Hiker's Journey to Bhutan

Bhutan is blessed with abundant beauty: steep mountains covered with lush evergreen forests, colorful prayer flags fluttering on ridgetops, and serene valleys where the rhythm of life continues unchanged for centuries. Our hiker’s journey discovers this enchanting realm on foot—with overnights in hotels and welcoming lodges (no camping!). Our journey stretches across Bhutan to Bumthang, a sacred and less-visited region of towering rhododendron forests, misty gorges, and countless holy sites. The charm of this magical realm is revealed as we follow trails to remote mountainside temples, meet villagers who seldom see outsiders, and attend a vibrant festival, with costumed monks performing masked dance-dramas in a joyous Buddhist pageant that reenacts the triumph of good over evil.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-3
Paro / Thimphu / Dochu La (Domkhar Festival Itinerary)

After arriving in Paro, we head to Thimphu for hikes to Tango Monastery, through riverside villages, and to the Dochu La (10,200'), the pass above the Punakha Valley, adorned with chortens and colorful prayer flags.

Days 4-5
Hikes in the Punakha and Phobjikha Valleys

Our explorations in Punakha include hikes through barley fields and hamlets and to Chimi Lhakhang, a charming temple set atop a small hill, and Punakha Dzong, gloriously set at the confluence of two rivers. In the Phobjikha Valley, winter home to a large flock of migrating black-necked cranes, we explore gold-roofed Gangtey Monastery, hike around the valley floor, and enjoy a visit to a local farmhouse.

Days 6-9
Trongsa / Bumthang

A dramatic overland journey through a lushly forested landscape brings us to Trongsa Dzong, where we explore its courtyards and temples before continuing to Bumthang. Here we experience utter tranquillity as we hike beside rushing rivers, across meadows, and through deep pine forests to remote villages and meditation retreats. We also visit Kurjey Lhakhang, a complex of three temples and one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in Bhutan, and attend the Domkhar Festival, a colorful expression of Bhutan’s ancient Buddhist culture, held in the courtyard of the Domkhar Dzong.

Days 10-12
Paro

Flying back to Paro, we visit the National Museum and Paro Dzong. The next day we hike through forests to the striking monastic retreat of Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest,” one of Bhutan’s most scenically sited monasteries. Depart on Day 12.

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What the Trip is Like

This trip is Level 3+, according to our trip rating system. The hikes are moderate and suitable for people in good shape who enjoy mountain hiking. The longest hike is about 4-5 hours (optional hikes are longer), and for the most part you can set your own pace. Although you carry only a daypack, there are some steep ascents and descents, and the hikes are at moderate altitude, which can make them feel strenuous.
    
Please note that travel times vary depending upon local conditions, and the itinerary may change while you are in Bhutan due to government regulations and local climate conditions.

Explanation of Trip Levels