The Rural Bhutan

Arrival to Paro

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular flights through a mountain landscape - with a magnificent panorama and views of some of the highest mountains in the world. Our guide welcomes you at the airport. Transfer to the hotel.

Overnight in Paro.

(Height Paro: 2,300 m)

Hike to the Taktsang Monastery (Tigernest)

In the morning you walk to the monastery Taktsang - to the famous "Tigernest". The monastery is built at a height of about 3,000 meters on a rocky outcrop and offers a magnificent view of the Paro valley. It is said that in the second half of the eighth century Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this spot on the back of a tigress and spread the teachings of Buddhism in Bhutan. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours uphill - more than 500 steps up and through a valley. The view and the experiences make up for it. It goes through pine forests and past prayer flags, again and again you have the view of the valley of Paro. Those who like to ride horses can lend one and cover part of the way.

On the way back to Paro visit the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Temple - one of the 108 temples built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo.

Overnight in Paro.

Paro - Thimphu

Today you set off for Thimphu. Thimphu has a very special charm and it is interesting to watch the local people as they walk in their traditional clothes. The National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third king of the country, Drubthob Monastery and the 12th-century Changangkha Temple are truly worth seeing. After lunch, visit the School of Arts and Crafts, where children learn the country's traditional handicrafts, the traditional paper mill and the National Library, which houses a collection of Bhutanese documents from the 8th century, and the Folk Heritage Museum the peasant culture of the past and visit a medieval farmhouse.

In the evening drive to Tashichho Dzong, seat of government and summer residence of the monks. The majestic architecture with its balanced architecture and wonderful decoration and paintings impresses every visitor. Later visit to a handicraft shop and drive to the hotel.

Overnight in Thimphu.

(Altitude Thimphu: 2,400 m)

Hike to the monastery Chari

Today you will hike to Chari Monastery and the hike begins with the crossing of a cantilevered bridge. The gently rising path is used by pilgrims and leads through mixed forest. During the ascent, you pass a chruch (stupa), which invites you to take a rest. If you follow the path you will probably encounter mountain goats near the monastery. You will have lunch as a picnic near the river.

On the way back, you will have the opportunity to visit Pangri-Zampa Monastery, where monks study astrology.

There is a huge cypress right next to the monastery - this is said to be the oldest tree in Bhutan.

Overnight in Thimphu.

Thimphu - Punakha

Today you drive over the Dochu-la Pass (3,100 meters) - on a clear day you have a spectacular view of the mountains of the Himalayas - and drive back down into the valley of Punakha. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. Visit Punakha Dzong, the Palace of Great Happiness, built in 1637 by Shabdrung, the "United Bhutan."

It is located at the confluence of Mo Chu and Pho Chu (mother and father river) and is the winter home of Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who come from Thimphu. The main temple of Punakha Dzong is a stunning example of traditional architecture. In 1907 the first king was crowned here.

Later you will walk to the temple Chimi Lhakhang. He is also seen as a symbol of fertility, childless couples come here to bless. The hike takes less than an hour.

Then head north and hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten - built on a hill overlooking the sprawling valley. An approximately 2-hour hike there gives breathtaking views!

Overnight in Punakha.

(Height Punakha: 1,300 m)

The village of Nobding and a hike to Khumsum yalley Chorten

After breakfast, drive 30 minutes from the hotel to the village of Nobding, which is on the edge of the ridge and home to our Queen Mother. On the way to Nobding visit a nunnery and continue to the village.

Currently there are 50 nuns studying there. The house was built in traditional design and colors and looks down on the village life. Later you will hike to the trail point (near Punakha Dzong) through the pine forest, which used to be used by the inhabitants. The walking route is easy and only takes a little less than two hours.

In the afternoon, drive another 30 minutes to the northern part of the Punakha Valley to the riverbank and walk to the Khumsum yalley Chorten Temple through the rice field. It is located on a small hill. As you approach, the view of the temple is panoramic! We guarantee that this hike will be a highlight of your trip. On the way back, try to bathe with your feet in the glacial river and feel the cold.

