8 Night 9 Day Hiking Tour

Then travel to Thimphu which will take you through Chunzom (confluence of Pachu- the river flowing through Paro valley & Wangchu –the river flowing through Thimphu valley). On the way, enjoy walking over a suspension bridge to view 15^th century iron chain bridge suspended over the Pa chu .

After crossing Chunzom, the drive will take you along the Wangchu upto Thimphu city.

On arrival at Thimphu, Check into your hotel

After lunch visit the following:

The School of Traditional Painting of Arts and Crafts where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. It is the best place for visitors to learn about traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
National Textile Museum which is a good place to see the art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colors and designs.You will also see people weaving with intricate designs.
Archery Match (National Sport of Bhutan) at Changlimithang National Stadium. Normally you will spot Bhutanese men playing archery game during weekends or public holidays. Good opportunity to interact with local people.
Centenary Farmers’ Market (open from Wed-Sun only): Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling centenary farmers’ market where farmers from neighboring areas come to sell their farm produces. A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people.
Takin Preserve, which houses the national animal the Takin that is only found in Bhutan. This is an extremely rare member of the goat family. Found in herds in the very high altitudes (13,125ft and over). They live on a diet of grass and bamboo. It can weigh as much as 550 pounds. Here Takins are preserved in natural environment.
The National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was constructed in 1974 as a memorial for the third King of Bhutan, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is widely regarded as the father of modern Bhutan. The term ‘chorten’ literally means ' seat of faith' and Buddhists often call such monuments the 'Mind of Buddha'. Meet the elderly generation in circumambulation, especially in the evenings and mornings, at the National Memorial Chorten.

In the evening you may explore Thimphu town on your own.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2:Thimphu-Hike through Lungchutse Nature Trail -Punakha,overnight at hotel in Punakha

Thimphu –Punakha :Distance: 71 km, estimated driving time: 2 hr
Altitude at Dochula :3140 m

Altitude at Lungchutsey:3600 m

Altitude at Punakha :1300 m

After breakfast drive for about 35 minutes to Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Dochula Pass you will see the beautiful108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and well being of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

After a refreshment at Dochula Pass Cafeteria you will hike through Lungchutse nature trail to Lungchutse Lhakhang (temple) with some packed snacks & soft drinks which starts from 108 Druk Wangyel chortens (stupas) at Dochula Pass and meanders through the rhododendrons and coniferous tress covered with lichens (indication of clean air) along the yak herders’ trails until it reaches LungchuTse monastery, which looks over a deep valley and the peaks of the High Himalayan ranges. In the clear sky you will enjoy breathtakingly beautiful view of Himalayan Mountain Peaks.

The round trip hike to Lungchutse will take 4 hours.

After hiking back to Dochula. You will have late lunch at Dochula pass cafeteria. After late lunch continue your journey to Punakha valley.

On arrival at Punakha check into your hotel.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 3: Punakha Sightseeing & Punakha-Thimphu, overnight at hotel in Thimphu

Distance: 71 km & estimated driving time: 2 hours

Altitude at Thimphu :2300 m

After breakfast travel through upper Punakha valley and take a leisure walk passing through suspension bridgeand through paddy fields to the beautiful Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Lhakhang (temple) built by Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for peace and stability in this ever-changing world. This temple is situated on the hilltop overlooking the valley below. The leisurely walk up to the temple would take about an hour. Visit the temple and also enjoy the breathtakingly beautiful view from there. The round trip hike will take about 2 hours.

Then walk over traditional Cantilever bridge to visit Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (high Drupa Kagyu lama who unified the warring valley kingdoms under a single rule in 16^th century) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region.

Then walk further for about 15 minutes to one of the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan spanning 350 m and perched high above the very swift Pho chu (male river). Draped with prayer flags ,the bridge connects the town of Punakha and Punakha Dzong.This bridge is mainly used by locals from the village located on the other side of the river as a shortcut to Punakha Dzong.

After lunch walk through paddy fields for about 20 minutes to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.

Then travel to Thimphu via Dochula pass.

After refreshment visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Yet another place for photographer’s delight.

