Mystic Bhutan Hiking

As you descend into Paro Valley, lush forested hills and the glistening Paro River unfold beneath you, with the majestic Paro Dzong perched above.

After a warm airport welcome by your guide, drive towards Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital. En route, stop at the historic Tamchog Lhakhang to walk across its iron bridge, built using 13th-century chain links. On reaching Thimphu, check into your hotel and take a short rest. If time allows, visit the serene Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the Third King.

End your day with a welcome dinner at a cozy local restaurant, where you'll get your first taste of authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

Drive Time: Approx. 1 hour

Start the day with a drive to Kuensel Phodrang to witness the towering 169-foot Buddha Dordenma, offering stunning views over Thimphu Valley. From here, enjoy a peaceful 6 km hike to Changangkha Temple, a local favorite that gently introduces you to Bhutan’s natural trails. Continue to the Royal Takin Preserve in Motithang, where you’ll encounter Bhutan’s national animal in a forested habitat and learn about its cultural significance in Bhutanese mythology.

After lunch at a popular local café, visit the Folk Heritage Museum housed in a traditional 19th-century farmhouse, followed by the Royal Textile Academy where artisans demonstrate complex weaving techniques. Spend the evening strolling through the Crafts Bazaar, showcasing handmade Bhutanese goods. If it’s the weekend, explore the vibrant Centennial and Kaja Thorm markets where locals shop, snack, and enjoy live music in a lively street setting.

Elevation gain: 50–70 m

After breakfast, drive to Dochula Pass, located at 3140 meters and known for its 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens set against fluttering prayer flags. The pass offers panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas. You can choose between two scenic hikes.

The first, more challenging option is the Lungtsezelkha hike, which ascends through rhododendron forests to a temple at 3800 meters, offering sweeping views of both northern peaks and southern valleys.

The second is a segment of the Trans-Bhutan Trail, a historic which descends from Lamperi to Thinleygang through old forests and villages. For a longer but easier hike, you may continue this trail from Lamperi to Lapsakha in Punakha, covering 18 to 26 kilometers.

After hiking, descend into the Lobesa Valley, where you’ll visit Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as the Fertility Monastery, linked to the colorful legend of Bhutan’s Divine Madman. The visit includes a short walk through a charming village set amid lush rice fields. End the day at a cozy resort in Punakha, surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility.

Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours

Option 1: Lungtsezelkha Hike, Elevation gain: 660 m

Option 2: Trans-Bhutan Trail, Elevation gain: negligible (0–50 m)

Start your day with a drive to Kabesa Valley and a scenic 45-minute hike through lush paddy fields to reach Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Stupa, a temple known for its intricate design and panoramic views of Punakha Valley. You can optionally continue with a short riverside hike crossing a suspension bridge over the Mo Chhu River. A simple picnic lunch will be enjoyed along the riverbank.

Later, visit the iconic Punakha Dzong, beautifully located at the confluence of two rivers and known for its grand design and cultural importance. Conclude the day at the peaceful Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where you’ll enjoy views of surrounding valleys and the chance to interact with friendly, English-speaking nuns.

Elevation gain: 250 m

After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Phobjikha Valley, following the beautiful Dang Chhu River as the road winds through bamboo and oak forests. Just before Pele La Pass, a side road leads into the peaceful Phobjikha Valley, often called the “Switzerland of the East” for its alpine beauty and open landscapes.

At the pass, enjoy an exclusive hike along the ridgeline with panoramic views of the valley below. Descend gradually for about 6 kilometers to reach the serene Gangtey Monastery. End the day at a warm, welcoming resort nestled in the valley with stunning views of the surroundings.

Drive Time: Approx. 2.5 hours

Elevation gain: negligible (0–50 m)

Begin your morning by visiting Gangtey Gompa, an important Nyingma monastery with sweeping views of the valley. Then take a relaxed hike through the Phobjikha Valley, a glacial landscape home to the endangered black-necked cranes that migrate here each winter from Tibet. Visit the Black-necked Crane Information Centre and use telescopes to observe these graceful birds in their natural habitat. Explore quaint local villages, meet farming families, and learn how agriculture and conservation coexist in this protected valley.

