Overview:
Walk into Bhutan the way locals know it. Each spring and autumn, our own Bhutanese guides take a small group of no more than 10 from village paths to the great dzongs of Paro, Punakha and Thimphu.
You’ll walk past rice terraces to farmhouse temples where butter lamps still burn every morning, cross the traditional covered wooden cantilever bridge to Punakha Dzong, and stand at Dochu La as the Himalaya comes into view. Some departures coincide with a festival, so you’ll see the masked dances in the courtyards where they’re actually performed.
It all builds to Tiger’s Nest, a 4–5 hour climb to the monastery on the cliff. You should be comfortable walking, but there’s no need to be an athlete.
This is Bhutan shown by the people who live here, not a tour company’s coach window.
Your guides: local experts
Every departure is led by one of our own Bhutanese guides, people who grew up in these valleys and know the villages, the monks and the stories behind each dzong.
Our lead guide, Younten Jamtsho, shows what that means. He has been guiding since 2004, has completed the Snowman Trek, Bhutan’s toughest 25-day high-altitude trek, 11 times, and in 2023 he represented Bhutan in archery at the Asian Games. He is certified by the Department of Tourism in cultural and trekking guiding and trained in wilderness emergency response.
On this journey, guides like Younten set an easy, unhurried pace, so you walk with confidence, knowing you’re in the hands of people who know Bhutan like no one else.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro International Airport, our team will be there to greet you. Once you’ve checked in and had some time to settle into your new surroundings, we’ll take you on a gentle sightseeing tour of Paro. The first day is kept relaxed so you can adjust comfortably to the altitude and get to know your guide.
Walk: short and easy
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 2
Over Dochu La to Punakha
The road climbs to Dochu La, where 108 chortens crown the pass and, on a clear day, the Himalaya lines up across the horizon. From here, walk part of the centuries-old Trans Bhutan Trail, the route Bhutanese once travelled on foot, or hike through rhododendron forest to the prayer flags on Lungchutse. Then descend into the warm Punakha Valley, where a short walk through rice fields leads to Chimi Lhakhang, the much-loved fertility temple.
Walk: easy, or moderate for Lungchutse (about 3 hours)
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 3
Punakha: village trails and the great dzong
Spend the day in the Punakha Valley, Bhutan’s capital until the 1950s. Walk through rice paddies and past village homes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, where the view stretches down the length of the valley, stopping at a farmhouse temple where butter lamps are lit each morning. In the afternoon, cross the covered wooden cantilever bridge into Punakha Dzong. Built in 1637 where two rivers meet, it is still the winter home of Bhutan’s monk body and the setting for royal weddings. End the day on Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge, strung with prayer flags high above the river.
Walk: easy to moderate, about 2 hours
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 4
Over Dochu La to Thimphu
Cross back over Dochu La on the way to Thimphu, with a second chance to take in the Himalayan peaks. In Thimphu, visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to meet the takin, Bhutan’s curious-looking national animal, said to have been created by the saint Drukpa Kunley. Later, follow the forest trail up to Wangditse Lhakhang, an 18th-century temple on the ridge and one of the best places to see the whole Thimphu Valley spread out below.
Walk: easy to moderate, about 2 hours
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 5
Thimphu
Spend the day exploring Thimphu, the best place in Bhutan to see city life, where old traditions and modern ways sit side by side. Wander the local markets, visit the city’s museums and step inside temples where locals come to pray. At the Institute for Zorig Chusum, watch students learn Bhutan’s traditional arts, from painting to woodcarving. Then join locals as they walk around the National Memorial Chorten, one of Thimphu’s best-known landmarks and a centre of daily prayer. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or explore town at your own pace.
Walk: easy
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 6
Back to Paro: the dzong trail and Kyichu Lhakhang
Return to Paro and start at Ta Dzong, the old watchtower that now houses the National Museum, with the whole valley laid out below. Walk down to Rinpung Dzong, then cross the Paro Chhu on Nyamai Zam, the traditional covered bridge, passing the main archery ground and Ugyen Pelri Palace on the way into town. Finish at Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, where an orange tree in the courtyard is said to bear fruit all year round.
Walk: easy, mostly downhill
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 7
Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest
This is the walk most people come to Bhutan for. The trail climbs steadily through pine and oak, with a long break at the halfway teahouse and its superb view across the gorge. A stone stairway then leads to the monastery itself, wedged into the cliff where Guru Rinpoche is said to have meditated. Anyone who prefers can stop at the teahouse.
Walk: 4–5 hours return, challenging (teahouse option moderate)
Accomodation
Luxury boutique hotel
Day 8
Departure from Paro
After breakfast, your transfer to Paro International Airport is arranged to suit your flight time. Tashi delek, until we meet again.
Inclusions
What's Included
- Bhutan visa assistance
- Government fee, royalty, taxes & surcharges
- All attraction entry fees
- Luxury Accommodation
- All meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner
- Transportation provided on trip
- Professional Tour Guide and Tour Driver
- Daily activities and excursions
What's Not Included
- Airfare to and from destination
- Travel Insurance
- Alcoholic beverages
- Tips/Gratuities
Dates & Prices
Date
Double Occupancy
Book Now
Date
Double Occupancy
Book Now
All trip prices are 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 do not include airfare. Optional activities are available at an additional cost. All prices and fares are quoted in US dollars.
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