Bhutan is a small Kingdom in the Himalayas that borders China to the North and India to the East, South and West. In Bhutan, Tibetan Buddhism is practiced as the state religion. The whole Bhutanese society is afflicted by the Buddhist living guidelines, and everywhere you see monasteries, temples and monks dressed in their typical red robes. The government of Bhutan is, therefore, working eagerly to protect religious sites, documents and monuments, which makes Bhutan one of the most important areas for practiced Buddhism in the world.
Situated in the remote Himalayan Mountains, Bhutan has a sensational nature and very rich flora and fauna. In the southern regions of the country, you find subtropical animals and plants; while in the far north of the country, there are high snow covered peaks and extremely cold winters, only Yaks and very tough plants live here.
Bhutan is steeped in ancient history, culture and religious customs. Its visitors enjoy the ornate monasteries, interesting architecture and traditional people. The Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a must see amongst other memorable landmarks in this mysterious country.
When choosing a destination for your backpacking trip, it is important to consider the level of difficulty of the trail and the weather conditions. Some popular backpacking destinations include national parks, wilderness areas, and mountain ranges. It is also important to obtain any necessary permits and to be aware of any regulations or rules for the area you plan to visit.
After a spectacular flight along the Himalayas, the machine meanders into the narrow Paro Valley and you almost have the feeling that your wings are brushing against the mountains. Your tour guide and driver will be waiting for you at the exit of the airport. You can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey with all your senses. Here in Bhutan, past and future merge in a living cultural heritage and religion plays a fundamental role in the lives of the residents. Depending on the arrival time, you will already explore the first sights in the Paro Valley, such as the mighty Rinpung Dzong, the National Museum above and the small temple Kichu Lhakhang.
Overnight in Paro
In the morning, bid your farewells to Paro and head towards Chuzom, where the road to Thimphu turns. Shortly before the crossing, the Tachogang Lhakhang temple rises up on the left in a barren environment, which provides a nice photo motif. From Chuzom it takes about 1 hour to reach Thimphu, but before that you take the turnoff up to the 3010m high Dochula Pass. The landmark of the pass is its 108 chortens, built to commemorate armed conflicts with Indian rebels. In good weather you can see the snow-capped peaks of the mountains bordering Tibet – including Bhutan’s highest mountain: Gangkhar Phuesum. A small monastery called Druk Wangyel is also on the pass and invites you to visit it. The road now winds in long serpentines down into the lovely valley of Wangdue Phodrang, through which a wide river flows. On a hill stands the small Chimi Lhakhang Temple, which translates as “no dogs”. There is an interesting story about this that your guide will tell you on the walk to the monastery. Married couples who wish to have children also choose this place of pilgrimage for their concerns. This should also work for foreigners, as various photos in the monastery testify. Married couples who wish to have children also choose this place of pilgrimage for their concerns. This should also work for foreigners, as various photos in the monastery testify. Married couples who wish to have children also choose this place of pilgrimage for their concerns. This should also work for foreigners, as various photos in the monastery testify.
Overnight in Wangdue Phodrang
Today you will explore the sights of this beautiful valley where the vegetation is subtropical and cacti and even Borgonvilla bloom. Due to the low location of the valley, its own flora and fauna has developed here, which is more comparable to eastern Bhutan. Numerous water birds have also settled on the river banks, some of which are endangered species such as a special gray heron species. Across a beautiful traditional wooden bridge that towers over the Mo Chhu (Female River), you can reach the huge Punakha Dzong, which is characterized by its impressive architecture captivates every visitor. Its courtyards offer plenty of beautiful photo opportunities and the huge prayer hall has been designed by the best artists in the country.
