Bhutan Country Walks
Small Group Journeys

Bhutan Country Walks

Day hikes exploring remote villages, monasteries lending insight into Bhutan

Share This Trip:

If you wish to get a feel of social, cultural, traditional dimensions sustained at villages in a shortest time frame, then there is no better way to see these aspects first hand than on a walking pace. Bhutan Country Walks Tour takes you on foot through the path amidst terrace rice field, beautiful forests,  wide meadows, hills or some rugged trails leading to farm houses and quaint hamlets. Invariably, opportunities are at large to interact with people and also to delve deeper into the ways of life that continue to uphold the unique tradition and culture in face of the changing times. Walking tours also augur well with the prospect of encompassing some  flexibility like watching archery matches or some extraordinary sights for a photo click or exchange of few words with school going children, teachers and locales.

Although the tour  focus on social, cultural, tradition dimension in villages, but it also assimilate fair amount of cultural highlights and not to miss monuments found in Thimphu and Paro.  Summing up, through this walking tour,  we’ll be bringing you closer to the ways of life at countryside villages, in the process allowing you to sneak peak into thriving age old tradition and social setup. You will be travelling as much as in local way, experiencing some local foods and an opportunity to be part of local tradition and culture which have amazingly stood tall against the test of time.

Outline Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Paro
Day 2: In Thimphu

Day 3: Thimphu to Haa
Day 4: In Haa
Day 5. Haa to Paro via Chelela pass
Day 6: In Paro – hike to  Takstang
Day 7: Departure 

 

Overview

walking_tour Trip Type Walking Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included
Accommodation Accommodation Pleasant Guest House in Haa and 3- 4 star hotels elsewhere. In Paro and Thimphu there are choices of upscale hotels such as Uma, Sixth Sense etc but not in Haa.
Meal Meal All meals with tea/snacks are included.
Best Seasons Best Seasons June, July, and sometimes August and September are wet with rains, but it is also when farmers are out in the fields, adorning the outdoors with green vegetation. Otherwise, the trip can be done throughout the year.
Route Route Paro - Thimphu - Haa - Paro
  Best Months Best Months March, April, May, September, October, November

Good Months Good Months January, February, December

Lean Months Lean Months June, July, August

  • Moderate day walks. Long walks are between 2-4hours and short walks are 10 minutes to less than hour.
  • The Best way to see and experience Bhutan;  by many short light/moderate day hikes.
  • Visit weekend markets, villages and local homes, opportunity to meet with local folks, local schools and others.
  • Some dates are also tied into attending festival and events.

Cost Information

Prices fluctuate based on the travel date and the number of travelers in the group. Following is an approximate price in US$ to provide you with an idea. Contact us for details.

  • 2-3 travelers $1700 (including $600 SDF)
  • Single travelers $2300 (including  $600 SDF)

Included

  • Accommodation in hotels and lodges as listed
  • All meals daily along with evening tea/coffee with snacks.
  • English speaking local Bhutanese Guide
  • All land transfers and transportation by good quality vehicle with driver
  • Entrance fees to the monuments
  •  Bhutan Visa fees
  • SDF ( Sustainable Development fee)
  • Bottled water in the vehicle and other complimentary services.

Not included

  • Flights into and out of Bhutan
  • Optional Travel/Medical Insurance
  • Personal expenses such as bars, beverages in the hotel, telephone, laundry, trips, and others

Detailed Itinerary

Expand All
Day 1 :

Arrive in Paro

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.

Some flights arrive early, allowing you to explore everything and more on the same day. If your flight arrives late, we will make arrangements to accommodate your visit on the following day.

MEALS:
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: 2200m
Day 2 :

In Thimphu

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.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Thimphu 2300 m
Day 3 :

Thimphu to Haa

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.

Thimphu being a capital is a bit touristy for some and Paro relatively. But Haa is quaint, secluded, otherworldly and still oozes out with old world allure.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Haa - 3050 m
Duration Duration: 3hrs drive and 2 or 3 hrs of walking
Day 4:

In Haa

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.

Local sightseeing in Haa through walk and trying some local culinary delight.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Haa - 3050 m
Duration Duration: Local sightseeing in Haa
Day 5:

Haa to Paro via Chele La

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.

Today, it entails crossing Chelala Pass - the highest motorable point. We will stop to savour the view and also visit the nearby attractions.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Duration Duration: 2-3 hours of drive. 3 -4 hrs of walking.
Day 6:

In Paro – Hike to Takstang

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.

 

Today is the iconic Taktsang monastery hike day. It takes around 6 -7 with inclusion of walk further up after Taktsang visit. It follows old pilgrimage trail to reach Zangdopelri & Ugyen Tsemo retreat Centre.

MEALS:
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Altitude Altitude: Taktsang Monastery 3120 m
Duration Duration: 5-6hrs hike (whole day affair with visits)
Day 7:

Departure

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.

MEALS:
Breakfast

Group Travel Dates

Start Date
End Date
Status
Remarks
 
14 Apr, 2024
20 Apr, 2024
Open

Good Weather

06 Oct, 2024
12 Oct, 2024
Open

Good Weather

13 Oct, 2024
19 Oct, 2024
Open

Good Weather

10 Nov, 2024
16 Nov, 2024
Open

Good Weather

16 Dec, 2024
22 Dec, 2024
Open

Attend National Day Celebration

Traveller Review

5 Reviews:

Guides

Trip Photos

Longer Walking Tour ?

If you are looking for longer version with the same essences and elements, then take a look at Drukyul Walking Tour details? Retaining the essences and elements, we can further customize to suit your date along with your interests, liking, inclinations. There are many ways that can be worked to frame a unique itinerary that will fit your sense and sensibility. Call  or email us  to discuss ranges of possibilities.

Overview

walking_tour Trip Type Walking Tours
Activities Included Activities Included
Activities Included
Accommodation Accommodation Pleasant Guest House in Haa and 3- 4 star hotels elsewhere. In Paro and Thimphu there are choices of upscale hotels such as Uma, Sixth Sense etc but not in Haa.
Meals Meals All meals with tea/snacks are included.
Route Route Paro - Thimphu - Haa - Paro
Max Group Size Max Group Size Max 8 members for small group Journeys and any size group for Private trips.
Best Seasons Best Seasons June, July, and sometimes August and September are wet with rains, but it is also when farmers are out in the fields, adorning the outdoors with green vegetation. Otherwise, the trip can be done throughout the year.
Best Months Best Months March, April, May, September, October, November

Good Months Good Months January, February, December

Lean Months Lean Months June, July, August

Route Map

Quick Inquiry

Include Country Code

Make an Inquiry for

Bhutan Country Walks

View
0 Trip(s) on shortlist