This walking tour for intrepid hikers is similar to our Western Bhutan walking Holiday but includes some more challenging hikes for the very fit walker.

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.

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. Continue to your hotel to relax. In the afternoon do the short 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 from Thiligang to Punakha. the hike takes you across a river towards Toep Changdana where the Divine madman’s arrow is supposed to have flown over. The walk continues down to Punakha below.
Walking time: 6 hours
Driving time: 3.5 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 would like do the Khamsum Yulley Chorten walk ( 1.75 hours) or walk to Jilligang Lhakhang (3 hours).
Walking time: 5 - 6 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude 1,310m

DAY 4 

Thimphu: Returning over the Dochula Pass and do the hike from there to Thimphu along the Trans Bhutan trail. The trail follows the river and you hike through forests of rhododendron and fir.
Walking time: 7-8 hours
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Thimpu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 5 

Thimpu: Visit the Buddha Point and start the hike from Phajoding Monastery to Pumula. Phajoding Monastery was founded in the 13th century and is one of the most sacred meditation sites in Bhutan. Later in the day visit Trashichoe Dzong to see the end of day flag lowering.
Walking time: 6 hours
Driving time:
Overnight: Thimpu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 6

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 7

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 Goempa or Wangtsa village, where you walk through thick pine and gently ascends to 3,150 metres. 
Walking time: 4.5-5 hours
Driving time: 1 hour
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 8

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 9

Paro:  Bumdrak Hike up 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
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

day 10

Depart Paro