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Enchanted Realm Short Walks
All Meals Included
Duration
Grade
Max Altitude
Walking Days
Accommodation
Trip Overview
This easy Bhutan walking holiday combines cultural sightseeing with a series of short walks.
Bhutan icons such as Taktsang Monastery and Punakha Dzong, as well as Thimpu and Paro, are featured, and this short Bhutan holiday can be readily extended and combined to coincide with either Paro or Thimpu festivals. All the walking on this short tour of Bhutan is very straightforward. Although in Bhutan you can’t really avoid having to walk uphill, there are no sustained ascents, and most walking days are around 3–4 hours. So, this is very much a leisurely walking and sightseeing tour of the highlights of Bhutan. The walks don’t really form any part of the classic Bhutan treks, so you’re unlikely to encounter many other tourists on the walks themselves, if at all. Each of the walks visits fascinating Buddhist sites in impressive locations, sometimes through hilly forests and sometimes through a more rural landscape and villages, with many opportunities to meet the friendly Bhutanese along the way.
In keeping with the more laid-back and leisurely theme of this holiday, there’s no camping involved, with every night being spent in hotels. Your main baggage is always transferred between accommodations by private vehicle too, so you can enjoy walking in Bhutan unencumbered with only a small daypack on your back.
Whilst this may well be one of our short walking holidays. Bhutan never hurries and neither will you on this well paced, leisurely Bhutan tour.
This easy Bhutan walking holiday combines cultural sightseeing with a series of short walks.
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Bhutan icons such as Taktsang Monastery and Punakha Dzong, as well as Thimpu and Paro, are featured, and this short Bhutan holiday can be readily extended and combined to coincide with either Paro or Thimpu festivals. All the walking on this short tour of Bhutan is very straightforward. Although in Bhutan you can’t really avoid having to walk uphill, there are no sustained ascents, and most walking days are around 3–4 hours. So, this is very much a leisurely walking and sightseeing tour of the highlights of Bhutan. The walks don’t really form any part of the classic Bhutan treks, so you’re unlikely to encounter many other tourists on the walks themselves, if at all. Each of the walks visits fascinating Buddhist sites in impressive locations, sometimes through hilly forests and sometimes through a more rural landscape and villages, with many opportunities to meet the friendly Bhutanese along the way.
In keeping with the more laid-back and leisurely theme of this holiday, there’s no camping involved, with every night being spent in hotels. Your main baggage is always transferred between accommodations by private vehicle too, so you can enjoy walking in Bhutan unencumbered with only a small daypack on your back.
Whilst this may well be one of our short walking holidays. Bhutan never hurries and neither will you on this well paced, leisurely Bhutan tour.
Example Itinerary
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Day 1Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
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Day 2Paro Sightseeing
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Day 3Taktsang Monastery Trek
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Day 4Thimpu and Cheri Gompa
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Day 5Walks to Talo & Nobgang
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Day 6Walking in the Punakha Valley
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Day 7Walking from the Dochu La
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Day 8Depart Paro
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DAY
1Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Dinner
For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click hereDAY 1
Arrive Paro. Transfer to Paro Hotel
Arrive at Paro Airport. You’ll be met upon arrival and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel in the very small town of Paro. Depending on your arrival time, you may be able to enjoy a short sightseeing tour of Paro.
Accommodation: Tenzinling Hotel or similar, Paro
Meals: Dinner
For detailed information, choices and advice for International flight options to Paro, Bhutan - please click hereDAY
2Paro Sightseeing
A day of cultural sightseeing in the Paro Valley This will be a mix of gentle walking and the use of a private vehicle to visit the principal sights of the delightful Paro Valley, including the magnificent Paro Dzong.
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 2
Paro Sightseeing
A day of cultural sightseeing in the Paro Valley This will be a mix of gentle walking and the use of a private vehicle to visit the principal sights of the delightful Paro Valley, including the magnificent Paro Dzong.
