London - Delhi - Thimphu - Gangtey - Bumthang - Punakha - Paro - Delhi - London
Luxury Trek in the Foothills of Bhutan
Embark on an unforgettable journey through one of the world’s most exclusive and enchanting destinations—Bhutan, renowned for its unmatched luxury and serene beauty. This tour offers a rare opportunity to experience the charm of one of the most remote kingdoms on earth, where pristine nature and rich culture intertwine. Travel through idyllic farmlands, lush forests, and scenic mountain passes, soaking in breathtaking vistas along the way. Stay in exceptional, uniquely designed luxury hotels set in some of Bhutan’s most iconic locations. The route also includes visits to secluded cultural sites that add depth and character to the overall experience, making this a truly immersive and refined adventure.
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Pick & Drop
Night Stay
Guide
Tour Plan
Arrive in Delhi in the morning. In the afternoon, enjoy a guided tour of Old Delhi, beginning with an exciting cycle rickshaw ride to the majestic Jama Masjid. Wind your way through the lively lanes and hidden alleys of Chandni Chowk, once the vibrant heart of Shah Jehanabad during the Mughal era. Later, visit Raj Ghat, the serene memorial marking Mahatma Gandhi’s cremation site. Return to your hotel for the night. Overnight stay at the Imperial Hotel.
The flight into Paro is nothing short of breathtaking, offering panoramic views of the towering Himalayan peaks. As the aircraft descends, you'll be treated to a dramatic approach through verdant valleys flanked by majestic mountains—an unforgettable welcome to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Upon landing, Bhutan’s first gift is the crisp, clean mountain air—among the purest in the world. After completing immigration and collecting your luggage, you will be warmly greeted by our representative and driven to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Upon arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel. As the nation’s political, religious, and commercial hub, Thimphu is a fascinating blend of tradition and modernity. Home to over 100,000 people, it is also known for being the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light. Later in the evening, take a leisurely stroll along Thimphu’s Main Street and explore the lively local market area.
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Thimphu’s highlights: Memorial Chorten – A revered stupa honoring Bhutan’s third King, featuring rich Buddhist artwork and symbolism. Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang) – Enjoy panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and visit the country’s largest Buddha statue. Institute for Zorig Chusum – Witness students mastering Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Pangrizampa Astrology Institute – Visit this historic riverside monastery known for its traditional astrology teachings and significant national role. Textile Museum – Explore Bhutan’s vibrant weaving heritage through displays of techniques, attire, and regional styles. Kaja Throm Market – End the day browsing local produce and goods sold by farmers and vendors from surrounding areas.
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Do Chula Pass (3,080m), offering stunning views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. En route, enjoy a scenic walk through rice fields and rural villages to Chimi Lhakhang, the renowned fertility temple. Stop for lunch and a cultural interaction at Happiness Farm Village. In the afternoon, visit the historic Punakha Dzong, a majestic riverside fortress rich in Bhutanese history and architecture. Conclude the day at Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, home to Bhutan’s largest Avalokiteshvara statue and a vibrant center for spiritual and life-skill training for nuns. Overnight at Dhensa Boutique Hotel or similar in Punakha.
After breakfast at the hotel, begin your journey to Punakha, passing through the renowned Do Chula Pass (3,080m). Decorated with Bhutanese chortens and fluttering prayer flags, this pass offers breathtaking panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas on clear days. Before lunch, take a leisurely walk through picturesque paddy fields and traditional villages to visit Chimi Lhakhang, the "Temple of Fertility." Perched on a small hill in the valley, this sacred site is believed to bless couples seeking children. The walk takes you across rice fields to the quaint village of Pana, offering authentic glimpses into rural Bhutanese life. Proceed to Happiness Farm Village for lunch, where you’ll enjoy a warm interaction with your local host. In the afternoon, explore the majestic Punakha Dzong, strategically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Dzong has been central to Bhutan’s spiritual and political history. Despite past damage from fires and earthquakes, it has been meticulously restored to its former glory. Later, visit the serene Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, perched high on a ridge surrounded by pine trees, overlooking the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The temple houses a 14-foot bronze statue of Avalokiteshvara, one of Bhutan's largest, along with statues of revered Buddhist figures. The temple complex also serves as a center for higher learning and meditation for nuns, offering training in religious studies and traditional arts like thangka painting, tailoring, and sculpture.
