Bhutan Country Walks & Hikes

Bhutan Country Walks & Hikes

 Day 1: Fly to Paro, Land of Rice Bowl  

The flight to Bhutan offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas. Upon arrival in Paro, your guide and driver will meet you and take you to your hotel. If you arrive on an early morning flight, you can visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) to familiarize yourself with Bhutanese religion, customs, and traditional arts & crafts. A walk down the trail leads to Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels), built in the 17th century.

 Day 2: Taktsang Hike, Spiritual Immersion 

Today, you will hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), a 2-3 hour hike with a rest stop at a cafeteria halfway. This site was visited by Guru Rinpoche in the 8th century and the temple was built in the 17th century. If time permits, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century.

 Day 3: Fly to Bumthang, The Cultural Heartland of Bhutan -

Fly to central Bhutan and spend the next four days in Jakar. Explore spiritual centers, a local beer factory, honey farms, and observe monks in their prayers. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Jakar.

 Day 4: Jakar Exploration, Five Temple Walk

Start at Jambay Lhakhang, continue to Kurjey Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang, and finally Kenchosum Lhakhang. Overnight in a hotel in Jakar.

 Day 5: Hike to Tang Valley, Birthplace of Treasure Discoverer

Drive to Padselling Monastery and begin a 2-3 hour walk to Tang. Visit a local nunnery, temples, and an ancient manor turned into a museum.Enjoy a picnic lunch amidst the scenic landscape or savor a meal at a local farmhouse. Drive back to Bumthang, visit the Burning Lake and Kharchu Drastang Monastery.

 Day 6: To Chumey Valley, Hike to Land of Liberation

Hike a scenic forest trail for about 3 hours to Tharpaling Monastery. Continue to Chumey, walk through local villages, and overnight in a Nature Resort.

 Day 7: To Gangtey, Valley of Glacier

Traverse two high passes to Phobjikha valley, explore its villages by short walks, visit Trongsa Dzong and Tower of Trongsa Museum. Spend two nights in a village homestay.

 Day 8: Explore Gangtey, Walk with Crane & Chitchat with Locals

Visit Gangtey Gompa, walk along a nature trail around the Black-Necked Crane roosting grounds, visit local villages, and the Nature Info Center. Attend evening prayers at the local monastery if interested.

 Day 9: To Punakha, Old Capital of Bhutan

Drive to Punakha and Wangdue valley, visit Richengang village, Chimi Lhakhang temple, and an incense manufacturing plant. Overnight in Punakha valley.

 Day 10: Punakha, Walk & Dzong Visit

Walk to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, visit Punakha Dzong, and hike to Limukha village. Meet your vehicle and drive to the hotel.

 Day 11: To Thimphu, the Seat of Golden Throne

Drive from Punakha to Dochula pass, enjoy panoramic views of Bhutan’s peaks, and walk to Lungchuzekha temple. Continue to Thimphu, visit Tashicho Dzong and the memorial stupa. Optional talk on Gross National Happiness.

 Day 12: Thimphu, City Walk & Market Visit

Visit the Buddha statue, hike from Kuensel Phodrang park to Changangkha Temple, and tour Changangkha Temple, Takin preserve, Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Hospital for traditional medicine, National Library, Textile Academy and Museum, Changlimithang ground, and Centennial farmers’ market.

 Day 13: Thimphu to Paro

Drive to Paro, visit Tamchogang temple, walk across a hand-forged iron bridge, hike Zori Dzong, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy a hot stone bath in a local farmhouse.

 Day 14: Departure

Depart to your onward destination.