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Day Hikes & Culture

Day Hikes & Culture

Duration

15 days

Group Size

12

Difficulty Level

Fully Guided

Overview

Hiking in Bhutan is a journey that immerses you in the natural beauty of Bhutan's landscapes. As you hike through different regions in Bhutan , you'll experience different sceneries, from deep lush valleys to towering Himalayan peaks. This tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich culture and iteract with friendly locals, while exploring ancient temples, monasteries, and traditional villages. Trekking through scenic trails, you'll cross stunning mountain passes and discover Bhutanese art, architecture, and spiritual heritage. Along the way, keep an eye out for rare wildlife in their natural habitat. Perfect for nature lovers and cultural enthusiasts, this tour provides an unforgettable blend of adventure, exploration, and discovery.

Tour Highlights

  • Hike through remote villages and immerse yourself in Bhutan's untouched beauty
  • Experience breathtaking landscapes and stunning mountain scenery along scenic trails
  • Savor a traditional farmhouse dinner and engage with friendly Bhutanese locals
  • Explore quaint villages and experience the unique rural life of Bhutan
  • Visit historic Buddhist monasteries and discover Bhutan’s rich spiritual heritage
  • Rejuvenate with a soothing traditional herbal hot stone bath for ultimate relaxation
  • Embark on a memorable hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a must-see landmark

Tour Plan

Day 1: Arrival Paro International Airport

  • Paro Sightseeing & Acclimatization Day!.
  • Visit the ancient watch tower Ta Dzong, which is turned into one of the best museums of Asia.
  • Rinpung Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels.”
  • After lunch, start the Zuri Hike from Ta Dzong (National Museum), Paro. This moderate 2–3 hour trail winds through peaceful pine forests and offers panoramic views of Paro Valley.
  • In evening, time at your leisure. Walk around Paro’s peaceful town.
  • Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing & Wangditse Hike

  • After breakfast, drive to Thimphu (1hr).
  • Visit Buddha Dordenma, which offers a spectacular view of Thimphu city.
  • Sangay-gang where the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, is found in captivity.
  • The Wangditse Leisure Hike, starting near Sangaygang above Thimphu trail through serene pine forests and vibrant rhododendron trees.
  • Visit Centenary Farmers Market, offering local produce and handicrafts.
  • In the evening time at your leisure
  • Overnight Thimphu (Alt; 2320m)

Day 3: Dodeydra Hike

  • Begin the 30 minutes’ drive from Thimphu to the trailhead, where the hike starts
  • The trail covers approximately 6–7 km, taking around 4–5 hours to complete
  • Enjoy a gradual ascent through lush pine and rhododendron forests, offering serene surroundings and peaceful ambiance
  • Along the way, soak in stunning panoramic views of the Thimphu Valley
  • Reach Dodeydra Monastery, located on a cliffside, offering a breathtaking view of the valley below
  • Dodeydra Monastery is home to about 180 student monks who are pursuing higher studies in Buddhism.
  • Upon arrival, interact with the monks and learn their monastic life and our eastern way of meditation.
  • After the visit, retrace your steps back to the trailhead and return to Thimphu
  • Overnight Thimphu

Day 4: Dochula Pass & Lungchutse hike

  • After breakfast drive to Dochula pass (3150m) to enjoy spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain range.
  • Stroll around 108 stupas and enjoy the scenery of the great Himalayan ranges.
  • The Lungchutse hike, one of Bhutan's best day hikes, forms a loop starting at Dochula and ending at Tashigang Gomba. The trail begins at Dochula’s large Chorten and ascends through forests of hemlock, birch, and rhododendrons to an open meadow. At an altitude of 3,560 meters, Lungchutse Temple offers a stunning 360° view of the Himalayan range, surrounded by fluttering prayer flags.
  • Overnight Thimphu

Day 5: Divine Madman’s Trail through Chandana Valley (49km/ 1hr)