After breakfast, begin your journey back to Paro, descending once again from the Dochu La Pass. The drive follows the scenic Wang Chhu and Paro Chhu river valleys, winding through dramatic landscapes before reaching the northern end of Paro Town. On arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, set out to explore Rinpung Dzong, or the "Fortress of the Heap of Jewels." This impressive structure holds a rich historical legacy and features beautifully painted wooden galleries. Its inner courtyard is adorned with vivid murals depicting Buddhist themes such as the Four Friends, the Wheel of Life, scenes from Milarepa’s life, and symbolic Mandalas. Continue to the sacred Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most cherished temples. Built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, it is believed to be one of 108 temples constructed across the Himalayas, marking the arrival of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Today’s journey begins early with a scenic drive to Sang Choekhor, where you'll meet your ponies for the trek. While the gear is being loaded, take a moment to visit the Buddhist College, offering spectacular views over the Paro Valley below. From here, the trek begins with a steady one to two-hour climb through shaded forest trails, leading to a scenic ridge adorned with prayer flags and panoramic vistas of the Paro and Do Chhu Valleys. Continuing upward, a two-hour hike brings us to the serene Chhoe Tse Lhakhang, nestled on the mountainside, where we pause for lunch. In the afternoon, the trail becomes more varied, with gentle undulations followed by a steeper ascent. The effort is well rewarded with sweeping views—southward over Paro and north toward the snow-covered Himalayan peaks. After a final climb through forests lined with fluttering prayer flags, the trail opens into a wide meadow scattered with sacred chortens and white flags. This is our overnight destination—Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m)—set just beneath the Bumdra Monastery, also known as the "Cliff of a Hundred Thousand Prayers," offering unmatched Himalayan views. If time allows, we can explore the monastery and ascend to the nearby sky burial site (approx. 4,000m) for even more breathtaking panoramas, returning in time for a hearty dinner at camp. Trek Duration: 4–6 hours to camp; optional 2–3 hours round-trip to the peak Difficulty: Moderate to challenging Overnight: Bumdra Wilderness Camp (3,800m)
After a hearty breakfast, you may choose to linger a bit longer at camp, taking in the sweeping Himalayan views and perhaps hanging a few prayer flags of your own. When ready, begin the descent into the valley, following a zigzagging trail through ancient forests of pine and blooming rhododendron. As the trail winds down the mountainside, you'll catch glimpses of temples nestled below. The path gradually weaves between these sacred sites until you reach the peaceful gardens of Zangtopelri, offering a stunning vantage point overlooking the gilded rooftops of Taktsang Monastery, dramatically clinging to the cliff face far below. About an hour later, you’ll arrive at the entrance to Tiger’s Nest. A steep descent leads to a waterfall, followed by a climb of stone steps that usher you into this legendary monastery—one of Bhutan’s most iconic landmarks. After exploring the monastery, retrace your steps down the trail for the final descent. At the base, your vehicle awaits to take you back to your hotel in Paro—but not before a final stop to gaze back across the valley and reflect on the day’s remarkable journey. Trek Duration: 5–7 hours, depending on time spent at the monasteries Difficulty: Moderate
Though today’s trek is relatively short, we’ll maintain a steady pace due to the significant altitude gain. After breakfast, you’ll drive to the trailhead near the National Museum (2,487m), located above Paro. Before setting off, visit Ta Dzong, originally constructed as a watchtower and now home to Bhutan’s National Museum. The museum features a fascinating collection of antique thangka paintings, traditional textiles, weaponry, household items, and historical artifacts that provide insight into Bhutan’s rich heritage. From here, begin your trek uphill, passing through apple orchards, small farms in Damchena village, and serene pine forests. The trail leads to Jele Dzong (3,490m), dramatically situated along a ridge. Though partially in ruins, the dzong houses a small Lhakhang (temple) with a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. On clear days, enjoy sweeping views of Paro Valley below and the snow-capped peak of Mount Jumolhari (7,315m) in the distance. Overnight camp will be set up below Jele Dzong.
The day begins with a gentle ascent before descending just below the ridgeline, where the trail winds through lush alpine forests filled with rhododendron trees. Along the way, you may encounter local yak herders, adding an authentic touch to the mountain experience. As you trek, enjoy sweeping views of Mount Jumolhari and neighboring snow-covered peaks. If you listen closely, you might hear the call of the Himalayan monal pheasants echoing through the forest. The trail then climbs steadily to the expansive yak pastures of Jangchulakha (3,780m), offering panoramic vistas of the distant Himalayan range. Tonight’s camp is set in a peaceful yak meadow nestled against the hillside.
Today’s trail traces a scenic ridgeline, occasionally weaving through fragrant juniper groves and clusters of dwarf rhododendrons. Along the way, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views over the Thimphu and Paro valleys, spread out far below. After a steady climb followed by a steep descent, the path brings you to the serene Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m)—renowned for its unusually large trout. From the campsite nearby, enjoy spectacular views of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the sacred peak that serves as the guardian deity of Paro.
The trail continues through thickets of dwarf rhododendrons, skirting the tranquil Janetsho Lake along the way. You may encounter a few yak herders’ camps, offering a glimpse into their traditional high-altitude lifestyle. As the path winds and gently rises and falls, you'll be treated to magnificent views of the Himalayas stretching across vast, deep valleys. After crossing a final ridge, the shimmering waters of Simkota Tsho Lake (4,110m) come into view below. From here, the trek continues to a peaceful yak pasture, where we set up camp for the night, surrounded by the raw beauty of the highlands.
oday’s trek begins with a steady ascent to a small saddle at 4,150m, offering breathtaking views of Mount Gangkar Puensum—Bhutan’s highest peak—and the surrounding Himalayan range, weather permitting. From the saddle, descend gently to a serene alpine lake before making your way up to Phume La Pass (4,210m), beautifully adorned with fluttering prayer flags. From this high point, enjoy sweeping views of Thimphu city nestled in the valley far below. The trail then winds down gradually through fragrant juniper forests, eventually reaching a community hall near Phajoding (3,870m). In the afternoon, visit nearby monasteries and engage with young monks as they go about their studies, offering a meaningful glimpse into monastic life. Overnight camp will be set near Phajoding.
Today’s trek takes you on a scenic descent through tranquil forests of blue pine and juniper, gradually leading to the roadhead at Sangaygang, on the outskirts of the Thimphu Valley. From there, you'll be met by your vehicle and driven back to Paro. Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy the remainder of the afternoon at your leisure. Overnight stay at Naksel Boutique Hotel or a similar property in Paro.
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