Bhutan Country Walks

After breakfast, one-hour drive brings us to capital Thimphu, where we have a full day to cover some of the eclectic cultural highlights, along with walks.

We will start off the day by heading to the Giant Buddha statue. Following our visit, we’ll embark on a leisurely 2-hour walk along a cycle/foot path, treating you to panoramic views of Thimphu. This path will lead us to Changangkha Lhakhang, a revered temple that holds a special place in the hearts of Thimphu’s residents, especially when they come to bless their newborns.

Continue with a visit to the Takin Preserve (National Animal), followed by stops at the Zilukha nunnery.
After lunch, visit Traditional Art School, Textile Academy and Museum and Craft Market street in the main city area.   Visit the remarkable Tashichho Dzong, the fortress-monastery which serves as a seat of government,  including the throne room  and a monastic center.

Towards the evening, visit the vibrant Centennial Farmer’s Market. Additionally, we’ll pause at Changlimithang ground, where you may even catch an archery match in progress—an engaging local tradition.

Before breakfast, you can enjoy a short stroll from your hotel to the Memorial Chorten. This is an especially vibrant time as local residents engage in Kora, circumambulating the Chorten before beginning their daily activities.

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a scenic drive via the southern road through Dobji and Dawakha villages. This less-frequented route allows you to fully immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes as we journey to Haa. Along the way, we’ll stop at roadside villages and historical monuments, taking brief walks to fully engage with the local culture and heritage.

Upon arrival, take a brief walk to explore the charming Chebri villages, where you can engage in conversations with friendly locals and experience their traditions firsthand. Next, drive up the dirt road to the serene Tachu Goempa temple, perched on the ridge. We’ll also enjoy a leisurely walk to the nearby Shelkhar Drak monastery to further immerse ourselves in the spiritual ambiance of the region.

Later, take a stroll through the small township area of Haa and visit a nearby village.

Haa Valley is one of the few places in Bhutan that still retains its quaint and tranquil charm. It was opened to tourists only in 2002.

Today, on our full-day hike, we plan to explore the Haa Panorama Trail. This traditional route is primarily used by pilgrims. We will drive a short distance to Yangtang Monastery, and after visiting it, begin our hike to Katsho Gompa, followed by a short hike to the cliffside hermitage of Jungney Dra. Depending on how quickly we complete this, we can spend the remaining time walking through the villages and doing other hikes that your guide will plan for you.

When in Haa, try the local culinary delight synonymous with the region – “Hoentay Dumpling,” made from buckwheat flour and filled with spinach, chopped turnips, mushrooms, ginger, chili, and butter. You’ll also have the option to indulge in a traditional stone bath experience.

A short drive from Haa climbs up to Chelela Pass (3,850m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, offering breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey, two of the most stunning peaks in Bhutan.

Begin a 1-2 hour downhill walk following the ridge to Kila Gompa, a cliff-hanging nunnery that houses seven small temples and about 50 nuns.

Next, drive to Paro and visit Dzongdrakha, a cliffside temple complex with local homes located above Bondey village.

Later, explore the beautiful 7th-century Kichu Temple and enjoy a walk in the valley, passing local villages on your way to the town area.

Ultimately, the journey culminates in a hike to the legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. To ensure we cover areas beyond the typical tourist path, we start early.

While most visitors experience Taktsang from a single viewpoint, our challenging hike offers a unique perspective. Our trek will take you further uphill, rewarding you with a rare and breathtaking view of the monastery, as well as visits to many other holy sites. You’ll gaze upon the surrounding temples, monasteries, and hermitages nestled amidst the majestic mountains. You’ll be well-prepared for this climb, having explored Bhutan’s diverse landscapes on foot throughout your trip.

The hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery takes between 2-4 hours. After visiting it, most return via the same path. However, we will continue our journey to Machingphu, Zangdopelri, and Ugyen Tsemo. For a change of scenery on our descent, we’ll take a different route that passes by Dolephu Lhakhang, a hidden gem seemingly connected to Taktsang but separated by a rocky cliff. Enjoy a delightful picnic lunch near one of these breathtaking sites, surrounded by stunning mountain vistas.

Refueled and refreshed, we’ll begin our descent. The trail winds through a tapestry of rhododendron, pine, and oak forests, offering welcome shade as we make our way back to the starting point. This scenic finale will leave you with lasting memories of Bhutan’s natural beauty.

Following our exhilarating adventure, we’ll return to Paro, where a farewell dinner awaits.

Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight out of Paro.
If your flight is scheduled for the afternoon, we can take a leisurely stroll to explore some nearby villages.