Phobjika Valley and the Royal Orchid Trek

Phobjika Valley and the Royal Orchid Trek

This is a beautiful cultural tour and short trek to the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang. One of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, it’s a beautiful, remote, large  U-shaped valley, with large meadows and lush surroundings. The valley is home to Gangteng Monastery – one of the most important famous monasteries in Bhutan and is an important wildlife and nature preserve. It is also the winter home to the very rare Black-Necked Cranes who migrate here from the Tibetan Plateau each year before returning to Tibet in Spring. On this trek you’ll travel through beautiful meadows, juniper and magnolia forests, past remote villages and through beautiful rhododendron forests, which bloom in April and early May.

Itinerary

• Day 01

  Arrive Kathmandu (1300m) and transfer to hotel.

  Welcome to Nepal. Once through immigration and baggage collection, head to the meeting area outside the airport where you'll be met by one of our local team for the transfer drive to your hotel. After time to rest and get refreshed, you'll have an informal briefing and overview about your flight to Bhutan tomorrow and your trek plus a chance to ask any questions. The rest of your day is at leisure to rest and relax or perhaps explore the local area. Optional half or full day guided sightseeing is available on request. This evening we invite you to enjoy a complimentary welcome dinner at one of the finest traditional Nepalese restaurants in Kathmandu. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 02

  Full day guided sightseeing- Kathmandu

  Today is a chance to explore some of the key cultural and heritage sites of Kathmandu. After your breakfast, you'll be met by your guide before heading to nearby Kathmandu Durbar Square, an impressive World Heritage Site and hugely important place in Nepalese history and culture. You'll be able to visit the ancient palace complex and the temple of the Living Goddess of Nepal , the Kumari. You'll also visit Hanuman Dhoka and Kasthamandap Temple. From here, we'll drive to a key Buddhist site, Swoyambhunath Stupa, also known as the "Monkey Temple" on the hill overlooking Kathmandu city. After time here we'll continue to Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest shrine for Hindus, situated on the banks of the holy Bagmati River, a popular cremation site. Before returning to your hotel we'll visit Boudhnath Stupa, an important Tibetan Buddhist pilgrimage site, with the huge stupa surrounded by many small monasteries, shops and cafes. Once back at your hotel, you'll meet one of our local team who'll brief you on your flight to Bhutan tomorrow and your trek and answer any questions you may have. The rest of your evening is at leisure to rest, relax or perhaps explore locally. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 03

  Fly to Paro (2300m), drive to Punakha (1242m).

  After an early breakfast you’ll be transferred to the airport for your flight to Paro in Bhutan, which takes approximately one hour. Flights to Paro offer breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including (on clear days) famous Mount Everest. Arriving at Paro International Airport, after completing immigration and customs formalities, your guide and driver will be waiting to meet you. From here it’s a picturesque drive from Paro to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan, through the lush Paro Valley and over the Dochula Pass. We’ll take a break at Dochula Pass, known for its stunning panoramic views of the Himalayas, including snow-capped peaks on clear days. Here you can visit the memorial chortens and enjoy the serene atmosphere, before continuing the drive down into the warm and fertile Punakha Valley.

  This afternoon, enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant in Punakha, before visiting Punakha Dzong, also known as Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong. Explore the magnificent fortress-monastery at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers and admire the architectural splendour, rich history and cultural significance of the dzong. After your sightseeing you’ll be able to check in to your accommodation and freshen up. Enjoy dinner at your accommodation or at a local restaurant and rest and relax overnight.

• Day 04

  Drive to Jakar (2800m) in Bumthang Valley (2600m)

  Today it’s a long but scenic drive of around 6-7hrs including breaks, to cover the 200km/124 miles to reach the Bumthang Valley. After breakfast you’ll begin the drive, making a short stop in Wangdue Phodrang, a town known for its historic fortress monastery. Here you’ll explore Wangdue Phodrang Dzong and its surroundings before driving on, through picturesque landscapes, crossing the Pele La pass and enjoying panoramic views. We’ll stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, the drive passes through forests and villages to reach Trongsa, a historical town known for its iconic Trongsa Dzong. We continue on to reach Jakar, the largest town in the Bumthang Valley. After checking in to your accommodation and time to freshen up, enjoy a leisurely afternoon walking tour of charming Jakar town and the Bumthang Valley, often called the "Switzerland of Bhutan." Explore Jakar Dzong, a fortress monastery perched on a ridge overlooking the valley and learn about the dzong's history and architecture. Visit Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred temples. You’ll have time to explore the temple's intricate design and cultural significance. Explore Kurjey Lhakhang, a complex of temples and stupas and visit the Guru Lhakhang, associated with Guru Rinpoche, a revered figure in Bhutanese Buddhism.

• Day 05

  Excursion to Tang Valley

  After breakfast this morning, it’s time to begin an excursion to the picturesque Tang Valley, known for its traditional villages and cultural heritage. The drive passes through scenic landscapes and charming villages. We’ll explore Ugyen Chholing Palace - a historic and well-preserved mansion that offers insights into Bhutanese aristocratic life. Learn about the history and culture of the region through the exhibits and artefacts. Enjoy a packed lunch amidst the natural beauty of Tang Valley. Take a stroll through Tang Village, experiencing the local way of life and interacting with villagers, before returning to Jakar in Bumthang Valley. The rest of your afternoon is free to explore locally and enjoy the surroundings. Enjoy dinner at your accommodation or at a local restaurant in Jakar. Rest overnight before your trek begins tomorrow.

• Day 06

  Drive to Trongsa (2170m) and trek to Kasiphey village

  After breakfast today it’s a short drive of around 2-3 hrs (68km/42.3m) including stops en route, to Trongsa and the start point for your trek. We’ll cross the Yutong La pass (3460m) and also stop en route to visit Chendebji Chorten, an impressive stupa influenced by Nepalese architecture. Explore the chorten and learn about its historical and cultural significance. Reaching Trongsa town known for iconic Trongsa Dzong, you’ll be able to explore the dzong, one of the most strategically located dzongs in Bhutan. After lunch at a local restaurant, you’ll begin your trek to reach Kasiphey, a remote and picturesque village. It’s around 4-5 hrs trek today and 10km/6.2m. It's a picturesque trek through rural landscapes with scenic views of surrounding mountains, valleys, and villages. Kasiphey village is known for its serene ambience and rich cultural heritage and you’ll be able to immerse yourself in the traditional way of life and interact with the locals. On arrival we’ll set up camp for the night before evening dinner. Overnight at tented camp.

• Day 07

  Trek to Drongthang Village (2621m), overnight homestay

  It’s around 6 hours trek today to reach Drongthang Village. The trail leads down to the charming village of Thrispang and then along the banks of the Mangde Chu river. The last hour of the trek is steeper as the trail climbs toward Drongthang temple and village. We’ll stop for a packed lunch along the trail, taking a break to refuel and relax. Drongthang village is a remote village and few foreigners visit this valley. On arrival we’ll be met by our local host families for our overnight homestay experience. This is a great chance to meet local people and gain an insight into traditional rural life in Bhutan. Immerse yourself in the daily life and culture of the village, interacting with the locals and learning about their traditions. Types of activities you might get involved with today (depending on season and what’s happening in the village and at your homestay) include making butter tea, grinding flour, threshing grain or making Arak, the locally brewed drink. This evening, share a traditional Bhutanese dinner with your host family, savouring local flavours and specialities. Enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Bhutanese community overnight, staying with your host family.

• Day 08

  Full day exploring local area, helping farmers and villagers in local tasks

  After breakfast with your host family, you’ll meet with your host and other travellers to agree the day’s activities. This is a full day to explore the local area and get involved in the daily activities such as tending to crops, feeding livestock, or working in the fields. You’ll have the chance to learn traditional farming techniques and experience the rhythm of rural life, chat with the villagers and learn a little about their traditions, customs and stories as well as share your stories and experiences. After lunch prepared by your host family, you’ll have time to walk through the village, meet the residents and have a look around. There’s also the chance to offer to help with village chores such as collecting firewood, fetching water, or helping with household tasks. You might also want to join some of the local artisans in their craftwork, which could involve weaving, pottery, or other traditional skills.

  This evening, relax and enjoy cultural performances, music, and dances organised by the villagers. Later enjoy a farewell dinner with your host family and fellow travellers on your last night at the homestay.

• Day 09

  Trek to Bemji (2400m)

  Begin your day with breakfast at the homestay in Drongthang Village before saying farewell to your host family and the village community. It's around 5-6 hours trek time today as we follow the trail towards Bemji. The trail heads down towards the Mangdu Chu river, passing through a few small hamlets, farms and terraced fields. We take a stop for lunch and the continue on following the trail down to a bridge crossing the river. The trail then climbs steadily upwards to reach Bemji village. Rest and relax overnight at tented camp.

• Day 10

  Last day of Royal Orchid Trek – drive to Gangtey (3100m)

  This morning it’s a short trek of around 2 hours. After early breakfast at camp, we start the morning trek towards Kakaling chorten and the pickup point for our transfer drive of around 4 to 5 hours to reach Gangtey, a beautiful valley in the Phobjikha region. The road climbs out of the valley, through landscapes of pine trees and an alpine zone of rhododendrons and dwarf bamboo. We also cross the Pele La pass (3420m) en route. If the weather is clear, the views are wonderful, over the Black Mountains and snow-capped peaks beyond. From the pass, the road descends into the Phobjikha Valley, with the focus point of Gangtey Gompa. This is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan and belongs to the Nyingmapa sect. This valley is also the winter home for the rare Black Nected Cranes, who migrate from the Tibetan Plateau to over winter here each yea, usually arriving late October or early November and returning to Tibet around March. It’s thought there are only several hundred cranes in existence in the wild. Overnight local accommodation, Gangtey.

• Day 11

  Join the Black Necked Cranes Festival (November only)

  Today is a full day to explore and enjoy time in Gangtey and the surrounding area. If you’re visiting in November, you’ll be able to join with the local villages and their cultural celebration and festivities of the Black Necked Cranes Festival., that takes part in and around the Gompa. The villagers celebrate the annual arrival of these beautiful birds with whom they share their home over the winter. Enjoy the colourful traditional dances, performances, and rituals honouring the cranes and their significance in Bhutanese culture.

  Today you’ll also see local crafts, exhibitions, and stalls showcasing Bhutanese art and handicrafts and be able to meet with local experts and conservationists to learn about the efforts to protect the black-necked cranes and their habitats. After lunch and (November only) enjoying the festival, it’s time to explore the beautiful Gangtey Valley.

  Visit Gangtey Monastery, an important religious and cultural site with panoramic views of the valley and enjoy the chance to meet with the local community, understanding their way of life and culture. Dinner this evening at your accommodation and rest and relax overnight in Gangtey.

• Day 12

  Drive to Thimphu (2334m) – visit Punakha and Chimi Lhakhang

  This morning we’ll visit the Black Necked Cranes again (late October to March only) in their protected meadows. Bhutan’s Government provides compensation to local people whose activities are affected by the presence of the birds, as well as makes other provisions for their protection. It’s a scenic drive from the beautiful Gangtey Valley towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital and largest city. En route we stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang temple, a short walk of around 30 minutes each way across local rice fields to reach the temple, devoted to the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kuenley. He is revered for having defeated a demon who lived on the Dochu La pass and the temple is popular with pilgrims for those wanting fertility blessings. Today we’ll also visit Punakha Dzong, located where the `Pho' &`Mo' Chus (father & mother rivers) meet. Dating from 1637 this impressive fortress monastery guards southern access to Punakha Valley. Punkaha was the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and is the winter residence of the head religious abbot of Bhutan as well as most of the senior monks from Thimphu. Explore the dzong's intricate architecture, courtyards, and historical significance. In the afternoon, we continue our drive to Thimphu where the rest of your day is at leisure to relax and explore locally. Overnight at your hotel, Thimphu.

• Day 13

  Sightseeing Thimphu and drive to Paro

  Start your day with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, a revered monument and a place of daily worship for many Bhutanese. You’ll be able to see local people circumambulating the chorten and experience the spiritual atmosphere. We’ll also visit the Buddha Dordenma, an iconic Lord Buddha statue offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley. Take in the breathtaking scenery while learning about the statue's significance. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum to gain insights into Bhutanese rural life, traditions, and artefacts. After lunch at a local restaurant in Thimphu, explore the Royal Textile Academy, where you can admire intricate Bhutanese textiles and learn about traditional weaving techniques.

  You'll also visit the Takin Preserve to see this unique national animal of Bhutan and learn about its cultural significance. Stroll through the Craft Bazaar, where you can shop for Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, and souvenirs. We’ll then drive to Paro through picturesque landscapes and valleys. Evening at leisure and dinner at a local restaurant or your hotel. Overnight Paro.

• Day 14

  Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest)

  After early breakfast it’s time for the short hike to famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest (3120m). The trailhead starts from the base of the mountain and follows a well-marked trail that winds through forests and offers stunning views of the surrounding valleys and hills. We’ll take a break at a tea house mid way for refreshments and to enjoy the panoramic views. We continue the climb up towards the monastery, that perches dramatically on the side of the cliff. Explore Tiger's Nest Monastery, including its temples, shrines, and meditation caves and learn about the history, legends, and cultural heritage. We’ll either take a pack lunch or have lunch at the cafeteria near the monastery before heading back down the trail. After returning to Paro and your hotel, the rest of your day is free to rest, relax and explore. Overnight Paro.

• Day 15

  Fly Paro to Kathmandu.

  The flights usually depart early morning to Kathmandu, with, weather permitting, beautiful views over Bhutan’s mountains and past Kanchenjunga, Makalu and Everest. You’ll be met on arrival for the transfer to your hotel. The rest of your day is free to relax and do any last minute shopping or exploring. Optional guided sightseeing available on request. Overnight Kathmandu.

• Day 16

  Depart Kathmandu.

  This morning is free until time to check out and your transfer to the International Airport for your departure flight home or to begin any additional activities such as wildlife safaris you have booked.