Cultural and Hiking Journey in Bhutan
The enchanting valleys of Bhutan set the scene for our thrilling Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan, a cultural adventure that weaves together traditional festivals, fantastic hikes, and wonderful insights into the spiritual heart of the Himalayas. One of our WT adventurers experienced the wonders of this small nation and shared some of his favorite photos.
After a friend told me all about her trip to Bhutan many years ago, the tiny mountain kingdom has been on my bucket list ever since. I wanted to see and experience its stunning landscapes, ancient monasteries and temples, and vibrant festivals. And how can one not be intrigued by a country that measures the happiness and well-being of its population through its Gross National Happiness (GNH) index?
Day 1
My trip started at the Bangkok airport (after several days exploring Bangkok on my own) where I sought out my fellow travelers who carried a daypack with a Wilderness Travel luggage tag. I knew after meeting them that we were going to enjoy each other’s company the rest of the trip. I had read that the descent into Paro is one of the most challenging and visually stunning flights in the world. Although a clear view of the Himalayas was limited due to fog, it was still inspiring.
We were warmly greeted at the airport by our guides Kipchu and Tandin.
Our first stop was the Iron Bridge, a 600-year-old chain bridge. It was the first of many times that we would encounter colorful prayer flags, prayer wheels, and large photos of the king and his family.
Following our hotel check-in and lunch in Thimphu, we visited a Giant Buddha statue, filled with over 100,000 small buddha statues, overlooking the city. We ended the day admiring the vegetables, fruits, and grains at a local market.
Day 2
Today we hiked to Cheri Monastery, a 17th century monastery. Although you can’t take photos inside temples and monasteries, I will always remember the vibrant painted walls depicting Buddhist teachings, the glow of butter lamps, the numerous offerings, and the large buddhas on the altar.
Our next stop was the Royal Takin Wildlife Preserve that protects Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. The takin, a rare species found in the eastern Himalayas, looks like a mix between a cow and a goat. The preserve also serves as a rehabilitation center for other animals such as barking deer and sambar deer.
Day 3
Starting at the Lha Dzong Tashigang Monastic School and Meditation Center, we hiked up a forested trail lined with prayer flags to Lungchuzekha Monastery. We then hiked down another trail to the Dochu La mountain pass, comprised of 108 chortens or stupas, in memory of Bhutanese soldiers killed in the 2003 battle against Assamese insurgents from India.
Day 4
Following a stop to watch the locals throwing darts outside in a friendly weekend competition (we later saw an archery competition), we hiked to the Khamsun Yulley Namgyel Chorten, a four-story shrine built by the royal family.
After a picnic lunch, we visited Punakha Dzong, a 17th century fortress and Bhutan’s former winter capital. It is the second oldest and second largest dzong in all of Bhutan.
We then crossed one of the longest suspension pedestrian bridges in Bhutan.
Day 5
This morning we visited Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known as “the divine madman.” The temple has served as a pilgrimage site for childless couples and even contains photo albums of the children born following these couples’ visits.
We drove to the Phobjikha Valley, known for the black-necked cranes that migrate here from Tibet in the winter. Following a nature walk, we visited the Black-Necked Crane Visitor Center, where there were two cranes, exhibits, and a film.
Day 6
In the morning, we took a walk through the meadows below Lawala Pass, which connects the districts of Punakha and Trongsa. Throughout the walk, we passed yaks and cows and the occasional local.
On the way to Trongsa, we stopped at Chendebji Chorten. It features Nepali-style architecture, including the signature eyes at the four cardinal points.
Day 7
In the morning we toured the Trongsa Dzong, the largest dzong fortress in Bhutan. We then visited the Ta Dzong Museum, which focuses on the history of the monarchs of Bhutan.
We then drove to the Bumthang district, stopping for lunch and a stroll through a weaving workshop before arriving at the Jambay Lkakhang Monastery.
Day 8
We walked through the village of Thangbi to a local farmhouse, where we had lunch and watched our hosts make buckwheat noodles and butter tea. We also went into their main altar room.
Day 9
Our flight from Bumthang to Paro was cancelled due to a storm so we spent much of the day driving back to Paro. We were reminded of the past eight days as we passed many of the sites we visited. We also had some incredible views from the van!
Day 10
This morning was one of the highlights of the trip—attending the Paro Tschechu. Seeing the thousands of Bhutanese in their finery, with joy and pride in their faces, was just as exciting as watching the dancers in their costumes and masks.
In the afternoon, we hiked up to the Dzongdrakha Temple (aka mini Takstang), built on a cliff above a village.
Day 11
Early morning risers were rewarded with a return to the Paro Tschechu to see the unveiled thongdrel, a giant embroidered religious scroll depicting Guru Rinpoche.
We all then hiked up to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched on a cliff. Visiting this best known site in Bhutan was worth the 2,200 feet ascent/descent.
After lunch, we visited a nunnery in Paro. It was an amazing experience watching the nuns handcraft an offering and listening to them chant and play instruments.
Day 12
We said our good-byes to our gracious guides and driver and departed Paro for Bangkok and flights back home.
—Text and photos by 15-time WT adventurer Lee Reichman, Hiker’s Journey to Bhutan.