  • After breakfast, drive to Thinleygang
  • The hike starts at Thinleygang Temple, (7.4 km, 4.5 hours) located on the foothills of Dochula Pass
  • Passes through Chandana Village
  • Follows the footsteps of Drukpa Kuenley, the "Divine Madman"
  • Offers scenic views of the Wangdue Valley and river. It winds through hills, valleys, and rural Bhutan
  • Offers opportunities to meet local families and observe them tending to their fields
  • Toeb Chandana Lhakhang (Chandana Lhakhang), a 15th-century temple known as "where the arrow landed"
  • The well-maintained trail gradually descends for about 20 minutes, leading to a scenic meadow at Sew Drangsa, also known as the "Lunch Point." After an hour of hiking, you'll reach a 700-year-old traditional Bhutanese house, still inhabited by the 8th generation of the family.
  • The trail ends at Laptsakha village where your car and driver will wait for you.
  • Overnight Punakha & Wangdue (Alt; 1240m)

Day 6: Discovering Punakha and Hoka Tsho Hike

  • Begin the day with a drive to Hokatsho Lake, a peaceful and scenic spot in the Punakha Valley.
  • Hike to the lake, which takes about 4–5 hours, passing through dense forests and offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
  • Enjoy the tranquility at the lake, with opportunities to observe the natural beauty and spot wildlife.
  • After the hike, head to Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of the Great Happiness". This beautiful fortress lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river.
  • Walk on the suspension bridge in Punakha. The colourful adorned bridge is longest suspension bridge in Bhutan.
  • Overnight Punakha & Wangdue

Day 7: Gangtey Rural Expedition (65km/ 2.5hr)

  • On arrival, visit Gangtey gomba; the largest Nyingma Monastery of the kingdom. Interact with the monks and sit silently in the prayer room.
  • Drive on different vegetation of alpine, subtropical and glacial. Phobjikha is a glacial valley on the north western tip of the Black Mountain. It’s also one of the roosting grounds of the Black-necked cranes.
  • Embark on the Nature trail hike across the refreshing Blue-pine forest to Kewa village (1.5hr hike) ( optional ). Try homemade tea & local snacks at village home. Interact with the monks at Kewa Monastery.
  • Visit the Crane Info Centre.
  • Free to walk around village or drive to your hotel for rest.
  • Overnight Phobjikha (2900m)

Day 8: Phobjikha - Longtey Hike

  • After an early breakfast, guests embark on the Longtey Hike, starting with a 30-minute drive from Phobjikha to Longtey village, located along the East-West highway.
  • Begin the hike, which is approximately 7–8 km long and takes around 5–6 hours.
  • The trail ascends through lush forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak, with occasional views of the valley below.
  • Enjoy scenic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of the Phobjikha Valley and surrounding mountains.
  • Reach the summit, where you’ll find a small monastery and fluttering prayer flags.
  • Take time to rest and immerse in the tranquility of the area, with a chance for reflection or meditation.
  • Descend the same trail, heading back to the starting point.
  • After the hike, return to your accommodation
  • Overnight Phobjikha

Day 9: Getaway to Dzongdakha & Paro Detour (174 km/ 5hr)

  • Visit Royal Botanical Garden at Lamperi. Optional, situated at an altitude range of 2100m to 3800m.
  • En route stop for coffee at Drukwangyel Café and enjoy distant snowcapped mountains.
  • After check in at Paro, visit the Dzongdakha Monastery. This ancient beautiful monastery is also a pilgrim spot for the locals.
  • Witness an archery match played by locals with lots of hue and cry!
  • In evening, leisurely stroll around Paro town and shop for souvenir. Interact with the friendly locals..
  • Overnight Paro (Alt; 2280m)

Day 10: Haa Valley Sightseeing & Chele La Pass Hike ( 67 km/ 2-2.5 hr)

  • On rise drive on a scenic countryside to the pristine Haa Valley, it was closed to outsiders till 2001.
  • Scenic drive to Haa Valley via Chelela Pass, the highest motorable pass in Bhutan. ( 3988m )
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and surrounding peaks.
  • Hike along the ridge to the Chele La Pass Hike or Sky Burial Site (1.5-2 hours), a serene location with prayer flags and sacred significance
  • Descend back to Chelela Pass and drive to Haa Valley (45 minutes)
  • Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), both linked to Guru Rinpoche’s legend
  • Explore Haa town and experience the local culture
  • Overnight Haa (Alt; 2670m)

