Overview
Curious about Bhutan’s essence? The most authentic way to engage with its people, forests, and scenery is by exploring well-worn paths. Unsure about a full trek? The ‘Village Hikes and Cultural Tours of Bhutan’ is a tailored option. We embark on short hikes that satisfy your curiosity without the need for strenuous trekking. Daylight takes us to villages and cultural sites, while nights mean cozy hotels and modern farmhouses.
This journey explores remote villages, offering insights into local life. Walking ancient forest trails, you’ll be mesmerized by breathtaking views. This voyage embodies the true Bhutanese experience. Highlights include trying local food, interacting with locals, monks, and nuns, and enjoying a traditional hot stone bath. Spending a night with a host family is an unforgettable part, creating a lasting connection
Trip Highlights
- Engaging & interacting with locals, participating in traditional activities such ritual.
- Explore picturesque hiking trails that lead you through lush forests and charming villages,
- Experience the daily insights into their close-knit community bonds between locals.
- Experience traditional dishes like Ema Datshi (chili and cheese),and other local specialties
- Will be enjoying other culture tours of visiting Dzongs and monasteries.
Itinerary
Upon arrival, you will be welcome by our representatives and transferred to Capital city Thimphu. Sightseeing includes visits to Memorial Chorten, Tashi Choe Dzong, the seat of government.
Overnight at Thimphu in Hotel
In the morning drive north of Thimphu to make Hike to tango about 2 hours. The hike is through mostly oak trees. You have the option to walk the old trail or a series of steps which have been made recently. This hike will take you to a beautiful monastery. Upon return visit a to local village of Kabisa Or Babina, which gives the first glimpse of Bhutanese village life. Later in afternoon we will tour some interest sights in capital, where we will visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Academy, Colorful Farmer’s Market and Changlimithang ground for opportune moment to spectate Archery in progress.
Drive uphill to Dochula pass (3,100m), which provides spectacular panoramic views of the Bhutanese Peak. We spend some time exploring the area, its park and may be even walk for a bit. Your drive continues to Punakha and Wangdi valley till Pelela Pass, from where we take a side diversion road into the hidden and beautiful Phobjikha valley, a protected wildlife conservation area within Jigme Singye National Park. From mid-October till March, this beautiful valley is also winter home for rare black necked cranes that migrate from Tibetan Plateau. Overnight in Hotel
Morning you may visit ancient Gangtey Gompa, one of the oldest Nyingma monasteries, located atop the hill. Then walk along the nature trail, a footpath encircling the winter roosting grounds of the crane, for about 2hrs. When the crane is not in residence, walk to the local villages, and also visit Nature Info center. Later in afternoon, drive back to Punakha & Wangdi and visit Ewakha village and take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang. Later in the evening, visit impressive Punakha Dzong at the confluence of Pho & Mo Chu rivers. Punakha and Wangdue are located at about 1400m in warm sub-tropical valley, alongside Punatsangchu river.Overnight at Punakha in Hotel/Farm House
Drive up the hilly road to explore Talo village and Nobgang village, the home of the Queen mothers of Bhutan. We will have an opportunity to visit one or two homes, enjoy tea with them, view their vegetable and flower garden and learn about their daily living. From Norbgang you can make village hike to Punakha Dzong. Later if time permits visit Richengang village near Wangdue.Overnight at Punakha in hotel/Farm House
After early breakfast, drive back across Dochula pass to Thimphu and continue your drive through least traffic road, and beautiful landscapes to Haa Valley. (Optional you can make beautiful hike to Lungchutsi Monastery Hike) Along the way, we will make stops in several villages. After our arrival in Haa, we will visit Chebri village and drive up the dirt road to Tachu Goempa village. Your accommodation in Hatoey village is in a traditional Farmhouse converted to a modern lodge. Tonight, you will be provided traditional hot stone bath, and you try Ara, a local Bhutanese Liquor as a part of this Bhutanese experience. Overnight at Haa in lodge
On the way to Paro, stop at Chele la pass, the highest motor-able road in Bhutan. Just below the pass, from pas you can hike and visit Kila gompa nunnery, a cluster of cliff-hanging homes for nuns. Upon arrival in Paro, the rest of the afternoon is for visiting local villages and visit Kyechu and Dungtse Lhakhang. Overnight at Paro in hotel/ Farm House
Our Bhutan Village tour culminates with the hike to famous Taktsang (Tigers nest) monastery. Options are available for hiring riding pony/mules till the view-point. Upon return, freshen up at the hotel and visit the town area, for a final stroll and a farewell dinner.Overnight at Paro in hotel/ Farm House
Then transfer to the airport, time for departure flight out of Paro
Cost Includes
- Bhutan sustainable development fees
- Accommodations in comfort hotels/Farmhouses
- All meals, evening tea/coffee with snacks
- All land transfers and transportation
- English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide/Leader
- Hot stone bath in Haa
- Bhutan Visa and all applicable permits
- Sightseeing with entrance fees to all monuments
- Bottled water in the vehicle
Cost Excludes
- Flights into and out of Bhutan
- Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
- Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others
FAQs
This tour offers moderate walks/hikes. Some days we will hike for 2-3 hours. However, if you do not feel that you can physically walk that far, you can talk with your guide for optional activities.
Yes, you can! We suggest if you want to take a shorter tour, that you request a private tour. If you want to extend your tour, we can work with you to make that happen too!
Druk Experience provides vehicles based on tour size. For small tours we provide 4 door SUV type cars, for larger tours, we provide smaller tour buses that can accommodate 8-10 individuals. Our cars are in excellent shape and our drivers are always safe and careful. All vehicles will be equipped with air conditioning or heaters.
Pack light for all of our tours, soft suitcases/duffel bags are best. Dressing up will not be necessary, dress for comfort. Layer, layer, layer. Wear sturdy shoes for walking/hiking. When we visit holy sites, you will be asked to wear long pants and long-sleeved shirts.
Yes, please feel free to take as many pictures as you would like. However, you will be asked to not take pictures in our temples. If you have any questions about when you can take pictures, please ask your guide.
If you would like to have a snack (protein bar, etc.) while hiking/trekking, or if you just think you might miss your favorite snack – then yes, please bring some snacks with you. However, they are not necessary. Druk Experience will make sure that you are well fed on your tour.
The daily tariff that you pay, pays for your tour guide, driver, hotels, and all your meals. The only money you need to budget for is for alcohol, souvenirs, and tips. It is best to bring cash and exchange it for local currency at the airport in Paro. There are ATMs available in some locations, but they work sporadically.
It depends on what time of year you go. The fall or the spring are the best times to travel to Bhutan. Typically, the days are cool and sunny, and the nights are cold. Some places, like Punakha, are sub-tropical and you can expect warmer temperatures.
