CULTURAL TOUR
Bhutan Mad-Man Hikers
Bhutan Mad-Man Hikers
9 days unique mad-man hiking experiences
What’s included?
All meals, tea and snacks, complementary bottled water in car, hotels, transport, guide, government levy, visa fee, entrance fees, permits and sightseeing. On trek includes – sleeping tents, dinning tents, toilet and shower tents, toilet seats, mats, duffle bags, cooking utensils, all meals, guide, trek chef assistants and horses.
What’s NOT included?
Flight tickets, insurance, tips, drinks and beverages, sleeping bag on trek, laundry, internet, phone and other bills of personal nature.
Day 1
Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains. As your flight descents down to the valley, you will have a magnificent view of Paro valley. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by Bhutan VIP Travel representatives.
After lunch visit Paro Rinpung dzong, a 17th century fortress built by Zhabdrung now houses the monastic and administrative office of Paro district. We then start our Zurich hike through blue pine forest for one and half hour offering the best view of Paro valley. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After lunch visit Paro Rinpung dzong, a 17th century fortress built by Zhabdrung now houses the monastic and administrative office of Paro district. We then start our Zurich hike through blue pine forest for one and half hour offering the best view of Paro valley. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 2
Paro – Haa Valley
After breakfast we will drive to Haa valley. Before reaching Chela La Pass (the highest motorable road) we will hike to 9th century Kila Nunnery, which is located on a cliff side and consists of several small temples and retreat huts. After exploring the temple hike further uphill towards Cheli La Pass at 3810m. Overnight at farm house in Haa.
Day 3
Haa Valley
Today we start our hike from the farmhouse to Gyamtoe Goemba village located on the other side of the mountain. After crossing the Haa Chhu (river) it is uphill walk through pine forest which takes about two hours to get to the top of the Temple. We will walk through the beautiful village and visit some of the farm houses to experience the life of the farmers. Evening explore in Haa town. Overnight in Haa.
Day 4
Haa – Thimphu
In the morning visit the two sacred temples – White (Karpo) and the Black (Nagpo) Temples (Lhakhangs) which are among the holiest sites in Bhutan. The local guardian deity, popularly known as Ap Chungdu, is worshipped as the protector of the people of Haa. The residents propitiate the local deity every year for protection, good health and success. After visiting these two temples, we will drive to Thimphu through many beautiful villages and settlements. In the evening, visit Tashichhodzong, the main secretariat building which holds the throne room of His Majesty, the King. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 5
Thimphu
Following breakfast, drive to the north of Thimphu and hike to Tango Monastery. The 12th century Monastery was found by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa and now functions as a Buddhist university. After lunch, visit the National Memorial Chorten depicting the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statue. The Royal queen mother completed it as memorial stupa for the third King who passed away in 1972. Visit Paper factory, displaying the Bhutanese paper making process, Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, the giant Buddha statue, reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakyamuni statue in the world and Centenary farmers market. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 6
Thimphu – Punakha
Today we will drive over the Dochu-La Pass (3100m), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks. Before descending into Punakha valley, we can spend some time here walking around the 108 stupas. On arrival, visit Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Zhabdrung, the unifier of Bhutan. It is situated at the confluence of the Po – Chhu and Mo – Chhu (male and female river). Enjoy a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (fertility temple), the temple of lam Drukpa Kuenley who is also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. Overnight in Punakha.
Day 7
Punakha – Paro
After breakfast drive about 30 minutes to the north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. This Chorten was built in 1990s and it took nearly 10 years to complete the construction. It was built by Queen Mother and dedicated to the King and for the well-being of Bhutanese. It majestically located on a ridge, with amazing views of the country side. We will then drive to Paro. Lunch will be served at Dochu La Pass. Overnight in Paro.
Day 8
Taktshang
After breakfast, we will hike up to Taktshang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) perched on a rock face 900m above Paro valley. In the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, the great Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan is believed to have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress and meditated here for about three months. It is reversed as one of the most sacred places in the world. It takes about 3 hours to get to the temple. After having explored the temple, we will hike down for lunch at the cafeteria and then continue hike down to the bottom. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 9
Departure
Transfer to Paro Airport for your flight home. Thank you for booking your holidays with Bhutan VIP Travel. Hope to see you again!
