This Bhutan hiking adventure blends scenic walks with deep cultural exploration across the Land of the Thunder Dragon. Over 12 days, we travel through lush valleys and high mountain passes, visiting ancient dzongs, sacred temples, and vibrant towns along the way. Short, rewarding hikes lead us to hidden viewpoints, forest trails, and Bhutan’s most iconic sites, including the legendary Tiger’s Nest monastery. With comfortable hotels, all meals included, and experienced local guides taking care of logistics, the journey lets us experience Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, and traditions without rushing the adventure.
Land in Paro and drive to Thimphu. On the way, pass Tschogang Lhakhang and stop at Chhuzom where the Paro and Thimphu Rivers meet. Check into the hotel, then spend the evening walking the main street and browsing the market and crafts bazaar.
Meals: Dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
Today we visit Buddha Point, which has the largest statue in the country and offers a great view of Thimphu valley. From here we do an easy hike along a pretty forested trail that passes villages and thousands of prayer flags. The trail ends at Changangkha Lhakhang, an historic temple and monastic school. After lunch, we take a short drive to Pangri Zampa, one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan, and then to visit a traditional paper-making factory. In the evening we visit Tashichho Dzong, which houses the king’s throne room and various government bodies.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
Hiking: 2 hours
Today we drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha), which takes us over the famous, chorten-dotted Dochu mountain pass (3,080 m). On a clear day, you can enjoy a spectacular view of the peaks of the eastern Himalayas. En route we visit the market of Wangdue Phodrang, a town famous for its bamboo products, slate and stone carvings. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. After lunch, we explore Gangtey village on foot and visit Gangtey Goempa which is the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
After an early breakfast, we enjoy the easy Gangtey Nature Trail, which introduces us to Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, we head downhill to Semchubara village, and from here through beautiful forests and into the open valley. Later we head to Tangjey Lhakhang (3,050 m), walking through dwarf bamboo stands, vegetable fields, orchards, and the small village of Kilkhorthang. We end up at Tangey Lakhang temple, dating back to the early 1500s. We end the day with locally distilled traditional drinks.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
Hiking: 7 hours
After breakfast we drive to Trongsa across the Pele mountain pass. En route we visit Chendebji Chorten, which was built in the 18th century by Lama Shida from Tibet to cover the remains of an evil spirit. After checking into the hotel in Trongsa, we visit the striking Trongsa Dzong (fortress), ancestral home of the royal family built in 1648. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled from here. All four kings were invested as Trongsa Penlop (‘governer’) prior to ascending the throne. We then visit the mountainside Ta Dzong, built to guard Trongsa.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
We drive to Bumthang this morning, crossing Yutong Pass (3,400 m / 11,155 ft) along the way. One of Bhutan’s most spectacular regions, Bumthang includes four valleys (Chumey, Choekhor, Tang, and Ura) ranging from 2,600 m to 4,000 m (8,530–13,123 ft), with landscapes of farmland and conifer forests. Considered the heartland of Tibetan Buddhism in Bhutan, it is home to many important temples and monasteries. After settling in, we visit a traditional wool weaving center, then enjoy free time to explore.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
After breakfast we set out on a guided tour of Bumthang. We visit Kurje Lhakhang, built where the saint Padma Sambhava subdued a local demon, followed by Jambey Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple, and Tamshing Lhakhang, home to some of Bhutan’s oldest wall paintings. We then continue to the impressive Jakar Dzong, a large fortress-monastery overlooking the valley. After lunch we take a short hike to Lhodrak Kharchhu, a working monastery above the town that plays an important role in preserving Tibetan culture.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
Today is one of the longer driving days, as roads are often the only way to travel across Bhutan. After breakfast, we check out and drive west to Punakha, the country’s former capital. Once there, we settle into the hotel and enjoy some free time. It’s recommended to explore the town on foot. Punakha sits in a lush valley and is home to a beautiful dzong at the confluence of the Pho and Mo rivers.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
After breakfast, we take a short hike through rice paddies and villages to Chimi Lhakhang, known as the Temple of Fertility. Couples hoping for children often come here to pray for blessings. Later we visit Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress at the confluence of two rivers. We then continue to Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang, a nunnery on a pine-covered ridge overlooking the Punakha and Wangduephodrang valleys, where nuns study, meditate, and learn traditional crafts.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
Hiking: 1.5 hours
After breakfast, we drive to Paro along a scenic highway, stopping at Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s oldest fortress, built in 1627. After lunch in Paro, we visit Ta Dzong, a former watchtower that now houses the National Museum with collections of thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and armor. We then take a short walk down to Rinpung Dzong, or Paro Dzong, the “Fortress of the Heap of Jewels,” known for its beautiful wooden galleries and Buddhist wall paintings.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
This morning we hike to Taktsang Monastery, or Tiger’s Nest, perched dramatically on a cliff 900 m (2,953 ft) above the Paro Valley floor. The climb is steady, but the forested trail and sweeping views make the effort worthwhile. In the afternoon we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors once fought Tibetan invaders. Later we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a seventh-century temple built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and one of the sites that introduced Buddhism to Bhutan.
Meals: Breakfast, lunch, dinner
Accommodation: 3-star or 4-star hotel or resort
After breakfast, we head to the airport for our flight home and complete the exit formalities.
Meals: Breakfast
Included:
Not included:
This Bhutan adventure tour is suitable for anyone with a basic level of fitness. Most days involve sightseeing and short cultural walks, with a few easy hikes mixed in along the way.
The most demanding activity is the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, which takes around 4–5 hours on a well-maintained trail. As long as you’re comfortable walking uphill at a steady pace, you’ll be able to fully enjoy the experience.
Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring:
Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.
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Group sizes and pricing
A Bhutan adventure tour can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.
Min. age requirements
If your group has participants under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.
A single occupancy room is not available on this Bhutan adventure tour.
The starting point of your Bhutan adventure tour is Thimphu. To get there, most people fly into Paro International Airport (PBH). From there, your guide will transport you to Thimphu on Day 1.
We highly recommend that you cover all your bases with insurance. To make your booking and traveling experience as carefree as possible, you’ll be offered to simply insure your trip with Redpoint at checkout.
Redpoint—the official 57hours insurance partner—tailors protection packages for adventure travel, offering a comprehensive travel program, even in remote locations! Trip cancellation, natural disasters, pandemic coverage, medical evacuation, primary medical expenses—regardless of the travel interruption that may happen, Redpoint will have you covered.