Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: Easy to moderate with 1300ft elevation gain (highest elevation 9100ft)

Activity length: about 2 hours (3miles)

Drive time: approximately 1.5 hour.

This morning, a beautiful drive up north of the city will bring us to the Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the country. Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena by crossing an ancient wooden cantilever bridge and climb steadily to Chere Goenpa, a small monastery built in 17th century by Zhabdrung, the great unifier.

After our visit to the monastery, we descend on the same route, keeping our eyes open for the goral and gray langurs that are often spotted on the hillside nearby. Back at the village of Dodena, we drive to Chebesa, home of the Choki School of Arts. The school provides free, skill related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to those youths who are unable to continue their formal education.

This evening before dinner, we will enjoy a Bhutanese cultural expert come and talk to us on Bhutan’s culture and Gross National Happiness.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: Easy to moderate with 131ft elevation gain.

Activity length: 2 hours

Drive time: approximately 3 hours.

This morning after an early breakfast, we say ood bye to Thimphu and transfer to Punakha valley, our home for next two nights. The road to Punakha crosses the Dochula Pass (10230ft), offering the view of the snow capped mountains. From the pass, our road descends through magnificent pine forest and rhododendron forests, and wanders through some of Bhutan’s most picturesque countryside.

On the road to Punakha, we stop in a small village where short walk brings us to Chimi lhakhang, a temple dedicated to the Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Lama drukpa Kuenley is one of the Bhutan’s favorite saints and is commonly known as the “Devine Madman.” He travelled throughout Tibet and Bhutan using songs, humor and outrageous behavior to dramatize his teachings, believing that the stiffness of the clergy and social conventions were keeping people from learning true Buddhism. This site is still believed to hold fertility powers for women wanting to conceive.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: Easy to moderate with 657 elevation gain.

Activity length: 2 hours

Drive time: approximately 45 minutes.

A short drive through the Punakha valley, we begin our hike crossing the suspension bridge and ascending a series of switchbacks to Khasum Yueley Namgyal Temple. From this temple, there is a grand view of the Mo Chhu (Female River) valley below. We then descend from the temple and follow a well-worn path down the valley through rice fields and small villages. Along the way we are rewarded with stunning views – the terraced rice paddies providing an exotic backdrop to the river below.

After enjoying a picnic lunch along the river, we continue to Punakha Dzong. Initially built in 17th century for unifying the country, it is the second oldest fortress in the country and it served as the original capital until 1955. Today it is the home to Bhutan’s spiritual leader, Je Khenpo, who resides here with 1000 monks during winter months.

In the afternoon, we have the special opportunity to visit the Nalanda Buddhist Institute and learn more about monks live and meditation.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: moderate to difficult with 1300ft elevation gain.

Activity length: 4 hours

Drive time: approximately 4hours.

After breakfast, we depart Punakha, with our drive taking us up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest and over the high mountain pass and down into the one of the most beautiful and few glacial valleys in Bhutan.

We begin our hike to Longtey village at the Gangtey Goenpa, passing through Kumbu vallage and ascending steadily from the valley floor, we stop for some impressive views of Gangtey valley and the village below.

On our descent, we hike through old-growth rhododendron forest while soaking up the beauty of these majestic trees. Eventually the trail leads into a sweeping valley where yaks raze during the winter months. We conclude our hike passing through some bamboo forest as we enter Longtey village.

 Please note that the hike can be done end to end depending on the hikers and weather condition.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: moderate too difficult with 651ft elevation gain. (highest elevation: 9845ft)

Activity length: 1.5 hours

Drive time: approximately 4-5 hours.

Before we begin on a long drive to Bumthang, we stretch our legs on the Gangtey Nature Trail. This is easy hike starts from the mani stone wall (sacred stone wall) to the north of the Gangtey Goenpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang, we meander through blue pine and bamboo forest and gain beautiful scenery of the remote Phobjikha valley. We might catch a glimpse of the illusive black necked Cranes during the winter months. We also may visit the oldest Nyinmapa Buddhist traditional monastery in the western Bhutan.

The Bumthang region encompasses four major valleys: Chokhor, Tang, Ura and Chhume. The Dzong and notable temples are in the large Chokhor valley, commonly referred to the local as Chamkhar. Theere are numerious Buddhist monasteries and pilgrimage sites to explore, making it the cultural and historic center of the country and almost every little hills and villages has its own myths and legends.

Among them is Kurjey Lhakhang, where Guru Rinpochoe came in 8th century to settle issues with feuding local rulers. With a flash of his magic, the Guru resolves the conflict and converted them to Buddhist protector, leaving his body imprint on the rock for which Kurjey is named.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: cultural

Activity level: easy

Activity length: all day

Today we attend a local festival and immerse ourselves in this integral element of Bhutanese society and culture. There are to festivals occurring in the valley during your stay here. You can discuss with your guide which festival may be the best experience.

