Short hikes around Bhutan

Your friendly tour guide will be eagerly awaiting your arrival with your surname written on a plaque outside the exit doors at Paro International Airport. You will be driven to your hotel to unpack and enjoy a cup of tea then head out for the day. Note: Depending on the time of arrival, certain destinations below may have to be forgone if your arrival time is in the afternoon. This will be discussed during the booking process. We will take a short drive to see the Drukgyel dzong (fortress) with its stunning forest and mountain vistas. This dzong (the name literally translates to ‘the fortress of the victorious Drukpas’) was built after the victory over the Tibetan – Mongols in 1649. Then onto Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which is said to have been built in 7th century by a Tibetan King known as Songtsen Gampo. There is an orange tree in its grounds that quite miraculously perpetually bears fruit. After an early lunch we will visit the national museum known as Ta dzong which houses a fine collection of ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weaponry, and other artefacts. From above the museum, we will take a short 2.5-hour leisurely hike, known as the Zurik trail which is a great acclimatisation hike. The trail leads to a stunning view of Paro dzong, the airport and the whole of Paro valley and township. Our driver will be waiting to pick us up at the end of the airport. In the evening you will enjoy free time to roam around Paro town and begin to feel the magic of the culture and its people. Paro offers good shopping for traditional jewellery and handicrafts and houses a few quaint cafes serving locally roasted coffee. Overnight: Khangkhu resort (L, D)

Today is a whole day hike to one of the most amazing, and holy sites in Bhutan known as Chumphu Ney (sacred site) which is rarely frequented by visitors. Our driver will drop us at the starting point just outside of Paro town. Two tall standing rocks signal the start of the mystical trail, which are considered the entry gate to his holy site. We will follow the river for most of the way which is a gentle hike through stands of ancient trees and past many rocks and caves associated with Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan – a Buddhist Master who first brought Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet sometime in the middle of the 8th century. After reaching the end of the valley, there is a 30 minute steep climb to reach the temple. The temple is particularly notable for its statue of Vajrayogini, also known as Dorji Pagmo, which is believed to be floating. Currently, the statue is enclosed within an iron cage. However, previous visitors have mentioned that they were able to pass a white ceremonial scarf, called kadhar, all the way behind and under the statue. The friendly guard who is usually stationed inside the temple uses a torch to shine light under and behind the statue, demonstrating that it is indeed floating. You can decide for yourself! Overnight: Khangkhu resort (B, L, D)

After breakfast we will begin our journey to the capital of Thimphu. As we follow the Paa Chu (river), we will pass the picturesque Tamchog temple (lhakhang), built in the late 13th century by the great Tibetan saint Drupthob Thangthong Gyalpo. If requested, we can stop long enough to take in the vista and snap a photo or two. Arrive at your hotel in the centre of Thimphu and take your time to unpack and relax. We will drive to the outskirts of Thimphu to a picturesque monastery known as Dechhenprodrang which serves as a monastic school for young monks. You will be able to stroll around and take photos of the small monks before beginning the short hike to Wangduetse temple which was built in 1567 and restored in 1750. We will start our hike from just before the monastic school gate and continue up to the ridge through blue pine, rose shrubs and baby oaks. We will return down a different route to meet our driver. After lunch will make our way to the Buddha Dordenma statue at Kuenselphodrang, which towers over the city of Thimphu. It is the largest sitting statue of the Buddha in the world at a height of well over 50 metres. From here you will be able to view the whole of the Thimphu valley as well as go inside the statue that contains hundreds of smaller replica statues of the outer statue and offer prayers if you wish. We will also visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the 3rd King who passed away in 1972. This is a wonderful place to observe the older devout Buddhist population circumambulating the chorten in their colourful national dress – a great photo opp! After this visit there is ample time to roam around town where there are a multitude of things to do. Wandering around the streets of Thimphu is a fascinating experience. There is a craft market near the magnificent Pemako hotel where you will be able to purchase local handicrafts at a reasonable price. Numerous handicraft shops are also scattered throughout the town. For a nice cup of coffee, we recommend Ambient café which is located near the only traffic light in the whole of Bhutan which is manually operated by a traffic policeman with white gloves. There are also a handful of shops selling the traditional attire which your guide will be more than happy to take you to. You may also wish to visit the main post office which offers for sale a wide array of stamps for the avid philatelist or visit the vegetable market to observe the hustle and bustle. Overnight: The Willows hotel (B, L, D)

