Hiking and Glamping in Bhutan

Day 1

Arrival Paro

Upon arrival at the airport, you’ll be met by a representative and privately transferred to your hotel, a journey which takes you past dramatic pine-clad valleys and snow-tipped ranges.

Once you’ve settled in, your first outing into the Kingdom begins with a sightseeing tour of Paro, allowing you to become customised with your surroundings and to acclimatise to the rarefied air at this altitude.

Day 2

Paro – Punakha

Today, you’ll be driven from Paro to Punakha by car, via Thimphu and Dochu La. You’ll have some time to go to the town viewpoint at the Big Buddha statue and visit Thimphu’s sights, which include the National Memorial Chorten, Trashi Chhoe Dzong, weekend market and Fold Heritage Museum.

Your drive continues to Punahkha, and showcases some awe-inspiring landscapes as you zigzag up to the 3140m high Pass of Dochu La. Once you get to the top, admire the sweeping views of the main Himalayan range. Just up river is your home for the next two days, Uma Punakha.

Day 3

Excursions in Punakha

On today’s agenda is a full day of exploring the scenic Punakha Valley with your private guide.

Begin with a walk to Khamsun Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine recently built by the royal family. Next, head along the riverside towards Punakha Dzong, a fortress-monastery built in 1637. Afterwards, head over to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple that sits atop a picturesque hill surrounded by rice fields.

Day 4

Punakha - Paro

After breakfast, you’ll make your way back to Paro to further explore the region, stopping by the Tamchhu Lhakhang along the way.

The rest of your day will be spent at leisure. We recommend that you try archery (the country’s national sport) followed by a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, before checking into your hotel, Uma Paro.

Day 5

Excursions in Paro

Today, you’ll discover numerous monasteries in Paro.

The first one will be Zurig Dzong, followed by Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on a Heap of Jewels). The trail will then lead you across Paro Chhu River, past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace, and into Paro town.

Day 6

Hiking from Sang Choekor Buddhist College to Yak

This morning you’ll be escorted up to Sang Choeker, the starting ground for your hike. Whilst your ponies are being loaded, feel free to pay your respects at the Buddhist College.

The one to two-hour ascent (steep at times), brings you to a clearing with prayer flags and view down into both Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Just above, lies the Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, a one and a half hour walk away. The final leg of your hike takes you consists of a 20-minute climb through ruins before traversing an ancient forest for 40 minutes.

Your home for the night is tucked in under Bumdra Monastery, with spectacular views of the Himalayan range. After lunch, you can choose to relax or climb up the peak for even better views, returning in time for dinner.

Day 7

Hiking from Yak to Sang Choekor Buddhist College

After breakfast, you’ll make your way down to Paro, reaching the gardens of Sangtopelri (Heaven on Earth) where you can peer over the edge to admire the Taktsanf Monastery.

You’ll continue to the gates of Taktsang and into Tiger’s Nest itself.

Return to Uma Paro for your last night in Bhutan.

Day 8

Departure

Today you’ll be privately escorted to the airport for your onward journey home.