Bhutan Walking Holiday
Bhutan Walking Holiday
$3735
Tour Overview
This Bhutan walking tour is a tailor made, eleven day itinerary which can, of course, be adapted to suit your interests and needs. But if having the option to arrive at some of Bhutan’s most splendid cultural sites on foot rather than by vehicle appeals, then this Bhutan walking holiday will certainly do the trick. Walking rather than full on trekking and wild camping, this trip is for visitors who love to walk but perhaps not all day every day, and also enjoy the comfort of hotels. The reason why walking holidays in Bhutan are such a wonderful way to discover the country is mainly because some of its isolated regions, remote monasteries and villages are only accessible on foot. You will, therefore, also be walking in the footsteps of ancient pilgrims or traders and in many places will feel as if you have walked back in time, exploring the wonders of the country’s splendid Paro, Punakha, Thimphu and Phobjikha Valleys. Highlights of this trip include hiking in the Phobjikha Valley, famous for being home to the black-necked crane between the months of November to March, trekking up to the stunning Taktshang Monastery, perched on a 900m high cliff, and also walking up to 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang. From here, you will have earned a view over the Bhutan Himalayas. As well as the bigger pictures of the Himalayas, you will also get a chance to see every day life in Bhutan, visiting small villages, farms, having a cooking lesson or taking part in a Buddhist meditation. Because this walking holiday is not only about taking steps through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes, but also into its everyday life and precious culture. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Paro Airport To Thimphu
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our representative will meet you at Paro airport. After lunch enjoy afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong. This museum houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical, cultural, and religious past. Next, visit the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered as the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and believed to have attained enlightenment in a lifetime. Dzong’s are large monasteries and district administrative centers, which were once strategic forts. Afterwards, transfer for Thimphu for overnight (1.5 hours). ...more ...less
Day 2 : Thimphu
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. This temple was first initiated by the Third King as a protection from the negative elements of modernization. The Royal Queen Mother completed it as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in the year 1972. You will also visit the 12th century Changangkha Temple and Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha Nunnery. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3 : Hike To Cheri Monastary
Location: Thimphu
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Morning drive through the countryside surrounding Thimphu to Jigme Dorji Wildlife Sanctuary, the largest protected area in the Bhutan. The park is home to several endangered species including the takin, snow leopard, blue sheep, tiger, red panda, and the Himalayan black bear. More than 300 species of birds have been cataloged within the park. Our walk begins from the small village of Dodena. Our trail starts by crossing a covered bridge over the Thim chhu and we climb steadily to Cheri Goemba, a small monastery perched on the hill with a view over the Thimphu Valley. Shabdrung built the monastery in 1620, and is the location where the first community of monks in Bhutan was established. The monastery is considered very sacred as it contains the ashes of Tempi Nima, the father of the first Shabdrung of Bhutan, and beautiful frescoes of Buddhist saints. Shabdrung also spent three years in retreat here and it’s a renowned meditation place even today. After our visit to the monastery, we descend back the way we came, keeping our eyes open for the goral (wild goat) that are often spotted on the cliffs nearby. Back at the village of Dodena we will have picnic lunch along the clean and unpolluted Thimphu River. After lunch, we follow a riverside trail via Begana to Cabesa, home to the Choki School of Arts. The Choki School is private and provides free skills-related education in the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan to Bhutanese children who are unable to attend or complete their formal education. After visiting the school we continue along the riverside trail and pass through small rural villages before returning to Thimphu. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4 : Thimphu – Punakha (Hike: Tashigang Goenpa/Lungchotse Lhakhang/Dochu La):
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Depart Thimphu, driving for about 45 minutes before beginningour hike to Tashigang goenpa (3200m). This monastery was built in 1786 by the 12th Je Khenpo. From Tashigang monastery you will enjoy a gradual uphill climb of about 2 hours to 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang. The picturesque route passes through forests of rhododendrons, magnolias, birches, firs, hemlocks and bamboos, and occasionally meadows that are being used as yak pastures. The view from Lungchotse Lhakhang over the entire Bhutan Himalaya and its snow covered peaks is amazing. We will walk down hill for about an hour until we reach Dochula pass, a wonderful sight marked by 108 chortens (Stupa), and on a cleat day an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Here will be meet our waiting vehicle and driver. Drive for about for about an hour & half down into the sub-tropical Punakha Valley. Overnight at your hotel in Punakha/ Wangduephodrang.
