Walk Where Faith Meets Village Life

During the flight to Bhutan, you may enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit the National Museum, housed in the historic Ta Dzong, followed by a visit to Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now serving as an important centre for government offices and religious institutions. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll through Paro town and explore its traditional streets and local shops. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, drive from Paro to Haa Valley across Chele La Pass at 3,988 metres, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes. The pass is covered with colourful prayer flags and offers spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari and other Himalayan peaks on a clear day. From Chele La, begin a scenic ridge hike towards Kung Karpo La, walking through high-altitude landscapes with mountain views and prayer flags. After the hike, return to Chele La and continue the drive to Haa Valley through forests of blue pine, fir and oak. In the afternoon, visit Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple), followed by a visit to a traditional farmhouse. Enjoy a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and taste local Bhutanese cuisine. Overnight at a traditional farmhouse in Haa.

After breakfast, drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan, passing through small villages and pine forests. Along the way, you may stop at a traditional farmhouse and meet local families. Locals will be happy to welcome you into their homes for a cup of tea and give you a glimpse of everyday village life. Continue your drive to Thimphu. Later in the afternoon, visit the Buddha Dordenma Statue, one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. The three-storey throne houses temples on each floor. Continue to the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan, followed by a visit to the National Post Office, where you can personalize your own postage stamp. Later, visit Tashichhodzong, the impressive fortress-monastery that serves as the seat of the government and the central monastic administration. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Today, drive towards Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. From Dochula, begin a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail, known as the Divine Madman Trail. The trail passes through rhododendron forests and mountain vegetation before gradually descending towards the valley. Along the way, you will walk through quiet countryside and traditional villages, experiencing a different side of Bhutan away from the main roads. The trail is associated with Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman, who is believed to have travelled through this region from Tibet while spreading Buddhism and subduing evil spirits. After a lunch stop in the beautiful village of Lumitsawa, continue walking through the countryside until you reach Thinleygang Lhakhang. From here, you will be picked up and driven to Punakha. If time permits, visit Metsina Village and walk through the surrounding rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Today, experience another scenic section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. Drive to Sew Drangsa, also known as the Lunch Point, where you will begin your walk towards Punakha. The trail passes through rural countryside and traditional farmland, offering an opportunity to experience Bhutanese village life away from the main road. After completing the walk, continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important historical and religious landmarks, beautifully located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, drive to Nyizergang and hike for about 30 minutes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The chorten stands on a ridge above the valley and offers beautiful views of the surrounding countryside. If time permits, drive to Wangdue and explore the unique clustered houses of Rinchengang Village, a traditional village known for its distinctive settlement. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After an early breakfast, drive back towards Paro, with a stop at Dochula Pass. From Dochula, begin a scenic hike of about two hours to Lungchuzekha Monastery. The trail passes through beautiful rhododendron forests and follows high ridges dotted with colourful Buddhist prayer flags. Walking along the ridges offers stunning views of the Himalayan mountains, as well as beautiful vistas of the valleys below. After exploring Lungchuzekha Monastery, hike back to Dochula and continue your drive towards Paro, with a stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, continue the drive to Paro. If you still have the energy, enjoy a short hike along the forested hillside to Zuri Dzong and then descend towards Uma Paro. The trail offers beautiful views of Paro Dzong and the surrounding valley. From Uma Paro, you will be picked up by car and transferred to your hotel.Overnight hotel at hotel in Paro.

In the morning, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, perched dramatically on a cliff at approximately 3,180 metres above sea level. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to this location on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. The monastery is situated about 900 metres above the Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria during the hike. After exploring the monastery and its surrounding temples, hike back down to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide and our representative will bid you farewell and wish you a safe journey home.