Elevation gain: minimal (50 m)

Begin early with a short drive to Khumbu village, the trailhead for today’s scenic hike. Gradually climb through high meadows and bamboo forests to reach a pass at 3600m, offering sweeping views of Phobjikha’s glacial valley. On the descent, walk through ancient forests of spruce, oak, and rhododendrons, pass yak herders, and reach Longtey village. The trail then merges with the Trans Bhutan Trail, continuing on to Rukubji. Enjoy lunch with a local family in a traditional farmhouse and visit Kuenzang Choling, the village temple.

After lunch, drive to Tangsibji, a beautiful offbeat village in the Trongsa district. Spend the night in a heritage farmhouse built in 1960. Experience authentic Bhutanese hospitality with fresh organic food and village legends. This unique, locally hosted stay is a consistent guest favorite for its warmth, stories, and untouched beauty.

Note; If you wish to skip today’s hike, you can head directly to the farmhouse in Tangsibji for a relaxed day exploring the village and soaking in its local charm without the trek.

The stay is basic however it is clean, authentic, and tourist-friendly.

Elevation gain: 300 m

Begin your day with a peaceful morning walk through Tangsibji village, observing rural Bhutanese life up close, from fieldwork to prayer flags fluttering across stone homes. After lunch with your host family, bid farewell and drive toward the cultural heartland of Bumthang, passing through Trongsa town.

On the way, visit the Tower of Trongsa Museum, a former watchtower now turned museum that showcases Bhutan’s monarchy. Highlights include the Raven Crown and the royal robes of the early kings. Then, explore the historic Trongsa Dzong, once the central seat of power in Bhutan’s early monarchy. End the day in Chumey Valley, where you will visit local weavers known for crafting traditional Yatha textiles made from yak wool.

Drive Time: Approx. 3 hours

After breakfast, drive 12 kilometers uphill to reach Tharpaling Monastery, founded by the revered Tibetan master Longchenpa in the 1300s. Begin a breathtaking 12-kilometer hike from an altitude of around 3800 meters, descending gently through lush temperate forests. Along the trail, you may spot colorful pheasants and other native birds as the path winds toward Kikila in the Chamkhar Valley. The trail is new, well-marked, and considered one of the most scenic day hikes in the Bumthang region.

Post-hike, visit the majestic Jakar Dzong, which stands proudly above the valley as one of Bhutan’s largest fortresses. Later, explore a local weaving center to interact with artisans crafting the region’s famous yak wool textiles. End the day strolling through the streets of Chamkhar town, soaking in the calm rhythm of valley life.

Elevation gain: negligible (0–50 m)

Begin the day in Chamkhar Valley by visiting Jambay Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples built in the 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Continue to the sacred Kurjey Monastery, a significant site in Bhutanese Buddhism where Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated. These temples offer deep insight into Bhutan’s spiritual and historical identity.

After a traditional lunch at a local farmhouse, take a short hike to Tamshing Lhakhang, founded by saint Pema Lingpa. Later, visit a small cheese factory to see how local Gouda is made and enjoy samples with a glass of Red Panda beer. End the day with a relaxed dinner at a cozy restaurant known for local cuisine and great conversation.

Take a short 30-minute domestic flight to Paro, offering stunning aerial views of the northern Himalayas. Once in Paro, your exploration of the valley continues with a visit to the National Museum, home to treasured collections of Bhutanese art, textiles, stamps, relics, and spiritual artifacts. It’s a wonderful place to understand the country’s cultural evolution through centuries.

Next, visit the rare and beautiful Dungtse Lhakhang, a unique chorten-style temple built in 1421 by Tibetan lama Thongten Gyelpo, who is also remembered as the "Iron Bridge Builder." Its structure and murals are considered rare and significant in Bhutanese history.

Note: All sightseeing activities on this day are flexible. If you'd like to explore more or customize the experience, your tour guide will be happy to suggest extra visits based on your interest.

Today you will hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang), perched dramatically on a cliff at 3,120 meters. The trail passes through pine forests with prayer flags and offers stunning views along the way. The round-trip hike takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on your pace. On the return, visit the Drugyal Dzong ruins, a historic fortress that once defended Bhutan and offers distant views of Mt. Jomolhari.

Later, explore the peaceful Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. In the evening, unwind with a soothing hot stone bath at a local farmhouse, followed by a traditional Bhutanese dinner with a local family. End the day with a stroll through Paro town’s handicraft shops for last-minute souvenirs.

Elevation gain: 520 m

After breakfast, your driver will drop you at Paro International Airport for your onward journey. Take with you memories of Bhutan’s warm hospitality, untouched landscapes, and timeless traditions.