Bhutan | Paro, Thimphu, Punakha & Tiger’s Nest
Hike Bhutan’s Himalayan Trails and Visit Tiger’s Nest
Trip Highlights:
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Follow a pilgrim trail to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s legendary Tiger’s Nest.
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Visit dzongs, monasteries, and temples, including Punakha Dzong and Cheri Monastery.
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Hike through rhododendron forests and across alpine ridges, then return to luxury hotels.
Our 10-day Bhutan hiking tour explores the mountain trails, sacred monasteries, and fertile valleys of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, with comfortable four- and five-star accommodations throughout. From forested ridges to traditional villages, each day offers a different perspective on this Himalayan kingdom and its living Buddhist traditions.
Beginning in Paro, we visit the National Museum at Ta Dzong and the imposing Rinpung Dzong. A walk from Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, leads to a traditional farmhouse for lunch and an introduction to Bhutanese archery and darts. High above the valley, we hike from Chele La Pass to the cliffside nunnery of Kila Goenpa, with views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake in clear weather.
A historic mountain route takes us past Jele Dzong and across alpine ridges before we descend into the Tsaluna Valley and transfer to Thimphu. We hike through oak forest to Cheri Monastery, then continue toward the warmer Punakha Valley, exploring trails through villages and terraced rice fields. Highlights include Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting of two rivers.
Returning toward Paro, we hike through rhododendron and hemlock forest to secluded Lungchutse Lhakhang. Our final hike follows the pilgrim trail to Taktsang Monastery, the legendary Tiger’s Nest, perched on a sheer cliff above the Paro Valley. It is a memorable finale to a journey combining moderately challenging hiking, Bhutanese hospitality, and encounters with the country’s history and culture.
Trip Itinerary
Arrive in Paro this morning and settle into our five-star hotel. Meet your guides and fellow travelers, and begin your introduction to Bhutan with a walk to Ta Dzong, home of the National Museum, followed by a visit to the impressive Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress and monastery overlooking the Paro Valley.
Distance: 3 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 850 ft.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, before setting out on foot toward Dopshari. Our trail climbs above the Paro Valley, with views across its terraced rice fields, then crosses a wooded ridge to a traditional village. At Tshering Farmhouse, enjoy a lunch of local specialties and try Bhutanese archery and darts. An optional traditional hot stone bath may also be available.
Distance: 5.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 750/965 ft.
Driving time: approximately 10 minutes each way.
Today begins with a 1.25-hour drive to Chele La Pass at 13,083 feet. In clear weather, the pass offers magnificent views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. From here, we descend to Kila Goenpa, a small Buddhist nunnery dramatically perched along the cliffs. We then continue through forests of rhododendron and hemlock forest before the trail loops back up to Chele La Pass. We return to our Paro hotel.
Distance: 5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1960/1895 ft.
Driving time: approximately 1.25 hours each way.
Today’s longer hike follows a high mountain route once used to travel between Paro and Thimphu. Climb through blue pine forest to Jele Dzong, a 15th-century fortress perched above the surrounding valleys. From Jele Dzong, we continue across open alpine ridges and over Jele Pass, with sweeping views of the Himalayan peaks in clear weather. A long descent leads into the remote Tsaluna Valley, where we meet our vehicle for the drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s lively capital. Overnight in a delightful, centrally located four-star hotel.
Distance: 7 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2145/2925 ft.
Driving time: approximately 45 minutes to the trailhead and 1.25 hours to Thimphu.
Today we enjoy a short but scenic hike that climbs through a beautiful oak forest to Cheri Monastery. Surrounded by meditation huts, the monastery occupies a peaceful setting above the Thimphu Valley. We return to the capital for an afternoon of sightseeing and time to explore its colorful shops and lively markets.
Distance: 1.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 820 ft.
Driving time: approximately 35 minutes each way.
Drive to Dochula Pass, where 108 whitewashed chortens, (Buddhist shrines similar to stupas), rise in concentric circles against the Himalayan skyline. Built as memorials honoring Bhutanese soldiers, they create one of Bhutan’s most striking cultural landscapes.
On clear days, the pass also offers expansive views of the Himalaya. Continue to Lumitsawa and hike the Divine Madman Trail through traditional villages and terraced rice paddies. At the end of our hike we will be picked up and taken to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the beloved and unconventional Buddhist saint known as the Divine Madman. Continue to our four-star resort hotel overlooking the Punakha Valley for the evening.
Distance: 6 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1200/2360 ft.
Driving time: approximately 1.25 hours to Lumitsawa and 20 minutes to resort.
After a quick drive, today’s adventure has us crossing the Mo Chhu River on a suspension bridge and continues with a climb through a fragrant pine forest above the river and surrounding rice paddies. We visit the striking Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before continuing through forest and farmland to Punakha Dzong. Set at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers, this magnificent fortress is considered one of Bhutan’s most beautiful..
Distance: 8.8 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2539/2562 ft.
Driving time: approximately 35 minutes each way.
Day 8: Lungchutse Lhakhang to Paro
We begin with a morning transfer to Dochula Pass. From the pass, we hike through old-growth forests of rhododendron and hemlock to Lungchutse Lhakhang, a secluded Buddhist temple overlooking the surrounding mountains. In clear weather, the trail offers far-reaching views of Bhutan’s highest Himalayan peaks. We return by way of Trashigang Dzong before continuing by vehicle to Paro and our five-star hotel.
Distance: 5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 1572/2661 ft.
Drive time: approximately 2 hours to Dochula and 1.5 hours from the end of our hike to Paro.
Our final hike follows a pilgrim trail to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest. Clinging to a cliff high above the Paro Valley, this sacred site is one of the country’s most extraordinary landmarks. Tour the monastery and perhaps light a butter candle before descending to the café for a relaxed lunch and memorable views. Return to Paro with time to relax, shop or explore independently before our farewell dinner.
Distance: 4.5 miles. Elevation gain/loss: 2270 ft.
Drive time: approximately 20 minutes each way.
Ryder-Walker will provide a transfer to the Paro airport for departing flights.