Dinner at restaurant in Thimphu Town or at your hotel as per your preference. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 4: Hike to Phajoding Monastery & further to Thuje Drak lakes, overnight at Thimphu

Altitude at Thuje drak :4300 m

After early breakfast, with a packed picnic lunch drive for about 10 minutes to the staring point of the hike above the Takin Preserve at Mothithang in Thimphu. A hike through nature to Phajoding Ghoenpa which is about 5 km distance and estimated trekking time is about 5 hours round trip. It is one of the most interesting day hiking trails in Thimphu. The hike starts from the upper valley of Motithang-Thimphu just above the Takin Preserve with the gentle climbs through the forest of blue pine, rhododendrons (flowers will be in full bloom in April), oak and many other high altitude plants. The snake trail curves take you for about 2 hours uphill on the same slope before you take final left inclined up to a small stupa, which offers the best view of upper Thimphu valley. From here another hour hike up will take you to an open area where you can see few houses built at the base of Phajoding top.

Phajoding Ghoenpa is a large monastic complex with 10 temples and 15 monastic residences; many of them are being used for extended period of mediation and spiritual retreats.

It was founded in the 13ht century by Togden Pajo, a yogi from Tibet, who was searching for a place of meditation. Most of the temples were built in 1748 through the efforts of Shakya Rinchen, the 9^th Je Khenpo ( a chief abbot of Bhutan).

You will enjoy our packed picnic lunch here and take another 30 mins walk to Thujidrag Ghoenpa (monastery) from where we can see Thimphu valley and also you will enjoy panoramic view of Himalayan mountain ranges. Return back to the Monastery and visit the temple before descending down. Enjoy your time taking picture, walking around. Later in the afternoon you will retrace your walk back to hike start point from where we will be picked up by our car and drop at your hotel.

In the evening stroll through Thimphu city and you may visit local handicraft stores.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Day 5: Thimphu-Paro sightseeing, overnight at hotel in Paro

Thimphu-Paro :Distance: 54 km, driving time: 1 hours

Altitude at Paro :2200 m

After breakfast visit Buddha Point /Kuenselphodrang: This massive Buddha statue is 51.5 meters in height and it is one of the largest statues of Buddha in the world. The statue is made of bronze and is gilded in gold. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall.
The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfills an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8^th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.

Then travel to Paro & visit Paro Rinpung Dzong (fortress), built in 1645 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now being used as an administration center and school for monks. From the Dzong you will walk back down to Rimpung Bridge. Also visit National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Here is an intriguing collection of artefacts which provide you with a wonderful insight to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom of Bhutan

After lunch visit Kyichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan's oldest and most beautiful temples. The temple is popularly believed to have been built in 7^th century by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, to pin down the left foot of a giant ogress who was thwarting the establishment of Buddhism in Tibet.

In the evening explore Paro town.

Dinner and Overnight at a hotel in Paro valley.

Day 6: Hike to Bumdrak Monastery & Explore Bumdrak, overnight in camping at Bumdrak

Altitude at Bumdrak:3900 m

After breakfast drive to Sangchoekor , Sangchen Chokor Monastery and visit the monastery and enjoy the good scenery surrounding that monastery. Sangchen Chokor monastery was built by Tulku Chogal sacha Tenzin in 1765. Sangchen Chokhor Densa (residence) means offerings of the relics to three realms.

Then hike to Bumdrak with packed pinic lunch. The trek starts in a forestry ridge where Bhutan's untouched nature is seen in all its beauty. After hiking for about 3 hours you will reach Chhoe Tse Lhakang temple which has a grand view of Paro valley and the snow-capped mountain ranges that surround Bhutan.

After an hour or 2 of crisscrossing in the forest, you will come to a open meadow with religious chortens and prayer flags which are the only sign of human influence in the untouched landscape.

From the meadow the Bumdrak monastery a short distance away.

After refreshment in the camp, relax with great view of Paro valley below after tiring day hike.

Dinner and overnight at camp at Bumdrak Monastery.

Day 7: Hike from Bumdrak to Paro via Taktsang Ghoempa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery),overnight at hotel in Paro

Altitude at Tiger Nest Monastery:3000 m

After breakfast you will explore Bumdrak and you will also visit Bumdrak monastery ( Bumdrak means Cave of Thousand Prayers).A legend has it that one hundred thousand angels descended and left footprints on a rock 800 years ago.

