Luxury Bhutan Hike (Buddhist Culture, Himalayan Peaks & Tiger’s Nest) 8D7N, Fully Guided

Level 1, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 1-2 hours walking, Elevation gain: 152 m (500 ft)

Today, you will meet your tour leaders at 4 am in the lobby of the Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel, located at Moo 1 Nongprue Bang Phli in Bangkok, Thailand.

Bhutanese airlines often make schedule changes, so we will contact you by email concerning the exact meeting time approximately 30 days before the trip. Your tour leaders will accompany you to the check-in counter in Bangkok’s International airport and onto the 4-hour flight to Paro Bhutan. Please arrive dressed in your hiking clothes and bring your luggage with a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s hike.

After meeting, your trip leaders escort you to the ticket counter at Bangkok International Airport for the flight to Paro, Bhutan, where our journey begins. When we land, we meet our Bhutanese guide and friend for the trip. A lovely host and invaluable resource, our local guide hails from a modest Bhutanese background and gives us a unique insight into the country.

Keep in mind that although Bhutan is a champion of progressive issues such as increased democratisation, wildlife preservation, the Bhutanese live a largely simple, agrarian-based lifestyle. Villages still lack some basic modern services, such as garbage removal, so don’t be shocked when you see debris along the trails. (Please bring your non-biodegradable trash back to the hotel for disposal). Bhutan may not have adequate modern facilities but it is abundant with friendly people who are happy to talk to travellers about their nation’s rich heritage and natural wonders.

After a quick shuttle ride, head out on foot along a dirt road towards the stunning DzongDrakha cliff side temple complex. Take your time and wander through the temples set high above the valley here. With few tourists here, the landscape engulfs you and portals you back in time. Take a steep but short descent that leads to a chorten (religious monument), where we will savour lunch. Afterwards, we meander to the valley below and trace a stream bordered by forests, rice fields and hamlets.

This afternoon, we shuttle back to Le Méridien Paro, Riverfront, our upscale retreat for the night set in between the breathtaking Himalayan footprint and Paro Chhu River. Settle into your room and perhaps order a soothing massage for 5-star treatment in this heavenly abode (spa treatments at own expense). Later, we convene for a welcome reception and dinner; a perfect culinary immersion into Bhutanese delights.

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 30 m (400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 6 km (4 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 396 m (1300 ft)

We begin today’s adventures with a shuttle out of Paro Valley along a fascinating route that took seven days to cover on foot prior to its easy accessibility to vehicles several decades ago. We follow the Paro Chhu to its confluence with the Thimphu Chhu. We then continue north along the narrow river valley, past terraced rice field, virgin forests and scattered villages with homes built in the traditional Bhutanese style of flat red roofs and painted woodwork. Our scenic journey leads us over the 3055 metres (10,023 feet) Dochula (la means mountain pass in Bhutanese). If the weather is favourable, drink in awe-inspiring views that stretch over several snowcapped Himalayan peaks including Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak at 7,571 m (24,840 feet).

At Dochula, we stop for tea and then continue to the trailhead to Thinleygang. Head along the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, an important pilgrimage and trade route that has been immaculately restored in recent years. Make your way down through the pine forests, passing rice paddies and over streams on bridges built by locals. The monastic body once used the trail that parallels our route to travel between Thimphu and Punakha. They still spend summers in Thimphu and winters in warmer Punakha, but no longer use the path. We will enter into a semi-tropical zone which you will immediately notice once you drop into Punakha valley. This is the perfect base to explore the surrounding area.

Our home for the next two nights and destination is the opulent Dhensa Boutique Resort. A 4-star hotel built in 2014 and is surrounded by thick pine forests in the heart of the Punakha valley and poised above verdant rice fields and the Punakha River. Relish panoramas of the rice terraces and river from the hillside deck or enjoy a relaxing massage treatment.

Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 427 m (1400 ft)

We start from the hotel this morning and shuttle to one of the region’s most iconic monasteries, Punakha Dzong. Our Bhutanese guide leads us on a tour of the site, situated at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu (Mother and Father Rivers). The 17-th century Dzong has served as the winter capital of Bhutan for more than 300 years and is the site of the annual Punakha Serda festival. The fort hosted the 2008 coronation of the fifth king, celebrations commemorating the country’s transition to democracy, a royal wedding and a celebration of the newborn prince.

After shuttling to Siriang, hike up to the 700-year-old Chorten Nebu (The Old Temple), which serves as a monastic school housing about 40 young monks. Our visit will help us gain insight into traditional Bhutanese life as Chorten Nebu represents monasteries situated far from the main roads. We pause for a packed lunch under an oak tree outside the Chorten, where our guide reveals more about the customs, history and religion of Bhutan. Back on the trail, descend from the ridge into the valley, passing through a small village and by a local school. The children’s curiosity is always piqued by wandering travellers. Make friends with some of them and maybe take some photographs.

Relish the riverside scenery during the shuttle ride back to the hotel, where you can indulge in some relaxation, perhaps a soothing spa session before we rejoin our local guide for a culture and history Q&A session followed by dinner in town. (Spa at own expense).

Level 2, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 2-3 hours walking, Elevation gain: 30 m (400 ft)

After a lovely breakfast this morning, we will shuttle to Po Chhu and begin our hike by crossing a suspension bridge over the river’s brilliant blue water. The trail hugs the hills above the riverbank, passing age-old farm houses and drinking in awe-inspiring vistas of the opposing mountainside, scenery that is reminiscent of ancient Bhutan.

