DRAGON KINGDOM WALKING HOLIDAY

12 NIGHTS | FROM US$4,825* | DEPARTS: PARO, BHUTAN

NEXT SCHEDULED TRIP: 3RD - 15TH MARCH 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 Tangsibi Mani Festival, a unique and colourful festival.

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: Minimum 6, Maximum 12.

Trip Inclusions

• Transport by private vehicle

• Domestic flight from Paro to Bumthang

• All meals, mineral water, tea and coffee

• 12 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

• English speaking tour leader

TRIP ITINERARY - DRAGON KINGDOM WALKING HOLIDAY

DAY 1: 3RD March

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: 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. Stroll across the picturesque wooden Nyamai Zam Bridge. Walk up to the magnificent Rinpung Dzong above and visit the National Museum.
Driving time: 30 minutes
Walking time: 1 hour
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 2: 4th MARCH

Bumthang: Take the short flight to Bumthang, one of the most beautiful and sacred valleys in Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong and then walk from Jambay Lhaghang to Kurje Lhakang and onto Tamjing Lhakhang. In the afternoon do the Pema Sambhava temple hike starting at Tshomo farmhouse.  Stop at the Dorjibi Weaving Centre which trains young people in traditonal weaving skills. Continue on a gradual incline to the Pema Sambhava temple offering wonderful views of the valley below.
Flight time: 30 mins
Walking time: 2.5 -3 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 3: 5th MARCH

Bumthang: Attend Tangsibi Mani Festival, a vibrant three-day celebration that unites the villages of Tangbi, Goling, and Kharsath. This traditional festival brings the temple to life with colours, music, and devotion. Monks perform sacred rituals while locals honor their ancestors and celebrate their roots. The festival is believed to bring happiness, ensure a bountiful harvest, and usher in prosperity. It’s a time of reverence, joy, and community spirit. In the afternoon visit the Wangdichoeling Palace Museum in Jakar.
Driving time: 1-1.5 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 4: 6th MARCH

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: 1 hour
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Overnight: Bumthang
Altitude: 2,800 m

DAY 5: 7th MARCH 

Phobjikha:  Drive to Trongsa stopping at the Ta Dzong ( watch tower) museum. 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: 8th MARCH

Phobjikha: Drive 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).
Walking time: 2.5-3 hours
Overnight: Phobjikha
Altitude: 3,000 m

DAY 7: 9th MARCH

Punakha: 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. Leaving Phobjikha, we rejoin the main highway descending to much lower altitudes. Take the road to Punakha stopping at Sobsokha village for the short hike through the paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang the Fertility Temple. Continue to Punakha Dzong.
Driving time: 3 hours
Walking time: 1-2 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 8:10th MARCH

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: 45 minutes
Walking time: 2.5-3 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude 1,310 m

Day 9:11th MARCH

Thimphu: Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,140m) to see the scenic view of the eastern Himalayan mountains.  After lunch, 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 10: 12th MARCH

Thimphu: Visit the Takin reserve and the School of 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts. After lunch visit the National Textile Museum and do the Wangditse hike. In the late afternoon, visit Trashichho Dzong to watch the changing of the guard.
Walking time: 1.5 hours
Driving time: 30 minutes
Overnight: Thimphu
Altitude: 2,320 m

Day 11:13th MARCH

Paro: Return 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 or the longer Jili Dzong Day Hike (4 hours). This is the first section of the Druk Path trek and offers magnificent views of the entire Paro valley.
Walking time: 1 -4 hours
Driving time: 1.5 hour
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 12:14th MARCH

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

day 13:15th MARCH

Depart Paro

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