Bhutan Tour & Short trek

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

During the afternoon, should time permit, you’ll have the chance to explore the enriching exhibits at the National Museum and visit the historical Rinphung Dzong. Following this, a leisurely walk across the traditional cantilever bridge will lead you to the vibrant farmer’s market, where you can soak in the local culture. Take a leisurely stroll through the quaint town, absorbing its charming essence.

As the evening settles in, embark on a brief walk to immerse yourself in the rhythms of a local village, offering a glimpse into authentic daily life. Embrace the serenity of the surroundings with a leisurely stroll, a perfect way to conclude the day.

After breakfast, drive for approximately 3 hours to the Punakha/Wangdue valley. The initial hour of the drive follows the downstream path of the Pachu river before heading north along the bends of the Thimphu river towards Thimphu. The road then ascends for about 45 minutes to reach the Dochu-la pass (3100m). Here, take a moment to relish the panoramic views. The pass offers breathtaking mountain vistas on clear days, and even when veiled by mist, it remains remarkably beautiful with its 108 chortens, a picturesque temple, and fluttering prayer flags.

A short distance below the pass lies the Lamperi Botanical Park for a brief walk. Descend downhill for approximately 2 hours, passing through a continuously changing landscape, until you arrive in the semi-tropical Punakha-Wangdue valley.

Visit the Chimi Lhakhang temple, dedicated to the 15th-century saint Drukpa Kuenley, affectionately known as “the Divine Madman.” He is a folk hero and cultural icon around whom countless tales of fact, fiction, stories, and legends have revolved.

Next, visit Richengang, a charming village known for its cluster of traditional mud houses connected by narrow alleyways. The setting provides a captivating glimpse into the local way of life and cultural heritage. Moreover, from the village, you’ll be treated to a breathtaking view of Wangdue Dzong—an impressive fortress recently reconstructed following a devastating fire.

Then, drive north and visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, majestically located at the confluence of two rivers. Follow this with a leisurely walk across the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. The peaceful ambiance and stunning scenery will make this a memorable and relaxing way to end the day.

Compared to Thimphu, Paro, or the valleys of central Bhutan, Punakha-Wangdue is situated at a significantly lower elevation, between 1200 and 1300 meters. Consequently, it enjoys a semi-subtropical climate characterized by warm summers and pleasant winters.

Drive northward through the picturesque countryside and embark on an uphill hike lasting approximately 45 minutes. This trail takes you through rice terraces and forests, ultimately leading to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. The temple boasts a breathtaking location, offering sweeping panoramic views of the valley below.

After concluding your hike, proceed to visit Talo and Nobgang villages. Following the village visits, embark on a leisurely 2-hour walk originating from Nobgang village and heading towards Punakha. This walk gracefully descends, taking you through terraced fields, serene forests, and past quaint villages, ultimately ending near Punakha Dzong.

Retrace the drive back to Dochula pass in little over 1 hr. Once there, relish the awe-inspiring panoramic views of Bhutan’s snow-capped peaks stretching along the Tibetan border, all while enjoying a cup of coffee or tea. Embark on a 2-hour ridge-top walk towards the Lungchuzekha temple and retreat center. The trail leads through lush vegetation adorned with moss-laden birch, hemlock, and rhododendron trees, providing splendid vistas of both peaks and valleys. Worth noting, Wind Horse has adopted and maintained this trail since 2009, with our guides dedicated to its upkeep.

After exploring the Lungchuzekha temple, instead of retracing the path to Dochula, take a leisurely 1-hour downhill walk to reach another retreat and monastic center situated atop a hill—Trashigang. From here, we will regroup with our vehicle for a short drive to Thimphu.

As evening approaches, seize the opportunity to visit the grand Tashicho Dzong, pay respects at the memorial chorten, and meander through the city streets.

With an entire day to explore the capital of Bhutan, we have the flexibility to tailor the tour to your interests. Our guide can adjust the itinerary to prioritize the sights that intrigue you the most, while ensuring that we visit the others as time allows.

Ideally, we will kick off the day by heading to the Giant Buddha statue within the first hour. 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.

Our journey continues with a visit to the Takin Preserve (National Animal), followed by stops at the Zilukha nunnery, Traditional Art School, Hospital for traditional medicine, Textile Academy and Museum, Craft Shop Street, and 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. Our guide will curate the day’s exploration to ensure an enriching experience tailored to your preferences.

Commence your trek from above the Takin Preserve (2700m) near Motithang. The trail embarks on a steep ascent covering approximately 5km, leading you to the Phajoding group of monasteries (3640m).

Phajoding holds historical significance, as it is associated with the 13th Century Lama, Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who played a vital role in spreading the Drukpa Kagyu teachings of Buddhism throughout Bhutan. While most of the structures were erected in the 18th century, this assembly of temples, monasteries, and meditation houses houses significant Buddhist relics, including revered statues and paintings. Gazing from Phajoding, you’ll be treated to breathtaking vistas, looking down into the Thimphu valley cocooned by encircling mountains.

The path then meanders with short ascents and descents, spanning around 2km leading to the Pumo-la pass (3750m). Upon crossing Pumo-la, a lengthy descent awaits, guiding you through the serene Pine and Rhododendron forests, ultimately leading to Tsaluna village.

Your campsite is short distance above the village in a quiet meadows at 2900m. Overnight in Lungta Comfort Camp (with Safari style tent and beds and personal cook).

After approximately an hour of gradual ascent, you will reach the quaint village of Jaydelkha. Continuing your ascent, which remains gradual, for about 2+hours, the trail leads you through a captivating landscape of spruce, hemlock, fir, and towering rhododendron forests. This journey culminates at Jili Dzong, majestically perched at 3570m on a promontory, above the tree line. The vantage point offers panoramic vistas of both the Paro valley and Tsaluna valley. On clear days, the sight extends to the distant peaks of Mt. Chomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, and other snow-capped summits.

Jele Dzong, a small monastery boasting an impressive tall Buddha statue, graces the location. Originally constructed strategically on a ridge in the early 16th century, Jele Dzong served as a small fortress catering to travelers journeying between Paro and Thimphu. It was actively utilized until the construction of the road in the 1960s.

Descend for approximately 2.5 hours through the enchanting cedar forests and amidst the towering pine trees, eventually arriving amidst apple orchards and farmland near Damchoe Gongma (2900m). At this juncture, your vehicle will meet you, and you’ll drive downhill for another half-hour, bringing you to your destination in Paro.

After rejuvenating at the hotel, there should still be ample time for you to explore the captivating 7th-century Kichu Lhakhang temple complex.

Your journey culminates with an invigorating hike to the iconic Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, perched some 600 meters above the valley. This architectural marvel stands as one of Bhutan’s most remarkable and significant structures, bearing immense sacred importance. The hike to the initial viewpoint or cafeteria (at 2940m) typically takes around 1-2 hours, involving an ascent of approximately 300 meters. From this point, a further half-hour hike leads to a higher and truly breathtaking lookout, involving an additional ascent of 250 meters, bringing you almost face-to-face with the monastery. While the vantage point provides the illusion that Taktsang is within arm’s reach, it actually resides on the other side of a deep chasm, requiring another 40-minute trek to reach the monastery itself. Given your trekking experience, you should manage the journey comfortably, leaving you with ample time to explore some of the higher temples crowning the promontory, offering spectacular panoramic views.

Afterward, return to Paro and take the opportunity to explore the charming town. The day’s events conclude with a farewell dinner, marking a fitting conclusion to your memorable adventure.

If you flight departs late, we will cover any remaining sights in Paro. Transfer to the Paro airport in time for departure flight.