Trails of Bhutan

Arrival / Paro - Thimphu

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights.  You will see major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach to Paro, Bhutan’s own snowy peaks of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. 

Upon arrival in Paro, meet your guide and drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas adorn this confluence - Tibetan, Nepalese, and Bhutanese. Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see Tschogang Lhakhang, the Temple of the Excellent Horse. It is a private temple built in the 15th century as the result of visitation from Balaha, the excellent horse and a manifestation of Chenrezig, the compassionate Buddha. Overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu - Gangtey

In the morning, drive to Gangtey (5 hours). En-route visit Dochula Pass and admire the chortens, Mani walls, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road.  If skies are clear, the high Himalayan peaks towards the northeast will be revealed in all their glory. 

In the afternoon take a walk around Gangtey Village and visit Gangtey Gonpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region.  The village of Phobjikha neighbors the monastery on the valley floor. The quiet, remote valley is the winter home of black necked cranes which migrate from the arid plains of Tibet in the north. Evening at leisure and overnight.

Gangtey - Bumthang

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa crosses Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, which was built in 18th century by a Lama named Shida, it is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points.

After lunch in Trongsa, proceed to visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat. 

After sightseeing at Tronga, continue drive to Bumthang across Yutong-la pass (3,400m/ 11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass from Trongsa, then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey Valley. Chumey is particularly known for its famous wool weaving called Bumthang Yathra. Arrive in Bumthang and overnight.

Bumthang - Punakha

Today is an extensive yet spectacular drive across the country. En-route visit Ta Dzong, a recently opened fort in Trongsa. The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five stories, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

Punakha Valley is famous for rice farming where both red and white rice are grown along the river valleys of Pho and Mo Chhu, two of the most prominent rivers in Bhutan. ‘Ritsha’ meaning ‘at the base of a hill’ is a typical village in Punakha. The village houses are made of pounded mud with stone foundations. The gardens also usually have fruit bearing plants like oranges and papaya among the organic vegetables. In the recent years, the farming work is mechanized and power-tillers instead of bullocks are used to plough the fields and villagers have become relatively prosperous.

Your evening can be spent exploring Punakha Village on the riverbank where the villagers may invite you for yak-butter tea or chili pancakes. Overnight.

Punakha - Haa Valley

After breakfast, drive to Haa Valley descending back down from Dochu La before crossing through Paro Town towards the north end of the valley. En-route visit Kila Gompa Monastery. Established as a meditation site in the 9^th century, it is considered the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. Approximately 50 nuns pursue a higher Buddhist college studies in buildings pressed dramatically against the cliffs. This is combined with a scenic hike from Cheli La, the highest drivable road in Bhutan, passing numerous chortens and prayer flags. You will also have the option to purchase prayer flags and place them on the hillside.

The Haa Valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. Adjoining the districts of Paro, Chhukha and Samtse, Haa Valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom. During the pre-Buddhist era, Haa Valley was known for its animist tradition. Inhabitants then were enthused in offering animal blood to their local deities.  The tantric master, Guru Padma Sambhava, subdued the local deities like Ap Chundu and made the guardians of the Buddhist tradition. However, the traces of this belief system are still noticed in the form of festivals and rituals. Overnight.

Paro

In the morning, hike to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang Monastery is also known as Tiger’s Nest.  It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery.  The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory. Trek back to the vehicle and drive to Paro.

*Please allow a minimum of five hours for the roundtrip hike. Horses are available until the halfway point only.

Enjoy your final afternoon at leisure for relaxation, exploration, or contemplation. We find that our travelers often enjoy this time of reflection with no planned activities. Overnight in Paro