10-Day Cultural Tour with 4-Day Trek

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Today, you'll take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. Tiger's Nest is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims from Bhutan and neighbouring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria with a spectacular view of the monastery. After, if there is time your guide will suggest something for you to see.

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This first day of Bhutan trekking is long; it will be around 18 kilometres in total taking around seven hours. The trek follows the gravel road passing through the village. The wide trail climbs through blue pine and fir forest to a mani wall, then a long, but not steep, climb through forests to a camping place in a large pasture just below Jili La. With your guide, you will walk on to a second campsite, around 3 hours away. Jangchulakha is a pasture for yaks; you will camp here at 3760 metres.

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Today's walk will take around four hours and cover a distance of 15 kilometres. You'll climb gradually upwards through juniper forest for an hour and then you will follow the ridge, making many ascents and descents, from where you can also catch a magnificent view of Mount Jomolhari. Eventually, you will make a last steep ascent through large rocks and dwarf rhododendrons to Jimilang Tsho, an isolated lake at 3870 metres. There is a pleasant camping place here at the far end of the lake.

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Today is a tough day of ascents and descents, but you will be rewarded with several mountain views if the day is clear. The trek will take around four hours and cover a distance of 11 kilometres. Climbing from the lower end of the lake to a ridge, you'll descend again and then climb to a crest overlooking Janye Tsho. You'll drop down to the lake, then climb to a ridge and descend to some stone ruins overlooking Semkotha Tsho. You'll settle at a camp by Semkotha Lake at 3834 metres.

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Today's walk to Thimphu will take around five hours covering a distance of 15 kilometres and begins with a gradual climb. The path gradually descends to Phajoding Gompa, where a monastery and retreat centres for meditation are located. From there, you'll continue your final descent for a couple more hours through blue pine forest, emerging just above Thimphu town where you will be met by your driver and taken to your hotel.

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Today, you'll explore Thimphu with your local guide. Your guide can plan the day based on what takes your interest. You can visit the weekend market, the revered Memorial Chorten and the huge statue of Buddha Dordenma, which commands a tremendous view of Thimphu valley. You can also visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. You may like to visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin. The choice is yours!

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This morning, you'll drive three hours to the old capital, Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where you will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalaya ranges. You will notice the change of climate and vegetation as you approach low-lying Punakha at 1250 metres. In Punakha, you can take a pleasant walk across the terraced fields of Sopsokha village to Chimi Lhakhang built in the 15th century, then you will visit the imposing Punakha Dzong.

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In the morning, you can hike an hour or so up to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten high on the hill across the other side of the valley. Upon your return, you'll pack up and check out of your hotel to make your way back to Paro, a drive of approximately 3.5 hours. In the afternoon, there will be time to visit some handicraft shops to purchase some souvenirs of your trip.