Overview:
Bhutan Hiking & Walking Tour offers a well-balanced way to explore the country’s landscapes, culture, and remote mountain scenery on foot. The journey follows a scenic route through Paro – Thimphu – Punakha – Gangtey – Paro, combining guided sightseeing with light to moderate walking and hiking.
Travellers will walk through peaceful valleys, traditional villages, and historic mule tracks, while visiting temples and monasteries set in quiet and less-visited locations. The itinerary is designed at a relaxed pace, allowing time to enjoy both cultural highlights and short hikes to viewpoints, alpine meadows, and high passes.
Accommodation is arranged in a mix of premium, carefully selected properties known for their comfort, quality, and authentic Bhutanese character. Stays in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha are in boutique hotels, while Gangtey features a tented camp experience that offers a closer connection to nature. The final night is spent in a premium Bhutanese hotel, providing a comfortable and memorable end to the journey.
Departures are scheduled during favourable seasons to ensure suitable weather conditions for both travel and walking activities.
Private travel is also available. If you prefer different dates or wish to travel with your own group, a customised itinerary can be arranged to suit your preferences.
Tour Leader – Local Experts
Younten Jamtsho has been guiding since 2004, with over two decades of experience leading cultural and trekking journeys across Bhutan. He has also co-led expeditions with international leaders, combining Bhutanese traditions with broader travel perspectives. He is known for his calm approach and deep local knowledge, creating journeys that are meaningful and well-paced.
Younten is certified by Bhutan’s Department of Tourism in cultural and trekking guiding, with additional training in tour leadership and wilderness emergency response. He has successfully completed the Snowman Trek 11 times, one of Bhutan’s most demanding 25-day high-altitude treks.
Beyond guiding, Younten is passionate about Bhutan’s national sport, archery. He represented Bhutan in compound archery at the 2023 Asian Games.
Itinerary
Day 1
Paro
Arrival, Check-In & Local Sightseeing.
Your journey begins with a scenic flight into the beautiful Paro Valley. On arrival at Paro International Airport meet your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a relaxed walk through Paro town, where you can explore local shops and observe daily life in this charming Himalayan valley.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 2
Paro Taktsang Hike
Hike to Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery, widely known as the Tiger’s Nest. After visiting the monastery, we continue further above the Tiger’s Nest to quieter temples on the hilltops, offering spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valley below. The peaceful setting makes it a perfect place to pause and appreciate Bhutan’s natural beauty.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 3
Chele La Pass
We drive to Chele La Pass (3,750 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, before starting a scenic hike across alpine meadows. On clear days, enjoy spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks while walking above the tree line along the ridge between Paro and Haa valleys.
From the pass, a short descent brings us to Kila Gompa, a peaceful cliffside nunnery where Buddhist nuns live in quiet contemplation. Surrounded by forests, wildflowers, and mountain streams, the monastery offers a serene glimpse into Bhutan’s spiritual traditions.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 4
Paro to Thimphu | Hike to Cheri Monastery
After breakfast, drive from Paro to Thimphu. From Dodena, begin a scenic hike to Cheri Monastery, built in 1620. Perched on a hillside above the valley, the monastery is an important meditation site and offers beautiful views of the surrounding forest.
After visiting the monastery, descend back to Dodena and enjoy a picnic lunch by the Thimphu River. In the afternoon, follow a gentle riverside walk through small villages before returning to Thimphu.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 5
Explore Thimphu
Explore Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu, visiting several cultural highlights. Visit to the Institute of Traditional Medicine, School of Traditional Arts and Crafts. Next, visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a traditional farmhouse that offers insight into Bhutan’s rural life and cultural traditions.
In the afternoon, enjoy free time to stroll through Thimphu’s streets, explore local shops, and experience daily life in the capital.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 6
Thimphu Lungchotse Hike
After breakfast, drive about an hour to Dochu La Pass (3,050 m) along Bhutan’s scenic east–west highway. The pass is famous for its 108 chortens (stupas) and, on clear days, offers spectacular views of the snow-capped Himalayan range.
From Dochu La, begin a gentle hike through forests of rhododendron to Lungchotse Lhakhang, a small and peaceful temple perched along the ridge. The trail takes around two hours and offers beautiful views of the surrounding hills and valleys. In spring, the forest comes alive with colorful rhododendron blossoms, making the walk especially scenic.
The hilltop temple provides a quiet place to enjoy the natural beauty of Bhutan before returning from the hike.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 7
Explore Punakha
Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 at the confluence of two rivers. One of Bhutan’s most important historic sites, the dzong has played a central role in the country’s history.
Later, enjoy a scenic hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a beautiful hilltop temple known for its intricate artwork and panoramic views of the Punakha Valley.
In the afternoon, drive to Talo Village, the ancestral home of Bhutan’s queens, and take a gentle walk along the trail connecting the villages of Talo and Nobgang.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 8
Phobjikha Valley
Drive to Wangduephodrang and visit the historic Wangduephodrang Dzong, beautifully located on a ridge overlooking the valley. Continue the journey to Phobjikha Valley, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful glacial valleys and the winter home of the rare black-necked cranes. Upon arrival, explore the valley and visit Gangtey Monastery.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 9
Kayche La Pass Hike
Drive to Longtey Village near Pele La Pass to begin today’s scenic hike. The trail climbs gradually through forests until reaching Kayche La Pass. From the pass, the trail descends through open meadows and farmland back toward Gangtey, offering beautiful views of the Black Mountains and the peaceful Phobjikha Valley.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 10
Gangtey - Paro
Enjoy a morning walk around Gangtey Village before beginning the scenic drive back toward Paro. Stop in Thimphu for lunch before continuing the drive to Paro. In the afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple is considered one of the most sacred sites in the country.
Accomodation
Hand-picked boutique hotel
Day 11
Departure
This morning, it’s time to check out of your hotel, completing your Bhutan hiking & walking tour. You’ve just spent 11 days exploring Kingdom of Bhutan, walking away with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of culture and country.
Accomodation
Norkhil Boutique
Inclusions
What's Included
- Visas for Bhutan
- Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
- All attraction entry fees
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner
- All accommodation: Hotel/Lodges/Camping
- Professional Tour Guide and Tour Driver
- Transportation provided on trip
- Daily activities and excursions
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination
- Travel insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Gratuities/Tips for staff
- Meals at 4-5 stars restaurants
Dates & Prices
Date
Double Occupancy
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Date
Double Occupancy
Book Now
All trip prices are in US dollars (USD) and quoted per person, based on double occupancy unless otherwise stated. Single occupancy is available at an additional cost. Prices are subject to change without notice and exclude international airfare. Optional activities can be arranged at an extra cost.
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