Walk in the Footsteps of Bhutan’s Past

After arriving at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by our representative and driven to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. If the weather is clear, the flight offers beautiful views of the Himalayan mountains, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake. The drive from Paro to Thimphu takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes. Along the way, you will stop at Tachog Lhakhang, a historic temple associated with Thangthong Gyalpo, the great Tibetan iron bridge builder. In Thimphu, visit the King’s Memorial Chorten, built in memory of Bhutan’s third King, and the Buddha Dordenma statue, overlooking the Thimphu Valley. Continue to Changangkha Monastery, one of the oldest temples in Thimphu, followed by a visit to the General Post Office and Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, you can explore Thimphu town and its local shops. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast, drive north of Thimphu to the starting point of your hike to Dodeydra Monastery. The trail passes through pine and mixed forests, gradually climbing towards the monastery. As you walk higher, you will have views across the Thimphu Valley and surrounding mountains. Dodeydra Monastery is located on a hillside overlooking the valley and offers a peaceful setting away from the city. After spending some time at the monastery, hike back to the road and return to Thimphu. In the afternoon, visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you can see the traditional process of making Bhutanese paper. Depending on the day, you can also visit the weekend market and Motithang Takin Preserve, home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

Today, drive towards Punakha, crossing Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres. From Dochula, you will begin a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail known as the Divine Madman Trail. The trail takes you through rhododendron forests and other mountain vegetation before gradually descending towards the valley. As you continue walking, you will pass through quiet countryside and traditional villages. The trail is associated with Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the Divine Madman, who is believed to have travelled through this area from Tibet to subdue evil spirits. After a lunch stop in the beautiful village of Lumitsawa, continue your walk through the countryside until you reach Thinleygang Lhakhang Temple. From here, you will be picked up and driven to Punakha. On the way, if time permits, visit Metsina village and walk through the surrounding rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the Divine Madman. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

Today, you will experience a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. Drive to Sew Drangsa, also known as the Lunch Point, where you will begin your walk towards Punakha. The trail passes through rural countryside and traditional farmland, offering a chance to experience the landscape away from the main road. After the walk, continue to Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most important historical and religious landmarks, located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. From the dzong, walk across the traditional suspension bridge over the Pho Chhu before continuing your journey by road towards Phobjikha Valley. On the way, pass through Wangduephodrang and Lawala Pass before reaching the valley. In Phobjikha, visit Gangtey Goenpa, an important monastery overlooking the valley. If time permits, you can take the Gangtey Nature Trail, a gentle walk through the valley and surrounding countryside. During the winter months, Phobjikha is also home to the endangered black-necked cranes. Overnight at a hotel or farmhouse in Phobjikha.

After breakfast, begin your hike towards Longtey. The trail gradually climbs through meadows, farmland, and mountain forests. As you gain altitude, the landscape changes to dwarf bamboo, birch, rhododendron, hemlock, and fir forests. Continue towards Kayche La, at around 3,700 metres, before descending through the forest towards Longtey. After completing the hike, have a picnic lunch near the road and continue by vehicle to Trongsa. In Trongsa, visit the impressive Trongsa Dzong, one of the largest and most historically important dzongs in Bhutan. You can also explore the town and enjoy views of the surrounding valley. Overnight at a hotel in Trongsa.

After breakfast, drive towards Bumthang, crossing Yotong La Pass at about 3,450 metres. Along the way, stop at Tharpaling Monastery, located high above the Chhume Valley. From the monastery, begin your hike through the surrounding mountain landscape. The trail gradually climbs through open areas and forest, reaching higher elevations with views towards the Chamkhar Valley. Continue walking towards Kikila Pass, where your vehicle will meet you. After completing the hike, continue by road to Bumthang. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

Today, enjoy a shorter and more relaxed countryside hike known as the Bushman Hike, following a section of the Trans Bhutan Trail. The walk begins from Lebi, above Kharchu Monastery, and continues towards Tang Bebzur. The trail passes through pine forests, open hillsides, meadows, and farmland, with views across the Chamkhar Valley. The walk takes around three hours and provides an opportunity to experience the quieter side of Bumthang, away from the main tourist routes. Along the way, visit Zangdopelri and Pemacholling Nunnery before continuing towards Bebzur. You can also visit the Bebzur Chukpoi Mei Museum, which offers an insight into traditional rural life in the area. After completing the hike, your vehicle will pick you up and drive you back towards Bumthang. On the way, visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake), an important pilgrimage site associated with Terton Pema Lingpa. Overnight at a hotel in Bumthang.

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight from Bumthang to Paro. Upon arrival in Paro, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. Continue to the Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche Memorial House, followed by a visit to Rinpung Dzong. From the dzong, walk down towards the traditional wooden bridge and continue into Paro town. Spend the evening exploring Paro town at your own pace. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

Today, drive for about 1 hour and 30 minutes from Paro to Chele La Pass, at approximately 3,988 metres. From the pass, begin a scenic ridge hike towards Kung Karpo La. The walk takes you through high-altitude landscapes with open ridges, prayer flags, and mountain views. On a clear day, you can enjoy views towards Paro Valley, Haa Valley, and the surrounding Himalayan peaks. Along the trail, you may also see traditional stone structures and areas associated with local mountain practices. After completing the hike, return to Chele La and drive back to Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, drive to the trailhead for the hike to Taktsang Monastery, popularly known as Tiger’s Nest. The trail climbs through pine forest towards the monastery, which is dramatically located on the cliffside above the Paro Valley. Take your time during the hike and enjoy the views along the way. After visiting the monastery, descend to the cafeteria for lunch before continuing back down to the valley. In the afternoon, you can experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath at a local farmhouse and enjoy a traditional Bhutanese meal. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will be driven to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell as you continue your journey home.