Walking in Bhutan

Ever since Nepal opened its doors to visitors in the 1950s, its capital, Kathmandu, has conjured up visions of mystery and wanderlust and this is as true today as it was back then. The heart of the city is the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Durbar Square, but equally as beguiling are the historic squares in Patan and Bhaktapur, the other two major settlements in the Kathmandu Valley, the Hindu complex at Pashupatinath, the sublime Buddhist stupa at Boudhanath and the hilltop temple of Swayambhunath. Your time in Kathmandu is at leisure and we would be very happy to discuss and arrange a sightseeing program for you in and around this enthralling city, based on your interests.

After a thrilling flight from Kathmandu over the Himalaya mountains to Paro, you will be met by your private guide and driver, both of whom will remain with you for the duration of your time in Bhutan, and driven to the country’s capital city of Thimphu. Stop en route to see the colourful suspension bridge near the tiny settlement of Tamchog Lhakhang and in the afternoon, by way of an introduction to Bhutan’s breathtaking scenery, there is an opportunity to take a gentle 1½ to 2-hour hike in the countryside surrounding Thimphu.

Start the day with a moderate 3-hour hike to the Buddhist university and temple at Dodeydra, from where you will be rewarded with a terrific view of the surrounding valley. After lunch at the delightful Folk Heritage Restaurant, explore Thimphu. Sightseeing is flexible depending on your interests but can include the National Textile Museum, the Jungshi paper-making factory and the National Memorial Chorten.

If possible, we recommend timing your visit to Thimphu from Friday to Sunday, as this is when the city’s colourful weekend market takes place.

Today’s journey to Punakha takes you up to the Dochula, a high mountain pass from where you will head off with your guide to undertake a moderate 7km hike of between 3-4 hours that, on a clear day, will present an awe-inspiring 360° views of the Himalayan mountains. After your trek, continue by road to Wangdue Phodrang, where the dzong (fortress-monastery) is one of the most impressive in the country. Viewing it from a distance only, you will then travel in an easterly and then southerly direction into the bowl-shaped glacial valley of Phobjikha. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax.

Begin your discovery of this exceptionally beautiful valley with a 4 to 5-hour trek known as the Longteng Hike which begins with a 30-minute drive to the trailhead and ends at the wonderfully scenic Kumbu village.

The Phobjikha Valley’s most famous residents are the black-necked cranes and later today you can learn more about this endangered bird with a visit to the nearby information centre. (The Black-Necked Crane Festival, which takes place every November in the courtyard of the Gangtey Gompa celebrates the arrival of the cranes and is an astonishing spectacle that is definitely worth including in your schedule if your visit dates coincide). The remainder of the day is at leisure.

After an early breakfast, visit Gangtey Gompa, which has one of the most enviable positions in the valley and looks out across its entire green expanse. Then walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail, a 4km path that passes glacial streams, grassy plains and traditional Bhutanese-style farmhouses along its route.

On the way to Punakha, you will stop to visit the town’s glorious dzong. With a strategic river position, the fortress is arguably the most striking structure in the country and there will be time to admire this architectural wonder before travelling the short distance to your accommodation.

Punakha’s location in a warm and fertile sub-tropical valley makes it one of the most appealing places in Bhutan to enjoy a spot of hiking and this morning’s 1-hour trek passes through an enchanting forest awash with many colourful butterflies before reaching Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, from where there are impressive views of the Punakha Valley. From this point it is possible to continue walking to Giligang Temple, a challenging yet rewarding hike that takes around 4 to 5 hours to complete. Depending on your choice, the remainder of the day can either be spent relaxing, exploring more of Punakha or, for an additional cost, it is also possible to enjoy a spot of gentle rafting on the Mo Chhu (Female River).

Driving back along the same route to Paro, head to Sang Choekor, which is the starting point for the 4 to 5-hour trek to Bumdra Monastery. Reaching a maximum altitude of 4,000 metres, this moderate hike takes you to the ridge above the Paro and Dochhu Valleys. From the clearing at the top, there are wondrous views of both valleys and the night will be spent near the small monastery in the relative comfort of the Bumdra Mobile Tented Camp.

After breakfast, continue on foot to the highlight of this two-day trek, the magical Taktsang monastery, more commonly known as Tiger’s Nest. There are birds-eye views of the monastery at certain locations along the trail. After appreciating this glorious sight, you will be reacquainted with your driver and vehicle and continue to Paro. Lunch today will be taken at a traditional farmhouse and in the afternoon, sightseeing in Paro will include the National Museum of Bhutan, a former watchtower that now houses a fascinating collection of more than 3,000 pieces of Bhutanese art.

Your final hike in the Kingdom of Bhutan will begin with a journey along Bhutan’s highest drivable road to the top of the 3,988-metre Cheli La pass. The 3 to 4-hour trek begins at this point and continues along a ridge with fantastic vistas of the Paro Valley to the right and the remote Haa Valley to the left. The return route passes through a wide meadow and then a dense forest of silver fir and rhododendrons before reaching the isolated nunnery at Kila Gompa.

With advance warning (and at an additional cost), it is possible to return to Paro from the top of the pass on an adrenaline-fuelled downhill mountain bike ride that takes in the region of 1½ hours to complete.

This morning you will be transferred to Paro airport to catch your return flight to Kathmandu, where, on arrival, you will be met and taken to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Kathmandu International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.