Drukyul Walking Tour - 8 Days | 7 Nights
US$ 2560 / Per Person
Group Size: 2 & above
Highlights
- Mix of cultural tour with Samtegang trek.
- Trek starts from Punakha Valley and ends at Samtegang in Wangduphodrang.
- Maximum elevation on hike 2220 meters.
- Explore the key cultural sight of Thimphu, Punakha and Paro.
- Hike through villages and experience the real authentic Bhutanese life and culture.
- Mountain views on hike: Jomolhari, Kang Bum and Tiger Mountain.
This itinerary combines hiking and camping in the villages, experience the authentic Bhutanese life and culture. Explore the picturesque villages by hiking through least visited villages and experience the real authentic Bhutanese life and culture. This tour including iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1 : Paro
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transfer you to the Hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong. It was built in 17th century and now houses government offices and religious institutions. Then you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in 8th century. In the evening you can stroll in the paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monasterya-Transfer to Thimphu
In the morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The Moanstery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the Cafeteria. Explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. You will be transfer to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Check in to hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way to Punakha, you will stop at Metsina village and take a 20 minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple. After Lunch you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated inbetween the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 4: Hike to Limbukha.
DISTANCE 9 KMS | Time: 4-hrs.| Ascent: 940m | Altitude: 1280m-2220m
The trek starts over the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan. Ascend gently through terraced fields of mustard and winter Wheat. On the way there is a beautiful view point from where a huge Chorten, Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel can be seen in far distance. If lucky, some snowy peaks can be visible: Jhomolhari, Kang Bum and Tiger Mountain. Walk further more to reach campsite in Limbukha from the Chorten. Overnight camp.
Day 5: Hike to Chungsakha
DISTANCE 10 KMS | Time: 4hrs.| Ascent: 375m | Decent: 745m| Altitude: 2220m-2050m
The trail climbs steeply to a ridge and descends into a small valley and after crossing a stream; walk through an unclear trail covered by slippery leaves with beautiful Oak and Rhododendron forest leading towards Dochen La. The pass is a good viewing spot. From here, the trail descends sharply till Dagegon with beautiful big old farmhouses. On the way you will come across an old Monastery, Chunni Goemba, built by Drukpa Kinley “The Devine Madman”. The hillsides are covered with small meditation cells. The campsite is at Chungsakha village which has a Temple and the campsite is just in front of the Temple. Overnight Camp.
Day 6: Hike to Samtengang and Punakha.
DISTANCE 4 KMS | Time: 3hrs.| Ascent: 550m | Decent: 350m| Altitude: 2050m-1555m
The trail leads sharply down to the road (45 minutes) and cross the suspension bridge next to the road. From the bridge the trail goes through deep eroded gorges. In the month of December, Daphne flowers start to blossom in this place. The climb comes to an end when you reach Samtegang High School. The trail passes near a lake and through the BHU (Basic Health Unit) area, descending straight to Chhuzomsa. The campsite is near the lake in the forest below the Samtengang village. The transport will be waiting for you to take you to your hotel. You can visit Samtengang village. Later in the afternoon you will drive to Punakha. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 7: Punakha- Thimphu
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Thimphu with a stop for tea at Dochula. After tea continue drive to Thimphu. You will visit Buddha statue, and is presumed to be the largest Bronze statue in the world. The three storied high throne of the statue will consists of temples on each floor. Traditional paper factory, visit Post office were you can personalize your stamp, later in the afternoonvisit King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan); Changgangkha Monastery; visit the mini zoo where you will see national animal of Bhutan Takin, and the majestic Tashichhodzong. Evening: Stroll through the town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Day 8: Thimphu-Paro-Depart
After breakfast you will drive to Paro airport for your Departure.
At a Glance
Tour duration: 8 Days | 7 Nights
Tour type: Hiking and Camping
Festival:
- February departure may attend the Punakha festival
- March departure may attend the Paro festival
- April departure may attend the Talo and Rhododendron festivals
- September departure may attend the Thimphu and Wangdue festivals
- December departure may attend the Druk Wangyel festival
Best time: March, April, May, September, October, November and December
Activity type: Cultural sightseeing, Home stay, Camping, Religious sites and Day hike
Places covered: Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue and Paro
Maximum elevation: 3180m
Inclusions
- Sustainable Development Fee(SDF)
- Accommodation
- All meals
- Transport
- Government certified Bhutanese Licensed tour Guide
- Bhutan Visa fee
- All internal taxes & charges
On trek includes:
- Sleeping tents
- Dining tents
- Toilet and shower tents
- Toilet seats
- Mats
- Duffle bags
- Cooking utensils
- All meals
- Guide
- Trek chef assistants
- Horses
Exclusions
- Flight tickets
- Travel Insurance
- Tips
- Drinks and Beverages other than tea and coffee
- Sleeping bag on trek
- Internet bill and Phone bill
- Other bills of personal nature
Accommodation
- Bhutanese type 3 star hotels (possibility of upgrade with supplement).
- Tented campsite accommodation on trek
Insurance
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
