Punakha Trek – 9 Days
An outdoor adventurer’s heaven, Bhutan provides many opportunities for the avid walker. One such outdoor hiking experience is the Punakha Trek. This hike follows the old foot trail from Thimphu to Punakha passes through several villages, forests and rice fields. It offers incredible views of Phajoding Monastery and crosses through Sinchula Pass. Hikers will also camp near Chorten Ningpo, an ancient chorten linked to Bhutan’s favourite patron saint, The Divine Madman Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
Punakha is the ancient capital of Bhutan & the altitude of the trail covers almost a thousand meters in range but the slopes are mostly gradual. Due to the low altitude and warm climate of the area, this hike is also possible to do in winter but the best times to go are between Feb – May and Sep – Dec.
Holiday goers will also participate in cultural tour of Paro, Thimphu & Punakha without the all too typical tourist crowds. A wonderful experience for all first timers to the Himalayan Dragon kingdom.
Brief Itinerary
- Day 01 : Welcome to Bhutan
- Day 02 : Visit Tiger's Nest
- Day 03 : Thimphu
- Day 04 : Trek to Dopshing
- Day 05 : Trek to Chorten Ningpo
- Day 06 : Visit Punakha
- Day 07 : Thimphu
- Day 08 : Paro
- Day 09 : Depart Bhutan
Upon arrival at Paro International airport, you will be met by your guide. In the afternoon, you will have an opportunity to explore the beautiful town of Paro.
Hotel: Kichu Paro or Similar
Meals: Dinner
After breakfast hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. Nearby there is a teahouse where you can stop for refreshments before returning to Paro for lunch.
In the afternoon drive to the ruins of the 17th Century Drukgyel Dzong, an historic monument built by the Shabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Kyichu is built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa. Inside there is a great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Hotel: Kichu Paro or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning, take a 2 hour drive to Thimpu and visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the market area.
Hotel: City Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After early breakfast, drive up to the north valley towards Dechencholing Palace, following the Thimphu Chhu, crossing the bridge after the army camp and before a beautiful monastery. Follow the unsealed road just above Chamina village. The two day hike starts here. From this point, if the weather is clear, you can see Phajoding monastery, which is located just above Thimphu. After 2km, you can see Thinleygang village, Talo monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill until you reach the campsite. (7-8hrs, 3400m ascent)
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will take trekkers through thick forests, villages and rice fields. The trek finishes at Chorten Ningpo which is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, better known as the “divine madman”. Dinner and overnight camping at Chorten Ningpo. (8hrs, camp altitude 2700m)
Camping in Tents
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast drive to Punakha. Visit Punakha Dzong. The impressive Punakha Dzong lies between two great rivers. The names of the rivers are 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 about 7km from Punakha town and crossing the suspension over the Mochu River, take approximately a 30-45 minute walk to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten (Stupa) which is perched on a strategic ridge overlooking the nearby villages under Kabisa geog. It was built under the sponsorship of Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangden Wangchuck to remove evil forces and promote peace, stability and harmony throughout the world. As the first of its kind in the world to have been constructed the details and the architectural designs were drawn from scriptures as visualized by Dudjom Lingpa. Dinner and overnight at your hotel in Punakha.
Hotel: Punakha or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, visit Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley (the Devine Madman) in the 15th century. He subdued the demoness with his “magical thunder bolt”. The temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. Later drive to Thimphu with the journey taking about 3.5 hours via the Dochula Pass (3140m). Here you will stop to see the spectacular array of chortens, to enjoy the superb view over the snow capped Himalayan Mountains and also to the Gasa Dzong at a distance if the weather is clear.You will have free time to explore Thimphu town in the evening.
Hotel: City Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, we will drive to Dodeyna to climb through a beautiful forest track to the Tango Monastery which overlooks a forested valley and other Buddhist retreats high in the mountains. Then we will visit the mini zoo at Motithang to see the Takin, Bhutan’s national animal. If you wish we can then visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs and other items in the shops of Thimphu. In the evening, we will drive through to Paro.
Hotel: Kichu Paro or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
After breakfast, transfer to airport for departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