Today we will make our way to the pass called Dochu La on the outer rim of the Thimphu region from where we will begin our hike. The prayer flag lined path climbs gradually through old growth rhododendron forests which boasts spectacular blooms in the months of April to May. After a 1.5 – 2 hour walk we will reach Lungchutse temple where on a clear day the view across the Himalayan ranges is spectacular – one of the best views in Thimphu – if not the whole of Bhutan! On our descent we will take the left fork which slowly descends through spruce, rhododendron, hemlock, and juniper interspersed with blue pine and oak trees all the way down to Trashigang goempa. Before reaching the goempa there are a series of small huts, these are meditation huts for 3-year retreatants, so silence needs to be observed. Our driver will be waiting to pick us up in the goempa carpark from where we will head back to the hotel. Free time to roam around Thimphu. Overnight: The Willows hotel (B, L, D)

Dodeydrak monastery is built on the side of a mountain in a hidden in a valley above Thimphu town. It is a beautiful half day hike which is around 2 hours walk from the drop off point and feels more like a rural, off the beaten track vibe. It was built in the 12th century and now serves as a monastic school for higher studies. After this visit there is ample time to roam around town where there are a multitude of things to do. You could visit the Textile Museum where you will be able to learn about the history of Bhutanese textiles. The museum was established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty, the Queen Mother, Sangay Choden Wangchuck. Another option is a visit to the Zorig Chusum, the school of arts and crafts where you will be able to observe the students engaging in the 13 artistic skills or if arts is not your thing, you can visit the 12th century Changangkha temple and Zilukha nunnery and even the Takin preservation centre, the national animal of Bhutan. Our guide will be on hand to help you. At 4:30 pm we will regroup to visit the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body of Bhutan known as Tashichho Dzong, which is also the seat of the government of Bhutan and houses His Majesty’s office. Overnight: The Willows hotel (B, L, D)

Today is a more relaxed, sightseeing day. Enroute to Punakha we will pass Semtokha dzong built by the founding father of Bhutan, Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, in 1629. We will continue ascending to Dochu La (pass) to view the 108 stupas commissioned by the Queen mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck, as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a conflict in late 2002 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutanese – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas. Before arriving in Punakha, we will stop at Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery built by Ngawang Choegyel in honor of Lama Drukpa Kuenley (also known as the divine madman due to his enlightened though unusual behaviours). It’s an easy 20-minute picturesque stroll through a traditional village and across rice paddy fields. Lunch at Nobgang B & B restaurant (12:30 – 2:30pm) After lunch we will visit the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body known as Punakha dzong. This dzong was also built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel (in 1637) and was where he established his formal way of governing the land, known as the dual system of governance. Punakha dzong is one of the most breathtaking dzongs in Bhutan, situated at the confluence of two rivers. It is the second largest dzong in Bhutan after Trongsa dzong. We will enter inside the dzong as well as have time to stroll around the picturesque grounds. We will also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong – a favourite amongst visitors. Overnight: Zhingkham resort (B, L, D)

First thing after breakfast, we will head to the upper Punakha valley to walk through lush paddy fields to the beautiful temple known as Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang. The leisurely walk to the temple will take around an hour. From there you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the lush green valley and meandering river. Then we will head eastward to the Gangtey valley. The Gangtey valley is a broad glacial valley located in the central region of Bhutan, which is often referred to as the Phobjikha valley, and is one of the most beautiful destinations within the kingdom. The valley is home to the winter home of the black-necked cranes that arrive annually from the Tibetan plateau in late October and depart in mid-February. The locals believe that the arrival of these cranes bring with them a good harvest and blessings for the entire valley. During our stay in this sacred valley, we will be visiting the magnificent Gangtey monastery which was built in the 17th century and is home to the revered Nyingma Buddhist master, Gangtey tulku. We will wander around the grounds, meet with the monks, and take in the stunning views of the Phobjikha valley from the monastery. In the afternoon we will go on a relaxed 2.5-hour hike along the Gangtey nature trail. Overnight: Local farmhouse (B, L, D)