Day 5 : Punakha
Location: Punakha
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
In the morning visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). It is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu (Mother and Father Rivers) and is the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move en masse from Thimphu to this warmer location. The three story main temple of the Punakha Dzong is a breathtaking example of traditional architecture with four intricately embossed entrance pillars crafted from cypress and decorated in gold and silver. Afterwards drive to Yabesa village and hike to through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by her majesty the queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Take a picnic lunch on a picturesque riverside before driving to Lobesa for a pleasant walk through small hillside villages to visit a farm house. Here we will see a Traditional Bhutanese cooking and farming demonstration. This will include the milking of a cow, followed by the churning of milk and the production of cheese and butter. We will also experience the brewing of local wine (“Ara”) and preparation of the national dish, “Emadasti”. Afterwards walk down through terraced ricefields to the main road where your vehicle awaits.
Day 6 : Punakha To Phobjikha
Location: Phobjikha Valley
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
After breakfast transfer to Phobjikha Valley via the bustling market town of Wangduephodrang. Drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forests, and over a high pass down into the wide and picturesque Phobjikha valley. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black necked cranes (November – March) migrating from the Tibetan plateau. The valley is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan. Visit the Phobjikha Sanctuary with an opportunity to view the majestic black necked cranes (Nov-Mar only) and Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), dating back to the 16th century and the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 7 : Phobjikha Valley (Kayche La Hike):
Location: Phobjikha Valley
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay, ResortHomestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Drive to Longtey Village located beyond Pele La pass (3,420m) for a hike across Kayche La (3700m) and back to Gangtey. We climb up gradually through the thickets of dwarf bamboos, birch, rhododendron, hemlock and fir rich with diverse birdlife to Kayche La, marked with some prayer flags. The other side of the pass is mostly meadows, and it’s all downhill to Gangtey through the long and beautiful stretch of meadows and farms. Overnight at your hotel in Phobjikha.
Day 8 : Phobjikha To Paro
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Morning walk to explore the village of Gangtey before departing for Paro (approx 7 hrs). From Gangtey the road gradually descends into the balmy Punakha valley before climbing up over Dochu La Pass. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 9 : Taktshang Hike
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you almost a kilometer above the Paro valley floor (for those who cannot hike we will arrange a horse for transfer up to cafeteria). The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch. In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 10 : Chelela Hike
Location: Paro
Accommodation: Hotel, Resort, Homestay
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, Tea and snacks
Morning drive up to Cheli La Pass through mixed forests offering panoramic views of the snow-capped Himalayas. Enjoy a hike of approximately 3 hours up along the meadow to Kung Karpo La (4100m) enjoying breathtaking views on a clear day of the snowcapped mountains along the ridge that divides Paro and Haa valley. The short steep descent from the top will take us to the nunnery of Kila Gompa. Here the nuns, called anims, live a life of contemplation and seclusion, with daily prayer and spiritual practice. The temple itself is surrounded by numerous meditation huts, and many hidden caves lie inside the rocky cliffs. The gompa is surrounded by a lush forest dominated by tall firs. Sparkling mountain streams wind down the slopes, which are covered with a variety of wildflowers and plants. Kila Gompa is historically significant as a sacred meditation site. Many renowned Buddhist saints have come here to find peace and seclusion. The main temple houses ancient statues of Chenrezig (Avalokiteswara) and Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) among others. The walk down from here to the road is lined with small white chortens and it will take us about an hour. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Day 11 : Departure
Location: Paro International Airport
Meals Included: Breakfast
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
What's Included
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Entrance Fees
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Country Entry Visas
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1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day
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Accommodation
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Airport Transfers at Destination
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Free Wi-Fi at Accommodation
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Fully Guided
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Local Taxes
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Meals – Full Board
What's Not Included
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Drinks with Meals
Other than meals and water, you have to pay for beverages and others
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International Travel
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Travel Insurance
It is Mandatory to have travel insurance
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Tipping and Gratuities
you can pay as per your will.
