Happiness and Hikes

1. Day 1 Paro - Thimphu ▾

   Distance: 55 Km | Driving Time: 1.5 Hr | Altitude of Thimphu: 2300 m You shall know that now you are flying above as soon as you start seeing the beautiful vies from your window. As the flight starts losing altitude and you see its wings glide past the mountain slopes, Bhutan welcomes you with and adventurous landing.

   As you come out of the exit you will find your guide from Ideal Travel Creationswaiting for you. Drive to Thimphu. On the way stop at places to photograph villages, people, and scenery. Highlights shall be the Tamchog Lhakhang and the Chuzomsa.

   Afternoon, explore the Thimphu Town and Centenary Farmers Market. Then visit the the National Memorial Chhorten. This Chhorten was built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. It is a center of worship for the people living in Thimphu.

   Lighting Butter lamps and circumambulating the chhorten can be a great experience and a good way to earn merits as per Buddhist beliefs. In the evening, visit the Tashichhodzong (Fortress of the Glorious Religion). A private traditional cultural show before dinner.

   Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Thimphu (Changangkha - Kuenselphodrang Hike) ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After a leisure breakfast, visit the Changangkha Monastery built on a hill overlooking the Thimphu valley. Many parents of Thimphu take their new born babies to this monastery to be blessed by a high lama. Spend some time here enjoying the breathtaking view, the soothing Himalayan breeze and ample photo opportunities.

   Hike the Changangkha – Kuenselphodrang trail. Distance: 7km Duration: 2 Hr The trail starts at the Changangkha Monastery parking lot and ends at Kuenselphodrang taking us through sparsely populated blue pine forest with beautiful views of the Thimphu valley in certain places.

   This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   On completion of the hike, explore the Kuenselphodrang, where used to be the palace of the Sherab Wangchuk the thirteenth Druk Desi. The construction of A Gigantic Statue of The Great Buddha Dordenmawas started in the year 2006 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   The construction completed in 2015. The Kuenselphodrang Nature park opened in 2011 adds to natural value and beauty of this place. On the way back visit the Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019.

   His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra of 2019 in this temple. A typical Bhutanese lunch at “Simply Bhutan”. It is also a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group.

   For those who wish to walk a little more may choose to start a little earlier and hike further from Kuenselphodrang to Debsi. This hike is scenic as the slopes on this part are not densely forested. Afternoon, visit the Takin Preserve Centre.

   Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Institute of Traditional Medical Services which was first established as an “Indigenous Dispensary” in 1968 at Dechencholing, Thimphu as directed by the Third King of Bhutan. Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum.

   Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in the institute. A private interaction session with a Bhutanese Host in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host as you converse in regards to this new place and its cultures.

   Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu - Punakha ▾

   • 70 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 1,310 m Altitude of Punakha

   Today’s highlight is the Lunchu Tsey Pilgrimage Hike. Though most of the travelers start this hike at Dochula Pass, we shall start from Tashigang Goempa. This way we will not have to drive the same road twice. A drive for about 15 km from Thimphu shall take us to a small village of Hongtso.

   From here we will leave the highway and drive through dirt road till we reach the Trashigang Goenpa. It is a beautiful monastery at an altitude of 3300 m overlooking the Hongtsho village. We shall pay a short visit to the temple before we start our hike.

   From here you will enjoy a gradual uphill climb of about 2 hours to 18th century Lungchu TseyLhakhang. The picturesque route passes through forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, firs, hemlocks and bamboos, and occasionally meadows that are being used as yak pastures.

   The view from Lungchutse Lhakhang over a large range of Himalayas and its snow covered peaks is amazing. Depending on the weather we can enjoy a panoramic view of the following Mountain peaks of Bhutan. Jhomolhari(Mountain of the Goddess Jomo, 7326 m) Gangchhenta(Great Tiger Mountain, 6840 m) Masang Gang(shaped like a trident, 7194 m) Zongphu Gang(Table Mountain, 7100 m) Gangkar Puensum(Bhutan’s highest Peak and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, 7570 m).

   We will then walk downhill for about an hour until we reach Dochula pass. Located at an elevation of 3100 m, this is the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha Valley. One hundred and eight Druk Wangyel Chhortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the Eldest Queen Mother.

   It is beautiful and a must visit place. Apart from the chhortens the Druk Wangyel Monastery adds to its importance and beauty. Drive further to Punakha/ Wangdue. Lunch in Punakha. After Lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built by the Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637 at the junction the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers.

   Visit the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Explore the villages. Then, take a short and easy hike through paddy fields and villages to visit the Chhimi Lhakhang. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility and was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15 century.

   Lama Drukpa Kuenley is also known as the Divine Madman. If you are interested in rafting, you could choose to do the same in Punakha at an extra cost. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Punakha/ wangdue ▾

   • 1,310 m Altitude of Punakha

   After breakfast, hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chhorten. Take a short drive to the base and then walk through paddy fields before you climb a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees. The hike is amazing and the views from the Chhorten are absolutely thrilling.

   On the way you shall have the opportunity to photograph the farmers working on the fields. Reaching the hilltop shrine, the breathing taking views of the fertile valley below shall be an add on for your collections. On your return, Rafting in the Mochhu till Zomlingthang.

   Picnic lunch at Zomlingthang in the banks of Mochhu River. Afternoon, visit the Nalanda Buddhist University. Interaction with the monks and photography In the evening explore the Khuruthang town or Bajo Town whichever is nearby as per out hotel location.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

5. Day 5 Punakha - Paro ▾

   • 130 km Driving distance
   • 3 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   After breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way stop to visit the Royal Botanical Park at Lamperi. Further on the way visit the Tamchhog Lhakhang to experience the river, the iron chain bridge and to visit the temple. Lunch at Paro. After lunch, the following activities awaits you.

   Explore the Paro Town and Valley shopping souvenirs Experience National Dress and Archery Visits to weaving centers Spend some time in a coffee shop or a handicraft shop Visit the Ta Dzong overlooking the Rinpung Dzong. It was built in 1951 as a watch tower.

   This Dzong is round, more like parts of a European castle. The Dzong was established as the National Museum of Bhutan since 1967 and holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangka, etc. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Paro ▾

   • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

   After breakfast, Hike to the Taktshang Monastery, the abode of gods and monks and a must visit sight while in Bhutan. Reaching the top shall be worth the climb; the touch of the Himalayan breeze, the views of the valley below and temple on the rocky cliff shall be fascinating.

   Taktshang Monastery was built surrounding Guru Rinpoche’s Meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer Rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress which gives its name “Taktshang” meaning Tiger’s nest.

   While returning you may choose to volunteer to pick up the wastes with your guide (optional). Picnic Lunch among the woods shall be another great experience. After lunch, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang. The Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo miraculously built 108 temples to consecrate the entire region of Himalaya in the 7th century.

   Kyichu Lhakhang is considered to be one of them.Visit a village house. You shall be served with the local Bhutanese alcohol (Arra) and shall have the opportunity to understand and experience the life in a village in Bhutan. Right from the daily household chores to other works in the field.

   Also relax in traditional hot stone bath known as Dotsho in local language. It has been practiced in Bhutan for centuries as a medicinal soak. River stones are heated and then put in water to heat the water; sometime medicinal herbs are added to the water before it is ready for the soak.

   You may choose to have your dinner with the family. You can also have the option to spend overnight in the village house, however this will have to be confirmed during the confirmation of your tour to Bhutan.Overnight in hotel/Village House.

7. Day 7 Departure ▾

   After breakfast, Drive to airport and farewell.

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Getting there & when to go

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