
This trip examine two aspects of Bhutan trip within the subscribed time - Cultural delights & Trekking highs. Featuring the cultural aspects of three valleys of Thimphu, Paro and Haa, distinctively different from each other. Thimphu at the crossroad of modernity with tradition, but at a closer look you will feel undertones of complete harmony in between the two. Paro with its verdant valley, completely submerged in its rich cultural,traditional and religious legacies. Haa valley lends a typical tranquil and quaint ambience.Where it seems that hand of clock has stopped long time ago. Traversing these valleys with added colours of Trek to end with, will hardly fail to arrest the real essence of Bhutan as a whole.Two short treks – from Haa to Paro following a traditional route on the ridge overlooking a breathtaking valley, and the other to Bumdra and visiting enigmatic Tiger’s Nest Monastery on the way down.
We have recently launched deluxe camping, this can be easily incorporated in this short trek, adding a new dimension to your experience, which can be acquired at slightly elevated price. And most significantly without undermining an iota of ethos of the trek.
Outline Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Paro - Thimphu
Upon arrival in Paro airport, meet your guide and transfer to Thimphu. Take a short tour to get acquainted with the capital city.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Thimphu - Dochula pass
Spend the whole day touring Thimphu valley, visiting its many monuments and local attractions. Towards late afternoon, drive about 1hr to the spectacular Dochula Pass in time for sunset views over the eastern Himalayan peaks.
Overnight in Dochula lodge.
Day 3: Dochula Pass - Haa Valley
See the sunrise view over the snow-capped peaks from your hotel. From Dochula, begin 3 hr walk to Lungchuzekha and Trashigang through rich rhododendron forests and great views. Later drive to Haa via Thimphu, which takes about 3hrs. Spend the rest of the afternoon touring rural Haa valley, visiting one of its many large villages and some local temples.
Overnight in hotel.
Day 4: Trek from Haa to Sopshingkha
Gradually begin a climb uphill through the hills of pine forests. Along the way, make a short excursion to the cliff-hanging Juneydra temple. About 5 hrs walk. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Trek end at Chele La - Paro
Walk for about 3-4 hrs to Chele La Pass and end the trek. From Chelela Pass walk to the secluded Kila Gompa nunnery with many cliff-side retreat houses. Then drive to Paro. Visit Paro valley for the rest of the afternoon.
Overnight in the hotel.
Day 6: Trek to Bumdra
Drive till Sang Choekor Buddhist College (2,900m) and begin trek, gradually climbing uphill to the Yak pasture below Bumdra monastery (3,800 m), which takes about 4-5 hrs and offers unimpeded views of the Himalayan ranges. Later we have an option to climb up to the monastery and the peak to the north (about 4000 m) for even better views, returning in time for a well-earned dinner.
Overnight in camp.
Day 7: Trek to Takstang - Paro
Descend downhill through ancient pine and rhododendron forest on the monks’ zig-zagging trail to first arrive at Ugyentsemo monastery and then cross over to Zangto Pelri monastery. A short descent further brings us to the famous Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. After visiting Taktsang, descend to the road-head. (total around 5-7 hrs).
Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 8: Departure
Transfer to the airport for your departure flight.
Group SizePrivate
-
MealsAll meals included.
-
Trip AccommodationAll hotels are tourist standard with 3-4*.Except in Haa, which is relatively basic in comparison to hotel in Thimphu and Paro.
-
RouteThimphu -Dochula - Haa - Paro
-
Trip Type Trekking
Deluxe Camping, Tented Camp Trip
-
Trip SeasonsBest from March till May and from Oct till Nov, but can be done through-out except in Jan till mid Feb.
Best MonthsJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Prices & Dates
Cost is based on the number of participants. For details contact us.
Included
- Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
- Accommodations during tour in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3-4 star type) and in tent camp during the trek.
- All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the tour in Bhutan.
- All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees.
- Experienced English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide.
- Bottled water in the vehicle and other comp. services.
- Full-service camping
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
List of the hotels of this Trip and trekking equipment description.
Hotels in Thimphu
Hotel Druk
Hotel Druk a luxury four-star hotel is a part of the Tashi Group and has been in operation since 1985. Over the years, it has been renovated to give it a chic and modern edge that is powerfully felt in uncluttered spaces. Each floor, differently insp...Namgay Heritage Hotel
Namgay Heritage Hotel is one of the finest luxuries that Bhutan has to offer to its tourists. Located just a walking distance from the heart of Thimphu city. The property houses 4 different structures which are the main building, the Conference hall,...
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 a 5 acre property,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. A unique blend of traditional Bhuta...
Hotels in Trek
Trek Camp
During the trek: Fully organized trek with all meals, bars and beverages. All trekking gears including Tents, Thermal mats, Blow pillow, Hot-water bag for warmth during night. Pressured Altitude Bag for emergencies (only available in Bhutan with Win...
Hotels in Dochula
Dochula Resort
The Resort is located on the way to Punakha about 31km and 45minutes drive east of capital,Thimphu. It has rich Bhutanese architecture, ambiance and hospitality. It is located near Dochula pass at 3150M above sea level. It is known for wide panoramic...
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 Heritage Lodge is an immaculately restored traditional farm house nestled in the village of Hatey that combines heritage with modern comfort. Customary paintings, earthen walls, and ancient timber complement the comfortable bedding, h...
Trip Guide/Leader
-
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.
-
Yonten Phuntsho
×Yonten Phuntsho
Yonten Phuntsho is one of our senior most guide. And well versed on his business. Initially, he conceded an impression of a man of a few words but I was in for surprise with the knowledge of his job, great sense of humour and congenial personality- simply one cannot judge a book by its cover. His unwavering focus, dedication, 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.
-
Yeshi Penjor
×Yeshi Penjor
One of the guest fondly remarked ” Yeshey Penjor may be short in stature but he walks real tall in term of dedication, knowledge and the way he carries and does his work” Except perhaps during the nightmare at night, he wear his smile almost all the time. His soft spokenness and demeanour make him most sought after guide for guests travelling with kids. He gel with kids like as any good adhesive and impress the adults with his profound knowledge on subjects and his conduct.
For over 5 years he has been leading guests with panache and authority both culture and trekking. But he jumped gleefully into when he is assigned to do the trek. For his love for lush natural amphitheatre of vegetation and wildlife date back to growing days in far flung village in Mongar ( Eastern Bhutan).
He make up his lack of interest for sport with serious hiking. The best place to find him over weekend or free time is at camping hotspot within the vicinity of Thimphu. -
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.
Trip Photos