Bhutan
Hiking through Bhutan
With more than 70% of the kingdom covered in mountains and forests, hiking in Bhutan reveals a spectacular, unspoilt country steeped in ancient traditions. Whether you’re looking for some of the most challenging high-altitude hikes or easy rambles through the wilderness, Bhutan has it all. This 8 day/7 night itinerary includes some spectacular hikes through the three main valleys of Bhutan that are dotted with rice paddy terraces, rural villages, blue pine forests and sacred sites.
Itinerary at a glance
Day 1 & 2: Thimphu
Arrive in Paro. Upon arrival, you will be met by your Tour Manager who will escort you to your hotel in Thimphu (approximately 1.5 hours, excluding stops) and will help you to check-in.
While you’re in the capital, you will explore a few of the major attractions of Thimphu – Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices), the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue (also known as Buddha Point or Kuensel Phodrang), the largest statue in the country. The 169-foot statue was constructed in 2015 in honor of the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan.
You will also take a short hike to Tango Goempa monastery. From here, you will follow a trail leading further up the mountain past a few rock outcrops and above a hot-stone bath, frequently used by the monks. Note: This hike lasts for about 2 hours.
You may also like to participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
While you’re in the capital, you will explore a few of the major attractions of Thimphu – Trashi Chhoe Dzong (the seat of Bhutan’s government and royal offices), the National Memorial Chorten and the Buddha Dordenma statue (also known as Buddha Point or Kuensel Phodrang), the largest statue in the country. The 169-foot statue was constructed in 2015 in honor of the 60th birthday of Jigme Singye Wangchuck, the fourth king of Bhutan.
You will also take a short hike to Tango Goempa monastery. From here, you will follow a trail leading further up the mountain past a few rock outcrops and above a hot-stone bath, frequently used by the monks. Note: This hike lasts for about 2 hours.
You may also like to participate in an Archery Contest with a professional archer.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3 & 4: Punakha
You will drive to Punakha (approximately 3.5 hours, excluding stops).
En route, you will drive to the high mountain pass of Dochu La which are graced with 108 stupas, built to honor the memory of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. From here, you will hike to Thinleygang Temple through the lush green vegetation on the Divine Madman's Trail. Note: This hike lasts for about 3 hours.
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
You will also hike on the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, a historic pilgrimage trail running the length of the country. This hike provides breath-taking vistas of the mountains, monasteries, and temples of the region. Along the way, you will hike through the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. You will then hike through Shengana Village and its vast terraced rice fields.
Thereafter, you will hike to Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang, an ancient chorten linked to one of Bhutan’s most revered saints, Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman). Note: This hike lasts for about 3 hours (10 kilometers).
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Meals: B, L, D
En route, you will drive to the high mountain pass of Dochu La which are graced with 108 stupas, built to honor the memory of fallen Bhutanese soldiers. From here, you will hike to Thinleygang Temple through the lush green vegetation on the Divine Madman's Trail. Note: This hike lasts for about 3 hours.
During your stay, you will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang. It is widely believed that when childless couples who want to get pregnant, pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon.
You will also hike on the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, a historic pilgrimage trail running the length of the country. This hike provides breath-taking vistas of the mountains, monasteries, and temples of the region. Along the way, you will hike through the Punakha Suspension Bridge, one of the longest suspension bridges in Bhutan. You will then hike through Shengana Village and its vast terraced rice fields.
Thereafter, you will hike to Chorten Nyingpo Lhakhang, an ancient chorten linked to one of Bhutan’s most revered saints, Lama Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman). Note: This hike lasts for about 3 hours (10 kilometers).
You might like to visit the Punakha Dzong, home to the remains of Bhutan’s first ruler and the winter residence of the monastic order’s leader and his entourage of monks.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5 - 7: Paro
You will drive to Paro (approximately 3 hours, excluding stops). Here, you will visit Ta Dzong (or the National Museum), Rinpung Dzong (or of the “Heap of Jewels”) and take an exploratory walk around Paro’s main street and market area.
During your stay, you will drive to Upper Dopshari, (approximately 40 minutes, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will hike on the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, a historic pilgrimage trail running the length of the country. This hike provides breath-taking vistas of the mountains, monasteries and temples of the region. You will also visit Dopshari Village where, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at archery (the national sport of Bhutan) and khuru (throwing darts at a small target from 20 meters away).
You will hike around the northern ridge of Paro Valley before descending through paddy fields and Lamgong Village. On the way, you will also pass the 7th-century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country. Note: This hike usually lasts for about 4 hours.
In the evening, you will also learn how to wear the gho (a long robe worn by men that is hoisted to the knee and held in place with a woven cloth belt) or kira (a brightly coloured ankle-length dress worn by women with a short open jacket) from one of the hotel’s staff on on.
On of the mornings, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Meals: B, L, D
During your stay, you will drive to Upper Dopshari, (approximately 40 minutes, excluding stops).
On arrival, you will hike on the historic Trans Bhutan Trail, a historic pilgrimage trail running the length of the country. This hike provides breath-taking vistas of the mountains, monasteries and temples of the region. You will also visit Dopshari Village where, you will have the opportunity to try your hand at archery (the national sport of Bhutan) and khuru (throwing darts at a small target from 20 meters away).
You will hike around the northern ridge of Paro Valley before descending through paddy fields and Lamgong Village. On the way, you will also pass the 7th-century twin temples of Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the first Buddhist temples built in the country. Note: This hike usually lasts for about 4 hours.
In the evening, you will also learn how to wear the gho (a long robe worn by men that is hoisted to the knee and held in place with a woven cloth belt) or kira (a brightly coloured ankle-length dress worn by women with a short open jacket) from one of the hotel’s staff on on.
On of the mornings, you will hike up to view one of Bhutan’s most dramatic monuments, the Taktsang Goemba, more commonly referred to as the Tiger’s Nest, built on a sheer cliff face at a height of 2,950m (9,678ft). Note: For those who need assistance on the climb, mules and donkeys will be on hand. Your guide will check in advance if you would like to avail of this service.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Depart Paro
Today, you will drive to Paro’s International Airport and on arrival, you will be met by our colleague who will help you to check-in for your homeward flight (details to be advised).
Meals: B
Meals: B
Snapshots from the itinerary
