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.
Best Season: March – May & September – November
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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)
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.
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.
How to Prepare for the Trek
During the trek, you’ll be walking for five to six hours a day or more, often at high altitudes over 3000 meters. This can put extra strain on your body, causing symptoms like shortness of breath, restless nights, and headaches. To enjoy the trek, you need to be in good health and physical shape. Regular aerobic exercises such as fitness classes, jogging, cycling uphill, swimming, or cross-country skiing are essential.
Sleeping Bag Information
There are two types of treks in Bhutan: the Snowman Trek and other treks. The difference is mainly the length and altitude, which affects the risks involved.
For the Snowman Trek, you need a high-quality, reliable sleeping bag for very cold weather. Fake or low-quality sleeping bags, like those bought in Nepal, may not keep you warm enough. Choose a sleeping bag rated for temperatures as low as -20°C (-4°F). A mummy-shaped sleeping bag with a hood and durable materials is ideal for extreme cold.
For other treks, a sleeping bag rated for -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F) should be sufficient.
High Altitude Trekking
If you’ve hiked at 3000 meters before, higher altitudes might feel similar, but you may need to slow down, take more breaks, and watch for symptoms like headaches or restless nights. Always report any symptoms to your guide, as high altitude can be dangerous. Our treks are planned to help with acclimatization, but if a group member shows severe symptoms of altitude sickness, they will need to descend. The trip leader makes the final decision on this.
Sleeping Arrangements and Meals
During the trek, we’ll provide all your sleeping arrangements. You’ll have access to hot water in the morning and afternoon, and a toilet tent will be available. At camp, you’ll find plenty of snacks and hot drinks. Lunches will be provided on the trail, and our camp staff will prepare warm meals with high hygiene standards. We also offer boiled water to refill your bottles.
Essential Packing List