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Adventure in Bhutan

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Adventure in Bhutan

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Embark on a two-week Bhutan adventure that takes in three valleys in depth. This holiday is designed so that you spend less time in the car and more time embracing Bhutan’s natural beauty.

Ideal for intrepid travellers, including those with teenage children, this trip focuses on time in the great outdoors. Accompanied by your driver and English-speaking guide, you’ll venture off the beaten track, hiking through remote villages across diverse landscapes. Your accommodation will be a combination of quality hotels and comfortable camping experiences so that you can enjoy different sides of the captivating Kingdom.

Highlights:

  • Get an adrenaline rush rafting down the Mo Chu river, encountering gorgeous scenery as you go
  • Camp off the beaten track amongst small, remote villages in picturesque locations
  • Take on the challenge of hiking to the spectacular Tiger’s Nest monastery, with the option to camp along the way
  • Join the locals and try your hand at archery, Bhutan’s national sport

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your own holiday, fill in the form below.

DAY 1: DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Paro.

DAY 2: THIMPHU

Your guide will be ready to greet you on arrival at Paro airport and take you straight to Thimphu. On this one-hour journey you will spy your first Bhutanaese temple: Tamchog Lhakhang, which you can reach by walking a rickety iron-chain bridge across the Paro Chhu river. Later in the afternoon, after some time to rest, your guide will introduce you to the capital itself. Get a flavour for the sights and sounds of the city and visit its most iconic monument, the National Memorial Chorten which has some impressive views. If it’s a market day (weekends), you’ll join the hustle and bustle as farmers from all over the country try to sell their wares.

DAY 3: THIMPHU    

Set off on a gentle one-hour walk through shaded rhododendron forests to Tango Monastery, whose origins date back to the 12th Century. Rebuilt in the 15th Century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the infamous Divine Madman, is run as a Buddhist university with 280 monks in attendance.

DAY 4: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA VIA THE DOCHULA PASS

Today you’ll set off with your guide and driver for the scenic drive to Punakha.  The journey will take you through pine and cedar forest via the Dochula Pass where, on a clear day, the panoramic views of the Himalayan range are just incredible. Stop to explore the 108 stupas built in honour of fallen Bhutanese soldiers before trying warm Yak milk tea at a cafe. Continue to descend into the fertile Punakha valley before taking a short walk through paddy fields to visit Chimi Lhakhang, otherwise known as the Temple of Fertility. 

DAY 5: TREK TO LIMBUKHA   

Today you begin your three-day trek at the beautiful and historic Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Mo Chuu and Pho Chu rivers. Follow a 12km trail climbing gradually through terraced farmland and forests to the summit of Dochula Hill before descending into Limbukha, a picturesque hamlet. Here you will camp for the night at an altitude of 1,980m in basic accommodation; the views are spectacular.

DAY 6: TREK TO CHHUNGSAKHA  

Today’s trek is 14 km in total, starting on a trail beside DargyelGoempa, an old monastery. Your route later takes you along a ridge ascending to Dochen La, a small pass at 2,645m that is festooned with fluttering prayer flags, and rewards you with incredible views of the Dochu La and Jomolhari mountains. Continue down to Chhunsakha (1,850m), a small village where you will camp for the night in front of the local temple.

DAY 7: TREK TO WANGDUE VALLEY

Your final morning will see you hiking downhill for 2.5 hours through thick forest before reaching a lunch stop in a clearing with beautiful views over Wangdue valley. Continue into the valley, through terraced fields of mustard and wheat. Your driver will then meet you at the Po Chhu River to transfer you to your hotel in Punakha for a 3-night stay.

DAY 8: Punakha   RAFTING THE PO CHU

The Po Chu or Father river is fed by glaciers in the upper Punakha valley, offering great rafting opportunities. It’s a spectacular spot to get an adrenaline rush as you paddle your way over 15 class 2-4 rapids, ending at the confluence by Punakha Dzong.

