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Day Hikes in Bhutan
Day Hikes in Bhutan
Bhutan is seemly a great destination to do day hikes that take you up and close to many hill-top villages, remote valleys, monasteries, and retreat centres. The trails that lead to these destinations are sometimes small paths on the ridge of terraces rice fields. In some case it’s paved with wild flowers during spring. During winter, the walk may trigger the sound emanated by stirring dry shedded deciduous leaves, breaking the silence of stilly forests. Largely, it traverses through farm houses, fields, school etc, a typical case where the journey is as beautiful as the destination.
In these years, it is seen that most guests like to add a day or two of camping with their cultural tours or to incorporate as much hiking in their cultural odyssey. Probably, the best way to experience the country, as it allows greater opportunity to see and get the feel of quaint natural ambience at leisurely walking pace. In the process, the opportunities get enhanced to exchange a few words with laymen, farmers, monks, students, etc, translating into lending insights into religious, social, and cultural structures.
Keeping the above in mind, our itineraries are resilient, and every effort is redeemed to allow it to flourish incorporating your inclinations, interests and likings. There are several opportunities for day hikes from comforts of the hotels.
Aesthetically, taking it a step further, a day or 2 at the most camping under the starry Himalayan sky and for that matter even farm farmhouse stay overnight can potentially add a new dimensions to your experience.
Following are some of the hikes that are highly recommended
Takstang Monastery Hike– ( 2 to 3 hrs one way)
The most popular hike in the country and quintessential, that leads to the cultural icon of Bhutan – Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It’s easily one of the country’s must-see attractions for its sheer weight on its beauty, gravity-defying locations, historical legacies, and scenic trails that overlook extended verdant Paro valley.
From the trail heads, the gradual uphills through the conifers, across the small chorten takes to 1st view point. Along the way, you will see some chortens and colourful ritual offerings in caves. Prayer wheels adorn the 1st viewpoint and also some roadside makeshift shops selling some souvenirs.
Following the trail further, you will reach 2nd viewpoint, where you will be greeted with a riot of colourful prayer flags and also astounding vista of the northern fringes of the extended Paro valley and and close-up view of Taksang Monastery on the other side, however, separated by a deep chasm.
Further, in the chasm, it takes a steep downhill turn, though narrow steps are paved all the way. Midway, the sight of a waterfall cascading through high rocks is quite beautiful and dramatic. It turns uphill to reach the Taksang Monastery
Time Taken – 2 to 3 hrs each way.
Takstang Hike.
Sonagasa Hike or Extended Kamsum Namgyal Chorten Hike
It’s a scenic sub-tropical hike in the Punakha valley. Approx 20 minutes drive north from the main town, across Punakha Dzong, takes you to the starting point of the hike in Sirigang village. It begins with crossing the suspension bridge over Mo Chhu, following the ridge of narrow trail through furrowed paddy field for over few meters bring it to the gradual uphill, further few meters of hike take you to the typical rest house – with wooden seats and also encompassing massive solitary prayer wheel, offering a scenic vista of terrace rice field below.
Following the trail for almost 40 minutes, through the farmhouses en-route, it ultimately brings to Kamsum Namgyal Chorten. From the rooftop of the Chorten, it offers an astounding view of the northern edge of the valley.
While returning back, we follow the same trail back till the rest house and take a light northward diversion, It also entails a walk through the ridge of the terrace rice field for a few meters until we meet the paved road but with hardly any sign of traffic. The hike is more simple and steady, and it runs parallel to the Mochu River. En-route, we can take a leisurely look at the former winter palace from a distance and probably meet some villagers along the way, ending the hike in front of beautiful Punakha Dzong.
Trashigang Gompa – The hike to reach Trashingang Gompa goes through one trail popularly called the Lungchuste Trail. This trail was adopted by Wind Horse Tours, and its maintenance and cleanliness work are undertaken by Wind Horse on a regular basis as a part of its Corporate Environmental Responsibility. On a clear day, it offers a breathtaking picture postcard view of the eastern Himalayas peaks. And also trail is surrounded by varied rhododendron species as big as trees, complemented by conifers as well.
Approx time 3 to 4 hours. It can be done from Thimphu or Punakha.
Lungchutze Hike
Kila Gompa Nunnery & Chele la Hike –
This can be done as an excursion from Paro or along the way between Paro and Haa. Generally, we propose to those guests who want to skip the Taksang Monastery hike for some reason or this hike can be done from Haa also. Chele La pass connects Paro valley with Haa. During the season, you will be greeted with the blossoming of varied Rhonderondon species. Further hike from the Chele la pass takes you to Kila Gompa, one of the oldest nunnery in Bhutan.
Time Taken: 2 to 3 hours each way,
Ura Valley Hike –
It is one of the principal valleys among four that constitute Bumthang – Cultural Heartland of Bhutan. It is known for its spectacular landscapes and quaint ambience. Passing through the farm house and scattered houses can provide an opportunities to interact with people and to explore and learn of its charming village.
Time Taken: Approx time 1 hour each way.
Gangtey Nature Trail–
Located in the beautiful, broad, and U-shaped glacial valley of Phobjika. It is known for its scenic splendor and cultural uniqueness is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. After passing a chorten and Khewa Lhakhang, the trail ends at the local community school; this involves a 30-minute walk up to the start of town. The Nature Trail can be combined with a visit to Gangtey Goemba and the local school. Gangtey Goemba is a 16th century monastery situated picturesquely on the hilltop at the edge of Gangtey village, making it the landmark structure of Phobjikha valley. 2 hrs approx time, in Phobjika.
