Punakha Winter Trek

Arrive Paro by Bhutan’s national carrier, Druk Air, and it’s a scenic flight as the plane touch down the lush green Paro Valley flying past the world’s highest mountains. Steeping down from the plane, cool, clean and fresh air welcomes the visitor, the first gift of Bhutan. After clearing the customs and visa formalities met by the representatives and transfer to Paro for lunch. Afterwards drive to Thimphu (1 & half hrs) following Pa Chhu downstream. In Thimphu, drive on to the Buddha Terrance for a stunning view of the valley and take a drive to visit Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal – a strange looking beast which some say resembles a beestung moose!

Take a view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten – a monument erected in memory of Bhutan’s third king H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Visit Centenary Farmers Market, the new authentic craft bazaar, National Institute of Traditional Medicine that still dispenses traditional herbal medicines to the locals, the Folk Heritage Museum – a 300 year old traditional house converted into a museum. Overnight at Hotel.(Lunch/Dinner included)

Early in the morning after breakfast drive to the northern valley to Dechencholing palace alongside Thimphu chhu ‘river’ crossing over the bridge after the army camp. The trail follows the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The hike starts from this point; in a clear weather one can observe Phajoding Monastery locate just above Thimphu. After 2 km of hiking will you will notice Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway to the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The hike then is more or less downhill until reaching the campsite. Overnight Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

The trek towards Chorten Ningpo is rather a gradual walk and passing through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The trek ends at Chorten Ningpo which is linked to Durpa Kuenley, better known as  the ‘divine madman’. Overnight Camp.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

After breakfast drive to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong, one of the impressive Dzongs in Bhutan, located between two great rivers Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). This dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot of the Central Monastic Body and also the office of the district Administration.

After lunch drive 7 km approx from Punakha and cross the suspension bridge over the Mo chu river then walk for about 30-45 minutes to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. The Chorten is perched on a strategic ridge overlooking nearby village under Kabisa geog. Her Majesty the Queen Mother ‘Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck’ has built this Chorten to throw away evil powers and restore peace, stability and harmony in the world. Afterwards back to Punakha. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Drive to visit a stunning hill-top nunnery – Sangchen Dorji Lhundrup Chholing. Have a chat with the nuns and enjoy the charm of the surrounds! The main temple is dedicated to the bodhisattva of compassion (Avaloketeshvara) and next to the temple is a beautiful Stupa and there are slate carvings of religious figures. Re-crossing Dochula and stopping at Thimphu for lunch. Arrive Paro in the afternoon and check hotel. Overnigh at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)

Early in the morning, drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery ‘Tiger’s Nest’. It’s about 2 hours hike up the cafeteria. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century. The hike then further continues with steps all the way down to a water fall and further up into the interior of the monastery which takes about 1 & half hour. Afterwards, hike back to the bottom is by the same trail and to the road point and drive towards Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort. This fort once defeated this valley from the Tibetan invasions during the 17th century. Also visit the local farm house at Drukgyal to witness daily life of the Bhutanese people. Later on, drive to Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. PM: Stroll around the main shopping district in Paro. Overnight at Hotel.(Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)