Highland Asia

Grand Walking Tour of Bhutan

14 Days 13 Nights Trip CodeBWT43

Overview

This is a grand tour of Bhutan that explores the cultural highlights of Western and Central Bhutan and offers some of the finest walking and hiking trips near Paro, Thimphu, Punakha and Bumthang Valleys. All travelers with normal health conditions can enjoy these walks that provide great opportunities to see the rural countries, unspoiled nature and authentic culture and religion. The trails are pleasant, passing through paddy fields, village, blue pine, and spruce and rhododendrons forests. All the walks and hikes can be done at your own pace, interacting with the locals and catching the beautiful scenery into your camera and visiting local homes with unique Bhutanese architecture.

Outline Itinerary

Day 01-02~Arrive at Paro. Explore the fortresses, temples, visit a farm house and hikethe legendary Takstang Monastery.
Day 03~Cheli-la excursion and hike. Enjoy the panoramic views of the valleys and snow capped mountains.
Day 04-05~At Thimphu; tour the temples, fortresses, school of arts and crafts, traditional paper factor, attend the vibrant week-end market, and hike the Cheri Gompa and Chokhortse Monastery.
Day 07~Drive across Dhocula pass to the subtropical lowland of Punakha. Hike the fortress and villages.
Day 08~Walking tour o f Chimi Lakhang Temple, explore the impressive Wangduephodrang Town and move on to Trongsa-the ancestral home town of Bhutan’s Royalties.
Day 09-11~Walking tour and hikes in the culturally rich valleys of Bumthang and Ura.
Day 12-13~Retrace drive to Paro via Trongsa, Punakha and Thimphu.
Day 14~Tour concludes.

Itinerary

Day 01:Flight to Paro

Flight to Paro. Upon arrival at Paro airport, we are met and greeted by Highland Asia guide and transferred to hotel. After some rest, our guide will take us for walking tour of tiny Paro town for orientation. Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class property.

Day 02:Hike Taktsang Monastery and Tour the Paro Valley

The legendary Taktsang Monastery, which is also called Tiger's nest, perched some 2,000ft/600m up on a sheer cliff overlooking the valley, is a popular hiking destination. The return trek to the road head is downhill and takes about a little more the time it has taken you to come up. On the way back, we visit a typical Bhutanese village home to have an insight of Bhutanese life. We drive back to our hotel in the late afternoon.Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class property.

Day 03:Cheli-la Hike

We take a scenic drive of 1 and ½ hr to Chele La pass at an altitude of approximately 3900m/13000ft . We enjoy views of Paro Valley on one side and Haa Valley on the other side. We hike up to clustered shelters built on sheer cliffs, under the rock cave and a temple that house some 50 or so nuns and walk back to meet meet our transport and then drive back to Paro. At Paro, we visit Bhutan's national museum, a fascinating place housed in an old watchtower above the huge Paro Dzong. We will also visit Rinphung Dzong.Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort or similar A class property.

Day 04:Drive to Thimphu

After breakfast, we drive to Thimphu, 2 ½ hrs, the least visited of all the Himalayan capitals. We check in hotel and after some rest; embark on the tour of Thimpu, beginning from a Nunnery on the outskirts of Thimphu. We will then visit the School of Arts and Crafts, Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, Changgangkha Lhakhang (temple), National Library, Traditional Hospital and traditional paper factory. At the end of the day, we may also pay a visit to the great Tashichho Dzong, seat of Bhutan's administrative and religious centre. Overnight in Jhumolhari or similar A class property.

Day 05:Tour the Thimphu Valley and hike Cheri Gompa

After breakfast, we visit the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in the memory of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, where people gather to pray and pay homage and then we proceed for the hike of Cheri Gompa Monastery.
This is a pleasant rural walk, gently up a valley through paddy fields and woodland via a Tibetan village. We can enter the courtyard of the Gompa but admission to the main shrine is not permitted for Non Buddhists. We descend to the base of the hill to meet our transport and drive back to Thimpu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. Overnight in Jhumolhari or similar A class property.

Day:06Hike to Chokortse Monastery

This morning, we hike to Chokortse monastery which is situated on a saddle. The walk is all the way uphill 40-50 minutes and passes through blue pine, spruce and rhododendrons. From here, the view of Thimphu valley below is breathtaking. It takes 2 hrs, for the out and back trip. In the afternoon, browse the markets of Thimphu.Overnight in Jhumolhari or similar A class property.

Day 07:Drive to Punakha

After breakfast, we drive to Punakha, the old winter capital of Bhutan with a stop at Dhochu La Pass, (10,000ft/3,048m) and appreciate the spectacular views of eastern Himalayas. We check in hotel and after some rest, we will take a short hike to visit the Crown Prince's chorten and nearby villages. We return on a different route through the village to Sonagasa (the King’s winter residence) and through to Punakha Dzong, following the Mo chu river. We take a quite a bit of time to explore the beautiful Dzong and then we drive back to our hotel.Overnight in Punatsangchu Cottages.

