Abide Bhutan Adventure

Remote Village Hiking Tour

detailed itinerary

Bhutan Still being an underdeveloped  country, people in the remote  villages practice mixed farming.  Cattle help the farmers with dairy products and provide with drought power while plowing the field for cultivation of crops. Even the cow dungs are being used as a manure in the field.  Thus these farmers grow crops as well raise the cattle.    Bhutanese farmers are mostly small holder farmers practicing mixed farming system involving cattle rearing and cultivation of crops. These farmers survive their daily meals completely on farming.

There are few villages settled on the higher altitudes. These villages are are usually two three hours of walking distance from the motor roads.

After your placid flight will touch down at Paro International Airport. and after completing your immigration formalities, you will be warmly welcomed by the representative of Advent Bhutan Tours, who will be your Bhutan tour guide throughout your entire travel in Bhutan.

Check into the hotel. After a brief rest, start your mesmeric experience of Bhutan by first visiting the National Museum, housed in the Ta Dzong (watchtower). Ta Dzong- National Museum of Bhutan is a cultural museum in the town of Paro established in 1968. Built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war. Here, an intriguing collection of finest samples of Bhutanese art, including masterpieces of bronze statues, paintings, suitable galleries are elegantly displayed on scientific lines, which collectively will lead to the wonderful introduction to the rich culture and heritage of the Kingdom.

Make a visit to a farmhouse which gives an insight of authentic lifestyle of a Bhutanese farming family

In the evening, stroll around the Paro town.

Dinner & overnight at a farmhouse in Paro.

After breakfast travel to Haa.Haa valley is one of the most picturesque places in the Kingdom, spread over an area of 1706 sq. km.The road runs down through the Paro valley, characterised by the narrow-gauged with high, rocky cliffs on the left. You can stop on the way to visit the magnificent Tamchhog Lhakhang, the hereditary place of worship for Bhutan’s iron bridge build. After six hours ride, you will reach the prayer flagged summit of the Chelela pass ( 3810 m)-the highest road pass in the country. On a clear day, you can view Mt. Jumolhari along with Jichu Drake and adjoining peaks to the North West, as well as the view of both the Paro and Haa Valley.

After reaching Haa Valley, check into your hotel. After a brief rest and refreshment, explore Haa Valley visiting Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple).Myth has it that Haa is blessed by the three Bodhisattvas namely Manjushree, Avalokiteshvara, and Vajrapani. These three Bodhisattvas is represented by three sister mountains known as Miri Puensum and are believed to be the embodiment of Chag-na Dorji (god of Might), Jampel-yang (god of wisdom) and Chenrezig (god of compassion) which overlooks the Haa Valley.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Haa Valley.

After breakfast, the adventure begins with a drive through the villages of Jankana, Lingzhi, and Jabana. on the way, we will make a visit to one or two  Bhutanese farmhouses. After we reach the Nagu village, hike via the  Bjaluzu Village to Haa Chu( Haa river). From here, an hourly hike will take you to Bemphu village. This village is one of the isolated villages, where herders mount to different regions with their cattle according to the season.

Dinner and overnight at the farmhouse in Bemphu Village

After breakfast, we will explore more of this village by making a visit to some farmhouses and experience the taste of locally brewed liquor called Ara, which is popular in Bhutan

After lunch at the Bemphu village, hike back downhill to the base to the road point at Bjaluzu . Then drive to Thimphu through

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, day-long Thimphu Sightseeing includes visit to the following places:

The National Textile Museum – Art of traditional weaving being kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in colours and designs.  The National Textile Museum is located near the National Library of Bhutan. It was established in 2001 and operated by the National Commission for Cultural Affairs. Ever since its establishment, the museum has gained national and international recognition and has generated a important collection of antique textile artefacts.

The Bhutan Postal Museum (recently launched) -The Bhutan Postal Museum was launched on 7 November 2015 at the General Post Office building. The postal museum portrays the story of the evolution of communication, transportation and postal services in Bhutan’s history.

The Traditional Bhutanese paper making factory– Jungshi Paper Factory was established in November 1990 as an undertaking of the Royal Government of Bhutan.This small factory produces traditional Bhutanese paper handmade from the bark of the Daphne bush. The unit now boasts as a major and sole dealer in handmade paper and its products.

The National Folk Heritage Museum – The museum was launched on 28 July 2001 under the initiative of founder Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo. The outdoor museum gives an insight into rural life.The museum exhibit diverse materials associated with the Bhutanese culture and way of life.The exhibition comprises of rural households’ artifacts, equipment, objects and tools.

