Bumthang | Popular Tharpaling- Kikila Pass Trek | Ancient Trails in Central Bhutan

𝐇𝐈𝐊𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐀𝐃𝐕𝐄𝐍𝐓𝐔𝐑𝐄 𝐈𝐍 𝐁𝐔𝐌𝐓𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐆 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒓𝒑𝒂𝒍𝒊𝒏𝒈 – 𝑲𝒊𝒌𝒊𝒍𝒂 𝑯𝒊𝒌𝒆 (14𝑲𝑴) We drove from Gaytsa to Tharpaling Monastery, where the road ends and the real adventure begins. From there, we hiked up to Zhukthri, the sacred meditation seat of Longchenpa, surrounded by stillness and centuries of spiritual energy. The trail then led us downhill toward Kikila ridge, where the panoramic view of Chumey Valley opened up like a painted canvas serene, expansive, and soul-stirring. From Kikila, the path winds down for a couple more hours toward Lama Gomba and Kikila Pass. Every step along this trail felt like discovering a hidden chapter of Bumthang’s spiritual and natural beauty. It was an honor to be joined by the wonderful team from Bumthang Dzongkhag and Chumey Gewog on this journey. This was my second hiking adventure in Bhutan, my first being the unforgettable trek to Gangkar Puensum. Exploring this new trail in Bumthang filled me with a deep sense of gratitude and connection both to the land and to the quiet stories it holds. I felt like a wanderer walking through living history.