Day 11: Haa Panoramic Hike

  • After breakfast hike from Yangthang Monastery (2,990m), gradually ascending to 3,150m.
  • Enjoy panoramic views of Haa Valley, the sacred Meri Puensum mountains, and distant Himalayan peaks.
  • Walk through pine forests, pastures, and pristine landscapes, immersing in the natural beauty of Haa.
  • The trail passes through Katsho Monastery (3,030m) and Juneydrak Gompa (2,950m), a stunning cliffside monastery.
  • Descend into Wangtsa Village (2,700m), a charming rural settlement showcasing Bhutanese culture.
  • The hike takes about 4 -5 hours at a relaxed pace.
  • Drive back to Paro (~2.5 hours) in the evening.
  • Overnight Paro

Day 12: Chumphu Nye Hike

  • Drive from Paro center to the trailhead at Chumbo village (2,250m), about a 30-minute drive.
  • Start the 4-hour hike through pine, oak, and rhododendron forests, following the Dho Chu River.
  • Pass through sacred sites connected to Guru Rinpoche, such as the Gate to Heaven, Throne of Guru Rinpoche, Imprint of Guru Rinpoche, and the Ceremonial robe on rock..
  • Arrive at Chumphu Temple (3,191m), where the levitating statue of Dorji Phagmo (Vajravarahi) offers wish-fulfilling blessings.
  • Explore the wall murals depicting Buddhist saints and masters.
  • Continue the hike for an additional 20-minute uphill walk to the sacred waterfall (3,246m), where bamboo is collected for crafting amule ts and talismans.
  • Descend for approximately 3 hours, retracing your steps back to the starting point.
  • Overnight Paro

Day 13: Bumdrak Trek

  • Starting point is Sangchoekhor Monastery near Paro, accessed by a short drive from town.
  • The hike ascends through dense blue pine and rhododendron forests.
  • The trail offers panoramic views of Paro Valley and surrounding peaks.
  • Duration is approximately 3-4 hours to Bumdrak
  • Hike back to Paro.
  • Overnight Paro

Day 14: Excursion to Mystical Taktsang

  • After a wholesome breakfast, descent towards to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest,
  • ( 2 – 3 hrs ). Tiger’s Nest clings to sheer cliffs of 900m above Paro valley.
  • Lunch at the hillside cafe with close Tiger’s Nest view.
  • In evening, authentic Bhutanese farewell dinner at a typical village home with local liquor called “Ara.”
  • Hot stone bath (Complimentary). River rocks are heated and dunked into a large wooden tub with herbs. This type of bath is considered to have medicinal properties of healing.
  • Overnight Paro

Day 15: Departure from Paro International Airport

  • Our representative will bid you farewell at the Airport. Tashi Delek!

Included

  • Visa Fee
  • Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels on twin sharing
  • All meals ( breakfast, lunch and dinner )
  • Entrance fees for monuments and cultural sites
  • Licensed English speaking guides
  • Airport transfer and all transportation
  • Bottled water during the tour
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Excluded

  • International airfare to/from Bhutan
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses (laundry, phone calls, shopping, etc.)
  • Alcoholic and specialty beverages
  • Tips for guides, drivers, and hotel staff
  • Additional activities not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Additional expenses due to unforeseen events (weather, flight cancellations, etc.)

Good to know

We currently offer two payment methods for tourists to transfer payments for Bhutan tours: Wire Transfer and Wise. However, both methods incur a wire transfer fee of $40 to $50, as Wise payments also require a final transfer to Bhutan via wire.

  • More than 45 days before the tour: Free cancellation
  • Within 30 days: 35% of the total cost
  • Within 21 days: 50% of the total cost
  • No-show in Bhutan: 100% of the total cost

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