Explore Villages through Day Hike - 8 Days | 7 Nights
US$ 1860 / Per Person
Group Size: 2 & above
Highlights
- This tour will allow you to discover the real life of the Bhutanese farmers living in the villages.
- As you walk through the villages, you will visit their homes and interact with their families.
- Experience traditional village home stay.
- Discover some of the most sacred monasteries, medieval fortresses and temples.
- Enjoy a walk around Paro, Punakha and Haa.
- Your trip will end in Paro where you will climb magnificent height to the cliff-side to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
This 8 days tour combines cultural sightseeing and adventurous hiking through villages and farmlands filled with breathtaking scenery and landscape.
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 to the hotel. Later in the afternoon visit National Museum, 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 at hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro – Haa
Today, drive to Haa valley across Chellela pass (3900m) dotted with the colorful prayer flags, where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari and other mountains too.
Before making it to Chelela, you will visit Kila Gompa Nunnery, one of the oldest nunnery in Bhutan consisting of series of buildings pressed against a cliff. After visiting Nunnery, you will begin 2hr hike to Chelela passing through chortens and fluttering prayers flags. Your car will be waiting on a pass to pick you up and transfer to Haa valley. Drive downhill from pass is through the forest of blue pine, fire and oak. In the afternoon, you will visit Lhakhang Karpo (white temple) and lhakhang Nagpo( Black temple), explore the Haa valley and farm house. You can experience Bhutanese traditional hot stone bath and test local cuisine at Farm house. Overnight stay in Farm house.
Day 3: Haa – Thimphu
After breakfast drive to Thimphu, capital city of Bhutan through many small villages and pine forest. On the way you can stop and visit some more farm house if you wish. Locals will be happy to have you in to their homes for a cup of tea and to learn how they live in villages, continue your drive to Thimphu. Later in the afternoon 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, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan);visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 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 5: Punakha
Today, drive to you will explore Talo and Nobgang village, the home of the Queen mothers. The villages, are scattered along the hill slopes, are known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages. Locals will be happy to have you in to their homes for a cup of tea and to learn how they live in villages. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Wangdue and explore the unique clustered houses of Rinchengang village. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 6: Punakha – Paro
After early breakfast drive to Paro via Dochula pass and enyoying stunning view of the Himalayas. You will stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch continue drive to Paro. In Paro you will visit local archery ground and watch locals playing archery. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 7: Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
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. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Depart Paro
Drive to the airport for departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.
At a Glance
Tour duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
Tour type: cultural tour with Day hike
Festival:
- February departure may attend the Punakha festival
- March departure may attend the Paro and Talo festivals
- July departure may attend the Haa summer festival
- September departure may attend the Thimphu, Gangtey and Wangdue festivals
- October departure may attend the Jambay lhakhang festival
Best time: All seasons
Activity type: Cultural sightseeing, Home stay, Village tour, Religious sites and Day hikes
Places covered: Thimphu, Punakha, Haa, Wangdue and Paro
Maximum elevation: 3900m
Inclusions
- Sustainable Development Fee(SDF)
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Transport
- Government certified Bhutanese Licensed tour Guide
- Bhutan Visa fee
- All internal taxes & charges
Exclusions
- Flight tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Drinks and Beverages other than tea and coffee
- Sleeping bag on trek
- Internet bill and Phone bill
- Other bills of personal nature
Accommodation
- Accommodation in 3 star hotels (upgrade with supplement)
- Homestay accommodation certified by Tourism Council of Bhutan
- Camping (optional)
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.