Best View Hikes in Bhutan

Best View Hikes in Bhutan

Black Necked Crane, Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue

A trip to Bhutan is once in a lifetime experience & Bhutan is no doubt, a hiker’s paradise. This 7 days hiking trip includes cultural immersions experience that stretches upto Phobjikha Valley. Explore the serene nature, hike up to panoramic views and soak in the unique culture of this idyllic country. Hike admist the beautiful natural landscapes with lush dense forest and clear blue sky. Do not miss to book Best View Hikes with Heavenly Bhutan Travels (HBT). Best View Hikes in Bhutan.

Day 01: Arrival in Paro to Thimphu (1.2 hrs)
Fly on the wings of the Dragon to Bhutan, on arrival in Paro International Airport, complete the immigration formalities and exit through only one arrival gate where HBT dedicated team who will be holding placard, no one will be missed. We welcome with khaddar and proceed to Thimphu which will take about an hour and half. The route will follow Paro River until Chuzom from where we will bend towards Thimphu river taking us to the heart of capital city Thimphu. The entire stretch of drives is very scenic and picturesque as we pass by some of the beautiful villages of Bondey, Shaba, Isina etc until we enter welcome gate in Thimphu. If time permits, we will do Wangditse hike: The trail heads up for a while and drops down gently through oak, blue pine and rhododendron until you will reach Wangditse monastery. The view of Tashichodzong, Thimphu city, and Buddha statue is stunning from here. The hike to the temple is easy and takes about 45-60 minutes. Explore the town: Walking through the city gives you immense joys and understanding of modern city. Good option for imported garments and local souvenir, beside unique local handicrafts. Thimphu offers mixed style of personalities taking the street walk in Thimphu- only city in the world without traffic lights. Thimphu, altitude 2400m

Day 02: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5 hrs)
Start the most scenic drive to Punakha from Thimphu over dochula pass which takes about two hours. After the break at Dochula, the road descends into Wangdue and Punakha taking us to one of the warmest places of Bhutan. Cheri Monastary: In 1627 the first Buddhist Monastic School for Bhutan was started by Shabdrung in Cheri, which to these days has become a Meditation center for higher level Buddhist studies. The Monastery buildings are old and still contains many sacred relic from past. The hike takes about 45-60 mins one way to reach the temple and trail passes through beautiful cantilever bridge and forest creating the chance to see birds and wild animals’ sometime. Visit Buddha viewpoint: The Buddha Dordenma is located at a top of the hill in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park and overlooks the southern entrance to Thimphu valley. Memorial Chorten: It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. Visitors will find elderly Bhutanese people circumambulating the Chorten throughout the day. The National Memorial Chorten was built in memory of Late Third King of Bhutan and dedicated to World Peace. Third King is regarded as father of modern Bhutan. Dochula pass 3150m: The pass is at a popular location as it offers a stunning 180 degree panoramic view of the Great Himalayan mountain ranges. The view is especially scenic and very clear on winter days with snowcapped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquility of the 108 chortens gracing the mountain pass. Visit Lamperi Botanical Garden: The park has many varieties of plants, herbs, birds and animals. If you visit between April and June, you can find about 38 out of Bhutan’s 46 species of rhododendrons and spot some of the 220 species birds. This park is one of the must visit place for birds and nature lovers. You may enjoy the hot packed lunch here if you had planned picnic. Relax in the hotel. Overnight in Punakha, altitude 1350m

