CULTURAL AND HIKING TOUR

30 Jul, 2015

Tour Highlight

- A timeless unique culture and tradition
- Important and religious landmarks in Bhutan
- Religion and its diverse tribes of people
- Landscapes and biodiversity
- Beautiful and reveling day hikes
- Day hike to famous Taktshang the Tiger’s Nest

Tour Outline

Day 01: Arrival: Paro – Thimphu

Day 02: Thimphu – Punakha – Explore Lungchutse Hike

Day 03: Punakha

Day 04: Punkaha – Haa

Day 05: Haa – Explore Rigsum Goenpa Hike

Day 06: Haa – Paro – Explore Chelela Hike

Day 07: Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Day 08: Departure

7N&8D

Tour Day Information:

Day 1

Arrival: Paro – Thimphu

Distance: 65km (1.5hrs)

Elevation: 2,250mts / 7,382ft

After landing you will be greeted by your guide and driver and will be transferred to the capital city of Bhutan. Thimphu, Nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, is the largest City in Bhutan.

Upon reaching check into the hotel for some refreshment and visit the following places

- Buddha Point where the tallest sitting Buddha Statue lies overlooking the beautiful whole capital city.

- National Memorial Chorten “most religious landmark in Bhutan”. Local people of all ages come to circumambulate reciting prayers

- Tashichho Dzong, the fortress or monastery housing the seats of monastic body, the throne room and offices of the king, secretariat and some ministries.

- Thimphu town and Bhutanese Authentic Craft Bazaar

Overnight in Thimphu

Day 2

Thimphu – Punakha – Explore Lungchutse Hike

Distance: 77km (2.5hrs)

Elevation: 1,200mts / 3,900ft

- After breakfast drive to Punakha, an ancient capital of the country

- En-route stop by Dochula pass (3150m) well known for spectacular views of the eastern Himalayan mountain ranges.

- From Dochula embark on Lungchutse hike (3.5hrs round trip)

- Afternoon visit Chimi Lhakhang “temple of fertility” where a childless couple who come to pray is usually blessed with a child.

- Punakha Town

Overnight in Punakha

Day 3

Punakha

- After breakfast get set for a short hike to Khamsum Yuelly Temple (1hr round trip)

- Later visit Punakha Dzong, “country’s beautiful fortress” confluence by two rivers Mo Chu & Pho Chu

- Bhutanese traditional suspension bridge

Overnight in Punakha

Day 4

Punkaha – Haa

Distance: 180km (5-6hrs)

Elevation: 1,140mts / 3,740ft

- After breakfast drive to the most picturesque Haa Valley.

- After reaching check into hotel and visit

- Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple)

- Lhakhang Nakpo (Black temple)

- Haa town

Overnight in Haa

Day 5

Haa – Explore Rigsum Goenpa Hike

After breakfast explore Rigsum Geonpa Hike.

- Walking Duration: 5-6hrs

- Max Altitude : 3400mts/ 11155ft

- Difficultly level : Moderate

Overnight in Homestay/Hotel

Day 6

Haa – Paro – Explore Chelela Hike

Distance: 70km (2.5hrs)

After breakfast drive back to Paro. En-route, explore Chelela – Kila Nunnery Hike

- Walking Duration: 2 ½ hr.

- Max Altitude : 4000mts/13124ft

- Mini Altitude : 3500mts/11483ft

- Difficultly level : Easy

- After lunch visit Kila Nunnery

- Afternoon drive to Paro for the night hold

Overnight in Paro

Day 7

Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest

Elevation: 3,120mts / 10,240ft

Walking Hour: 4 – 5hrs

- After breakfast hike to Tiger’s Nest

- Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to the 7^th century

- Bhutan National Museum built in the 17th century to guard the Paro Dzong

- Paro Dzong “fortress of the heap of jewels”

Overnight in Paro

Day 8

Departure

After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey