Bhutan Active "Wanderlust" Westbhutan

Arrival in Paro and Transfer to Punakha Upon your arrival at Paro Airport, situated at an elevation of approximately 2,250 meters, you will be greeted by our representative. Your journey continues to Punakha, passing through breathtaking landscapes. Midway, you will stop at the Dochu La Pass, located at an elevation of 3,080 meters, which, on a clear day, offers unforgettable views of the Himalayan peaks. Once you arrive in Punakha, which is at an elevation of about 1,200 meters, you will check into your hotel and have some time to relax and explore the surroundings.

Start your day with a light hike to Chimi Lhakhang, located on a hill in the middle of the valley at about 1,500 meters. This hike takes approximately 30 minutes. You will then continue to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a magnificent monument perched on a hill, requiring another short hike of about 45 minutes, offering fantastic views across the valley. The afternoon is free to explore the historic Punakha Dzong.

After breakfast, you will travel back to Thimphu, crossing the scenic Do Chula Pass again. Once in Thimphu, which sits at an elevation of about 2,320 meters, visit the King's Memorial Chorten and Buddha Point, which provides a grand view of the capital. Your day ends with a visit to Trashichhoedzong, a major government and religious center.

Travel from Thimphu to Haa via the Chele La Pass, Bhutan's highest drivable pass at 3,988 meters, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks. Upon arriving in Haa, which is at about 2,670 meters elevation, explore the historic Lhakhang Karpo, the White Temple.

Begin your day with a hike on the Haa Panorama Trail. This hike takes about 3 hours and provides comprehensive views over the valley and past various monasteries and spiritual sites, offering a unique opportunity to experience the region’s rich flora, fauna, and cultural significance.

Return to Paro via the Chele La Pass and undertake a fascinating hike to Kila Nunnery, which begins directly from the pass and lasts about 2 hours. This idyllic route winds through dense forests and concludes at one of Bhutan’s most secluded spiritual sites. In the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which offers deep insights into Bhutan's history and culture. The day ends with a visit to the impressive Rinpung Dzong and a stroll through Paro's vibrant farmer's market.

This day is dedicated to a special adventure: the hike to Bumdra Monastery on the Tiger’s Nest Trail, located high in the mountains above the Paro Valley. The trail passes by the Sang Choekhor Buddhist College, where you may witness a brief ceremony. The challenging hike lasts about 4 hours and ascends to an elevation of around 3,800 meters, ending at one of Bhutan's most spectacular campsites under the starry sky.

After breakfast at the camp, begin your descent back to Paro, passing by ancient temples and sacred sites. The afternoon is dedicated to visiting the famous Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), dramatically clinging to a cliff at 3,120 meters. After exploring the monastery and its surroundings, return to Paro for the last impressions of this fascinating town.

Your final morning in Bhutan begins with a relaxed breakfast before you are driven to Paro Airport to begin your journey home or onto your next adventure.