Day 03: Punakha to Phobjikha (3 hrs)
The road to Phobjikha passes through old town of Wangdue taking us through the black mountain region into Gangtey. The drive also passes through some of the most beautiful forests, water fall, hills, river and villages and Pelela pass before stepping into Phobjikha. Enjoy the most scenic and adventurous drive today with HBT. Punakha Dzong: Built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo religious head of Bhutan. King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952.  This is one of the finest and must see Dzongs of Bhutan. The Dzong stands inbetween meeting point of two rivers, Phochu and Mochu making the most photogenic Dzongs of Bhutan. Enjoy the walks on the suspension bridge: Punakha suspension bridge is considered one of the longest of its kind in Bhutan. The bridge connects the dzong with the villages Shengana, Samdingkha and Wangkha on the other bank of the Po Chhu river. In these small villages, locals sell their wares in tiny, traditional shops. Visitors can stop here for a quick and authentic view of true Bhutan.  In order to access the suspension bridge from the dzong, one must walk past the King’s palace and the cremation ground. Hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility: This temple is known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that childless couples can visit this temple to pray for better fertility to conceive the child. There are stories and incidences that many visitors dream came true however one must truly need to believe and follow the lama’s instruction. The hike though the lovely villages of Mesina gives truly amazing experience. The hike to the temple takes about 30 minutes one way uphill. Enjoy the gentle walks from the road head. Gangtey Gompa: The temple built over hill top, headed by Gangtey Tulku the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. Annual festival of Gangtey is performed in the temple courtyard every year. This is also the place for black necked crane’s festival held every year on 11-Nov, coinciding with His Majesty’s Fourth King’s Birthday. Overnight in Phobjikha, altitude 2900m

Day 04: Phobjikha Halt
The valley of black necked cranes and rhododendron and is often referred as Asian Switzerland. The natural beauty of the Phobjikha, beautiful home stays and nature adds more value to experience the living style, food habit and culture of the Bhutanese people. Gangtey Nature Trail: It is a short and relatively easy trek with several beautiful villages and monasteries en route. It offers beautiful views of the country with mostly gentle, forested slopes. Take beautiful downhill Gangtey trail talk for two hours and the best time for this trek is between September-May, walk not recommended on rainy days. Farmhouse visit with dinner with locals: This experience is a particularly fun and spontaneous way to connect with the local community and learn about Bhutanese culture and way of living. Overnight in Phobjikha

Day 05: Phobjikha to Paro (6 hrs)
As we say good bye to the Asian Switzerland, we will retrace the journey back to Thimphu crossing over Pelela, Wangdue, Dochula, up until Chuzom and further to Paro. The entire stretch of drive will refresh your mind and give you second chance to enjoy the great snowcapped mountain views of the Himalayas. Longtey Hike: The path will lead through bush bamboo towards a small cluster of village houses for about 3-4 hrs. There are beautifully colored rhododendron forests on both sides of the valley, and in the winter months, yaks graze in the area. Enjoy outdoor activities wearing Gho/Kira, play archery: Nicely made and well maintained activity place attached to whole sell Buddha statue store, offers wearing Bhutanese dress, playing archery and darts for guests visiting Bhutan. The center is maintained and operated by HBT herself and its free of cost for all HBT guests. Overnight in Paro, altitude 2200m

Day 06: Paro Sightseeing
This picturesque region in the kingdom is covered in fertile rice fields and has a beautiful, crystalline river meandering down the valley. Paro has more of historical sites, high-end tourist resort and many souvenir shops for shopping including world famous Takstang. Taktsang Monastery (Tiger Nest Temple): is Bhutan’s most iconic landmark and religious Buddhist site in the world. The name Taktsang translates to “The Tiger’s Nest”. The temple is one of the holiest sites in Bhutan which clings impossibly to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley. Although good trekkers can make it to the top in 2 hours, uphill at 30 to 40 degree inclined and most of the guests take whole day to complete the hike. Kyichu Lhakhang: Temple considered sacred Jewel of Bhutan was established by the Buddhist King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet to overcome the giant ogress that laid across Tibet and Himalayas preventing the spread of Buddhism. The king is believed to have built the temple at the left foot of the enormous ogress. Kichu Lhakhang was among 12 temples in Bhutan out of 108 temples said to have been constructed over single night. Kichu Lhakhang was initially small in size however later, the temple expanded both in grandeur and size to its form that we see today. Village visit with hot stone bath at the farmhouse: Hot stone bath is very unique to Bhutan and offers great medicinal values. In most cases, the bathtub is made of wood placed on a ground level in quite hut for the privacy. A couple can get into one bathtub to soak. Enjoy the great ancient techniques of curing body ache, joins pain and harness many other values. This is on additional cost check with guide/driver. Overnight in Paro

Day 07: End of the Tour
Departure from the Kingdom of Happiness

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