LEGENDS OF THE THUNDER DRAGON WALKING HOLIDAY

11 NIGHTS | FROM US$4,425* | DEPARTS: PARO, BHUTAN

NEXT SCHEDULED TRIP: 22ND APRIL - 2nd MAY 2026

Are you looking for a Bhutan walking holiday where you can join others who love walking too? Our new small group escorted Bhutan walking holiday is the perfect choice. Led by an expert tour leader and knowledgeable local guide, this walking holiday takes you into the spectacular Bumthang and Phobjikha valleys and the gorgeous countryside around Punakha. The highlights of the tour include the hike to Tiger’s Nest monastery and attending the magnificent and colourful Ura festival in a stunning location in the Bumthang valley.

Enjoy a variety of lovely day hikes from 1-4 hours, allowing time to explore and relax and finishing in comfortable hand picked accommodation each night. Visit ancient monasteries and picturesque off-the-beaten track villages.

* Price based on twin-share accommodation. Single room supplement available for US$45 per night, subject to availability.
Find out approximate trip price in your own currency here .

Group size: Min 6, Max 12.

Trip Inclusions

• Transport by private vehicle

• Domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang

• All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee

• 11 nights handpicked hotel accommodation

• All entrance fees at monasteries and museums

• Bhutan daily fee including visa, Bhutan government tourism royalties and local taxes

• English speaking Bhutanese guide

• English speaking tour leader

trip ITINERARY

DAY 1: 22ND APRIL

Thimphu: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley where you will be met at Paro International Airport by your tour leader, guide and driver. Meet the rest of the group as you explore the charming town centre on foot. Continue to Thimphu, Bhutan’s quirky little capital.

Driving time: 30 minutes
Walking time: 1 hour
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 2: 23RD april

Thimphu: Visit the Great Buddha Dordenma Statue and the Takin reserve. Continue to the School of 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts. After lunch visit the National Textile Museum. In the late afternoon visit the dzong to see the changing of the guard.
Walking time: 2.5 -3 hours
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 3: 24th april

Punakha: Leaving Thimpu we head to the Dochula Pass which offers lovely views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. The road then descends to much lower altitudes into the lush Punakha valley. We stop at Sobsokha village for the short hike through the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang the Fertility Temple. Continue to Punakha Dzong.
Driving time: 1-1.5 hours
Walking time: 4-5 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 4: 25th april

Punakha:  Trek through the fertile Punakha Valley today. Drive to the village of Samdingkha and start your hike to the suspension bridge. This lovely 7km walk follows the Pho chhu river before a gentle climb to a view point. There are good chances of seeing the white billed heron along the way. The walk descends to the suspension bridge. In the afternoon, there is an optional extra hike to the Khamsum Yulley hike ( 1.5 hours return).
Driving time: 1 hour
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 5: 26th april

Phobjikha:  Leaving Punakha, the road climbs before turning off to the Lawala Pass, where we stop to admire the views of the Phobjikha valley below. Continue to Phobjikha where we visit Gangtey Monastery. Walk down through the village for the nature trail hike. This lovely hike takes you through forests of blue pines and open meadows. In the winter, you will have a good chance of seeing black necked cranes. Your vehicle will meet you at the end of the trail to transfer to your hotel.
Driving time:  4 hours
Walking time: 1.5 hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 3,000 m

DAY 6: 27th april

Phobjikha: Drive back towards the Lawala Pass (3,400 m) where we start our hike through open pastures and woodland. You may well meet yaks along the way and there are stunning views of the valley below. The walk finishes at the Ku-bum temple (3,060m). Visit the impressive Gangtay Monastery dating from the early 17th century, one of the two main centres of the Nyingmapa school of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Walking time: 2.5-3 hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 3,000 m

DAY 7: 28th april

Bumthang: Leaving Phobjikha, we rejoin the main highway and drive further east towards Bumthang, stopping in the town of Trongsa to visit the Tower of Trongsa Museum. Continue towards the beautiful Bumthang valley where we are staying in a Swiss/Bhutanese run guest house. In the afternoon, visit Jakar Dzong and then walk from Jambay Lhaghang to Kurje Lhakang and onto Tamjing Lhakhang.
Driving time: 3 hours
Walking time: 1-2 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 8: 29th april

Bumthang: Drive to Toktok Sampa where we start our hike to Nga Lhakgang hike. In the afternoon, visit the micro-brewery and cheese factory and return to the hotel to relax.
Driving time: 45 minutes
Walking time: 2.5-3 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

Day 9: 30th april

Bumthang: Attend Ura Festival, known for its famous dancing. This colourful festival is held in a stunning village and is a unique opportunity to experience an authentic Bhutanese festival. Enjoy a walk from the village in the afternoon.
Walking time: 1.5 hours
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

Day 10: 31st april

Paro: Take the short flight back to Paro. Explore the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan and visit the formidable Paro dzong (fortress). Do the short Zuri Hike.
Walking time: 1 hour
Driving time: 1.5 hour
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

Day 11:1st may

Paro: Walk to the iconic Tiger's Nest Monastery. An unforgettable hike to the Taktshang Gomba (Tiger’s Nest Monastery). The walk through blue pines, passing water-powered prayer wheels, leads you to the holy site. This ancient monastery clings miraculously to a sheer cliff above the valley floor. The views are magnificent over the Paro Valley.
Walking time: 5 hours
Driving time: 1 hour
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 12: 2nd may

Paro:  Farewell the group and head to the airport to depart from Bhutan.

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