DAY 9: GILIGANG TRAIL & DZONG

The Giligang Trail is the best day-trek in Punakha. In all, it takes around 4-5 hours and includes a picnic breakfast in the serene gardens of the Khamsum Chorten before the temple’s visitors start to arrive. Your guide will lead you along the trail which traverses rice paddies and pine forests and offers spectacular views of the mountain-tops.

DAY 10: PARO   AN INTRODUCTION

The drive to Paro this morning, where you will be for one night, takes around 4 hours. In the afternoon, enjoy an orientation tour of this historic town with your local guide, taking in its main highlights. End the day with tea and local wine over archery at a traditional, old fashioned local farmhouse.

DAYS 11 & 12: BUMDRA TREK   TIGER’S NEST

This two-day moderate trek does require a reasonable level of fitness as you will reach maximum altitudes of up to 4,000m, and the ascent is quite steep in parts. Your destination and camp is underBumdra Monastery, known as the Cave of a Thousand Prayers and located above the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Day one will see you trekking 3-4 hours through forests, ridges and past temples, with a picnic lunch along the way. On arrival at the camp, you may wish to visit Bumdra Monastery, or climb to the north peak at 4,000m to hang your prayer flags - the higher the altitude, the greater the merit! Note that the facilities at this camp are basic, but the unimpeded views of the Himalayas make for a very special experience.

After breakfast on day two, hike 3-4 hours down, zigzagging along the monks’ trail, across a gorge and descending through the gates past a waterfall. Take in Bhutan’s most iconic site, the Taktshang or Tiger’s Nest monastery, clinging to a sheer cliff face, before heading in to explore it. Later descend into the Paro valley where your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel for your final night in Bhutan.

DAY 13: FLY HOME

You will be collected from your hotel and driven to the airport for your onward flight. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, two-week holidays in Bhutan start from £5,000 per adult. We also offer substantial child and seasonal discounts.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

Bumdra High Camp

Bumdra High Camp, Paro

A comfortable tented camp perched above the Tiger's Nest Monastery with views over the Paro Valley.

Como Uma Paro

Como Uma Paro, Paro

A combination of modern and traditional design in a tranquil spot above the breathtaking Paro Valley.

Como Uma Punakha

Como Uma Punakha, Punakha

A deluxe yet intimate property on a verdant hillside overlooking the Mo Chhu River and surrounding countryside.

Punakha Winter Camp

Punakha Winter Camp, Punakha

A seasonal mobile camp with basic facilities used during the Punkaha Winter Trek.

Taj Tashi

Taj Tashi, Thimphu

A grand property with traditional Bhutanese touches overlooking the Wang Chu river and valley in Thimphu.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

Bhutan's National Sport

Bhutan's National Sport, Various Locations

Khuru is a hugely popular social activity played in groups throughout the country.

Exploring Punakha Dzong

Exploring Punakha Dzong, Punakha

Punakha Dzong dates back to the 17th century when it was built by the 1st Rinpoche and arguably the most beautiful.

Hanging your Prayer Flags

Hanging your Prayer Flags, Various Locations

Bhutan is practically crisscrossed with prayer flags and they're usually in the frame on any photo taken.

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery

Hike to Tigers Nest Monastery, Paro

No cameras/phones are allowed into the monastery so the interior is something you will have never seen before.

Hot Stone Bath Experience

Hot Stone Bath Experience, Various Locations

Enjoy a traditional hot stone bath, immerse yourself in a typical Bhutanese family tradition.

Punakha Samtengang Winter Trek

Punakha Samtengang Winter Trek, Punakha

If you are looking for a bit of adventure in the winter months but aren't necessarily an experienced trekker.

White Water Rafting

White Water Rafting , Punakha

Experience the Punakha valley from a different perspective: white water rafting the glacial waters of the Po Chhu river.

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Adventure in Bhutan'

Ready to enquire about this holiday?

Each journey with ETG is different. Let us know your needs, hopes and fears, and our friendly travel team will help you discover your ideal holiday.

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