Walking Tours
Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted and transferred to Thimphu. Thimphu is the Capital of Bhutan and the centre of Government, Religion and Commerce. It is a unique city with an unusual mix of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Although, not what one would expect from a Capital City, Thimphu is still a fitting and lively place. Home to civil servants, expatriates and a large number of Monks, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Upon arrival at the hotel, check-in and enjoy some free time to relax. Later, we depart on a short sightseeing tour to the National Memorial Chorten. This Stupa was built in the memory of Bhutan's 3rd King, His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of Modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Afterwards, enjoy an exploratory walk around Thimphu's Main Street and the Market area. Meals: Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy a sightseeing tour of the Thimphu Valley including visits to the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, the Institute for Zorig Chusum, which is commonly known as the Painting School where students undergo a 6 year training course in Bhutan's 13 traditional arts and crafts. Next, we visit Changangkha Lhakhang, a Fortress like Temple and Monastic School perched high up on a ridge above Thimphu, South of Motithang. The Temple was established in the 12th Century on a site chosen by Lama Phajo Drugom Shigpo, who came from Tibet. Our next stop for the day will be to the Textile Museum. The Museum is worth a visit to experience the living National Art of Weaving. Exhibitions introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men. The Folk Heritage Museum is dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk Heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese Rural Life. Later this afternoon, we visit the Trashichhoedzong, 'Fortress of the Glorious Religion'. This is the Centre of Government and Religion and the site of the Monarch's Throne Room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641, by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960's in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
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After breakfast, enjoy a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3,080 metres) towards the Phobjikha Valley, passing through dense forests as well as Oak and Rhododendron tress. The journey continues over the 3,050 metre Mountain Pass where, on a clear day, the towering Himalayan peaks are clearly visible. The highway follows the scenic Dang Chhu before climbing through forests of Bamboo and Oak. We take a short stroll around the Mountain Pass, enjoying impressive glistening peaks in the Eastern Himalaya Range. On a clear day the views of the Himalayas to the North are tremendous including Gangkar Punsum with the highest unclimbed peak (over 24,000 feet) in the world. Upon arrival in Gangtey, check-in at the hotel. Phobjikha Valley 'Gangtey' is the most stunning area in the country. After a hard climb through dense forest, this wide flat valley without any trees is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan. In contrast to some parts of Bhutan where modern development is already very apparent, the Phobjikha Valley is a place of natural beauty, untouched scenery, local traditions and culture as well as an unconstrained peacefulness. Unlike the rest of Bhutan where you walk from one stunning view point to the next, in Phobjikha Valley you will be able to enjoy constant breathtaking views wherever you venture. This evening, is free to explore nature or simply relax. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast at the hotel, we set out on a days' hike toward the Southeast, through the vegetation of dwarf Bamboos that adorn the Phobjikha Valley and where the rare species of the Black Necked Cranes reside during winter, from the beginning of November until mid-March. After an hour of easy hiking, we reach the small settlement of Kilkhorthang Village. After a short rest to enjoy the dramatic landscape of the valley, we continue towards Tangjey through vegetable fields and orchards. Tangjey Lhakhang Temple is dedicated to Lord Buddha and its local protective deity Yeshi Gempo. The original foundation of the Temple dates back to 1517 – 1554. After our visit to the Temple, we head back to the hotel, crossing a wooden bridge over the crystal clear river. After some rest, we will visit the Black Neck Crane Information Centre. Situated on the edge of the forest and wetlands, along the main road of the Phobjikha Valley, the information centre has an observation room equipped with a high power telescope and spotting scopes for catching the best view of the Cranes. The centre also offers displays with information that outlines the natural and cultural history of the area. After our visit, we drive back to the hotel for your overnight stay. Interested guests can choose to walk back to the hotel, which is approx. a 30 minute walk. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we check-out of the hotel before we begin the drive uphill to visit the Gangtey Gompa. