Thimphu: Cheri Monastery Guided Hike with Hotel Pickup
ID: GYG1565246-2388746
Category:
Country: Bhutan
Duration:
1 days
Description
Hike through the forested slopes of the Thimphu Valley to Cheri Monastery on a guided tour. Learn about Bhutanese spiritual traditions and enjoy the fresh mountain air and beautiful views.
Begin your day with a pickup from your hotel in Thimphu. Meet your English-speaking guide and driver, then travel north through the scenic Thimphu Valley towards Dodena, approximately 30–45 minutes away.
Arrive at the Dodena trailhead and prepare for the hike. Cross the traditional covered wooden bridge over the river and begin your walk towards Cheri Monastery. Follow a peaceful uphill path through forested slopes. Enjoy fresh mountain air, prayer flags, birdsong, and beautiful views of the surrounding valley. Your guide will share information about local nature and Bhutanese spiritual traditions.
Explore the historic monastery complex, subject to access permissions. Learn about its establishment by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620 and its importance in the foundation of Bhutan's monastic community. Discover the monastery's connection with the Drukpa Kagyu tradition, the history of Bhutan's first monastic body, and the meditation retreats in the surrounding hills. Enjoy quiet time to appreciate the peaceful setting.
Take photographs from permitted outdoor areas, enjoy the mountain scenery, and have a short rest before beginning the descent. Walk downhill through the forest and return across the traditional bridge to the trailhead.
Meet your driver and enjoy the scenic journey back. An optional short stop at Pangri Zampa Monastery may be possible if time and access allow. End your Cheri Monastery and Buddhist Heritage experience at your hotel in Thimphu.
Highlights
- Hike through the forested slopes of the Thimphu Valley to Cheri Monastery
- Learn about Bhutanese spiritual traditions and the Drukpa Kagyu tradition
- Explore the historic Cheri Monastery complex and its peaceful surroundings
- Enjoy the fresh mountain air, birdsong, and beautiful views of the valley
- Benefit from a convenient hotel pickup and drop-off in Thimphu
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Access to Cheri Monastery is subject to permissions
Optional stop at Pangri Zampa Monastery if time allows
INCLUDED
- 1. Hotel pickup and drop-off in Thimphu
- 2. Private air-conditioned vehicle and professional driver
- 3. English-speaking local tour guide
- 4. Guided hike from Dodena to Cheri Monastery
- 5. Buddhist history and cultural explanations
- 6. Time to explore the monastery and surrounding viewpoints, subject to access
- 7. Bottled drinking water
- 8. All applicable vehicle and guide charges included in the quoted package
NOT INCLUDED
- 1. Lunch, snacks and personal refreshments
- 2. Personal expenses and shopping
- 3. Travel and medical insurance
- 4. Tips and gratuities for the guide and driver
- 5. Personal hiking equipment and clothing
- 6. Donations or religious offerings
- 7. Any additional sightseeing not mentioned in the itinerary
- 8. Bhutan visa fees and Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), where applicable
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.