After lunch ,visit the following:

The Institute of traditional medicine– The Institute of traditional medicine sprawled on a hilltop with the Traditional Arts Center and National Library just below, was established in 1978. This institute collect medicinal plants from far-flung areas of the Bhutanese Himalaya, such as Lingzhi, Laya and Lunana, conducts research on Bhutan’s medicinal plants to identify the ingredients to help develop new health product and then dispense pills, tablets, ointments and medicinal teas to regional health-care units around the country.

The School of Thangka Painting-The traditional arts is known as zorigchusum (zo = the ability to make; rig = science or craft; chusum = thirteen). These traditional crafts depict hundreds of years of knowledge and ability that has been passed down through generations.The students undergo a six-year course to consummate learning the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.

The Takin Zoo – which houses the national animal, Takin (The national animal of Bhutan). The reason for declaring Takin as the national animal is attributed to a legend of the animal’s creation (goat’s head and cattle’s body) in Bhutan in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Drive further to Sangaygang to get a bird’s eye view of the beautiful Thimphu valley.

The Tashichho Dzong – It is a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the glorious religion on the northern edge of the city of Thimphu, built in 1641 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. It was rebuilt into the present structure by the late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the year 1962-1969. It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body.

Then, stroll down the  Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops, aligned neatly below Norzin Lam, opposite to Nehru Wangchuk Cultural Centre, to witness Bhutanese fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewelry, and other eye-catching items made from local materials.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, travel to Punakha via the Dochula pass. The Dochula Pass (3,088m/10,130ft) is a mountain pass, with the breathtaking view of 108 memorial stupas known as “Druk Wangyal Chortens”  built under the initiative of Royal Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk( the eldest Queen Mother), built in honour of the fourth Druk Gyalpo (head of the state of Bhutan), Jigme Singye Wangchuck.

Journey to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. It is also known as Pungtang Dewa chhenbi Phodrang (meaning “the palace of great happiness or bliss). It is the second oldest and largest dzong built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (Unifier of Bhutan) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. Visit the Punakha Dzong, majestically sprawl between the Pho Chu (Male River) and the Mo chu (Female River).

After lunch, drive to Metshina Village and take 15 minutes walk through the rice fields to the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where it is believed, one can receive special fertility blessings.

Afterwards, a drive to Wangdue (25 Minutes journey from Punakha). Visit Wangdue Dzong. It was founded by the Zhabdrung in 1638. In the 17th century, Wangdue played a critical role in unifying Shar Chog Khorlo Tsebgay (the western, central and southern regions of the country). It is one of the largest dzongkhags (districts) in the country covering 4,308 sq km and ranges from 800-5800 m in altitude. In 24 June 2012, the dzong caught fire and was burnt down.The renovation is still ongoing and is expected to continue until 2021.

In the evening  you may visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendup Lhakhang Nunnery and enjoy the beautiful view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys.

Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

After breakfast, drive to the upper Punakha valley and take a hike through farmhouses to the beautiful visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten(stupa),(also known as Nyizergang Chöten and Punakha Zangdopelri). It was built in 2004 by the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck. The establishment of the stupa is to bring peace and firmness in the world. Enjoy the amazing view of Punakha and Wangdue valleys from there.

After lunch, drive back to Paro. After a brief rest and refreshment, drive 18Km up to the majestic Drugyal Dzong. The Dzong was built by Tenzin Drukdra in 1649 at the directive of  Zhabdrung Rinpoche, to honour victory over an invasion from Tibet.

Dinner and overnight at hotel in Paro.

Drive to the Satsam Chorten and then hike to the Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest. Normally it takes about three and half hours to complete the hike but might take longer depending on your fitness.  Paro Taktsang, also known as the Tiger’s Nest, is an important  Buddhist sacred site which clings to the rock face, 900 metres above the valley floor.To the rear of the Taktsang lies Senge Samdup cave where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated for three years, three months, three weeks, three days and three hours in the 8th century. Today, Paro Taktsang is popularly known for the thirteen Taktsang or “tiger lair” caves in which he meditated..it is believed that Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to Taktshang from Tibet on the back of a tigress from Khenpajong. This place was consecrated to tame the Tiger demon.

Refreshment will be served at View Point Cafeteria en route.After visiting the monastery, descend back to viewpoint cafeteria for lunch and then further descend downhill to the base. Then drive back to the hotel.

On the way visit the Kichu temple – It is one of the 108 temples built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo. The Jowo Temple of Kyichu is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. To overcome a giant demon who prevented the spread of Buddhism, laid on the whole area of Tibet and the Himalayas, King Songtsen Gampo build 108 temples placed on all the points of her body.

In the evening, you can relax after your tiresome journey/ you may relax in the traditional hot stone bath

Dinner and overnight in Paro

Advent Bhutan Tours & Travels (your local Bhutan travel agent) will see you off at the Paro International Airport for your onward destinations.

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