Short hikes around Bhutan
11 Nights / 12 Days
Difficulty Level:
Moderate
March – May & Sep – Nov
Short Hikes around Bhutan
This tour caters to avid hikers who prefer staying close to modern conveniences like hospitals and restaurants, while still exploring stunning natural landscapes. The itinerary takes you through beautiful locations in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the glacial Phobjikha (Gangtey) valley. It can be customized to suit your needs if required.
Itinerary
Arrival & Welcome
Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your friendly tour guide will greet you with a plaque displaying your surname. You'll be driven to your hotel for check-in and a cup of tea, then embark on a short drive to explore Drukgyel Dzong, a historic fortress offering stunning forest and mountain views. Next, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples with a unique orange tree that bears fruit all year round.
After an early lunch, we will tour the Ta Dzong National Museum, showcasing ancient thangka paintings, textiles, weaponry, and more.
We'll conclude the day with a leisurely 2.5-hour hike on the Zurik Trail, which provides spectacular views of Paro Dzong, the airport, and the Paro Valley. Our driver will pick us up at the end of the trail. You’ll have free time to explore Paro town, which offers traditional shops and quaint cafes.
Overnight: Paro
Floating Statue 8-hour Hike (Easy – Moderate)
Today features a full-day hike to Chumphu Ney, a rarely visited sacred site. We'll begin with a drive to the trailhead outside Paro town. The hike follows a river through ancient trees and past rocks and caves linked to Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. A 30-minute steep climb leads to a temple with a floating statue of Vajrayogini. You can view the statue up close and experience its mystical qualities.
Overnight: Paro
Casual Hike Around Thimphu (Easy)
After breakfast, we drive to Thimphu, the capital city. We'll follow the Paa Chhu river, passing Tagchok Temple for a brief visit. Arriving in Thimphu, we’ll check into the hotel and then drive to Dechhenprodrang Monastery, a monastic school. A short hike leads to Wangduetse Temple, built in 1567.
In the afternoon, we'll visit Buddha Dordenma Statue, the largest sitting Buddha statue in the world, and the National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in honor of the 3rd King. You’ll have time to explore Thimphu’s craft market, local handicraft shops, cafes, and more.
Overnight: Thimphu
Day Hike (Medium)
We head to Dochu La Pass and start a hike through rhododendron forests, reaching Lungchutse Temple with spectacular Himalayan views. Descending, we pass through varied forest types to Trashigang Goempa, observing meditation huts along the way. Our driver will be waiting at the goempa car park to return us to the hotel.
Overnight: Thimphu
Dodeydrak Monastery (Medium)
Today features a half-day hike to Dodeydrak Monastery, perched on a mountain above Thimphu. Built in the 12th century, it now serves as a monastic school. Post-hike, you can explore local museums, arts and crafts schools, and other attractions.
At 4:30 pm, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body and the seat of Bhutan's government.
Overnight: Thimphu
Onwards to Punakha Over the Mountain Pass
Today is more relaxed with sightseeing en route to Punakha. We’ll pass Semtokha Dzong, continue to Dochu La for a view of the Himalayas, and visit Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
After lunch at Nobgang B & B Restaurant, we’ll tour Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. We'll also visit the suspension bridge behind the dzong.
Overnight: Punakha
Beautiful Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail Hike (Easy)
After breakfast, we’ll visit Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang, a beautiful temple surrounded by paddy fields. We then travel to the Gangtey Valley, home to the black-necked cranes. We’ll explore Gangtey Monastery and hike the Gangtey Nature Trail, taking in the valley’s beauty.
Overnight: Phobjikha
Leisurely Drive Back to Paro with Hot Stone Bath
We’ll visit the Crane Information Centre in the morning before heading back to Paro. En route, we may spot grey langurs and visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Lampelri.
Upon arrival in Paro, we’ll enjoy a hot stone bath and a delicious Bhutanese dinner at Kichu Homestay.
Overnight: Paro
Sky Burial Site & Nunnery Visit & Cliff Face Monastery (Medium)
We’ll drive to Chele La Pass for stunning views of the Himalayas and Haa Valley. Hike to a sky burial site and then visit Kila Nunnery. Afterwards, explore Dzongdrakha Lhakhang, known as the second Taktsang, built into a cliff face.
Overnight: Paro
Overnight Glamping Hike (Medium to Difficult)
The Bumdra hike is a spectacular journey starting from Sangchoekor Monastery. We’ll stop for a picnic at Chhoe Tse Lhakang with views over the Paro Valley. After reaching the Bumdra campsite, we’ll have the option to hike to additional sky burial sites. The campsite offers comfortable glamping facilities.
Overnight: Bumdra Glamping Site (3800 meters)
Descent to Taktsang Monastery (Easy)
Before descending to Taktsang Monastery, we’ll visit Bumdra Temple, built around a cave with one thousand dakini footprints. The descent takes around 2 hours, passing through forests and monasteries, including Zangtopelri Lhakhang and Yoselgang Retreat Centre. Once at Taktsang, we’ll explore the monastery’s chapels and enjoy lunch at the Taktsang Café with panoramic views.
Overnight: Paro
Enjoy some free time to relax before heading to the airport for your onward flights. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye but instead look forward to meeting again. We hope you enjoyed your journey with us and wish you well until next time.