Then you walk to the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan, which spans the Pho Chhu (male river) a little behind the dzong and leads over to a small village. You drive a little further back into the valley where the Khamsum Yuelly Namgay Chorten stands on a hill. An approx. 1-hour hike past rice fields leads up to the building, which is decorated with huge figures from tantric Buddhism on three floors. From the roof you have a magnificent view of the river valley and the mountains of the Laya region. The last point of today’s program is a visit to a small nunnery that rises on a ridge. The Sangchen Dorji Lhendrup Nunnery is on the way to the small mountain town of Talo and again offers a magnificent view of the surrounding valleys.
Overnight in Wangdue Phodrang
If you enjoy hiking, there are many options in the Punakha Valley. An extra night is definitely worth it.
After Wangdue Phodrang, the road first follows the river and then winds up to Pele La (3300m) which is covered with high-mountain bamboo. The Pele La (La=pass) to which the judicial district of the Paro Penlop used to reach is traditionally considered the border between western and central Bhutan. This area, inhabited by yak and sheep herders, is called “Bjop of the Black Mountains” by the locals. Shortly before the pass, the road branches off to the left and leads over a small pass down into the extensive glacial valley of Phobjikha. You walk through a small village up to the large Nyigma Monastery, which towers over the small town of Gangtey. A short hike along the Nature Trail takes you past the high moors where the black-necked cranes, which are considered sacred, forage for food in the winter months. In their honor, a festival is held every year on November 11th, for which the whole valley gathers. In a small center you can find out about the life of these animals, which fly here from Tibet to spend the winter.
Overnight in Gangtey
Today you take a nice hike to the back of the valley, where there are small picturesque villages, to get to know the life of the rural population. They visit peasant and village monasteries and, if possible, a school.
Overnight in Gangtey
You leave the extensive glacial valley and drive past Wangdue Phodrang and back to Thimphu via the Dochu La. From afar you can already see the 52 m high golden Buddha statue, which shines in the sun high above the valley and to which you will still drive up. You will also visit the Memorial Chorten Square, where you will join the circle of praying pilgrims circling the chorten. Let your guide teach you a simple mantra.
Overnight in Thimphu
After a hopefully quiet night – because the dogs here are particularly active at night – visit a school for traditional handicrafts called Zorig Chuzom in the morning. Afterwards, stop by the interesting Textile Academy, a small paper factory that produces beautiful paper. Then you drive up to the Motithang district, where you can watch the shy takins, the national animal of Bhutan, in an open-air enclosure. You can also visit the colorful weekly market (Fri/Sat/Sun). In the stadium you can watch archery professionals and in one of the now numerous cafes you can have a cup of coffee and just watch the people or stroll through the many small shops.
Overnight in Thimphu
In the morning we first go up to the big golden Buddha statue, called Buddha Dordenma, which is located on a hill (Künsel Phodrang) above the city. It’s particularly beautiful up there in the morning. A monastery is located at the base of the statue and the view spans the entire Thimphu Valley. A little behind the Trashi Chho Dzong, where the royal palace is also located, the road turns into a picturesque side valley, at the end of which the monasteries of Cheri and Tango nestle on the mountainside. A new Buddhist university is also located at the foot of the monasteries. After a hike up to one of the monasteries, it’s back to Thimphu. You say goodbye to the capital, because your journey continues to Paro. On the way you can make a detour to Simthoka Dzong, the first dzong in Bhutan.
Overnight in Paro
The last day leads up to the mysterious Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which nestles under a rock face in the back part of the Paro Valley. Numerous great Buddhist masters have meditated or slain demons here, making it one of the most sacred places in the Himalayas. A beautiful path through moss-covered mountain forest leads up to the viewpoint. From here you cross the gorge via stone steps, through which a roaring waterfall falls. After visiting the monastery complex, it goes back down to the starting point. You can end the day with a stroll through Paro or possibly take a traditional hot stone bath.
Overnight in Paro
Today it is time to say goodbye to this wonderful and special country with a heavy heart. It goes back to the destination of your choice.
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We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
We have you covered! We will email you as items in your order ship, or if there are updates on the status of your order. Can’t find the email?Click here to check the status of your order.