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
3Taktsang Monastery Trek
The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Takstang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 3
Taktsang Monastery Trek
The Machhu Picchu of Bhutan is Takstang Monastery, and today you’ll visit it. It’s actually a stiff 2-hour walk up through woodland and a rather steep climb of around 350 m. Thankfully, there’s a teahouse at one of the classic Taktsang Monastery view points where you can rest and refresh before a further 30 minutes of climbing brings you to Takstang (3110m) itself. On the final climb, you pass what is probably the most famous view point, which looks directly across to the monastery. It’s usually possible to enter the monastery, but if there’s something going on at the monastery (religious or VIP visit), then it may not be possible. Heading steeply down, a descent of around 100m leads into a gorge before climbing back up to the main monastery gate, from which it’s down to the valley floor and your ride “home”. Walking time is around 4-5 hours, with around 750m of ascent and descent.
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
4Thimpu and Cheri Gompa
A two-hour transfer by private vehicle to Thimpu. This journey usually takes no more than 2 hours. In the early afternoon, you’ll be driven a short distance from Thimpu to Begana to enjoy a beautiful afternoon walk up to Cheri Gompa. The gompa was built in the 17th Century, high up on a hill surrounded by forested hills. It takes around an hour to walk up to the gompa, and there are a few different detour possibilities for the return so that you can walk through and experience the rural aspects of Bhutanese life. Walking time is around 3–4 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Galingkha or similar, Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 4
Thimpu and Cheri Gompa
A two-hour transfer by private vehicle to Thimpu. This journey usually takes no more than 2 hours. In the early afternoon, you’ll be driven a short distance from Thimpu to Begana to enjoy a beautiful afternoon walk up to Cheri Gompa. The gompa was built in the 17th Century, high up on a hill surrounded by forested hills. It takes around an hour to walk up to the gompa, and there are a few different detour possibilities for the return so that you can walk through and experience the rural aspects of Bhutanese life. Walking time is around 3–4 hours.
Accommodation: Hotel Galingkha or similar, Thimpu
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
5Walks to Talo & Nobgang
It's time to leave Thimpu, and by private vehicle, you’ll now travel to Punakha via the Dochu La (3,050 m), from where there are spectacular Himalayan views. There’s no need to rush, so you have time to take a halt at the Dochu La to admire the views (you’ll be walking here another day too) and pay a visit to the Chimi Lakhang Temple before reaching Punakha. Heading up to the village of Talo (2805 m), you can first take the short walk to the nearby Gompa and enjoy the views before walking to the neighbouring village of Nobgang. It’s almost all downhill walking through a wonderful farmed landscape interspersed with impossibly pretty farmsteads. A very colourful walk of around 3 hours. From Nobgang, you’ll return to Punkaha by private vehicle.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 5
Walks to Talo & Nobgang
It's time to leave Thimpu, and by private vehicle, you’ll now travel to Punakha via the Dochu La (3,050 m), from where there are spectacular Himalayan views. There’s no need to rush, so you have time to take a halt at the Dochu La to admire the views (you’ll be walking here another day too) and pay a visit to the Chimi Lakhang Temple before reaching Punakha. Heading up to the village of Talo (2805 m), you can first take the short walk to the nearby Gompa and enjoy the views before walking to the neighbouring village of Nobgang. It’s almost all downhill walking through a wonderful farmed landscape interspersed with impossibly pretty farmsteads. A very colourful walk of around 3 hours. From Nobgang, you’ll return to Punkaha by private vehicle.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
6Walking in the Punakha Valley
You’re probably itching to see Punakha Dzong, but first there’s a very atmospheric walk to enjoy. In less than half an hour's drive into the Punakha Valley, you’ll alight and set off on foot to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The walking is innocent enough to begin with as you cross the Mo Chu River by way of a suspension bridge and stroll through paddy fields. But, as you’ve probably now realised, many religious monuments are located in the hills, and this one is no exception. So, you then have to climb up to the chorten. It should take less than an hour to reach it, though, even if it is a steep ascent. After exploring the chorten and admiring the views, you leave via a different gate, and after an initial steep descent, the trail contours the hillside to descend more gradually through woodland to the village of Yabesa. Reaching the river, it’s then a nice and easy downstream stroll as you walk all the way to Punakha Dzong. After admiring the Dzong externally (usually tourists aren't allowed inside), you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Walking time is around 3–4 hours. However, you can also walk a bit more if you’d prefer and an extra hour down the valley to Khuruthang.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 6
Walking in the Punakha Valley
You’re probably itching to see Punakha Dzong, but first there’s a very atmospheric walk to enjoy. In less than half an hour's drive into the Punakha Valley, you’ll alight and set off on foot to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten. The walking is innocent enough to begin with as you cross the Mo Chu River by way of a suspension bridge and stroll through paddy fields. But, as you’ve probably now realised, many religious monuments are located in the hills, and this one is no exception. So, you then have to climb up to the chorten. It should take less than an hour to reach it, though, even if it is a steep ascent. After exploring the chorten and admiring the views, you leave via a different gate, and after an initial steep descent, the trail contours the hillside to descend more gradually through woodland to the village of Yabesa. Reaching the river, it’s then a nice and easy downstream stroll as you walk all the way to Punakha Dzong. After admiring the Dzong externally (usually tourists aren't allowed inside), you’ll be driven back to your hotel. Walking time is around 3–4 hours. However, you can also walk a bit more if you’d prefer and an extra hour down the valley to Khuruthang.