Overnight in Punakha.

Punakha - Gangtey

Drive to Wangdue Phodrang and visit the monastery fortress, which sits on a ridge above a river and offers wonderful views of the valley and mountains. Then, your path will lead you on serpentines up into the mountains - through oak and rhododendron forests and over a high pass - and then into the valley Phobjikha. The valley is one of the most beautiful high valleys of Bhutan and offers a resting place in winter for the exceptional and rare Black-necked Cranes. The bird is under protection, actually lives in the Tibetan mountain country and overwinters in Bhutan. Explore the beautiful valley and visit 15th-century Gangtey Gompa, the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.

(Altitude Gangtey: 3,000 m)

Gangtey

In the morning you explore the picturesque landscape of the valley again and experience the everyday life of the local population. In the afternoon, we recommend a hike on the "Gangtey Nature Trail." The approximately 2-hour hike takes you through pine forests, across rivers and through the open valley - you will come very close to nature and may even spot one or two pheasants In the evening visit a farm house and drink a cup of traditional tea with butter and salt (suja).

Overnight in Gangtey in a farmhouse.

Gangtey - Trongsa

About the Pele-la-Pass (3,300 m) drive in the morning towards Trongsa. The pass forms the border between western and central Bhutan. They stop at Chendebji Chorten, built by a Tibetan lama against evil spirits in the 18th century. The Chorten was built in the Nepalese style, with the famous eyes on all four sides.

The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular and you can already see the impressive monastery fortress of Trongsa, long before you reach it over the landscape winding through the countryside. Upon arrival, visit the Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture! The great-grandfather of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan, founded the first temple of Trongsa in 1543. Later, visit Ta Dzong above the village, built as a watchtower and converted into a museum in 2008.

Overnight in Trongsa.

(Height Trongsa: 2,100 m)

Trongsa - Bumthang

After breakfast we drive to Bumthang - one of the most breathtaking valleys in Bhutan and the heart of local Buddhism. It first goes over the Yongtong-la Pass (3,400 m) and then through coniferous forests down into the valley Chumey. Visit with Kurjey Lhakhang one of the holiest places in Bhutan, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) meditated here. From Kurjey Monastery, take a road south along the river to Jambey Lhakhang. The temple was built by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, making it one of the oldest in Bhutan (another is Kyichu Lhakhang in Paro).

After lunch, visit Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501 by Pema Lingpa. There are u.a. to admire ancient Buddhist murals. Later, visit Jakar Dzong, the castle of the white bird, and then stroll through the market of Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang.

(Height Bumthang: 2,700 m)

Tang Valley

A day trip takes you to the Tang Valley, located about 3,000 meters above sea level. On the way you will visit the important site of Mebar Tsho (the "Burning Lake") as well as a nunnery founded in the 90s by the reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. You will also see some villages and schools on your way.

Then head to the Orgyen Chholing Museum, founded by Ashi Kunzang Choden, the descendant of Deb Tshoki Dorji. The trek to the museum begins with the crossing of the Tang River. After the wooden bridge and the Chorten it goes uphill for less than an hour. On the way you pass an old 18th century watermill that is still in use today. Arrived at the museum you can overlook the beautiful valley. Lunch taken as a picnic by the river. Then return to Bumthang.

Overnight in Bumthang.

Bumthang - Mongar

Your journey takes you further east, through partly rough landscape. The drive to Mongar takes about eight hours, but the fantastic views during the trip will make up for the long leg. Through mountainous and tall landscapes you will reach the village of Ura before reaching Bhutan's highest "passable" point with the Thrumsing-la pass (3,760 m).

From here, the road leads down to the high valley of Sengor, accompanied by views of refreshing waterfalls and the eastern mountains of Bhutan. The plant society changes with decreasing height from alpine to subtropical - bamboo and lush ferns can be seen. At an altitude of almost 700 meters, you will cross the Kuri Chu River. Then it goes back up through coniferous forests and past small villages - to the village Mongar. You take your lunch on the way as a picnic - with a magnificent panorama!