As we enter the courtyard of the monastery, our senses awaken as we join the costumed Bhutanese people who have gathered from across the nation to pay respect and be blessed. Dressed in their finest cloths and jewelry, the people come not only for religious merit but to also join in joyful celebration and feasting. This magical festivity unfolds as we witness the dances, marvel at the elaborate masks and costumes, and immerse ourselves in the intense colors and festive atmosphere amid horns, drums and mystical dancers. We watch the dance of the relic – guardians which serves the consecrate the land and cleanse all defilements.

We enjoy a picnic on the festival grounds and mingle with some of the celebrants to learn more about this fascinating aspect of their culture. For those who are interested, there will be the option to stretch our legs this afternoon with an optional walk.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: easy

Activity length: 1.5 hours

Drive time: approximately 2 hours.

Today, we explore the Bumthang district further with an excursion to the stunningly beautiful Tang valley. This seldom visited valley offers a treat; revealing some of the beaten track monasteries and the fascinating cultural museum at Ugyen Chholing. A fairly short hike takes us up to this well-maintained estate and its cultural treasures inside. Along the way we stop for a traditional lunch. We then visit Tang Mebar Tsho (the burning lake), where a famous reincarnated lama, Terton PemaLingpa, is supposed to have discovered a treasure in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: 12 hours transfer by road or 30 minutes by flight.

We return to western Bhutan by flight (if available) or retrace our route overland to Paro, where our journey began. For those driving, there will be plenty of time to stretch our legs along the way, including stops for both tea breaks and lunch. We have another chance for some spectacular views of the Himalayas as we drive over the mountain passes. Following a Bhutanese tradition, we will have the opportunity to spread our own prayer flags at the top of one of those passes, granting us blessings of long life.

For those flying to Paro, you will be met by one of our guides upon your arrival at the airport and have the day at your leisure. Our group reunites this evening, and we may stretch our legs with s stroll through the markets before enjoying dinner together.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: easy to strenuous with uneven steps with 1650ft elevation gain and loss (highest elevation: 01172ft)

Activity length: 4 to 5hours

Drive time: approximately 30 minutes.

This morning, we enjoy a hike to the famous Cliffside hermitage called Taktsang – Tigers Nest monastery, a monastic retreat built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Our hike begins on the valley floor and is a steady uphill climb on a wide hiking trail that switchbacks through pine forests, with glimpses of Monastery along the way. We pass the water powered prayer wheel and mani stones, as well as a shrine where a Lama was supposedly born – all reminders that this is not just a hike but a spiritual pilgrimage for many.

As we near the monastery, we stop by a small tea house for snack and tea and take in our first up close view of Taktsang. From here, our hiking trail levels out for a short while, before we begin climbing down steps and cross a bridge, eventually leading us to this most impressive sacred site. Legend has it that the second Buddha Padmasamvawa, flew across the Himalaya on the back of s tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Entry into the monastery feels like stepping back in time and we have chance to visit several shrines. During our exploration, pour guide brings Tigers Nest to life with the tales of Buddhism that makes this one of the most famous pilgrimage in life time.

We return to the valley floor, where we enjoy a trail side picnic before heading back to our hotel. We have some time this afternoon to unwind and relax after our hike. There will be an option to stroll the beautiful downtown Paro, or you can simply rest at the hotel.

Activity overview: hiking and cultural tour

Activity level: moderate with 1300ft elevation loss (highest elevation: 12,350ft)

Activity length: 2 – 3 hours

Drive time: approximately 3hours.

The day’s adventure starts early as we set out on the road that climbs almost 5000ft above the valley floor to Chelela Pass (12350ft). Towards the end of our scenic hour and half drive, we emerge from the blue pine forest and rhododendron forest into windswept highland favored by yaks. Here, we will enjoy a view of Himalayan wildflowers, with fields of azaleas, edelweiss, and even the rare and famous blue poppy at certain times of the year. If the weather is clear, we will enjoy some of the Bhutan’s highest peaks and some mountains in Nepal.

Leaving the prayer flag-swathed cool and our vehicle behind, we strike of along the ridge, passing through meadows, before re-entering forest of larch, spruce, hemlock, fir and rhododendron. After two hours, we see the Lika Goempa, seemingly suspended in rock crags. Home to approximately 30 nuns, it has served as a retreat for meditation since 9th century. Kila means “spiritual dagger” and a visit to the temple is often thought to tame the negative emotions of anger, ignorance and greed.

Following our visit and picnic lunch, we descend on a dirt road that winds conifers. We arrive at private vehicle to return to Paro. In the evening, we celebrate our journey through this amazing Kingdom, and the kind welcome we have received from the generous people of Bhutan.

Accommodation:

Breakfast, lunch and dinner.

We are transferred to the airport for and early departure from Paro. From here, we say farewell before our journey home, or continue on to other exciting destinations.

Drive times are estimated based on actual time driving. The total transfer tine is longer when taking rest stops, road conditions or other possible delays into account.

Accommodations

This itinerary includes a combination of the standard hotels, deluxe hotel available in Bhutan. Although the hotels in Bhutan cannot be compared to international standards, they are clean, comfortable and offer all necessary facilities. We believe that any inconveniences due to these modest accommodations are far outweighed by the unforgettable experience of visiting Bhutan. If you prefer to stay in luxury hotels, please contact us to discuss a private trip.