Accommodation: Meri Phuensum Resort Hotel or similar, Punakha
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
7Walking from the Dochu La
All the serious climbing today is done by vehicle as you head back up to the Dochu La and firstly some more views of the distant eastern Himalayas. Your walk today begins at Dochu La. There’s a bit of uphill to begin with as you rise gradually along a rhododendron-forested ridge to the Lungchezekha Gompa. From here, it’s virtually downhill all the way, following a forest trail and passing Tashigang Gompa along the way. It’s a beautiful nature walk, and there are some great views to enjoy too, particularly from Lungchezeka. Around 4 hours of walking later, you emerge further down and back at the main road by Hongtsho. Your private vehicle came down from the Dochu La a lot quicker than you did, so will be waiting here for you and taking you back to Paro
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY 7
Walking from the Dochu La
All the serious climbing today is done by vehicle as you head back up to the Dochu La and firstly some more views of the distant eastern Himalayas. Your walk today begins at Dochu La. There’s a bit of uphill to begin with as you rise gradually along a rhododendron-forested ridge to the Lungchezekha Gompa. From here, it’s virtually downhill all the way, following a forest trail and passing Tashigang Gompa along the way. It’s a beautiful nature walk, and there are some great views to enjoy too, particularly from Lungchezeka. Around 4 hours of walking later, you emerge further down and back at the main road by Hongtsho. Your private vehicle came down from the Dochu La a lot quicker than you did, so will be waiting here for you and taking you back to Paro
Accommodation: Hotel Tenzinling or similar, Paro
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, DinnerDAY
8Depart Paro
A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight
Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.
DAY 8
Depart Paro
A private vehicle transfer to Paro Airport for your departing flight
Meals: Breakfast
Of course, there's no reason to depart today; your Bhutan holiday can be readily tailored.
IMPORTANT
This is an EXAMPLE ITINERARY and can be customised for you accordingly.
Please consider whether you want your customisable, private trip itinerary to also include CONTINGENCY.
See our ABOUT CONTINGENCY Information
Please CONTACT US to discuss CONTINGENCY and ADDITIONAL ACCLIMATISATION, as well as other CUSTOMISATION POSSIBILITES for your PRIVATE CUSTOM TREK
Price Guide
- $ US 1915
IMPORTANT INFO ABOUT OUR PRICE GUIDES
Prices include the compulsory Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee.
For more, see: BHUTAN TOURIST CHARGES EXPLAINED
What's included
The price shown is for guideline purposes. The price is inclusive of the DAILY SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT FEE, all accommodation described in the detailed itinerary (twin share in hotels), all airport and land transfers, private overland travel, baggage transfers by private vehicle, all meals as indicated in the itinerary, permits and fees, Bhutan Visa and Tourist Taxes, Bhutan Airport Taxes, and an English-speaking Bhutanese guide.
B = Breakfast, L= Lunch, and D=Dinner
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