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Maree C. Brockie
Queensland, Australia Jan 1970Bhutan Country Walk, Fall 2016 Hello We had a great time in Bhutan and would recommend Bhutan and Windhorse to our friends. Sonam and "0007" did
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Catherine B.L.B.
Santa Barbara, California, USA Jan 1970Bhutan Country Walk for Catherine & Family. Hi Anand, We did make it home safe and sound after a week in Japan and finally back to the US. We
Bhutan Country Walks 7 Days
Day hikes exploring remote villages, monasteries lending insight into Bhutan
If you wish to get a feel of social, cultural, traditional structures 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, teacher and local farmers.
Although the tour focus on social, cultural, tradition dimension in villages, but it also assimilate fair amount of highlights and important 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’ll 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
Upon arrival, meet and transfer to the hotel. This afternoon or evening, we begin our short walking tour covering some of the monuments and villages. Overnight in hotel
Day 2: In Thimphu
After breakfast, one-hour drive brings to capital Thimphu, where we have a full day to cover some of the cultural highlights visiting prominent attractions and in the evening we stroll through the town area. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu to Haa
In the morning, we will cover any remaining local attractions in Thimphu. Subsequently, drive through less traffic road, savoring scenic landscape on the way to Haa. Along the way, we make intermittent stops at villages and monuments. We’ll have sometime to visit local village in Haa by walking. Your accommodation in Hatoey village is in a traditional Farm house converted to a lodge. You have an option to order traditional hot stone bath over Ara, a local home brewed Liquor. Overnight in Haa
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. Full day is devoted to visit in and around Haa Valley. Today, 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. Overnight 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, some 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. Then visit 7th century Kichu temple and walk in the valley, past local villages to your hotel in Paro.
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, 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. Overnight in hotel in Paro
Day 7: Departure
Transfer to the airport in time for your departure flight out of Paro.
Longer Walking Tour or Custom Private Trip ?
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.
Trip highlights
- 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.
- Most dates are also tied into attending one or two festival and events.
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Trip Accommodationclean Guest House in Haa and 3-4star hotels elsewhere. See Details
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Group SizeMax 8 members for small group Journeys and any size group for Private trips.
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MealsAll meals with tea/snacks are included.
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RouteParo, Thimphu and Haa
Paro to Thimphu -52 kms(1hr.)
Thimphu to Haa - 115kms(3hrs)
Haa to Paro -65kms (1.5hrs) -
Trip TypeWalking Tour
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Trip SeasonsJune, July and sometimes August and September are Wet with rains but it also when Farmers are out in the fields. Otherwise the trip can be done through-out the year.
Best MonthsMarch, April, May, October, November
Good MonthsJanuary, February, June, September, December
Lean MonthsJuly, August
Prices & Dates
- Tier Pricing cost based on the total sign-ups.
- Starting from $ 1625 Per person.
- Plus airfares to and from Bhutan depending on where you fly in or out to.
- To obtain full details in PDF, fill Request Detailed Info Form
| Start date | End Date | Remarks | Status | |
| 20 Sep, 2018 | 26 Sep, 2018 | With Thimphu Tsechu Festival | Available 9-1 = 8 Seats left |
Book now! |
| 11 Oct, 2018 | 17 Oct, 2018 | Available | Book now! | |
| 18 Oct, 2018 | 24 Oct, 2018 | Sold Out | Book now! |
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
- Travel permits, Bhutan Visa fees, daily fees and tourists taxes
- 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
Accommodations
Hotels in Thimphu
Hotel Druk
The Druk hotel is a part of Druk group of hotels with hotel in Thimphu, Phuntsholing and few more coming up in Bhutan. Druk Hotels are among the pioneers of hotels industry in Bhutan. Thimphu Druk Hotel is located at the center of town, overlooking ...Namgay Heritage Hotel
Namgay Heritage is a brand new hotel completed and opened in early 2009. The hotel has tried to make furnishing as rich and Bhutanese as possible. It is well located about 10 minutes walk from the main town area's Norzin Lam street. ...
Hotels in Paro
Hotel Gangtey Palace
This 19th century Bhutanese courtyard styled building was once the residence of Paro Penlop (Governor), who also was one of the prince. The building has historical charm. The rooms are varying in sizes and views. The central building is converted int...Tashi Namgay Resort
The resort is set amidst five acres of lush foliage and green lawns. Located conveniently in the heart of Paro but away from the distractions of the main town, Tashi Namgay Resort offers you a calm and peaceful environment within a five-acre compound...
Hotels in Haa
Lechuna Heritage Hotel
Beyond cultural heritage. Lechuna Heritage Lodge. Lechuna Heritage Lodge is located in the smallest district of Bhutan with a population of just twenty thousand at an altitude of 2960m. It is a beautiful farmhouse, immersed in history, and located in...Soednam Zingkha Heritage Lodge
Soednam Zingkha is 10 room Guest House converted from the traditional ancient house, set against a backdrop of evergreen pine trees, below the shadows of snow-capped mountains. Soednam Zingkha is a large three-storied Bhutanese house, surrounded by H...
Trip Guide/Leader
Updating
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Namgay
×Namgay
Growth in Tourism in Bhutan has also its share of impact on young minds. With tourists freely moving around, the curiosities to know them, talk to them holds ground firmly on young minds . Namgay is one among many youth whose imagination was captured by razzmatazz of tourism.
