Today we travel to the nation’s capital, Thimphu. The road is spectacular and winds alongside emerald-green rivers and offers spectacular views of the surrounding mountains. Once rriving to the Kuensel Phodrang, the gigantic statue of Lord Buddha,we will walk the narrow paths to Changangkha Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the Thimphu Valley. After lunch we will visit the Royal Takin Preserve and then we will start the Wangditse Hike that offers great amphitheatric views over the capital. In the afternoon, we can opt visiting the National Textile Museum or/and the Centenary Farmers Food Market

Day 3 - Trek in the hills around Thimphu

This will be our first proper hike into Bhutanese nature, a long but spectacular hike up to Phajoding monastery via Pumola Gompa reaching 3650m of altitude and coming back down to Thimphu for the night.

Day 4 - From Thimphu to Punakha

We start the day by driving up to TashigangGonpa, at 3700m, where we will begin our hiketo Lungchutse Monastery. The hike goes through forest containing moss-covered rhododendron the size of trees, giant hemlock and juniper and is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque walking courses in the region. The 360-degree view of some of the highest mountain peaks in the world, including Gangkhar Puensum (7520 m), Jumolhari (7314m) and Masang Gang ((7150m), is guaranteed to take your breath away. From Dochu La pass we mount our bikes all the way to Punakha passing through mountain villages getting a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. 

Day 5 - Punakha

A full day exploring the wonderful Punakha area on foot and by private vehicle. We start the day following the Giligang trail, walking through traditional farmland and paddy-fields to Kamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten. The route passes via the 300-year-old Giligang Temple and finishes at the magnificent Punakha Dzong. After lunch, we will head to the serene Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where we can enjoy views of the valley and meet some of the nuns. 

Approx. Walking Time: 6 hours

Approx. Driving Time: 1,5 hours

Day 6 – From Punakha to Phobjikha valley

After breakfast we will head to the very special place of Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the fertility temple. The surrounding buildings are adorned with the images of colorful erectile penises. These are a feature throughout Bhutan, but nowhere are they quite as prevalent and graphic as here! After our visit, we drive on a spectacular road by private vehicle that crosses Lawa-la Pass and once reaching the Gangtey Gonpa monastery we walk on a stunning nature trail across the Phobjikha Valley-floor and through the valley's villages observing the everyday life. At 3000 metres, Phobjihka is an incredibly beautiful (and incredibly green) grassy plain that must be seen to be believed.

Approx. Walking Time: 4 hours

Approx. Driving Time: 4,5 hours