Bhutan Tour with Day hikes -6 days

Fly on the wings of Dragon to international airport in Paro, Bhutan. On a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalaya are sensational, including Everest (if you are flying from Delhi and Kathmandu), but particularly exciting is the approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro. On arrival in Paro, you will be received by the Heavenly Bhutan team and transferred to your hotel by private vehicle. Depending on your arrival time, we will proceed for Paro sightseeing, which includes a visit to Paro Dzong-built in 17th century and KichuLhakhang 8th century old temple. Evening stroll old Park Town and peep into some local handicraft stores or we will provide the options to enjoy other activities while in Paro. We will enjoy outdoor activities like playing archery, khuru (dart) and wearing Bhutan national dress. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200 m/7,220 ft.

After our delicious breakfast, we will hike to Taktsang Monastery or often called Tiger Nest Temple is built around a cave in which Guru Rimpoche (also known as Guru Padmasambhava) meditated. The eighth century old monastery is perched on a rock overlooking a sheer drop and clings impossibly to a cliff of rock at 900m above the valley floor. For entire Buddhist around the world, it is a place of pilgrimage but for a tourist; it is one of the must visit place before we die. The hike is almost 2 hours walk, uphill at 30 to 40 degrees, inclined for an average hiker. However, we might take a full day depending on your pace. First of half of the hike which we pull, up to cafeteria feels never ending however from the half point because of magical structure right inform us, we are all energized to push further and you actually feel very near, at the end of you are done and filled with overjoyed. Because of the happiness of making on the top, we actually walk down so fast, we don’t feel it’s actually that long. Later we will drive to Thimphu.We will also stop over at Chuzom meeting point of two rivers, Thimphu and Paro, before emerging ourselves into the modern city of Bhutan-Thimphu. In the evening, we will explore the city by walking or visit TashichhoDzong, which houses the throne room of His Majesty the King. Overnight in Thimphu, altitude 2334 meters.

Morning after our delicious breakfast, we will drive past by Memorial Chorten built in memory of the 3rd King. Visit Buddha’s viewpoint, ChangangkhaLhakhang, the oldest temple in the valley. Visit weekend market (Thu-Sun). Vegetable vendors from different pockets of the country come to sell their products. Further, we will witness ongoing live archery matches in Changlimithang. Later we will drive to the place where national animal, Takin are kept. If time permits, we will take an awesome Wangditse hike overlooking entire Thimphu valley. Overnight in Thimphu.

After the breakfast, drive to Punakha over the most beautiful Dochula pass 3150m. Candle like 108 DrukWangyelChortens built over the pass gives an amazing photo stop. On a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the highest mountains of Bhutan at a sight that stretches almost 180 degrees. At Dochula, we will do Lungchutse hike. This is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in Bhutan. It can be done as a loop starting from Dochula to Lungchutse gomba. At Lungchutse one can enjoy 360° view of the Himalayan mountain range. You will start your hike from the large Chorten in the middle of Dochula, the pass between Thimphu and Punakha at 3140 meters (10300 feet) above sea level. From here the trail slowly climbs a ridge through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons until reaching an open meadow. Again, you will enter the forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. A small trail leads you the last 50 meters past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to the Lungchutse temple. On clear days, the view from the temple is fantastic! You will have a 360° view of the Himalayas including views of Jumolhari (7314 m / 24000 f), Masang Gang near Laya (7158 m / 23500 f), Zongophu Gang–a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana (7060 m / 23160 f) and GangkharPuensum, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world (7497 m / 24600 f). You can also see GasaDzong, as a tiny white speck in a sea of green almost 50 kilometers to the north. Distance Approx: 2.6KM, Time: 2 hours, 15 mins each, unless if you want to do both hikes, Elevation: 3550m. After the break, continue scenic downhill drive. Visit the most beautiful Punakha Dzong, showcase the finest example of the arts and crafts of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge over Male River, said to be the longest of its kind in Bhutan. Join the nuns for evening prayer at SangchhenDorjiLhuendrup nunnery, which ends the day. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350 m/2130 ft.

After our breakfast, retrace the drive back to Paro via Dochula and Thimphu. En route, we will hike to Khamsum YulayNamgyalChorten, which will take about 45 mins to reach on the top.In Paro, visit 17th century Paro Dzong and Ta Dzong unique national museum having a masterpiece of various collections. Visit 8th century KyichuLhakhang and enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery at HBT outdoor center. The hike offers excellent views of the valley include tiny airport. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200 m/7,220 ft.

After breakfast, you will depart to the airport with lots of memory of this beautiful Bhutan and its warmth approached to you. Our guide will drop off you at the airport about 3 hours before your flight.