ThimphuPunakhaParo
Bumdra Cliff Camp Trek
A two-day trek to a cliff-top camp above Paro, descending past the Tiger's Nest.
Day Hikes of Western Bhutan
Thirteen days, a different trail every day — the most complete hiking holiday in the west.
- Duration13 days · 12 nights
- ActivityModerate
- Best timeMar – May, Sep – Dec
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 13-day journey takes in Paro, Haa, Thimphu, Punakha and Phobjikha (Gangtey). Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Rinpung Dzong
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Chele La pass
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Starts
- Paro International Airport
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
-
Fly into Paro. The descent between forested ridges is one of the most memorable landings anywhere, and on a clear day flights from Delhi or Kathmandu pass close to Everest and Kanchenjunga. Your Jash guide and driver meet you outside arrivals with a traditional white scarf.
Hike the Drakarpo circuit, a quiet pilgrimage path around a white cliff above the Paro valley.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices. Climb to Ta Dzong, a round watchtower turned National Museum, for masks, thangka paintings and an excellent view over the whole valley.
-
Climb to Chele La (3,988 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, then descend through pine and rhododendron into the quiet Haa valley.
Walk the Haa Panorama trail through meadows to Juneydrak hermitage.
Stop at Chele La, the highest motorable road pass in Bhutan, where prayer flags stream over rhododendron forest and, on clear days, Jomolhari fills the horizon.
-
Climb to Chele La (3,988 m), the highest motorable pass in Bhutan, then descend through pine and rhododendron into the quiet Haa valley.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples in the kingdom, where an orange tree in the courtyard is said to fruit all year.
-
The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Hike up through the forest to Tango Monastery, a Buddhist college on the ridge north of Thimphu (about 2 hours return), or to Cheri Monastery across a covered bridge.
Drive up to Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, a gilded bronze Buddha over 50 metres tall that looks down the length of the valley.
-
Join residents circling the National Memorial Chorten, where older Bhutanese spin prayer wheels and count beads from first light. Visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the government and the summer home of the central monk body, in the soft evening light when it opens to visitors. See the Folk Heritage Museum, a restored farmhouse that shows how rural families have cooked, stored grain and brewed ara for generations.
-
Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
Walk up through rice terraces and orange trees to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten for the best view of the upper Punakha valley.
Explore Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu; its courtyards, carved woodwork and murals are among the finest in the country.
-
Walk across rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Lama Drukpa Kunley, the Divine Madman, where couples come to pray for children. Cross the long suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu, strung with prayer flags, to small hamlets on the far bank. Hike up through terraced fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, built by the Queen Mother, for a sweeping view of the upper valley.
-
Drive through Wangdue and climb through oak and rhododendron forest to the Lawala pass before dropping into the Phobjikha valley.
Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail and continue across the valley floor to Khewang village.
Visit Gangtey Goenpa, a 17th-century monastery on a forested knoll overlooking the whole valley.
-
Drive through Wangdue and climb through oak and rhododendron forest to the Lawala pass before dropping into the Phobjikha valley.
Visit Sangchen Dorji Lhuendrup nunnery on its ridge above the river, home to young nuns training in philosophy and ritual.
-
Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
Watch students at the Institute for Zorig Chusum learning the thirteen traditional arts — painting, wood carving, embroidery and sculpture.
-
The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Drive up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, built to celebrate a victory over Tibetan forces; on a clear morning Mt Jomolhari shows behind it.
-
Today is the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley. The trail climbs through pine forest hung with prayer flags to a teahouse with the first full view, then down and up a stairway beside a waterfall to the temple gate. Allow 4–6 hours round trip; ponies can carry you to the halfway point.
In the evening, a farewell dinner — and if you like, a hot-stone bath in a farmhouse to soothe tired legs.
-
After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
| Haa | Risum Resort | Risum Resort | On request |
| Thimphu | Hotel Thimphu Tower | Terma Linca Resort & Spa | Amankora Thimphu |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort | RKPO Green Resort | Amankora Punakha |
| Phobjikha (Gangtey) | Dewachen Hotel | Dewachen Hotel | Amankora Gangtey |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
How fit do I need to be?
Most days involve light walking around temples and towns. The Tiger's Nest hike is the most demanding part; ponies can help with the first half.
You might also like
ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)Paro
Valley to Valley Walks
Eight days of nature walks through pine forest, farmland and the Phobjikha meadows.
ThimphuPunakhaPhobjikha (Gangtey)Paro
Temple Trails Hiking Week
Walk every day to monasteries and viewpoints, sleeping in comfortable hotels each night.