He has his career goal cut out, he could have easily opted for some comfortable desk jobs, after passing out in flying colours from prestigious St Joseph college Darjeeling in 2010 but he chose to pursue his dream, he loved to be in field, among the guests, so it was only matter of time to enroll for guiding course.
His first foray into job was in 2013 at Wind Horse Tours and still he is going great guns. Feed Backs from guests that he led are great testimonial to his dedication.
He prodigiously read books that open up new frontiers and interaction with guests coupled with sound command of English takes his outlook towards learning and experiences altogether to different height.
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Sonam Loday
×Sonam Loday
A good sense of humour is the currency that prevail everywhere regardless of the time or circumstances. An asset that that has potential to make even the ordinary trip into extraordinary. Sonam Loday has this traits in abundance. This is intrinsic and come as naturally as bees to the flower. He wears it in his sleeve in every tours that he conducts and this is one aspects that steal the limelight when we receive the feedbacks from the guests.
He finished his higher secondary school in 2005. Subsequently, he was at loose end trying to find meaning to his life and career, a chance meeting with a group of tourists resurrected his passion for the trade. He did his cultural guide course in 2005 and trekking in 2007. He burn the midnight oils to complete his senior guide course in 2008. He joined Wind Horse Tours in 2009 and has led countless tours with flair and his brand of humour.
Along with great sense of humour, he is well versed on both aspects cultural as well as trek. The Horse riding course refuelled his passion for horses to a new height in 2010. He is the coordinator and manager of Wind Horse Ranch and Riding Club – a low carbon footprint product.
When it comes to giving air to his interests and passion, he has varied propensities, it ranges from being cultural and trek guide to horse manager to his new found passion – mountain biking, his new best friend. On weekend, perhaps he will be one among the many guys to come across in Thimphu biking zone. And also among the few to volunteer first for audacious Haa to Phuentsholing Trip.
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- On Left – In Pass in Haa
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- In Phobjika valley
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- On right – In Haa
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- In Phobjika valley
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Sonam Pelden
×Sonam Pelden
Sonam Palden is smitten by games most notably national sports of Bhutan- Archery.While growing up in beautiful Ura valley in Bumthang, unlike other kid, he played with traditional traditional bows and arrows. He completed his class 12 from Punakha in 2003. Subsequently he pursued his passion for five years that took him to national limelight. But he missed by whisker to qualify for international.
Slightly disheartened, he refocussed with same intensity and passion to make a mark as a travel guide. In 2008, brandishing his guide license and dream in his eyes he joined Wind Horse , the rest as they is history…
One of the guest said, ” If not a travel guide, Sonam could be Buddhist scholar and his command over english concedes to be an Oxford educated”.
There is hardly any prize for guessing for what he does during his free time, 145 m (476 ft) between 2 wooden targets in archery ground still rules his passion with frenzy.
Love for sport is inherent in him, when Wind Horse started specialised tour like mountain Biking, he jumped into bandwagon happily, although he was doing mountain biking before but in bits and pieces, an opportunity was served on platter, it largely assisted him to hone his skill as well to live to his sporting adrenaline rushes. Whenever free he does a recce of region lying in Thimphu and leads the tour across country. The most audacious biking trip till date along with Sonam Loday, Sonam Palden was from Haa to Phuentsholing via narrow trail, through untamed vegetation and uncharted territory.
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- In Haa
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- On Right – Sonam carring the Bike
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- Sonam Palden on Haa trip, carring Bike due to no roads
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- Biking in Phobjika in winter
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Yonten Phuntsho
×Yonten Phuntsho
Yonten Phuntsho may give way to being shy guy bordering with man of a few words. But he is man who loves to be in thick of action . He leads from the front whilst on the tour. Behind his facade lies the guide whose knowledge and passion runs deep for the love of his works. His aptly quote Barbara Kingsolver “I do my best work if I think about what it is I have to offer”.
From the outset, he knew what he wants to do in his life. Right after finishing his Class 12, he enrolled for guide course for culture initially then extended few more month to complete course on Trekking as well in 2008. After doing free lancing for a while, he joined Wind Horse Tours in 2010.
For most Bhutanese, appeals that mountainous terrains throw in for an out door adventures are native. In the case of Yonten, it was no exception. He easily gave in to the temptation of Mountain biking with its advent. He explored and lead tours in his bike but his allegiance is more inclined to off road biking trips that leads to quaint villages. To explore the unknown and love for nature, these attributes that he cultivated while trekking the alpine highlands and wilderness in remote corner of country was what prompt him to readily agree to embark on audacious Haa to Phuentsholing on mountain bike, overcoming challenges of carrying bike in tough terrains, untamed vegetations and unexplored areas.
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- On Left -Yonten & rest in Phobjika Valley
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- Second Left – Yonten and the rest – all rest to continue journey further carring the bike
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- Yonten in thick of action – carrying his bike
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- In centre – Yonten with other amidst Bike Trip
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Reviews / Testimonials
Photos & Videos
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- A Typical Farm house in Haa
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- Guests wearing traditional dress. Gho for Men, Kira for women.
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- Gaint Buddha statute on the ridge that overlooks beautiful Thimphu valley below
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- A typical traditional farm house in Ha
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- Students posing for Photos in Haa
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- Man at work, a common site in village.
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- Centennial Farmer market in Thimphu.
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- Women at loom, making the most of free time as well as supplementing the income – A usual site in villages.
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- Local people in village.
