Bhutan Country Walks

Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by a Wind Horse Guide and transferred to the hotel.

During the afternoon, should time permit, you’ll have the chance to explore the enriching exhibits at the National Museum housed in a watchtower.
If your arrival is late, begin with a visit to historical Rinphung Dzong, an ancient fortress which functions as the seat of local district administration and a vibrant living monastery.
Following this, a leisurely walk across the traditional cantilever bridge will lead you to the farmer’s market, where you can soak in the local culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint town, absorbing its charming essence. As time permits, we may add a short walk into the nearby village.

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.

In the morning, visit memorial chorten in Thimphu. Then embark on a scenic drive through less frequented roads, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the scenic landscapes as we journey to Haa.

As we travel, we’ll pause at roadside villages and historical monuments, taking brief walks to fully engage with the local culture and heritage.
Upon arrival, embark on a brief walk to explore the charming Chebri villages, where you can engage in conversations with the friendly locals and experience their traditions firsthand.
In the afternoon, visit Lhakhang Karpo and then visit Takchu monastery straddling a ridgeline. Later walk in small town area and also a nearby village.

Haa valley is among the few places in Bhutan, which still retains its quaint and tranquil charms. It was opened for tourist only in 2002.

Today  on our full day hike, we plan on doing the Haa Panorama trail. This is a traditional route, mostly for pilgrims. Drive short distance to Yangtang monastery and after visiting it, begin the hike to Katsho Gompa, followed by short hike to the cliffside hermitage of Jungney Dra.  Depending on how soon you complete this, we can spend the remaining time walking in the villages and other hike our guide can plan for you.
When in Haa, try some local culinary delight that is synonymous with Haa – called “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 (3850m), the highest motorable road in Bhutan, with views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drakey, one of the tallest, most stunning peaks in the world. Begin 1-2hr walk downhill following the ridge to Kila Gompa, a cliff hanging nunnery, a staggering site that manages to house 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. Drive to Paro, where we walk to Dzongdrakha, a cliff side temple complex with local homes.
Later visit 7th century Kichu temple and walk in the valley, past local villages to the town area.

Ultimately, the journey builds up in hike to legendary Taktsang (Tiger’s nest) monastery. In order for us to cover beyond what regular tourist visit, start early. After visiting Takstang, instead of retracing the steps back, we plan on hiking further uphill to Zangdopelri and Ugyen Tsemo & Retreat centre, for higher lookout and too see core pilgrimage path. Return to Paro by the way of visiting a temple on the other side of rock, visible from afar but not accessible from the main site. Upon return, freshen up at the hotel and visit the town area, for a final stroll in the town and a farewell dinner.

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.