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Beverages , Laundry and other are not added in tour cost
not included in tour cost.
Optional Extras
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River Rafting in Punakha
There are many extra activities you can add on with this tour.
Accommodation
Minimum 3 star property
Mode of Transport
SUV Vehicle
Check out our Q&As
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Company Instant Book
yes, Atleast 10 days prior to departure
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What is the tipping policy?
No restrictions
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Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?
Yes
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Is there a supplement for solo travellers?
no
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Is free Wi-Fi available in the accommodation used?
yes, most of the accommodation provide free WIFI to in house guest.
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Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?
no
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
yes
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Are vaccinations required for this tour?
no
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Are all entrance fees included in the price?
yes
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Are all the relevant entry visa’s included in the price of the tour?
yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Pick up and drop from Airport is included in the tour
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What currencies are required for this tour?
US dollar is recommended
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Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?
yes
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What is the fitness level required to do this tour?
Medium level
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What is the standard of the hotels on this tour?
Minimum 3 star hotel
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How many days required to see Bhutan?
7 days
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Are flights included in this tour?
No flight fare aren't included
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Is the tour coach air conditioned?
yes
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Will passengers from another country be participating in the tour?
No
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
yes, mandatory to get visa
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What is the maximum group size?
40
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What happens if a group doesn’t make its minimum required number of passengers?
Tour can commenced even with 1 pax
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Are children permitted to take part in the tour?
children above 12 years can take part in the tour
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Why travel with us?
1. We are home based and we know Bhutan well.2. Expertise & Teamwork- The secret to our success 3. Your interest is our business 4. Flexible tour
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Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
After you’ve arranged your trip and paid the SDF, the actual processing of a Bhutan visa is little more than a formality. After you’ve made your tour payment and have sent a digital photograph, scan of your passport photo page, and proof of your (mandatory) travel insurance, the agency will email you a copy of your visa authorization after a few days. The visa itself costs US$40 and will likely be bundled with the overall tour price. Visas are not issued by embassies overseas but rather stamped into your passport upon arrival at Paro airport after you present your visa-authorization letter. At land borders, you will meet your guide at the crossing; they will process the visa for you as you wait. After the work and cost of making all the other arrangements, the process of obtaining a visa for Bhutan is quite stress-free.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
World Tour Plan was established in 2013 by a team of true professionals with years of experience and capacity in the tourism and hospitality industry. Emblazoned with our mission of being ‘At its best for Travelers’ we endeavor to make each one of your visits a truly special one.
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How do I get to Bhutan?
There are a number of airports where you can fly into Bhutan from (Bangkok, Delhi, Kolkata, Bagdogra, Bodh Gaya, Dhaka, Kathmandu, Guwahati, Singapore and Mumbai.). At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Drukair and Bhutan Airlines. Also, there are three land border crossings which you can travel into the kingdom overland. All crossings are along the Indian border only – Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
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Free Date Changes
World Tour Plan allows you to make 2 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
World Tour Plan requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of world tour plan charges.
Up to 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 89 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Bhutan Walking Holiday
11 Days Starting in Airport Road Paro, Paro 12001, Bhutan and ending in Paro, Bhutan
Visiting: Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha Valley, Paro
Tour operator:
Tour code:
WTP1005
Group Type:
Private
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
1 - 40
Age range:
18-70
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Meat