Day 08:Chimi Lakhang Hike and explorations of Wangduephodrang Town and Dzong and drive to Trongsa

After breakfast, we check out hotel. Before, we head out to the east, we take short hike through the villages and paddy fields to the legendary Chimi Lakhang-also known as the ‘temple of fertility’. Our next stop would be the the majestic Wangduephodrang Dzong. We visit the Dzong and Wangdue market and then continue our journey road to east, through ever changing vegetation as road gradually winds its way up towards the Pele La Pass at 11,152ft. On a clear day, views of the valleys and mountains, including Mt. Chomolhari can be seen from here. After making several stops en-route for pictures, we arrive in time for lunch at the town of Trongsa. After some rest, browse the town of Trongsa.Overnight in Yangkhil Resort (The only A class property in Trongsa)

Day 09: Drive from Trongsa to Bumthang

In the morning, we visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and also visit Ta Dzong- the watch tower which was built to defend Trongsa Dzong and the surrounding region.
The journey continues over the Yotong La 11,234 ft and descends eventually into the valley of Chumey, the first of four Bumthang valleys. Here, we will visit the Palace used primarily by the second King as his summer residence, and hike for about 15 minutes that brings us to the Prakar monastery, followed by visit to Yathra Weaving Centers (a Colourful wool weaving). Then we’ll drive onto the Jakar the centre of Bumthang valleys.Overnight in Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 10:Walking tour of Bumthang Valley

After breakfast, we start walk from the hotel to Jambay Lhakang and continue to Kurjey Lhakang. After Kurjey, you will cross the suspension bridge over to Tamshing Lhakang. We continue walking to the Swiss Farm and then on to the main town area. We meet our transport at this point and we drive to visit other sights in and around Jakar; which may include homeopathic hospital, the cheese factory, the castle of the 'White Bird', perhaps one or two local temples and a walk around to visit woodcraft workshop, dying workshop, and the five water wheels behind Wangdicholing Old Palace.Overnight in Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 11:Excursion to Ura Valley

In the morning, we will ride for about 1 hour to Ura Valley. In Ura, we will visit a monastery and a few houses of Ura community. Enjoy picnic lunch in Ura and drive back to Jakar. On the way back visit ‘Membartso’ (the flaming pool) of Pemalingpa. Pemalingpa (1450-1521) was one of the five great tertons (treasure discoverers) of Nyingma Buddhism. The artefacts he found and the dances he composed are all important parts of Bhutan’s heritage.Overnight in Mountain Lodge or similar.

Day 12:Drive back to Wangdue Phodrang

From the township of Jakar, we first climb out of the Bumthang valleys on the twisting mountain road towards the Yotong La (11,000ft/3,353m). Near the pass is an area of wild cane-bamboos that is a well-known habitat for Red Panda. The road then descends to Tongsa and continues over the Pele La (11,000ft/3,353m) and eventually to Wangdue Phodrang. Overnight in Punatsangchu or Dragon's Nest (A class).

Day 13:Drive back to Paro

We make a short stop in Dochu La pass again to view the Eastern Himalayas and for some refreshment drinks. At Paro, we will participate in a special private prayer ceremony with Buddhist monks. There will be an opportunity to meet and receive some teachings from a Lama or a senior Buddhist monk. Later in the evening, we will experience a Traditional Hot Stone Bath.Overnight in Ugyen Phendyeling Resort.

Day 14:Depart Paro

After breakfast, transfer to airport for your flight to next destination.

Trip Info

Cost Includes

Accommodation on twin sharing
All transfers and sightseeing as on itinerary
Three meals a day
English speaking local Tour Guide
Sightseeing admission fee
Bhutan visa fee

Cost Does Not Include

Internal and international airfare. Internal airfare has been separately quoted
Expenses of personal nature such as drinks, tip, laundry, phone etc.
Extra expenses or loss due to nature and unforeseen events such as flight cancellation, inclement weather, illness, accident, civil unrest etc.
Travel Insurance

Trip Difficulty Level, Road and Transport

This trip has been designed for hiking enthusiasts who want to travel to the areas away from the motor vehicle tracks and explore the areas less traveled by foreign foot. While we use motor vehicle for city visit and transfer from one town to other, we have some of the finest walking and hiking with the base in the towns. All the walks and hikes can be done at our own pace, interacting with the locals and catching the beautiful scenery into your camera and visiting local homes with unique Bhutanese architecture. Hikes can be 2-4 hours long and sometime a bit longer. We not necessarily need any previous hiking or trekking experience to take up this trip. Hiking trails are often the traditional path of Bhutanese locals and pilgrims and at times it can be steep.

We do not attain any significant altitude in this trip and so we can stay worry free about altitude related sickness. For the driving part, we just have to keep in mind that not all parts of the road are paved. At times, it can be dusty and bumpy. Roads are often carved out of the steep hills and follows river bank and sometime they can be temporarily blocked due to erosion or landslide. Daily driving distance is not that big but as the roads are narrow with frequent zigzags, it consumes a lot of time. In average, we drive 4-5 hrs daily. Some days can be shorter. Depending on group size, we provide Japanese or Korean made Sedan car, SUV, or Micro bus for all transfers and tours.

