Bhutan Five Valleys Trek
Explore some of the most picturesque and stunning valleys in Bhutan. You will walk to remote gold-roofed temples and monasteries, hike up steep slopes across windswept meadows filled with wildflowers and get off the beaten track to visit lively villages in emerald-green valleys surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery.
Learn about local culture, enjoy local culinary delicacies, and evan take part in an evening of traditional song and dance. Overnight halts are in relative comfort, in standard grade en-suite properties, with options of upgrading in many places.
Recommended Itinerary
DAY 01 - FLIGHT
Fly to Delhi
DAY 2 - DELHI
Arrive into Delhi and transfer to Holiday Inn near the airport for the night; at leisure.
DAYS 3 & 4 - PARO
Fly to Paro, an unforgettable flight which offers spectacular views of the Himalayan range. Stay at the Olathang or Village Lodge (or Uma Paro/Aman). Explore Paro town and valley at your own pace by bicycle. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the country. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong – Bhutan’s National Museum. Then, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the venue of Paro Festival, held once a year in the spring. Later, time permitting, taking a trail through the fields to visit Lango village. The next morning’s trip is to the famous Taktsang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a 5-hr round trip walk. Late afternoon, drive to Drugyel Dzong, where you can also see the beautifully painted farmhouses. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom, on the way back to Paro.
DAY 5 & 6 - HAA VALLEY
After breakfast drive to Haa valley, with a short stop at Chelela pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes. An hour’s walk from the pass, through the woods, brings us to Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face. This staggering site houses 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. After lunch at Chelela pass, drive onward to Haa valley, only opened to foreign tourists in 2002, and is also known as the “Hidden-Land Rice Valley”. Evening explore the town and its market area. Spend two nights at a hotel in the valley. Visit Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) the next morning. Today’s trek to Lechu village ( 4 hrs) has you crossing a quaint wooden bridge over Haa river, visiting a old monastery, stopping at a local farmer’s for tea and having a picnic lunch beside the river. Overnight at the Lechuna Heritage Lodge.
DAY 7 - THIMPHU
After breakfast drive to Bhutan’s capital town Thimphu. Stop en route at Dogar Dobji Dzong, a 16th century structure, built by the brother of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley. You also take a stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. In Thimphu, visit Buddha Point (Kuenselphodrang). Later, drive to Trashichhoedzong: This impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty the King and various government offices. Evening enjoy an exploratory walk around Thimphu’s main street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar. Stay at the Phuentso Pelri or Kisa (or the Taj Thimphu).
DAYS 8 & 9 - PUNAKHA
Morning drive to Takin Preserve. Then visit National Memorial Chorten before driving to Dochu-la pass. Embark on a fascinating walking excursion to Lungchuzekha Goemba (3 hrs round trip). Drive on to Punakha. Stay at the Zangtho Pelri Hotel. In the morning, drive towards Punakha Dzong and later walk across the suspension bridge. Commence your excursion to Limbukha village where farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice, supposed to have medicinal values. Enjoy a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang in the evening, dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley also known as ‘Divine Madman’.
DAYS 10, 11 & 12 - GANGTEY
After breakfast, take a short hike to Rinchengang Village before driving to Gangtey. Afternoon visit Gangtey Goenpa, the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. A few kilometers beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor lies the village of Phobjikha - the winter home of black necked cranes. The next day enjoy a morning hike to Kilkhorthang village, consisting of about nine households. Continue through farmland and mountain trails to the picturesque hamlet of Tanjey. Visit its golden roofed temple, have a traditional Bhutanese before returning to Gangtey. Another day in Gangtey for a trek to Lhongmay village and Gyeche La Pass for stunning views of Phobjikha Valley. You also Kumbu before returning to the hotel.
DAYS 13 - PARO
Drive to Paro today, visit Simtokha Dzong en route, the oldest fortress of the country which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Also visit Tamchoe Monastery. Stay at the Olathang or Village Lodge.
DAY 14 - RETURN
Fly back to Delhi in the morning to take your return flight back to UK.
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