Bhutan Walks

Because of its deliberate pace, walkers of all fitness levels can enjoy it. This slow pace facilitates a deeper connection with the rural environment and offers insights into the everyday life of the Bhutanese people. Savor the peace that envelops you as you walk the trail, breathe in the clean mountain air, and admire the beauty of nature. The trip becomes a spiritual and cultural exploration in addition to a physical experience. Once the panoramic walk is complete, head back to the lodge for a peaceful night’s sleep. Consider the day’s events and the insightful understandings of Bhutan’s traditional way of life that you have obtained.

These days, the hike is often referred to as the Planters Trail. During the paddy cultivation season, farmers from Haa used to travel along this same trail to reach Paro. Since rice could not be grown in the great altitude of the Haa valley, they would get payment in kind—rice—for their labor. Drive to the village of Thaklung to start your hike after an early breakfast. Hike across meadows where yaks graze and progressively climb through pathways through pristine alpine forests that used to connect the Haa and Paro valleys. Enjoy the expansive vistas of Sagala Pass, which include views of Jichu Drake (6989 meters) and Mt. Jumolhari (7315 meters). After a quick lunch break, start your about two-hour descent and arrive at our campsite Chhoeduephu (2865m).

Set out on an all-day adventure to the camp of yak herders at 3,560 meters. Trek through hemlock, rhododendron, spruce, and fir forests until you arrive at the camp of the yak herders. In the splendor of nature, savor a picnic lunch and breath-taking views of the mountains. Return via a different route that provides views of the Paro valley and the famous Tiger’s Nest. Before dinner, treat yourself to a traditional stone bath made with mineral-rich mountain water.

Walk through a peaceful pine forest for 1.5 hours after breakfast till you reach the road where your car is waiting for you. A morning stroll not only gives us a revitalizing start to the day, but it also gives us a chance to take in the beauty of nature that surrounds us.
After the peaceful stroll, take an approximately hour-long drive to Thimphu, the country’s capital, and visit the bustling Centenary Farmers’ Market, where the air is filled with bright colors and the sounds of everyday life. We can interact with the local way of life and observe the interchange of handmade goods and fresh produce here. Take a quick tour of the majestic Tashichho Dzong in the afternoon. Like many dzongs in Bhutan, this fortress-style building contains both the The government administrative offices as well as the monastic body. Notably, the office of the King of Bhutan is also located on the premises, giving our visit a hint of royal significance.

Visit the Buddha Point first thing in the morning. The enormous, 54-meter-tall Dordenma Buddha Shakyamuni statue represents happiness and peace for all sentient beings. Proceed to the Punakha valley and the Dochula Pass (3140 meters) from this point. Take a little coffee break at the pass to take in the breathtaking views of the 108 chortens (stupas) and the expansive Himalayas. Ascend via a variety of woodlands to the warmer Punakha Valley. a quick diversion to see the striking Wangduephodrang Dzong, constructed in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal about concurrently with the Punakha Dzong. According to history, this Dzong was constructed in order to carry out the prophecy of national unification. Additionally, The Dzong serves as evidence of the people’s tenacity since it was constructed and reconstructed four times after being damaged by fire and earthquakes. Travel for about 30 minutes to spend the night in Punakha.

Take a breathtaking journey to Paro and make a stop at the striking Punakha Dzong, which is located where the Mo and Pho rivers converge. In terms of size and age, the Dzong is the second oldest in the nation. Constructed in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it is even more valuable because it contains the relics of both the Zhabdrung and Terton Pema Lingpa, a highly esteemed religious leader. The country’s capital, Punakha, served as such until 1954. Visit the well-known Chimi Lhakhang, the Temple of the “Divine Madman,” which Ngawang Choegyel constructed. Foreign visitors regard to this temple as the “Fertility Temple.” The trip back to Paro should include a stop at this site. It is said that after receiving blessings here, infertile couples became pregnant. Arrive in Paro after three hours of driving, with brief stops on route, and spend the night at Nemjo Heritage Lodge, a tastefully furnished farm house with all the amenities of a hotel.

Best for last, of course! The Taktsang Monastery, commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, is one of the 13 Tiger Nest caves in historic Tibet where Guru Padmashambava practiced and preached Vajrayana Buddhism. It was constructed in 1692 by the then-ruler Gyalsey Tenzin Rabgye. Perched at an elevation of 3120 meters, the monastery presents a breathtaking panorama over the Paro valley. Depending on one’s degree of fitness, the trek expedition can take three to five hours. It is imperative to visit the most ancient, picturesque, and charming Kichu on the way back.Among the 108 temples constructed in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gempo, the Lhakhang is home to some of the most exquisite statues of Chenrigzi and Shakyamuni.
Finish the tour of the nation with a goodbye meal and an evening cultural program.