Bhutan Country Walks & Hikes

The Flight to Bhutan takes you over the incomparable Himalayas, offering you a breathtaking view of the world's most elevated frosty pinnacles. Upon your arrival in Paro, your guide and driver will meet you and take you to the hotel. If you are on an early morning flight, we will visit a few sites, including Ta Dzong (national Museum), the best place to familiarize yourself with Bhutanese religion, customs, and traditional arts & crafts. On the way, we will walk down the trail to see Rinpung Dzong (the fortress of the heap of Jewels built in the 17th century), traditionally this is the office of district governor’s and the living place for monks.

Today we will hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Overall the hike takes 2-3 hours. You will get to rest at the half-way point, where there are a resting area and cafeteria. Initially, Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated in the 8th century at this particular site. The Desi Tenzin Rabgye later built the temple in the 17th century. If time permits you can also visit ruined Drukgyel Dzong, the place of historic war between Tibet and Bhutan in the 17th century; Kyichu Lhakhang, built-in 7th century during the reign of the first Buddhist Tibetan king.

This morning we will take a short flight to central Bhutan where we will spend the next four days. The first two days will be in Jakar. Here we will have short easy walks and will access many spiritual centers, visit a local beer factory, visit local Honey Farms, and watch monks in their prayers. Overnight in a comfortable hotel in Jakar.

Start at Jambay Lhakhang, where there is an excellent festival each October and where the Guru Rinpoche conducted his first sermon on Tantric Buddhism. Wander through the fields and meadows to Kurjey Lhakhang, built around a cave where the Guru Rinpoche meditated. The Cyprus tree here is said to have been grown out of his walking stick. Continue walk to Tamshing Lhakhang is located across the river and contains a 25kg suit of chainmail armor made by Terton Pema Lingpa. If you carry it around the Lhakhang three times, you are cured of all sins. Finally, the Kenchosum Lhakhang dates from the 7th century. It is said when the bell is rung here, it can be heard in Lhasa in Tibet. You can just see them for a few minutes at a time. We can arrange to stay longer at any of the Buddhist Monasteries. Overnight in Hotel in Jakar.

Today we will drive to Padselling monastery, after which we begin a 2-3hr walk across the ridge and descend into Tang. Here we will visit a local nunnery, temples and an ancient manor, that is turned into a museum and local village. Enjoy a picnic lunch or lunch at a local farmhouse. Later we will drive back to Bumthang for an overnight stay. On the way, we will visit the Burning Lake (member Tso), a local holy site. In the evening, we will arrange a visit to the local Kharchu Drastang monastery, possibly during their evening debate and prayers.

Our agenda for today is to journey along a scenic forest trail for about a 3-hour hike, gradually climbing uphill to Tharpaling Monastery, one of the most important monasteries founded by Longchen Ramjampa (1308-1363), the famous saint in the Nyingmapa sect. At the end of the hike, you will meet your vehicle and continue to Chumey, one of Bumthang’s four valleys. We will spend the rest of the day walking through local villages. Overnight in a comfortable Nature Resort.

Today we will traverse two high passes, as we cross from central Bhutan into the alpine Phobjikha valley, where we have a full day to explore its many villages by short walks. We will also take the time to visit the imposing Trongsa Dzong, the largest fortress in Bhutan and seats for Trongsa Penlop (All the Kings of Bhutan first invest as the Trongsa Penlop before ascending the Raven Crown throne), and the Tower of Trongsa Museum where there is collection of textiles and royal belongings including Thangkas, Sculptures, Bronzes, Decorative Arts, Arms and Armor, Ritual objects, Masks. We spend two nights in a village home-stay, where you will have a chance to eat locally and learn how to make some local dishes.

Today your day begins with a visit to ancient Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries, located atop the hill. Then we will walk along a nature trail, a footpath which circles the winter roosting grounds of the Black-Necked Crane. This walk takes about 2 hours. When the cranes are not in residence, we will walk to the local villages, and also visit the Nature Info center. In the evening if you are interested, we will arrange for you to attend evening prayers in the local Monastery (fees applicable-$ 25 per person).

A short scenic drive through ever-changing vegetation brings us to Punakha and Wangdue valley. Here we will visit Richengang, a unique village with houses clustered together. Later in the day, we will take a short walk to visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kunley (1455 - 1529), popularly known as ‘the divine madman’, a folk hero and a cultural icon around whom countless stories of fact and fiction, stories and legends have been spun. On the way, we will visit an incense manufacturing mini plant and observe how Buddhist incense is made. Overnight hotel in Punakha valley.

After breakfast, we will drive to the idyllic countryside north of Punakha and start a forty-minute walk up to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten on Nyinzergang hill. Upon our return, we will drive back to visit the architectural wonders of the 17th century Punakha Dzong, straddling at the confluence of Pho and Mo rivers (male & female). From Punakha Dzong walk across the bridge, and gradually climb up the hill for about 2-3hr to Limukha village. Meet your vehicle near Limukha and drive to the hotel.

Drive from the sub-tropical Punakha valley to 10,500ft at Dochula pass in two hours. After enjoying the spectacular panoramic view of Bhutan’s snowcapped peaks along the Tibetian border over tea and snacks at Dochula, we will begin a 2-hour ridge top walk to Lungchuzekha temple/ retreat center. The trail is through rich vegetation of moss-laden birch, hemlock, and rhododendrons trees, with excellent views of peaks and valleys. We will picnic at the monastery. The views are astounding and the walk is through rich fir and rhododendron forests. Once we return to Dochula pass, we will continue to Thimphu, where we visit the great Tashicho Dzong and the memorial stupa. If you are interested we can arrange an educational talk on Gross National Happiness (GNH) in the evening or the next day (there is a supplement charge for the speaker of $ 100-150 per talk, 1-hour session). Overnight hotel in Thimphu.Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, we will drive to the Buddha statue, the biggest seating statue in the world. Here you will spend some time and then take an easy hike from Kuensel Phodrang park to Changangkha Temple (1:30 hours). Here you will catch a bird’s eye view of Thimphu city. Later in the day, we will visit Changangkha Temple built in the 13 century on a hilltop, Takin preserves, Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Hospital for traditional medicine, National Library, Textile Academy and Museum, Changlimithang ground where you may see Archery, Centennial farmers’ market, which is more vibrant over the weekend (Fri-Sun).

After breakfast, we will drive to Paro (takes about 1 hour). On the way, we will visit Tamchogang temple and walk across a hand fogged iron bridge (1433). Upon arrival in Paro can take the short Zori Dzong Hike or shop in town for souvenirs. Later in the evening, we can arrange a complimentary hot stone bath in a local farmhouse (not to be missed).

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