While at the same time enjoy breathtaking view from Bumdrak.

You can also hike further up to visit all pilgrim sites at Bumdrak.

Then hike back to Paro through the trekking trail leading to Taktsang monastery. After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria and then walk further downhill to the road point.

Then visit a farmhouse which offers a good glimpse into the lifestyle of a farmer. You can have traditional Bhutanese lunch and also you can try your hand at archery game using traditional bow and arrow made out of bamboo.

In the evening relax in the Traditional Bhutanese Hotstone bath at a farmhouse in Paro valley.

Tradtional Hotstone bath: A traditional Bhutan hot stone bath uses river rocks that therapists place in water where they crack and steam, releasing key minerals and relieving deep-set aches.

You will also see around inside of the traditional Bhutanese house.

You will enjoy traditional Bhutanese dinner with the family members of the house.

Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Day 8: A Hike to Chumphu Nye (floating statue of Goddess Dorji Phamo-Mata Varahi)

Altitude at Chumphu Nye:3190 m

After breakfast take a packed picnic lunch and set on your hike to Chumpu Nye (holy site) which takes about 5-6 hours hike to reach and visit this site. After leaving your vehicle the walk is casual and not too tiring as the hike path goes through the forests, lot of shade and cool breeze. With good company you can chit chat and after a walk of about 2 hours you will cross a river and come to a small stupa. From here on its a medium to steep climb up to Chumphu Temple at 3191 m. The main statue inside the Chumphu temple is the levitating statue of Dorji Phagmo ( Sanskrit : Vajravarahi) which continues to imbibe a sense of awe and reverence to the pilgrims who come to pay their respects at this sacred site. This statue is very sacred and ancient as its believed that the Goddess Dorji Phamo flew here from tibet and stayed on in the form of a statue. She is a life size statue and believe it or not, her one leg is crossed at the knees and the other is standing but does not touch the ground (Floating statue).The statue is also acclaimed for its wish fulfilling blessings to those who make wishes. The temple also has some exquisite wall murals depicting the pantheon of saints and buddhist masters.

Some people test this belief by passing a money note below her feet and it passes through smoothly without a hitch. The other site to visit at Chumphu is the Guru Rimpoche Caves. There are several caves used by Guru himself and some caves used by his consorts like Khandom Mendharawa and Khandom Yeshay Tshokey. There are water falls said to be the bathing place of Guru and there are big rock opening said to be opening gates to Heaven. You will have your picnic lunch at Chumpu Nye.

After visiting the site, you will hike back to Paro.

Dinner and overnight at the same hotel in Paro valley.

Day 9: Fly out of Paro

After breakfast travel to Paro airport for your flight out of Paro.

Bhutan Trip Price for the 8 Nights 9 Days Hiking tour

Travel Time	1 pax	2 -3 pax	4 pax & above
Low Season:July, Aug ,Dec,Jan, Feb	USD2900/person	USD2040/person	USD1980/person
Regular Season:Mar,April,May,Jun, Sept,Oct & Nov	USD2940/person	USD2140/person	USD2040/person

The above Bhutan tour package prices includes the following:

Twin/double sharing rooms at premium 3 star hotels for 7 nights & Bumdra camping for 1 night.
All breakfast at 3 star hotels for 7 times and at camp for 1 time
English speaking tour guide service
All transfers and excursions by private vehicles
Mineral drinking water
Tourist Tax (SDF) of USD100/person/night (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
Visa fee USD40 per person
Entrance fees to Museums & Monuments
Dinner at your hotel or at restaurants as per your preference and 1 dinner at Bumdra camp.
Lunch at restaurants and during the hike it will be a packed lunch.

The above tour prices do not include the following:

Single room supplement of USD 40/room/night (optional)
Airfares
Travel insurance (required)
Accommodations and meals at luxury hotel accommodations and meals -4 star and 5 star (optional)
Other personal expenses like overseas calls, laundry,etc

Complimentary Services:

Traditional Bhutanese dress for free renting to wear for a day or so ( if interested)
We provide facility to try out Archery using Bhutanese traditional bow and arrows (made out of bamboo) at a farmhouse ( if interested)
Traditional Hot stone bath one session at a farmhouse after your hike to Tiger's Nest monastery

***Thank you & Tashi Delek***

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