Anyone with regular health conditions can take up this trip. Although no hiking or trekking experiences is required, its advisable that you should start some jogging, cycling, swimming etc several weeks ahead of the time to keep yourself fit.

Accommodations

For the most part of the trip, unless we have chosen other alternatives, we will be staying in moderate to the best available accommodations which are in general small hotel with room numbers ranging 10-20. No rooms may be similar to another and so there may be disparity in the rooms. You may get a better room than others or vice versa. We do not expect our hotel to have a gift shop for "sundry" items. Remember, outside Thimphu and Paro, “best available" may be very basic. In certain areas there may or may not be hot water (or any water, for that matter). We have to be prepared to adjust our normal routine and mentally be OK with things that may not work or be available when we want them to. During festival period, there will be huge demand of accommodations and suggested hotels may be already booked up and we may have to adjust you in alternative hotels and your cooperation in this matter is very much important.

Major Cities like Paro and Thimphu have a couple of international chain resorts with remarkably high price but our trips do not feature them, unless you want those hotels on additional charges.

Meals

Bhutan trip features 3 meals a day and we expect to eat most meals at our hotel, usually served in buffet that includes rice, vegetables, noodles etc. Our guide can arrange some dinner at local restaurants but beware: traditional Bhutanese food always features chilies and the most popular dish is ema datse made with large, green hot chilies in a cheese sauce.

Guides

Our guides are college educated locals, proficient in English and trained and licensed by local tourism authorities. Most importantly they are friendly and committed to deliver the best services.

International and internal airfares:

You will book your international airfare on your own and provide us your flight information. We can also help you find good fares through our air ticket consolidator on your request. We will take care of internal airfares-flight from Bangkok into Paro or on the return from Kathmandu back to Bangkok. If your trip starts from Delhi or Kathmandu, we can book your internal airfare accordingly. All internal airfares are booked locally. Local airport taxes may or may not included in the fare.

Passport and Visa

Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months at the time of travel and there should be enough blank pages for entry and exit seals. Bhutan visa is pre-processed by us and we will get clearance for you before your flight into Bhutan. Your passport gets actual visa seal upon arrival at Paro airport. If your travel starts from India, you should obtain Indian visa beforehand as India does not grant visa on arrival.

Best time for this trip:

This trip can be undertaken throughout the year but definitely October and November are the best months when temperatures are mild, skies are clear and we have clear visibility. The second best season is from March through early May.

Note on Itinerary.

Although we will do our very best to adhere to the itinerary schedule as listed; it is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Booking/Deposit.

When you are certain about traveling to Bhutan, it will be wise to put your reservation in line as early as possible to secure your reservation on the flight to Bhutan as well as room reservation in the preferred hotels. A deposit of US$ 200 on land plus the cost of internal airfares is requested along with booking application and passport photocopies.

Balance Payment.

The balance and final payment is 60 days prior departure. The payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. Payments made within 60 days prior departure may be subject to late fee and are required to make through wire transfer or cashier’s check. Credit card payment attracts additional 3% fee.

Cancellation and refund

Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form. Cancellation fee structure has been listed below.
90 days prior departure: US$ 50 (Administrative Fee)
60-89 day's prior departure: US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever is higher.
45 days to 59 days prior departure: US$ 450 or 50% of the land cost whichever is higher.
30 days to 44 days prior departure: US$ 600 or 75% of the land cost whichever is higher.
Less than 30 days: 100%

Highland Asia Travel

We are an active adventure travel company, based in Minneapolis, USA with destination management offices in Kathmandu, Thimphu and Lhasa. We are BBB acredited business and an active member of American Society of Travel Agents (ASTA). We have set the standard for adventure travel and have a strong reputation for excellence that we do everything we can to maintain. Our managers and guides have more than 15 years of experience in organizing and leading adventure trips in the highlands of Asia. For us travel is not just a business, but a way of life.

Travel Protection Plan

While we plan and do our best to make your trip smooth and seamless, there may be chances of unforeseen events and conditions such as illness, accident, inclement weather, and flight cancellation or missed connection or loss of baggage etc. that may cause interruption or delay or total cancellation of your trip putting your hard earned travel investment in jeopardy. It’s also possible that you may need medical assistance, emergency evacuation or medical transportation when you get ill or involve in an accident when you are traveling in remote areas. Highland Asia’s Tour cost does not cover any of these expenses or losses and so we strongly recommend you that you should protect yourself and your travel investment against those unfavorable conditions.

Trip Dates

This trip does not have any scheduled departure date. Please click on the button below to inquire for a private trip.

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Trip Snapshot

Difficulty LevelModerate: This is moderate trip !
RatingPopular
Destination(s)Bhutan
Highest Altitude3900m/13000ft at Chele La
Group Size2-10 Person
Trip Price
Tour Cost 2011
US$ 3560 (2 pax)
US$ 3180 (3 pax+)
US$ 340 (Single Supplement)

Tour Cost 2012
US$ 3999 (2 pax)
US$ 3599 (3 pax)
US$ 390 (Single Room Suppl)

Additional
US$ 860 (Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok airfare)
Tour cost is subject to change without prior notice.
Trip Start FromParo
Trip Ends atParo
AccommodationHotels