Our bike ride starts at Pangri Zampa, the College of Bhutanese Astrology. We will then head north through the valley towards the base of Tango & Cheri monasteries, which also houses the University of Buddhist Studies. The ride covers a distance of 8 to 9 km (5 - 5.5 mi) and should take about 1 to 1.5 hours. Along the route, we will pass through the charming village of Kabisa, where you can spot traditional Bhutanese houses nestled among apple orchards. Keep an eye out for a private painting school as well. The ride will have both uphill and downhill stretches, passing through stretches of forest. We can arrange a delightful picnic lunch for you by the riverside.
Start your day of sightseeing at Thimphu by offering 100 butter lamps at Kuensel Phodrang while being assisted by a monk. This act is highly respected in Bhutanese culture, seen as an offering to Lord Buddha. As the lamp is lit, a prayer is recited, wishing well-being for all beings: “As I light this butter lamp I am lighting a wisdom for the world, I am dispelling the darkness of the world by dispelling the darkness in this room.” If you like, you can also choose to spend extra time there for some meditation.
Founded by Her Majesty the Queen Mother Sangay Choden Wangchuck, in 2004, RENEW (Respect, Educate, Nurture and Empower Women) is a non-profit organization dedicated to the empowerment of women and children in Bhutan and promoting Sexual Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR), with specific attention to the survivors of domestic violence (DV) and Sexual & Gender Based Violence (SGBV). If their motto inspires you and you want to learn more about their initiatives, a prior appointment can be made to visit their head office in Thimphu and interact with various members of the NGO.
Nado Poizokhang are the oldest and most premiere incense makers in the Kingdom of Bhutan. They create a variety of incense using natural herbs and healing plants like trees, fruits, barks, stems, flowers, leaves, and roots, depending on the type. Visiting Nado Poizokhang is a unique opportunity to witness how these incense sticks are crafted by hand, making it a truly rewarding experience. The burning of incense is a cherished tradition in the region for centuries. With its deep cultural and religious significance, incense is considered not just as a source of pleasant fragrance, but as a symbol of purity and perfection personified in the form of the female goddess "Dugpoema" and is also a therapeutic practice.
Pangri Zampa Monastery, also known as the ‘Royal College of Astrology’ is a venerable 16th century monastery that also functions as an institute. . Delve into fascinating narratives and partake in a unique fortune-telling session guided by a knowledgeable monk. If you're inclined, you can share specific details about yourself in advance, enabling the preparation of your birth-chart for a more insightful discussion with the monk.
Bumdra Trek from Paro is arguably one of the most scenic treks in the region and is fairly easy to cover with a night stay at the campsite in Bumdra which is at 3,800 m (12,470 ft). The word ‘Bumdra’ means the ‘Rock of One Thousand Footprints’ and legend has it that a hundred thousand dakinis (angels) descended upon these rocks and left their footprints and aspirations, 800 years ago. The trek begins at Sangchen Choekor Shedra which is 12 km (7.4 mi) from Paro town and there is a rest point at Choechotse Lhakhang. On the descent back to Paro, one can visit the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang Monastery).
During your stay in Paro, you can visit one of our signature farmhouses to get an immersive experience in daily Bhutanese life. One can also take up cooking class to stir up local delicacies or hire traditional Bhutanese outfits (Gho for men and Kira for women) to get a feel of their culture. This experience also allows you to interact with locals to understand their culture in more depth, learn traditional ways of cooking and get a glimpse of the way of Bhutanese life.
During your stay at Paro, the Kila Goemba hike is another interesting adventure due to its proximity to Paro town. After breakfast, a scenic drive will lead you to Chele La Pass, the highest motorable road in Bhutan, which is the starting point of the hike. This captivating 4.3 km (2.7 mi) hike leads to the sacred sanctuary, Kila Goemba, home to Buddhist nuns who have devoted their lives to spiritual enlightenment. It takes anywhere between 3 to 4 hours to complete this hike that captures Paro valley’s breathtaking scenery.
This is a Paro-based activity that is sure to fulfill your spirit and soul. After a hearty breakfast, you will be taken to one of the many monasteries in and around Paro town where you will have the opportunity to spend the day. You will meet with the monks at the monastery and can engage in meaningful spiritual and religious conversations with them that will awaken your mind and heart. A special puja or ceremony will also be arranged for you to bless you and those around you for the future. This is followed by a unique opportunity to serve the monks at the monastery with a simple meal at lunch that you will also have a chance to eat. If one is lucky, they get to see and meet with the Rinpoche at the monastery. As the evening sets in, have a unique moment to be part of the prayer ceremony before you depart.
The ride starts from the second-highest motorable road in Bhutan, Dochu-La Pass on the way from Thimphu to Punakha. Ride a distance of 35 km (21.8 mi) along scenic valleys and pristine natural landscapes to reach Punakha valley. This is an enjoyable downhill bike ride with stops along the way to rest, take photographs and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and forests.
This half-day hike begins at Dochu-La pass between Thimphu and Punakha from the large chorten (one of 108 chortens) in the middle. It is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque hikes in the region and includes a visit to Hong Tsho village and Lungchutse Monastery. As you proceed through a trail ridge, forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons until you reach an open meadow. You will enter a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. The last 50 meters is led by a small trail covered with fluttering prayer flags directly up to the temple. The total distance each way is about 10 km (6.2 mi) and takes 2.5 hours each way.
Ritsha, a word that translates to ‘the base of the hill’, is a picturesque village in the Punakha district and known as the ‘model town’ for rice cultivation. A visit to Ritsha is a multifaceted experience - from leisurely strolls to engaging conversations with locals, to freshly brewed tea and coffee at roadside stalls, Ritsha is a unique and immersive experience to understand daily Bhutanese life and the rich agricultural traditions of the Kingdom.
To begin the hike that starts from the beautiful Talo Village, it is best to drive down to Talo Monastery. This village is known for its impeccable cleanliness and is also home to the Queen Mother and her three Queen sisters. After a visit to Talo Monastery, the hike begins towards the village of Noobgang and only takes around an hour each way.
Start your day with the tranquil morning prayers at the Gangtey Shedra, a place of learning for monks. Situated close to the Gangtey Monastery, it is home to around 350 devoted students. These morning Tara Prayers hold special significance for Buddhists, symbolizing a cleansing of the body, mind, and spirit as they begin their day. Following the prayers, you will have a chance to connect and interact with the students, also called lama, and engage in conversations about their culture and more.
A beautiful hamlet located approximately 70 km (43 mi) from Paro is a region named Haa where one can explore the ‘Haa Valley Trail’. This trail has been designed to showcase the natural splendor of Haa valley and leads you through charming villages, serene pine forests, and several monasteries. It takes approximately 5 - 6 hours of a walk or hike to cover the trail and offers stunning vistas of four significant upper Haa monasteries, namely, Yangthang, Katsho, Dranadingkha and Takchu goempas. This trail has two delightful canopies, a sturdy bridge, also known as a bazam and 15 log bridges. There is also a quaint picnic spot with provision for a hot stone bath. The Haa Valley Trail, formally known as ‘Haa Panorama Hiking Trail’ (HPHT) can either be done as a day trip from Paro town or with a night stay in Haa valley itself.
Registered Office:
Ground Floor, 38/ 5 Bagbazar Street,
Kolkata 700003, West Bengal, India
Operations Office (India):
First Floor, 17Q Dover Terrace,
Kolkata 700019, West Bengal, India
Operations Office (Bhutan):
Tshalu Lam, Babesa,
Thimphu, Bhutan
Phone: +91 (0) 9560 033 043
Email: bookings@eastern-escapes.com
