Rigsum Goenpa Trek: 12-Day Bhutan Trekking Adventure

A short, beautiful trek in eastern Bhutan. The Lhakhang was named Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang. The Lhakhang houses a Jowo Shakya Muni statue (The Buddha as a Prince) brought from Punakha Dzong.

The Rigsum Goenpa Trek is a stunning 3-day circular trek through remote eastern Bhutan, offering an authentic off-the-beaten-path adventure unlike typical Bhutan trekking Packages. This exceptional Eastern Bhutan trek takes you from Trashi Yangtse district to the sacred Rigsum Goenpa Lhakhang, a hidden gem surrounded by pristine forests and traditional villages. This remote trek in Bhutan experience emphasises solitude and spiritual immersion. The Lhakhang houses a revered Jowo Shakya Muni statue (the Buddha as a Prince) brought from Punakha Dzong, making this one of Bhutan’s most spiritually significant trekking destinations for adventurers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Trek Cost

All our trek costs include a daily SDF of USD 100 per person, camping equipment, a guide, transport, and meals.

Solo Trek Cost: USD 4440
2 Pax Group Trek Cost: USD 3890 per person
3 to 4 Pax Group Trek Cost: USD 3340 per person

The cost of the Trek also depends upon the season, duration and number of pax.

Best Time to Trek in Bhutan

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Overview

Itinerary

Inclusion / Exclusion

FAQs

Map

Hotels

Rigsum Goenpa Trek Overview

Trek Name: Rigsum Goenpa Trek
Trek Duration: 3 Days Circular Trek with 9 days cultural tour
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

Practical Information:

Permits:
Make sure to arrange the necessary permits for trekking in Bhutan through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator.

Guides and Porters:
Hiring a local guide is highly recommended for safety and to enhance your experience with local knowledge. Porters can assist by carrying your gear, making the trek more manageable.

Packing Essentials:

Clothing: Bring layered clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy trekking boots, and rain gear.
Camping Gear: Pack a tent, sleeping bag, and cooking equipment (if not staying in guesthouses).
Food and Water: Carry sufficient supplies, including water purification tablets or filters.
Other Essentials: Include a first aid kit, trekking poles, sunscreen, and insect repellent.

Physical Preparation:
Prepare physically for the trek, as it involves several hours of hiking each day with significant elevation changes.

Respect Local Customs:
Respect Bhutanese customs and traditions by dressing modestly, especially when visiting monasteries and religious sites. This will enhance your experience and contribute to a deeper cultural immersion. Ultimately, it will make your adventure in Bhutan even more memorable by connecting with its natural beauty and spiritual significance.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrival at Paro. Altitude 2300M
Day 2: Paro to Bumthang Via domestic flight. Flight Time: 25 to 30 Minutes | Altitude 2800M.
Day 3: Bumthang to Mangar. Distance: 196.9KM | Driving Time 5Hours 48 Minutes | Altitude 1600M
Day 4: Mongar to Tashiyangtse. Distance: 111.6 KM | Driving Time: 3 Hours 17 Minutes | Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m
Day 5: Tashiyangtse Trek Begins. Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m
Day 6: Second Day of Trekking. Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m
Day 7: Rigsum Goenpa Trek ends
Day 8: Rigsum Goenpa to Tashi Yangtse. Distance 13.6KM | Time taken 3 hours 27 Minutes | Altitude ranges from 1750–1880M.
Day 9: Drive back from Tashiyangtse to Bumthang. Distance 304KM | Driving Time 9 Hours | Altitude 2800M
Day 10: Bumthang to Paro. Flight Time 25 to 30 Minutes | Altitude 2300M
Day 11: Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 Km | Time Taken 4 Hours.
Day 12: Paro to onward Journey. Altitude 2300M

Similar Tours and Sights in Bhutan

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Rigsum Goenpa Trek Highlight

Explore the hidden temples and Villages along the routes.
Visit the remotest district of Bhutan.
Enjoy the mountain flights.
Visit the wild eastern Bhutan

Rigsum Goenpa Detail Itinerary

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The Rigsum Goenpa Trek is a beautiful 3-day circular Trek and 9-day cultural journey through the remote eastern highlands of Bhutan. The duration can be shortened depending on the trekker’s fitness level. This rarely visited route offers a true off-the-beaten-path experience, leading adventurers to the secluded Rigsum Goenpa, surrounded by pristine forests, alpine landscapes, and traditional villages. Perfect for those seeking solitude and authentic Bhutanese wilderness.

Day 1 :

Arrival at Paro. Altitude 2300M

Arriving at Paro Airport in Bhutan offers 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, making the descent both exhilarating and scenic, with stunning views of the Himalayas.

Scenic Views: As your plane descends, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of lush green valleys, terraced fields, and traditional Bhutanese houses. On a clear day, snow-capped peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari mountain, may come into view, adding to the breathtaking landscape.

Traditional Welcome: Upon arrival, expect a warm Bhutanese welcome. The airport itself reflects Bhutan’s rich culture, with traditional Bhutanese architecture featuring intricate woodwork and decorative elements.