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa Monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain's and also the biggest Nyingmapa Monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village, inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery. From Gangtey Gompa, we enjoy a short walk towards the Gangtey Village with a walk through the Bazaar. Later, we continue the drive to Punakha. Upon arrival in Punakha, we will transfer to the hotel for check-in. After lunch, enjoy an excursion to Chimi Lhakhang that takes us via road before walking through the paddy fields and villages. The Chimi Lhakhang Temple is situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley that is also known as the Temple of Fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children but are wanting to have one, pray at this Temple and are usually blessed with a child very soon after. The trail then leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning 'Field'. A walk through the village near the Temple will give you a rare glimpse into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chhorten. This beautiful hike leads us to the Regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the Upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond. The hike will take approximately 1 Hour to travel there and then another 45 minutes to return. After lunch, we enjoy a visit of Punakha including Punakha Dzong. This was strategically built at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers in 1637, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan's history due to it being damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King. Afterwards, we visit a traditional Bhutanese Farmhouse, which offers good insight into the lifestyle of local people, where you can also enjoy a cup of tea with the locals. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we drive to Paro. Standing tall at an altitude of 2,200 metres above sea level, the verdant Valley of Paro encompasses a rich culture, scenic beauty and several myths and legends. Home to a number of Bhutan's oldest Temples and Monasteries, Paro also houses the sole International Airport in the country. The snow clad peaks of Chomolhari Mountain reign supreme at the Northern end of the Valley, while its icy waters plunge through deep gorges to form the Pa Chhu or Paro River. Upon arrival in Paro, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Later, enjoy a tour of Paro including Ta Dzong, the National Museum of the Kingdom. Originally built as a Watch Tower in 1967, it now serves as the National Museum of the country and holds a fascinating collection of Art, Artefacts, Thangkha Paintings and Bhutan's exquisite Postage Stamps. Afterwards, we walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first Spiritual and Temporal ruler of Bhutan. The Dzong houses the Monastic Body of Paro, the Office of the Dzongda 'District Administrative Head' and Thrimpon 'Judge' of Paro District. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, enjoy an excursion to Chele la Pass. Chele la Pass is considered one of the highest passes in Bhutan. It stands at 3988 metres above sea level and is located about an hour from Paro, on a densely forested road that is very narrow and has many sharp bends. This pass is a Botanical paradise and offers breathtaking views of the sacred Chomolhari and Jichu Drake Mountains. It is also characterised by hundreds of Prayer flags fluttering in the wind. Here, visitors can see cascades of Wild Roses, purple and yellow Primroses and swathes of deep blue Iris that cover the forest floor. Enjoy a hike to Kila Goemba. This Monastery is home to Buddhist Nuns who have dedicated their lives to spiritual fulfillment and lead an undisturbed life of religious study, prayers and meditation. This Gompa is located in a rugged area on a mountainside below Chele la Pass, perched precariously along the cliff face. From Chele la Pass, you can reach the Lhakhang after a walk of around an hour through the middle of a beautiful forest area. After the hike, we enjoy a Bhutanese Dress Wearing Session. The National Dress of Bhutan is one of the most distinctive and visible aspects of the Dragon Kingdom's unique character. Men wear Gho, a long robe similar to a Tibetan Chhuba, that is raised to the knee, folded backwards and then tied around the waist by a Kera 'Belt'. While women wear an ankle length robe called Kira. The Bhutanese textile is made from fine, hand-woven or milled fabric with colourful and distinctive patterns. Afterwards, we drive North of Paro Valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dozng. From this Fort, the Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan Armies. Explore the Ka Ja Throm, previously known as the Centenary Farmers Market (CFM), where leisure, culture, knowledge, employment and tourism economies converge. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we embark on an excursion to the Taktshang Monastery or Tiger's Nest (approx. 5 Hour round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's Monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff at 900 metres above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a Tigress and meditated at this Monastery, which is why it is called 'Tiger's Nest'. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. We then enjoy lunch at a Taktshang cafeteria. After lunch, we return to the starting point of our walk before being transferred back to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Paro Airport for your onward journey. Meals: Breakfast
Tour Prices are per person twin share in Australian Dollars. Conditions apply and group tours are subject to change and availability. Prices are subject to currency fluctuations. (iat)