Overnight in Mongar.

(Altitude Mongar: 1,600 m)

Mongar - Trashigang

Today's stage is not so long with almost three hours driving time. First through the fern-rich forest, then over the Kori-la Pass (2,450 m), marked by a beautiful chorten, and then down again through fields and banana plantations to Yadi, a fast-growing town. The winding road runs alongside the River Gamri. On the left is Drametse. The temple was founded by Choeden Zangmo, the monastery is the most significant in eastern Bhutan. This is home to the famous mask dance Drametse Nga Chham. The day's destination is Trashigang above the Gamri River.

Trashigang is the center of the country's largest district. After lunch, visit Trashigang Dzong, located on a cliff above the village.

Overnight in Trashigang.

(Height Trashigang: 1,600 m)

Trashigang - The village of Jangphu

We drive to the village Khe-ney, where the road ends. From there we hike on a challenging route (four to five hours) to the village of Jangphu. If you are too tired to hike, you can ride a horse. On the way to the village, lunch will be served at Tashi's family. They are received by his family in the traditional way with a local dance. In the evening we will have a bath in a wooden bathtub called "Menchu", where hot water in a tub is heated by a special hot stone and left overnight in a typical East Bukhans house.

(Height Jangphu: 2,100 m)

The village of Jangphu

In the morning we discover the village and its nature. Throughout the day, Puja, together with his uncle in the village monastery will ensure our well-being. This is the most important lama and also astrologer. You can ask him about your horoscope or ask him other questions. The monastery was built in the 17th century by a great-great-grandfather of Tashi. The monastery was owned by Tashi's family until the mid-20th century, later handed over to the village community. In the evenings, the lamas will burn the images of the demon to symbolically ward off illnesses and obstacles to the villagers and from us.

In the evening we eat and celebrate with the family. Maybe someone will sing a Bhutanese song and dance for us while enjoying the taste of Ara. Ara is a native, distilled wine.

Overnight in Jangphu.

Trashigang - Trashiyangtse

After breakfast drive to Trashiyangtse, located in a small river valley: a picturesque place that invites to hiking in the area. This district is close to the Tibetan border and used to be a major trading center.

Trashiyangtse is famous for the wooden bowls and containers, which are a beautiful and inexpensive souvenir of the region.
On the way you will visit Gom Kora. The temple is located near the Drangmechu River. According to legend, in the 7th century, a demon lived in the river, which attacked the villagers. When Guru Rinpoche came to rescue the villagers, the demon disappeared in the river.
The guru meditated on a cave and drove away the demon. At this cave, there is still an imprint of the body of the second Buddha and the Bhutanese worship him.
A few kilometers further on is the village of Doksum. The inhabitants are credited with great talent as weavers.

When you reach Trashiyangtse, first stop Korha at Chorten - a big, white stupa. Chorten Kora is one of only two stupas that have similarities to those in Nepal. There is a big festival here that attracts all the Bhutanese living in the East and that you will visit the next day. Next stop is the Zorig Chuksum "School for Traditional Thirteen Arts and Crafts" and then take a stroll through the beautiful town of Trashiyangtse.

Overnight in Trashiyangtse at a farm house.

(Height Trashiyangtse: 1,900 m)

Trashiyangtse - Samdrup Jonkhar

Drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. The road was completed in the 1970s. On the way you pass the Sherubtse College in Kanglung, which was founded in 1978 and affiliated with the University of Delhi. They also visit the nearby Zangtho Pelri Temple, which represents Guru Rinpoche's paradise. It was built in 1978 by the then Minister of the Interior. In the evening you have time for exploring the place.

Overnight in Samdrup Jongkhar.

(Altitude Samdrup Jongkhar: 300 m)

Departure

After breakfast drive to Guwahati (India), from where you can take a flight to Delhi.