Bhutan or the “Land of the Peaceful Dragon” is a country of sprawling forests, venerated monasteries, overpowering fortresses; lush green valley’s fed by bountiful rivers and age-old practices. Cultivated fields surrounded by pitched roof houses with their typical trefoil-shape windows and Dzongs (fortresses) dominate the scenery with their sheer size. Its people are hardworking, vibrantly attired and deeply religious while the land is immaculate. Bhutan's alpine pastures, peaks, forests, lakes and flowers make it a paradise. Maybe that is why the rare black-necked crane makes its way across the Himalayas to Bhutan every year.
Days | Program | Altitude, Walking/Driving distance | Hotel |
Day1 | Arrival in Paro | 2,250m/7,382ft. | Hotel |
Day2 | In Paro - Zuri Goenpa Hike | Approx. 2 hrs. walk | Camping |
Day3 | In Paro - Taktsang Hike | Approx. 4.5 hrs. walk | Camping |
Day4 | Drive to Genekha village and trek to Genekha-Gur | 3,290 m- Approx. 5 hrs. walk | Camping |
Day5 | Trek Labatama | Camping | |
Day6 | Acclimatization in Labatama | Camping | |
Day7 | Trek to Panka. | 4,000 m: Approx. 6-7 hrs walk | Camping |
Day8 | Trek to Talekha | 3,080 m: Approx. 5-6 hrs walk | Camping |
Day9 | Trek Chamgang and drive to Thimpu | 2,350m: Approx. 3 hrs. walk | Hotel |
Day10 | Drive to Punakha | 1,300m: Approx. 3-4 hrs. drive | Hotel |
Day11 | In Punakha - Khamsum Chorten Hike | Approx. 1 hrs. walk | Hotel |
Day12 | Drive back to Paro | Approx. 4-5 hrs. drive | Hotel |
Day13 | Final Departure |
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft.
On arriving at the Paro International Airport, our representative will receive you and escort you to your hotel.
Later visit Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortess on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The dzong was built in the 16th century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. In the past, this dzong was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet.
Evening, stroll around the market
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Morning at leisure
Meet with you trek guide who will brief you on your adventurous trek in Bhutan
Afterwards, enjoy a short 2 hrs hike to Zuri Goenpa, which helps you in stretching your legs before trek.
Hike Duration: 2 hours approx.
Altitude: 2,600m / 8,561
This hike is an easy one with little climb of about 20 minutes above Uma Paro hotel and then levels along the slope above paro valley with spectacular view down below, finally finishing at the National Museum altogether taking about 2 hours. As you walk along the trail you will have an opportunity to witness the landing and taking off of Druk air which would remind you of the exciting landing you had earlier. It will also be of great opportunity to take pictures of Paro valley including the Rinpong Dzong, Airport, Paro town and the surrounding mountains. You can visit Zuri Goenpa a 17th century monastery built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Zuri dzong also served as watch tower for the Rinpong Dzong down below.
This beautiful hike will serve as acclimatization and adaptation to the terrains of beautiful Bhutan.
Later in the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lakhang - an important Himalayan Buddhist Temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan. The temple is one of 108 built by Tibetan emperor Songtsen Gampo to subdue a demoness who prevented the spread of Buddhism. Temples were built across the Himalayas to pin her body down. Kyichu Lhakhang pins down her left foot and Jamba Lhakhang in Bumthang her left knee.
Then visit Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortess on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan. It is the administrative seat of the district of Paro. The dzong was built in the 16th century on the foundation of a monastery built by Guru Rinpoche. In the past, this dzong was used on numerous occasions to defend the Paro Valley from invasions by Tibet.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx.
Altitude: 3,000m/9,845ft.
Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang Monastery also known the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche (Guru Padmasambhava) flew to this location from Khenpajong, Tibet on the back of a tigress and subdued a demon. He then meditated in a cave here for three months and emerged in eight incarnated forms (manifestations) and blessed the place. Guru Padmasambhava is known for introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Today, Paro Taktsang is the best known of the thirteen caves in which Guru Padmasambhava meditated.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Distance 7 km
Hike Duration: 5 hours Approx.
Altitude: 3,290 m/10,791 ft.
Breakfast at the hotel
You are transferred to Genekha Village from where you will start your trek. Today’s trek which is a true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (birds are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at huge rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours, the trek ends.
Overnight at Tent Camping
Walking Distance 12 km
Walking Time: 5 hours
Altitude: 1,220 m ascent / 110 m descent
Camp altitude 4,300 m/14,104 ft.
On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Mt. Kanchenjunga-3rd highest peak in the world (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake where golden trouts are in abundance.
Overnight at Tent Camping
This day is for relaxing and recuperating or for an excursion to any of three lakes.
Excursion to Setsho and nearby lakes.
Hike to Setsho Lake is easy and interesting. Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to Jagetsho Lake. You can also attempt to climb the Jomo a 5,050 m peak. Lunch at summit with spectacular view around, can be memorable experience. Return to camp by dusk and prepare for the next day. You can try your luck trout fishing in the lakes.
Overnight at Tent Camping
Walking Distance 8 km
Walking Time: 6-7 hours
Altitude: 260 m ascent, 520 m descent
camp altitude 4,000 m/13,120 ft.
