Active Bhutan
An earthy tour of Bhutan for the adventurous, where you get to see the best this mountainous country has to offer, not only in the comfort of your car but also by bicycle and treks.
In addition to the various Dzongs (fortresses), Lhakhangs (temples), Goenpas (monasteries) and Chortens (shrines), you get to experience the country up close and personal as you walk through terraced rice fields, conifer and rhododendron forests, and little hamlets and villages; all with the mighty Himalayan range in the backdrop. Accommodation is in mostly standard grade properties, though there are some expensive choices in many of the places.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi
DAY 2 - DELHI
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to Holiday Inn for the night; at leisure.
DAYS 3 & 4 - PARO
Fly to Paro, an unforgettable flight which offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Stay at the Olathang or Village Lodge (or Uma Paro/Aman). Explore Paro town and valley at your own pace by bicycle. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country. The next day ride your bike to the base of Taktsang Monastery. It is a short 20 min ride through the villages. This is followed by a walking excursion to the monastery, one of Bhutan’s most famous, perched on a hillside. Later ride to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong.
DAY 5 & 6 - THIMPU
After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum. Take a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong. After lunch, drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan visiting the 13th century Tamchog Lhakhang temple en route. We also take a short stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. Three different style of stupas adorn the confluence. On the outskirts of Thimpu, visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the country which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Evening explore Thimphu valley and town. Stay at the Phuentso Pelri or Kisa (or the Taj Thimphu). Next morning , ride to the Kuenselphodrang to see the largest Buddha statue in the country. Continue riding to the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974, in honour of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. After lunch, cycle to Sangaygang view point, visiting the Takin Preserve Centre en route. Ride back to Changangkha Monastery downhill. From there cycle to Drupthob Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
DAY 7 - GANGTEY
This morning’s tour of Thimpu includes the National Library, Institute for Zorig Chusum - commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, Textile Museum and Simply Bhutan – a living museum and studio run as an exclusive project under the Bhutan Youth Development Fund. Later enjoy a dramatic drive over the high mountain pass of Dochu La (3080m) and on to the Phobjikha (Gangtey) Valley passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees. Stay at Dewachen Resort or the Farm House.
DAY 8 - GOGONA
Morning visit, Gangtey Goenpa, the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. Then, explore the Phobjikha Valley and villages around. Phobjikha is also the winter home of migratory black necked cranes. Afterwards, commence your 5-6 hrs trek to Gogona, a beautiful hilltop site overlooking a long valley. Nearby is Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering. Overnight in a Camp.
DAY 9 - KHOTOKHA
Start your trek to Khotokha in the morning (5-6 hrs).The trail passes through Gogona village, past flocks of sheep and ploughed fields; forests of firs spruce, rhododendrons, cypress and juniper trees; and eventually reaches a clearing, Chorten Karpo, overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha. Overnight in a Camp.
DAYS 10 & 11 - PUNAKHA
Today’s trek (5 hrs) to Tashi La takes us through a beautiful forest, with the undergrowth changing from rhododendrons and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo. This stretch of trail is one of the finest bird-watching areas in Bhutan. The trail then plunges down past steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay and eventually meets the road near Tikke Zampa where you are picked up and taken to your hotel in Punakha. Stay at the Zangtho Pelri Hotel. The next morning, a picturesque hike (2 hrs round trip) takes you to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten. Afternoon, proceed to visit Punakha Dzong : built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. Then visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang. The temple complex houses a permanent higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where, apart from religious studies, life skills such as tailoring, embroidery, statue-making and thangka painting are provided.
DAY 12 - PARO
After breakfast, embark on an interesting excursion to Chimi Lhakhang temple - dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as ‘Divine Madman’. Afterwards proceed on a rafting expedition to Pho Chu river. A popular rafting location, you travel along breath-taking alpine scenery and amazing rapids, with the striking Punakha Dzong as a backdrop. Drive back to Paro in the afternoon for an overnight stay at the Olathang or Village Lodge.
DAY 13 - RETURN
Fly back to Delhi in the morning to take your return flight back to UK.
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