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-speaking 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-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 or soft drinks

• Laundry

• Tips for guide or driver

ITINERARY

DAY 1

Arrive in Paro, Bhutan: Your journey begins in the beautiful Paro Valley where you will be met at the airport by your guide. Drive the short distance to your hotel and settle in. Walk from your hotel into Paro, crossing the famous Nyamai Zam bridge to Paro Rinpong Dzong.

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

DAY 2

Punakha:  Drive over the Dochula Pass (3,140m) and hike to Lungchutse Monastery, passing huge rhododendron trees for a spectacular Himalaya view. Descend into the Punakha valley, where the magnificent Punakha Dzong stands on the confluence of two rivers. 
Walking time: 2 hours
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude: 1,310 m

DAY 3

Punakha: Trek through the fertile Punakha Valley today. Walk through rice paddies to Khamsum Chorten and climb to the hill-top temple at Giligang built 300 years ago. Enjoy spectacular views before gently descending to the valley and crossing Changyul Bridge to Punakha Dzong.
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Overnight: Punakha
Altitude 1,310m

DAY 4 

Thimpu: Visit the Temple of Fertility, Chimi Lhakhang before returning across the Dochula Pass towards Thimphu, the quirky little capital of Bhutan. Explore the Lamperi hike on the way. Further optional walks once you have arrived in Thimpu include the Debsi trail (1.5 hours) or the walk from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang (2-3 hours).
Walking time: 2 hours
Driving time: 2.5 hours
Overnight: Thimpu
Altitude: 2,320 m

DAY 5 

Haa: In the morning hike through forests to the impressive Cheri monastery established in 1620. Continue to the picturesque Haa valley. Enjoy the short Jangney Drake hike to the site of an ancient hermitage. Stay in a heritage lodge offering optional traditional Bhutanese hot-stone baths.
Walking time: 3.5 hours
Driving time: 3.5 hours
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 6

Haa: Choice of day hikes in the beautiful Haa valley: Meri Puensum Nature trail hike (9-10 hrs) or Punduna to Gerina Hike ( 5-6hrs)
Walking time: varies
Overnight: Haa
Altitude: 3,056 m

DAY 7

Paro: Day hike from Haa heading towards Paro on the Sagala trail. Enjoy views of Mt Jomolhari from the Sagala Pass (3,720m). Head downhill towards Paro through beautiful meadows, dense conifer forest and rhododendrons.
Walking time: 6.5-7 hours
Overnight: Paro
Altitude: 2,195 m

DAY 8

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 9

Depart Paro