Lodge-based Hiking in the Land of the Thunder Dragon

Hiker’s Bhutan

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In the secluded Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, traditional festivals are living manifestations of a national faith, and the king decrees “Gross National Happiness” as the standard by which to measure the country’s wealth. Our hiking adventure brings us incredible day hikes to tiny villages, through magical forests, and up to mountainside chortens (shrines). Along the way, we meet villagers, farmers, red-robed monks, explore colorful markets, and marvel at the Shangri La setting of sublime fortress-monasteries reigning over wooded valleys. Overnights are in lodges, plus two nights in our private riverside camps to experience the traditional culture of the Haa Valley. The March and September trips feature the opportunity to witness a Bhutanese Tsechu Festival complete with traditional mask dances; October and November trips may be able to see with the seasonal wintering of black-necked cranes in the high Phobjikha Valley if they have arrived.

Below is an Itinerary-in-Brief. To view a complete Detailed Itinerary, Download Full Itinerary or Email our Area Specialist

Itinerary-in-Brief

Days 1-2
Paro / Thimphu

In Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, our warm-up hike brings us up to Tango Monastery, a monastic school and retreat built in the 15th century. With views across the Thimphu Valley, we descend through lovely riverside villages. En route, we see our first examples of Bhutan’s remarkable traditional architecture, one of the country’s unique cultural treasures.

Days 3-4
Thimphu / Punakha

We cross the Dochu La Pass (10,200'), with its summit chortens festooned with fluttering prayer flags, and descend into the ancient Punakha Valley. Our village-to-village hike on forested trails brings us into a serene region of small hamlets interspersed with terraced rice and wheat fields. We may see farmers plowing fields with oxen as we hike along the trail. The surrounding forests are home to barking deer, Himalayan black bear, and wonderful birdlife. From our lodge in Punakha, we hike up to a high viewpoint for spectacular views over the valley, with a descent on trails that meander among whitewashed farmhouses to the architectural wonder of the 17th century Punakha Dzong, seat of the Je Khenpo, Bhutan’s highest lama. Punakha Dzong is one of the most striking buildings in Bhutan, with a beautiful riverside setting.

Days 5-7
Punakha / Phobjikha

A walk through mustard fields brings us to Chimi Lhakhang (lhakhang means temple), a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. Other hikes bring us through the rhododendron forests of the exquisite Phobjikha Valley at 9,500 feet. The ethereal, golden-roofed Gangtey Monastery sits on a prominent hilltop in this mountain-ringed valley. We also explore Wangdue Phodrang, a 17th century fortress-dzong perched on a spur.

Days 8-10
Haa

The Haa Valley, at 9,000 feet in western Bhutan, has incredible scenery and a wealth of traditional culture in its villages and hillside temples. On Days 9 and 10, we set out on fantastic hikes and stay at Yongto camp for an intimate experience of Bhutanese life. Overnights are at a charming private riverside camp where we sleep in large, walk-in tents with cots. Our staff can set up a traditional hot-stone bath for those who wish to enjoy a relaxing soak in this beautiful setting.

Days 11-13
Paro

Return to Paro, hike up to the famed Taktsang hermitage, the “Tiger’s Nest”, depart on Day 13.

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Tour Costs $4795 (13-16 members) $5095 (10-12 members) Single supplement: $550 Internal airfare: $820 (subject to change) *Prices are for 2008 dates only **Airfare is not included in Tour Cost unless indicated

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