After breakfast we will make a visit to the crane information centre to learn more about these beautiful birds and the natural environment. We then head off on our journey back to Paro. If we are lucky, we will come across the grey langur, one of several species of primates found in Bhutan. The Bhutanese believe that seeing one is a very auspicious sign. On the way we will stop briefly at the Royal Botanical gardens at Lampelri. After arriving in Paro and resting for a while at our quaint homestay, we will drive to nearby Kyichu Lhakhang on the outskirts of Paro town which is one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit. At the homestay you will be able to enjoy the famous hot stone bath and the local hospitality of our hosts who will serve up a sumptuous Bhutanese dinner. Overnight: Kichu homestay (B, L, D)

Today will drive to the pass between the Paro and Haa valleys which is at an altitude of 4000 metres. From this windswept location you will be able to experience stunning views of the Himalayas and the Haa valley. From the drop off point we will hike to a sky burial site. In Bhutan the method of sky burial is used for children under the age of 8 years old as per the local Buddhist customs they should not be cremated. Once reaching the site we will descend to Kila nunnery where you will be able to mingle with the nuns. Our driver will be waiting for us at Kila nunnery from where we will drive to Dzongdrakha Lhakhang which is a short walk from the roadside. The Lhakhang’s location is stunning and is known as the second Taktsang as it is also built into the cliff face. Overnight: Khangkhu resort (B, L, D)

The Bumdra hike is one of the most spectacular hikes in Bhutan. The hike begins from Sangchoekor Monastery just outside Paro town and is pretty much uphill through a forest with a few flat areas. We will stop for a picnic lunch at Chhoe Tse Lhakang which will be brought down from the campsite by the kitchen hands. The view from this vantage point is stunning with views down to the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountain ranges. Famed as a sacred site, it is believed to be the gathering place of the dakinis - female wisdom beings. The cave inside the monastery is contains the footprints of a 1000 dakinis. During the hike we will take a break at Chhoe Tse Lhakhang which is a little over halfway to the Bumdra campsite. The campsite’s kitchen staff will bring down our picnic lunch from where you’ll be able to recharge and be captivated by the panoramic view of the Paro valley and lofty Himalayan peaks. From here it’s up again until the ground levels off, signifying that we are approaching the wide-open plains of Bumdra (3800m). As we arrive, the camping staff will welcome us with warm towels to rejuvenate. We,'' take time to unwind in the comfortable lounge chairs and immerse ourselves in the breathtaking scenery. After some rest and a cup of tea, there will be an opportunity for the adventurous ones to hike up further to the sky burial sites. If you plan to go to both sites, it’s around a 3 hour round trip, so be prepared with wet weather gear and warm clothes as mountain weather can be very changeable. We’ll enjoy a delicious dinner in the dining area before retiring to our tents, fitted out with a comfortable double bed, hot water bottle, towels, and bedside table. Overnight: Bumdra glamping site (B, L, D)

(Note: we recommend hiking poles for those with weak knees) Before we make the exhilarating descent to Taktsang monastery, we will visit the Bumdra temple which is said to be built around a cave containing one thousand dakini footprints. The trail down to Taktsang monastery takes around 2 hours and zig zags through ancient pine and rhododendron forests. On the way we will come across a few monasteries, firstly Zangtopelri Lhakhang with its stunning views down the valley, then a three-year retreat centre known as Yoselgang and finally a small Lhakhang built into a cliff face after we descent a precarious metal staircase. By now Taktsang monastery is below us and it never fails to take visitors breaths away. We will go inside the monastery and visit the various temples but be prepared for many stairs. As we continue our journey, Taktsang monastery will slowly begin to emerge amongst the foliage which is a sight that never fails to take one’s breath away. Once we reach the monastery, get ready to enter and explore the various chapels. Just a heads up, there will be quite a few stairs to manoeuvre so be prepared for a little workout. All out hard work will be rewarded as we stop halfway down the mountain at the Taktsang café for lunch. Here we can relax and enjoy the stunning panoramic view of Taktsang. Our driver will be waiting in the carpark to take us back to the hotel where you can unwind and wander around the town for last minute shopping. Overnight: Khangkhu resort (B, L, D)

Free time to relax this morning before we leave for the airport and onward flights. In Bhutan we never say goodbye as we always believe we will have the good fortune of meeting again. So, from the team at Touch Bhutan Travel, we sincerely hope you enjoyed travelling with us. Take care until next time. (B)