The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way. Here the Himalayan Monal peasants are common sight, apart from yaks and horses.
Overnight at Tent Camping
Walking Distance 8 km
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Altitude: 180 m ascent, 110 m descent
Camp altitude 3,080 m/10,100ft.
This day entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Search for different verities of Blue Poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. Lunch at the point, where one trail leads to Talekha and other to Wangdiphodrang. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb brings you to the tip of the last Dagala range from where view of Thimphu is spread in the palm of observer’s hand. An hour’s walk and you are at the last camp, little above Talekha monastery.
Overnight at Tent Camping
Walking Distance 6 km
Walking Time: 3 hours
Altitude: 440 m descent
Thimphu altitude: 2300m/7544ft
Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and mixed wild flowers), one reaches Talekha monastery and village and once again Thimphu view is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, one reaches the main road to Thimphu where your transport will be waiting.
You are transferred to your hotel.
Remaining day is at leisure.
Later evening, visit Tashichho dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja’. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the Bhutan’s civil government.
The dzong has suffered several damages in the past. The original dzong was destroyed in the 1771 fire and again twice since then. Later the dzong was damaged in an earthquake in 1897 and was rebuilt in 1902. When King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck moved his capital to Thimphu in 1952, he started a five-year project that completely redesigned, enlarged and redesigned the dzong without using any nails or written plans.
Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu
Distance: 76kms/ 47 miles
Drive Time: 3-4 hours approx.
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft.
Breakfast at the Hotel
Afterwards, enjoy the sightseeing tour of Thimphu valley before heading out to Punakha.
Visit, the National Library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong. It was initially housed and established in 1967 within the central tower of Tashichho Dzong. Later, due to its growing collection, it was moved to its current location and inaugurated in 1984. The building that initially had a small collection of precious texts now holds an archive responsible for collecting and preserving important past, present and future documents on Bhutan for future generations. The library also has a representative collection of English and western language books mainly related to the Himalayas, Bhutan and Buddhism.
Also visit, the Folk Heritage Museum is set inside a 19th century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipment and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
Also visit the Takin Sanctuary where the National animal of Bhutan is kept under preservation.
Explore the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist Monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
Then continue your drive to Punakha.
On the way to Punakha from Thimphu, the Dochula Pass offers a 360-degree of beautiful panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. There are 108 Chortens that adorn this beautiful Chorten were built by Queen Mother to commemorate the Bhutanese soldiers who were killed when fighting the Indian rebels in 2003.
Overnight at Resort in Punakha
Hike to Khamsum Chorten
Hike Duration: 1hours approx.
Altitude: 1,500m/ 4,922ft.
Breakfast at the hotel
We will drive 12 km north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. An hour hike to the Chorten, through a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, this site offers beautiful view of the Punakha Valley. The Chorten built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.
A fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions, the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten stands out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley. This 4-storey temple was built by Her Majesty the Queen Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck as per the Holy Scriptures and took 9 years to complete it. This temple has been dedicated for the well-being of the kingdom, its people and all sentient beings.
Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang. Flanked with hundreds of prayer flags, it sits on a round hillock near Punakha. The monastery, built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”. An accomplished master of Mahamudra Buddhist Tradition, Lama Drukpa Kinley was best known for his unorthodox ways of teaching Buddhism which included singing, humor, outrageous behavior and strong sexual overtones and inclinations. He is also the saint who advocated the use of phallus symbols as paintings on walls and carved wooden phalluses on housetops.
OR you have an option of doing a day hike to Giligang.
Hike to Giliganga
Hike Duration: 5-6 hours approx.
After breakfast we began our Giligang Hike. In comparison with the previous Giligang hike where you have slow and long ascents and descents, this hike climbs straight up to Giligang (about 45 minutes). In the other route from Giligang you continue on top of the mountain ridge and descend slowly on the Mo Chuu side, whereas this trail falls quite steeply down to the Po Chhu side and then continues along the river towards the dzong. If you, in addition to experiencing Giligang temple, also want to visit rural village communities, this route is ideal.
When walking down from Giligang, the views of the terraced rice fields, ruins and the small villages below and across the river are extremely picturesque. After the initial steep decline, the path flattens out and continues across the rice fields to Nawakha village, past the grounds of the local community school and lastly through Tempakha village before intersecting with the Department of Tourism Biking Trail. If you wish to stop your hike in Samdingkha, you can follow the path leading left across the suspension bridge where your car can be waiting for you. If you still have more energy left, the opposite trail will take you along the river’s right side through forests and along cliffs all the way to Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge in Pho chhu Zam. Your car will pick you up from the other side of the bridge.
Overnight at t in Punakha
Drive back to Paro Driving Distance: 122 kms/ 88 miles
Drive Time: 4 hours approx.
Altitude: 2,250 m / 7,382 ft.
After breakfast this morning, visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of two rivers, the pho Chu and mochu (male and female rivers). The Dzong is very beautiful with a lavish display of Bhutanese colors, art and architecture.
Then continue your drive back to Paro. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong. According to a legend, this dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit, that was harassing the people in the region and guard the place. Hence, Simtokha translates as ‘Atop a Demon’. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu Valley.
Overnight at Hotel in Paro
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.
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