This walking tour of Bhutan showcases the best of the beautiful Dragon Kingdom. Explore Western Bhutan's stunning landscapes on foot with a variety of magnificent day hikes, staying in comfortable boutique accommodation each night. Visit ancient monasteries, including the miraculous cliff-hugging Tiger's Nest monastery, and picturesque off-the-beaten track villages. Learn about Bhutan's unique culture and traditions from your expert English, French or German-speaking Bhutanese guide. 

Explore serene forested valleys, hike up to panoramic views and soak up the unique culture of this refreshing and idyllic country. The hikes on this Bhutan Walking Holiday can be adjusted to suit your preferences and levels of fitness. Our itineraries are completely flexible with optional extra nights.

Trip Inclusions

• Transport by private vehicle

• All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee

• 9 nights handpicked hotel accommodation

• All entrance fees at monasteries and museums

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

• English, French or German-speaking Bhutanese guide

TRIP EXCLUSIONS

• International airfare to Bhutan. (This can be arranged for you. Please contact us for details)

• Stopover hotel if needed

• Comprehensive travel insurance.

• Additional activities (e.g. massage, hot stone bath)

• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, specialty coffee, and cakes

• Laundry

• Tips for guide and driver

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley where you will be met at Paro International Airport by your guide. Explore the charming town centre and stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge up to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong above. Visit the national museum before continuing to the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang temple, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan. If time allows, do the Zuri Hike which takes you from Ta Dzong to Zuri Lhakhang. Continue to your hotel to relax.

Walking time: 1-2 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2

Punakha:  Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,140m) and hike up to Lungchutse Monastery, passing huge rhododendron trees for a spectacular Himalaya view. Continue to Punakha and do the short walk to Chimi Lhakhang the Fertility Temple.

Walking time: 3-3.5 hours
Driving time: 1.5 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 3

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 bellied heron along the way. The walk descends to the suspension bridge. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong and if you are still keen to walk, there is an optional afternoon walk at Khamsum Yulley Chorten.

Walking time: 3 hours + 1.75 hours optional hike
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude 1,310m

DAY 4 

Thimphu: Returning over the Dochula Pass, explore the quirky little capital of Bhutan, Thimphu.  Visit the Great Buddha Dordenma Statue at Buddha Point and start the hike to Phajoding Monastery to Pumula Hike.

Walking time: 2 hours
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 5 

Haa: Drive towards Paro and stop at Kila Nunnery and hike to the Chele la pass. Descend to Haa and head to your accommodation in a heritage lodge offering optional traditional Bhutanese hot-stone baths.
Walking time: 2-2.5 hours
Driving time: 3.5-4 hours
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 6

Haa: Today we do the Panorama hike which has been revived from ancient trails into a new hiking route. The trail offers splendid views of four important monasteries in the Haa Valley. It begins at Yangthang Goenpa or Wangtsa village, where you walk through thick pine and gently ascends to 3,150 metres. 

Walking time: 5 hours
Driving time: 1 hour
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 6

Paro: Day hike from Haa heading towards Paro on the Trans Bhutan trail starting at Katsho and finishing in Paro through beautiful meadows, dense conifer forest and rhododendrons. Relax at the hotel.

Driving time: 45 mins
Walking time: 7 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 8

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. In the afternoon, explore Paro town and relax.

Driving time: 1 hour
Walking time: 5 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

day 9

Depart Paro