Hiking Adventure to Punahka, Thimphu, and Tiger's Nest Monastery
Bhutan Private Journey
Overview
In the serene, 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. On this lodge-based Private Journey with your own private guide, hike to tiny villages of whitewashed homes, through magical forests, and up to mountainside chortens (shrines) bedecked with colorful prayer flags. Along the way from Thimphu, the capital, to the beautiful Paro and Punakha valleys, meet villagers, farmers, and red-robed monks, explore colorful markets, and marvel at the Shangri La setting of sublime fortress monasteries reigning over wooded valleys. Exciting optional add-ons include the opportunity to experience a traditional hot stone bath, get a reading by a Bhutanese astrologer, or visit a nunnery in the Punakha Valley.
Arrive: Paro, Bhutan
Depart: Paro, Bhutan
Highlights
- Experience a mystical Himalayan kingdom
- Magical Taktsang, Bhutan’s legendary cliff-perched monastery
- Meet Bhutanese villagers, explore colorful markets
- Dine with a local family in their farmhouse and learn about traditional Bhutan
- Optional activities include a traditional hot stone bath, a reading by a Bhutanese astrologer, and a visit to a nunnery set over the stunning Punakha Valley
Itinerary
Bhutan possesses a vibrant traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture and a stunning Himalayan setting. Spirituality permeates every aspect of daily life, time-honored 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. In this magical and mountainous land of demons and deities, you'll visit the Iron Bridge, a 15th century chain bridge laced with prayer flags, explore the serene retreat of Cheri Monastery where Buddhist monks go about their daily rituals, and tour a sanctuary for the takin, a rare Himalayan creature and Bhutan's national animal. If you wish, add on an optional astrological reading by a Bhutanese astrologer. Overnights in the Bhutanese capital of Thimphu.
A spectacular road journey across the Dochu La Pass, with its summit shrines festooned with prayer flags, brings you to the Phobjikha Valley on the western slope of the Black Mountains. Take forested trails to isolated Lungchuzekha Monastery (11,800') where you can enjoy views of the Bhutan Himalaya on a clear day. Hike from lodge to lodge along a nature trail to the gold-roofed Gangtey Monastery, visit the Crane Foundation Center to learn about the black cranes that migrate from Tibet, and spend a full day hiking across the Shashila Pass, winding through rhododendron forests with sweeping valley vistas. A fun optional add-on: a hot stone bath, a traditional therapeutic treatment in Bhutan.
A morning hike brings you to Khamsum Yuley Namgay Chorten, a shrine built by the royal family with a rainbow of Guru Rimpoche images and superb views of the Punakha Valley. Follow ancient riverside trails to the 17th century Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's former winter capital and the winter home of the head abbot of Bhutan. A walk through mustard fields brings you to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery and fertility temple flanked by nearly 100 tall prayer flags and a pilgrimage site for childless couples. In Paro, explore the National Museum, with its collection of ancient artifacts and weapons, as well as the 15th century Paro Dzong. A hike to the iconic Taktsang, the "Tiger's Nest," built on a sheer cliff high above the Paro Valley, will be your grand finale on Day 8. Spend time exploring this striking retreat, the most famous temple of Bhutan and one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayas. Depart on Day 9.
- Astrological Reading
- Hot Stone Bath
Accommodations
Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.
What the Trip is Like
This trip is graded Level 3, Moderate, according to the Wilderness Travel trip rating system. The hikes are moderate and suitable for people in good shape who enjoy mountain hiking. The longest hike is about three hours. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents, and the hikes are at moderate altitude, which can make them feel strenuous. For your own enjoyment, we recommend that you make a special effort to be in good physical condition for the journey.Please note that travel times vary depending upon local conditions, and the itinerary may change while you are in Bhutan due to government regulations and local climate conditions.
Review Trip Level Details
The spring and fall seasons are the most popular times to visit the Kingdom. Bhutan's climate varies enormously and like much of your adventure in the Himalayas it will be quite unpredictable. Spring and fall temperatures in the Thimphu and Paro valleys range from 60 to 80°F but colder spells are not unusual. Winter daytime temperatures in the valleys average 60°F during clear winter days but drop well below freezing during the night. Mid-December to early January can be a beautifully clear and dry time in western Bhutan. Light snow will often dust Thimphu and Paro in winter, and occasionally there will be heavy snowstorms. Punakha and the central valleys are lower in elevation and tend to be a few degrees warmer. The autumn season, late September through November, is usually very mild and clear. While fall colors surround and embrace your senses, the sky is often at its clearest, affording magnificent views of the Himalaya range.
Most of the accommodations in Bhutan are somewhat rustic but very charming, and we've chosen some of the country's most well situated hotels/lodges for this journey. Please note that most hotel rooms are twin-bedded. Optional upgrades are available. All are luxurious, stylish 5-star retreats featuring beautifully appointed rooms decorated with traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts, and relaxing spa facilities with Asian-inspired therapies.
Meals are included as noted in the detailed itinerary (dinners are not included at upgraded hotels unless prearranged). Generally, you will eat breakfast on your own at the lodge before meeting your guide for the day's activities. Your guides may join you for some lunches and dinners, depending on the schedule and your preference. Please be aware that many hotels/lodges in Bhutan provide simple buffets at lunch and dinner. The cuisine in Bhutan is generally based on basic rice with stir-fry and stew options. If you have any dietary restrictions, be sure to advise us on your application form.
Client Testimonials
"From hiking through the beautifully untouched Himalayas, to learning all about Buddhism by visiting the most incredible monasteries, to experiencing life in traditional farm houses—our experience in Bhutan was undeniably everything we could've asked for and more! The itinerary was planned perfectly with a great mix of culture, hiking, and sight seeing. Not once did we ever feel rushed and everything was efficiently planned."
Mari N.
Oakland, CA
"The trip was excellent—it seemed like nothing could go wrong! The itinerary was well-paced: we felt like we were seeing each valley comprehensively but without straining ourselves or overdoing it. The food was uniformly excellent, exceeding my expectations at local restaurants, picnics, and even a farmhouse where we dined. Our guide Kinley was perfect in every way—extremely informative, personable, and managing to run everything smoothly while never rushing us or wasting time. All in all, this was among the best-run trips imaginable."
Michael M.
Chicago, IL
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Book your trip today
Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!
Itinerary
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Trip Levels
With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.
Level 1 – Easiest
Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.
Level 2 – Easy to Moderate
Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.
Level 3 – Moderate
Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.
- Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
- Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
- Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
- Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin, are Trip Level 3.
Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.
Level 5 – Strenuous
Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.
Level 6 – Very Strenuous
Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.