The mountains and valleys have several trails used by locals. Walks to monasteries and villages are an opportunity to exit city streets and embark on an adventure, where meetings with monks and villagers are likely. Although Bhutan is home to the Himalayas, there are plenty of opportunities to hike at lower levels. Hiking trails lead through flowering rhododendron, alpine forests, and farm land to unveil breathtaking views from high ridges with snow-capped peaks and deep valleys with series of mountain ridges forming beautiful mountain chains. Therefore, the best way to explore Bhutan is by walking and Hiking with overnight camping.
Trip Facts
INSURANCE
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
Paro and Thimphu Elevation: 2360m
Fly into Paro Valley on our national airlines, Drukair or the Bhutan Airlines. In clear weather, you can witness magnificent views of the world’s highest peak. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane – a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. Our guide and driver will receive you with warm well come and lead you around on your Bhutan tour. Relax and enjoy the beauty of Bhutan as you proceed away from the airport for some sightseeing in Paro before driving to Thimphu. Explore Paro town and get yourself introduced to the first Bhutanese town. Drive to Tadzong and visit the National Museum. later walk down to visit Paro Rinpong Dzong. If time permits visit one of the holiest temples in Bhutan, Dungtse Lhakhang, built in 1421 by the famous Tibetan Lama, ThangtonGyelpo and Kyichu Lhakhang, built in 659 AD.
In the afternoon drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan.
Punakha Elevation: 1500m
In the morning, we will explore Bhutan’s capital city Thimphu through Takin Sanctuary, Folk Heritage Museum, School of Arts and Crafts, Biggest Buddha statute and Trashichho Dzong. After lunch in Thimphu (2360m), we will drive to Punakha (74km, about 2.5h) via Dochula Pass. Later at Lobesa walk through rice fields and pass through clusters of farm house to reach the fertility Temple founded by Divine Mad man.
Check into your Hotel and have good rest.
Phobjekha Elevation:
In the morning hike toKhamsumYueley Namgyal Chorten and visit Punakha Dzong. Cool breeze walking on the country’s longest suspension bridge over Phochu about few minutes away from the Dzong is not to be missed. Later stroll in Kuruthang town for some time and have lunch there.
In the afternoon drive to Gangtey, Phobjekha valley. (115km, about 3hrs).
After an early breakfast, embark on the Longtey Hike. It is a 30minute drive from Phobjikha to the starting point in Longtey village on the East-West highway. Start by walking downwards following the path to the right of the road. The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses. There are beautifully coloured rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Continue straight through the village upwards until you reach the start of mystifying old-growth rhododendron forest.
The last part through the forest is slightly steeper uphill until you reach the pass with impressive views of the GangteyGoemba, the Shedra, the lodge and the rest of the valley down below. Before you continue on the path as it slopes down the valley towards the idyllic Kumbu village. It is possible to get picked up from here, or you may continue down to the Shedra or all the way down to the valley.
Later in the afternoon, visit Gangtey Monastery and do Gangtey Nature trail hike.
After breakfast, you will drive back to Paro. It will take you about 4 hours 20 minutes for the 125 kilometers. On the way, you will visitSimtokha Dzong enroute,built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Simtokha Dzong is the first dzong in Bhutan built by Zhabdrung.
After arriving at Paro, you will visit Bhutan National Museum - Ta Dzong. The museum houses a large number of valuable collections. A visit to the National Museum will deepen your understanding of this country in a whole and broaden your eyes with numerous pieces of Bhutan treasures.
Distance: 11km
Time: 4hours
Ascent: 1600m
Camp Alt: 3800
Early morning drive up to the Sang Choekor Monastery in Paro from where you will start the trek. For 2 - 3 hour the trail ascent through shady forest till you reach a ridge with lone Chhoe Tse monastery nestled above. The view of paro valley below is wonderful and often you can observe plane taking off and landing. Enjoy your picnic lunch here. Visit the monastery before you continue your walk.
After a final 20-minute climb through ruins and fluttering prayer flags, you plunge back into ancient forest, and, after traversing for about 40 minutes, you come out onto a high wide meadow dotted with sacred chortens and prayer flags. Your home for the night is in the tent tucked away just under Bumdra Monastery offering unimpeded views of the Himalayan range.
After settling and resting for some time in your camp you can visit Bumdra monastery and climb further up the ridge above to visit sky burial site.
Distance: 9km
Time: 4 hours
Descent: 1600m
After breakfast, you will drop back into the ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail. After one to two hours of descent, you will catch glimpses of the golden roofs of temples below. The path snakes across the mountainside between these monasteries before reaching the gardens of Zangto Pelri (Heaven on Earth) from which you can peer over the edge, straight down onto the ornate rooftops of Taktsang Monastery perched against the cliff-face far below. Follow a steep descent to a waterfall then up some steps and you’ll reach the Tiger’s Nest itself. Visit the monastery and make final descent of about 45 minutes to Paro Valley floor to reach your vehicle from where you will be transferred by road to hotel.
Our guide and driver will drove you to Paro airport and bid fare well.
