Drukyul Walking Tour

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 : Paro

During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transfer you to the Hotel.  Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll in the paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monasterya-Transfer to Thimphu

 In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. You will be transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check in to hotel on arrival.  Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha

 After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 4: Hike to Limbukha.

DISTANCE 9 KMS | Time: 4-hrs.| Ascent: 940m | Altitude: 1280m-2220m

The trek starts over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Ascend gently through terraced fields of mustard and winter Wheat. On the way there is a beautiful view point from where a huge Chorten, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel can be seen in far distance. If lucky, some snowy peaks can be visible: Jhomolhari, Kang Bum and Tiger Mountain. Walk further more to reach campsite in Limbukha from the Chorten. Overnight camp.

 Day 5: Hike to Chungsakha

DISTANCE 10 KMS | Time: 4hrs.| Ascent: 375m | Decent: 745m| Altitude: 2220m-2050m

The trail climbs steeply to a ridge and descends into a small valley and after crossing a stream; walk through an unclear trail covered by slippery leaves with beautiful Oak and Rhododendron forest leading towards Dochen La. The pass is a good viewing spot. From here, the trail descends sharply till Dagegon with beautiful big old farmhouses. On the way you will come across an old Monastery, Chunni Goemba, built by Drukpa Kinley “The Devine Madman”. The hillsides are covered with small meditation cells. The campsite is at Chungsakha village which has a Temple and the campsite is just in front of the Temple. Overnight  Camp.

Day 6: Hike to Samtengang and Punakha.

DISTANCE 4 KMS | Time: 3hrs.| Ascent: 550m | Decent: 350m| Altitude: 2050m-1555m

The trail leads sharply down to the road (45 minutes) and cross the suspension bridge next to the road. From the bridge the trail goes through deep eroded gorges. In the month of December, Daphne flowers start to blossom in this place. The climb comes to an end when you reach Samtegang High School. The trail passes near a lake and through the BHU (Basic Health Unit) area, descending straight to Chhuzomsa. The campsite is near the lake in the forest below the Samtengang village. The transport will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel. You can visit Samtengang village. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 7: Punakha- Thimphu

After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Thimphu with a stop for tea at Dochula. After tea continue drive to Thimphu. You will visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, later in the afternoonvisit  King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8: Thimphu-Paro-Depart

After breakfast you will drive to Paro airport for your Departure.