itinerary 7 | Bhutan Eco Lodges

Experience Bhutan on a walking excursion

Details-

Day 01 : Arrive Paro (Bhutan) by Flight & drive to Thimphu (55km, approx 1.1/2 hour drive)

Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan en route visiting Tamchog Lhakhang, by crossing a traditional suspension bridge.
Drive further, taking a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers. Three different styles of stupas namely Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn the confluence.
On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.
Evening take an exploratory walk around Thimphu city centre.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. (Altitude 2,320m)

Day 02 : Thimphu

After breakfast , embark on an interesting excursion to Cheri Gompa (approx 3.1/2 hours round trip walk). At about one and a half hour walk from Dodena (alt. 2,600m), the motorable road point, the trail commences by crossing a lovely covered bridge that spans the Thimphu Chhu river and then climbs steeply to the monastery, built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620, to serve as meditation centre..
Post lunch, visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating rich cultural heritage of Bhutanese people.
Then visit Textile Museum for deep insight into one of Bhutan’s most distinctive art form.
Later drive to Kuenselphodrang, to see the largest statue of Buddha in the country.
Afternoon visit to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan.
Conclude the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong, beautiful medieval fortress / monastery.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03 : Thimphu / Gangtey (150 km, approx 5 hour drive)

After breakfast, drive to enchanting Gangtey, en route taking a short stop at Dochula pass (3,080m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan and also the site of picturesque Druk Wangyal Chortens.
Drive further to Gangtey, one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan.
Afternoon a pleasurable walk on Gangtey Nature Trail (approx 2 hours walk) with a nice feel of Phobjikha valley, which is winter home of black necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate.
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey. (Altitude 3,000m)

Day 04 : Gangtey

Morning visit Gangtey Goenpa, the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountains and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Later proceed on a fascinating walking excursion from Tabeding to Tangjey Lhakhang (approx 5 hours exploration).
Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey.

Day 05 : Gangtey – Punakha (85 km, approx 3 hours drive)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Blessed with a temperate climate and fed by Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, until 1955, Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and it is still winter seat of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot.
Later visit magnificent Punakha Dzong.
Then a short walking excursion (approx 1 hour round trip walk) to Chimi Lhakhang also known as ‘Fertility Temple’.
Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. (Altitude 1,300m)

Day 06 : Punakha

After breakfast, walking excursion to regal Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten (approx 2 hours round trip walk).
Post lunch, excursion to Talo village, which is scattered along the hill slopes and known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages.
Also visit Nalanda Buddhist Institute. Locals call this place ‘Dalayna’ and the monks call it Nalanda Buddhist College. This monastic school is situated near the village of Talo, above the Punatsangchu river.

Day 07 : Punakha / Paro (125 km, approx 4.1/2 hour drive)

Morning after breakfast drive to Paro en route stopping at Dochula pass (3,080m) to enjoy fascinating mountain views. Drive onwards and on the way, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country, built in 1627 which now houses the School of Buddhist studies.
Today’s sightseeing in Paro includes visits to Ta Dzong (National museum) ; holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, Rinpung Dzong ; the fortress which has a long and interesting history, Kyichu Lhakhang ; one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country.
Evening explore Paro city centre and local market.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro. (Altitude 2,280m)

Day 08 : Paro

After breakfast, excursion to famed Taktsang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx 5 hours round trip walk). It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries perched on 900m above Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called Tiger’s Nest’.
Later in the afternoon visit a traditional farm house to experience Bhutanese rural lifestyle, culture & traditions.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 09 : Depart Paro

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will assist you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.