Day 2 :

Paro to Bumthang Via domestic flight. Flight Time 25 to 30 Minutes | Altitude 2800M.

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. Passengers often catch glimpses of iconic peaks such as Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum.

In Bumthang, visit the Jakar Dzong fortress of the Bumthang. It is built on the site of an earlier temple established by the Ralung hierarch Yongzin Ngagi Wangchuk (1517–1554) when he came to Bhutan.

Visit Jambay Lhakhang, built by the King Srongsen Gampo of Tibet in the year 659. One of the most splendid festivals, “Jambay Lhakhang Drup” is staged here during October. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

Day 3 :

Bumthang to Mongar. Distance: 196.9KM | Driving Time 5 Hour 48 Minutes | Altitude 1600M

Drive to Mongar from Bumthang. It takes about 6 hours from Bumthang to reach Mongar. On the way visit zhongar Dzong.

Day 4 :

Mongar to Tashiyangtse. Distance 111.6 KM | Driving Time 3 Hours 17 Minutes | Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m

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.

Day 5 :

Tashiyangtse Trek Begin. Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m

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.

Day 6 :

Second Day Trekking. Altitude ranges from 1750–1880 m

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.

Day 7 :

Rigsum Goenpa Trek ends

Trek still continues towards the village where you can camp for the evening

Day 8 :

Rigsum Goenpa to Tashi Yangtse. Distance 13.6KM | Time taken 3Hours 27 Minutes | Altitude ranges from 1750–1880M.

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.

Day 9 :

Drive back from Tashiyangtse to Bumthang. Distance 304KM | Driving Time 9 Hours | Altitude 2800M

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.

Day 10 :

Bumthang to Paro. Flight Time 25 to 30 Minutes | Altitude 2300M

Take domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro. On arrival visit to Drugyel Dzong built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the behest of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to commemorate victory over an invasion from Tibet. On the way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang, National Muesum, Rinpung Dzong. Over night in the hotel.

Day 11 :

Paro Tiger Nest Hike. Distance 15 Km | Time Taken 4 Hours.

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:

Day 12 :

Paro to onward Journey. Altitude 2300M

Your trek in Bhutan ends here today. Our team from Excursion to the Himalayas will escort you to the airport and see you off.

FAQs

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Why Book the Trip with Us?

100% Gauranteed Bhutan Visa
No Hidden Cost
No Booking Fees
Hand Picked Hotel
24/7 Customer Service
Best Value for Money

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What is the tour cancellation policy?

90% refund for the tour cancelled 45 days prior to arrival date, payment transfer charges will be charged 75% refund for the tour cancelled between 30 to 45 days prior to arrival date No refund for the tour cancelled less than 30 days of arrival date and for the change of itinerary Booking made for 4 star and 5 star hotels have to follow individual hotel’s cancellation policies.

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What is the flight cancellation policy?

70% refund for cancellation made before 30 days prior to arrival date (Documentation charge USD 25 applicable) 30% refund for cancellation made between 15 to 30 days of travel date NO refund for cancellation made less than 15 days of travel date Documentation charge applicable for the change of dates, sectors etc (issued tickets only, USD30/ticket)

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What is the Rigsum Goenpa Trek?

The Rigsum Goenpa Trek is a scenic hike that leads to the Rigsum Goenpa monastery, located in Trashiyangtse, Bhutan. It’s known for its spiritual significance and breathtaking views of the Himalayas.

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How long is the Rigsum Goenpa Trek?

The trek typically takes 2 to 3 days, depending on your pace. It covers a distance of approximately 24-30 kilometers (15-18 miles) round trip.

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What is the altitude of Rigsum Goenpa?

The Rigsum Goenpa monastery is located at an altitude of around 2,900 meters (9,514 feet). The trek involves a steady ascent, so acclimatization is important for comfort.

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What is the best time to do the Rigsum Goenpa Trek?

The best times to trek are during spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). These months offer pleasant weather and clear mountain views. Monsoon season (June to August) can make trails slippery, while winter (December to February) can be quite cold at higher altitudes.

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Do I need a guide for the Rigsum Goenpa Trek?

Yes, it is highly recommended to hire a licensed local guide. They are familiar with the route, the culture, and can provide valuable insight into the spiritual significance of the trek and its landmarks.

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What kind of wildlife or plants can I expect to see?

The trail is rich in biodiversity. You might encounter rhododendron forests, alpine plants, and if you’re lucky, spot some wildlife like blue sheep, yaks, and various bird species, including Himalayan vultures and eagles.

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What is the cultural significance of Rigsum Goenpa?

Rigsum Goenpa is a sacred monastery dedicated to the Rigsum Gonpo, a triad of three deities important in Bhutanese Buddhism. The trek to the monastery is considered a spiritual journey, and many Bhutanese pilgrims undertake the trek as an act of devotion.

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Can I combine the trek with other nearby attractions?

Yes, after completing the Rigsum Goenpa Trek, you can explore nearby attractions like the Trashiyangtse Dzong, Chorten Kora, or visit the famous National Institute for Zorig Chusum, known for traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts.