Thursday 3rd September, 2026
The itinerary described the hike as "take in the stunning views en route and the incredible vista from this monastery which clings to the rock towering 2935 metres above the valley." - well - stunning vistas were rudely interrupted by low cloud, it did clear for a few minutes before returning again. We started to hike at 6:15am and with the heavy fog, it was almost mystical hiking up the track.
The hike started at an elevation of 2400 metres, reaching 3100 metres just prior to reaching the monastery. The return hike took us 6.5 hours including rest stops, cafe coffee and inspecting the temples at the top. The total distance was about 7 kilometres.
Unfortunately, photos were not allowed inside the monastery which was beautifully decorated. We were rewarded in the third temple where the monks had gathered to practice a performance they were going to be giving to the Queen of Bhutan in the not 2 distance future. Our group was invited to enter the temple and sit with the monks while they chanted and played instruments. While we sat cross legged, we were engulfed in the harmonies and music which was a truly moving and magical experience.
During the hike we experienced all types of weather plus the track conditions were made worse by horses and cows in the early section, both churning up the ground and also leaving poo deposits everywhere to be dodged. Two of our group unfortunately could not complete the full hike, but it was a very rewarding experience for those of us that did!
Back done from the mount, and still pretty hyped, the group were treated to a lunch setting right on the river bank at Paro, a great setting by the fast flowing river.
Following lunch, we visited a local archery field where there were archers practicing their skills. They shoot arrows at a very small target 150 metres away, using basic bows and seemingly very good eyesight. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.
Back to hotel for some free time before our final, farewell dinner tonight. Hard to believe our Bhutan experience is over, and with that, our Himalayan tour of India, Nepal and Bhutan is also at an end. What a great trip.
unforgettable hike and day 🙂
Yes it was Huan, and glad that we could share it with you.
You did well completing the climb (at your age – I note the general age bracket is several decades younger). I imagine it would have been enormously rewarding and an experience you are never likely to forget. It looks magnificent.
Did your archery ever hit the target board let alone the bullseye?
We did’nt actually get to try it ourselves, we just watched the experts