Upon arrival, you'll land at Bathpalathang Airport, which is a small domestic airport with limited facilities. The airport is located in a picturesque setting surrounded by mountains and valleys.
It’s advisable to book your flight well in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons (spring and autumn), as seats can fill up quickly. Weather can be unpredictable in the mountains, and flights may be subject to delays or cancellations. It's good to have some flexibility in your travel plan.
Drive to Mongar from Bumthang. It takes about 7 hours from Bumthang to reach Mongar. On the way visit zhongar Dzong.
Mongar to Tashigang is a beautiful Journey. You can hardly see people on the way as this area of the country is scarcely populated and least developed. Upon reaching Tashigang visit Tashigang dzong and evening leisure time.
The beautiful Rigsum Goenpa trek begins today. The Rigsum Goenpa Trek in Bhutan is a scenic and spiritually enriching journey, taking you through picturesque landscapes and offering glimpses of Bhutanese culture and spirituality. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan and embark on this trek.
The second day of the trek begins in the beautiful village of Tashiyangtse. The route follows the paddy field and dense forest until you reach Rigsum Gonepa.
Trek still continues towards the village where you can camp for the evening
Begin your trek back to Tashiyangtse, retracing your steps through the beautiful trails.
Completion: Arrive back in Tashiyangtse and celebrate the completion of your trek.
Driving from Trashiyangtse to Bumthang is a scenic journey that takes you through some of Bhutan's most beautiful landscapes. The drive covers a significant portion of the country's varied terrain, from lush valleys to high mountain passes.
Distance: Approximately 360 kilometers (224 miles)
Duration: 10-12 hours (depending on road conditions and stops)
Route: Trashiyangtse - Trashigang - Mongar - Lhuentse - Ura - Bumthang.
Take domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. Flying from Paro to Bumthang offers an unforgettable experience with stunning aerial views of Bhutan’s rugged terrain and majestic Himalayan peaks. Here’s what you can expect:
Flight Experience: The primary airlines operating this route are Druk Air (Royal Bhutan Airlines).
The flight route takes you over beautiful landscapes, including lush valleys, dense forests, and snow-capped mountains. Passengers often catch glimpses of iconic peaks such as Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum.
Flight Duration: The flight from Paro to Bumthang typically takes about 30-45 minutes. It's a relatively short flight but packed with breathtaking scenery.
The hike to Tiger’s Nest Temple (Paro Taktsang) is one of Bhutan’s most iconic and rewarding experiences. Located on a cliffside 900 meters above the Paro Valley, the monastery is a sacred site and a marvel of Bhutanese architecture. Here’s a detailed guide to help you prepare for and enjoy the hike:
Your trekking in Bhutan ends here today. Our team from Tour Bhutan will escort you to airport and see you off.