The hike ends a few kilometres upriver at our rafting put-in spot. We navigate small but exciting rapids with the guidance of expert river runners, while immersing in breathtaking views of the Punakha valley and Punakha Dzong. Be on the lookout for some of the brightly coloured birds found in this area including the minivet, red-headed trogon or rare white-bellied heron. We stop on a sandy beach where a mouth-watering lunch awaits.

After rafting, we shuttle to Thimphu, home to just under 100,000 people and perhaps the world’s only capital city without traffic lights. The capital is still gradually progressing towards a more civilised modernization but hasn’t caught up yet.

In Thimphu, we check into our home for the next two nights, the posh 5-star Taj Tashi, displaying the iconic Bhutanese Dzong architectural style and is situated in the heart of town, moments away from Thimphu’s lovely central square. Tonight’s dinner is at your leisure; feel free to visit the hotel’s Chi-ja-gye Restaurant for tasty Bhutanese and Tibetan cuisine or kick back with relaxing room service (included in the trip price). This evening, head to the hotel’s courtyard and enjoy a dance performance by native Bhutanese, complete with traditional costumes.

Level 3, Approx. 8 km (5 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)

Today, after a hearty breakfast, we shuttle past embassies, the parliament building and the royal palace toward the far end of the valley for the start of our hike to Tango Monastery. This monastery was built in 1540 by the Shabdrung, one of Bhutan’s most important historic characters. Wangditse was Thimphu’s first Dzong and although it’s a steep climb, excellent views of the beautiful rural outskirts await us. After descending from the monastery, we enjoy a picnic lunch in a riverside meadow before heading back to Thimphu for lunch in a local restaurant.

Back at Taj Tashi, you can choose to join your tour leaders for a tour of Thimphu, visiting a farmer’s market, an archery ground and Memorial Chorten. You can also opt to go shopping in town, relax in the hotel pool or indulge in a spa treatment (at own expense). Or, go for a chance to golf at one of the world’s most remote courses where you may happen to find a diplomat or two practising their skills. (Golf at own expense).

Tonight, you dine on your own. You can choose to eat at the hotel’s exquisite restaurant or at one of Thimphu's emerging casual restaurants. Either one you choose, a delightful gastronomic endeavour awaits.

Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 274 m (900 ft)

We enjoy a delicious breakfast this morning, after which, our adventure begins with a shuttle followed by a hike to the giant golden Buddha Dordenma statue towering above the Wang Chu, standing at 51 m (169 ft) tall. It is one of the largest Buddha statues in the world and houses a staggering 125,000 smaller figures inside. Watch as the morning sunshine illuminates the gilded exterior and relish the stunning panoramas of the valley below as well.

After visiting the statue, set out climbing a trail recently created for Thimphu residents’ recreation. At the top, as thousands of colourful prayer flags flap in the wind above you, drink in breathtaking views of the giant Buddha down below. Continue on the trail as it makes a short but steep descent and then opens through a charming pine forest that offers aerial views over Thimphu valley. Arrive on foot at a local Thimphu restaurant for a delicious lunch of local specialties.

Relax a bit in the shuttle to Paro, where we stop to explore the town before continuing onto our home for the next two nights, Zhiwa Ling. This charming hotel is built in traditional Bhutanese temple style. Marvel at the intricate designs imprinted at every corner of this haven. A soothing session at the exotic spa may be the perfect afternoon diversion.

In the evening, we shuttle to the nearby village of Nemjo for a special dining experience in a 300-year-old converted farmhouse. We gather around a bonfire in the courtyard to hear stories from our Bhutanese guide and learn about traditional village life. Then we head out inside for a Nepalese hot pot meal complemented by Bhutanese dishes. This night will be unlike anything you’ve experienced this week with lots of great food, storytelling and lively conversation!

TWO HIKING OPTIONS:
Level 3, Approx. 2 km (3 miles), 3-5 hours walking, Elevation gain: 518 m (1700 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 10 km (6 miles), 4-6 hours walking, Elevation gain: 671 m (2200 ft)

Start the day with a shuttle to Taktsang for a hike to one of Bhutan’s most sacred and a pilgrimage destination: The Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Partly damaged by fire in 1998, the cliffside monastery was built on top of the cave where Guru Rinpoche, father of Mahayana Buddhism, meditated for three months after arriving in the Paro valley on the back of a legendary tigress. Locals usually display handicrafts for sale at the start of the hike, evidence of individual enterprise rarely seen until the past few years.

Start by descending, following the trail high above the valley and passing through the forests and by large prayer wheels turned by a stream. Continue hiking up a steep portion of the path to a ridge where prayer flags rustle in the wind. Just beyond, at 2,804 m (9,200 ft), sits the Taktsang Teahouse, where we stop for a hot drink and stunning views of the monastery across the valley. The scene is overly similar to that of a bygone era, only a reminder of technology will make you realise it’s still the 21st century. Once at the monastery, you’ll hear stories about Guru Rinpoche and take time to look around before beginning your descent back to the valley. Here, our shuttle will take us back to the Zhiwa Ling, our home, for lunch.

This afternoon, you have spare time in Paro to explore the breathtaking architecture or meander through the streets to purchase a souvenir at the local shops. You can even try your hand at the ancient sport of archery. Or, if you’d prefer some downtime, pamper yourself with a spa treatment and enjoy some quality relaxation time at the hotel.

Tonight, we celebrate our sojourn with a farewell dinner. You may decide to partake in a nightcap beside the hotel bar’s stone fireplace, or turn in early to get a good night’s sleep before our morning departure.

After breakfast, we drive to Paro airport. Our charming Bhutanese guide joins us for a prayer flag ceremony and we receive a blessing for our journey from a monk before we catch a flight back to Bangkok.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.