This tour is perfect for avid hikers who prefer staying close to modern comforts like hospitals, restaurants, and other conveniences. The itinerary takes you through some breathtaking locations in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and the glacial valley of Phobjikha (Gangtey). If needed, we can customize the itinerary to suit your preferences and as per your time convenient

Day 1: Arrival and Explore Paro – 2Hour Hike
Arrival & Welcome (Acclimatization Day – Easy)

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, your friendly guide will greet you and escort you to your hotel. After unpacking and enjoying a cup of tea, we’ll set off to explore Paro. Paro is a picturesque district located in the western part of Bhutan, known for its stunning natural beauty, historical significance, and cultural heritage. The town is home to Bhutan’s only international airport, Paro Airport, which is considered one of the most challenging airports to land at due to its location in a deep valley and the surrounding peaks. The airport connects Bhutan to several international destinations. Paro is a popular destination for tourists due to its cultural sites, natural beauty, and outdoor activities such as trekking, birdwatching, and exploring traditional Bhutanese villages. The iconic tiger’s nest monastery is perched on a cliffside about 3,000 meters above sea level in the northern side of Paro. It is one of Bhutan’s most famous landmarks and a significant pilgrimage site. Apart from being home to those spiritual sites, Paro is also an agricultural region with rice, potatoes, and apples grown as the main crops. The fertile valley supports farming, which is a significant part of the local economy. The down town of Paro maintains its traditional charm with traditional Bhutanese houses, dress, and customs. The Paro Tsechu festival is a major cultural event that attracts locals and tourists alike, featuring masked dances and religious rituals. 

Depending on your arrival time, the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly. We’ll start with a short drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a fortress offering stunning forest and mountain views. Next, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. After lunch, we’ll explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), which houses a remarkable collection of ancient thangka paintings, textiles, and other artifacts. From there, we’ll embark on the Zurik trail, a 2.5-hour hike offering panoramic views of Paro Dzong, the airport, and the entire Paro Valley. In the evening, you’ll have free time to explore Paro town, shop for traditional jewelry, and enjoy a coffee at a local café. 

Overnight; Paro | Altitude 2200m

Day 2: Paro Valley – 8-Hour Hike
Chumphu Ney (Easy-Moderate)

Today’s adventure takes us on a full-day hike to the sacred site of Chumphu Ney, one of Bhutan’s most revered and lesser-known destinations. Starting just outside Paro town, we’ll hike along a gentle trail lined with ancient trees and rocks associated with Guru Rinpoche, the patron saint of Bhutan. After a steep 30-minute climb for final part of  4hrs one way hike, we’ll reach the temple, home to a floating statue of Vajrayogini (Dorji Pagmo), a marvel you’ll have to see to believe. Retrace your step and rest at Hotel 
Overnight; Paro 

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu (1.5-Hour Drive)
Casual Hike Around Thimphu (Easy)

After breakfast, we’ll drive to Thimphu, the capital and largest city of Bhutan. Located in the western part of the country, it is situated in a valley along the banks of the Wang Chhu River. Thimphu is the political and economic center of Bhutan and houses the royal family,
government offices, and the National Assembly. The city is known for its rich cultural heritage, including traditional Bhutanese architecture and customs. Notable sites include the Tashichho Dzong, a fortress and monastery that serves as the seat of the government, and the Buddha point the gigantic statue of lord Buddha Sakya Muni. Thimphu is a hub for commerce, tourism, and culture. It has a growing service sector and is home to several markets and shops selling traditional Bhutanese handicrafts. The city hosts several educational institutions, including the Royal University of Bhutan. Thimphu is experiencing rapid development, with new infrastructure projects and modernization efforts. The city is one of the few capitals in the world without traffic lights. Instead, traffic is managed by policemen at key intersections. The city also upholds Bhutan’s philosophy of Gross National Happiness, focusing on sustainable development and cultural preservation. 

The drive will be passing the picturesque Tamchog Temple en route. Once settled at your hotel, we’ll visit Dechhenprodrang Monastery and embark on a short hike to Wangduetse Temple, offering beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. After lunch, we’ll visit the iconic Buddha Dordenma statue and the National Memorial Chorten, before spending the afternoon exploring Thimphu’s bustling streets and markets.
Overnight; Thimphu | 2300m

Day 4: Lungchutse Temple to Trashigang Goempa – 5-Hour Hike
Day Hike (Medium)

We’ll start the day with a drive to Dochu La Pass, from where we’ll hike to Lungchutse Temple. On a clear day, the views of the Himalayan ranges from here are unparalleled. Our descent takes us through a forested path to Trashigang Goempa, a serene retreat where silence is observed. The afternoon is free for more exploration of Thimphu.
Overnight; Thimphu

Day 5: Thimphu – 4-Hour Hike
Dodeydrak Monastery (Medium)

We’ll spend the day hiking to Dodeydrak Monastery, a secluded and serene location above Thimphu town. The hike offers a rural, off-the-beaten-path experience. After the hike, the afternoon is yours to explore Thimphu further. Options include visits to the Textile Museum, Zorig Chusum School of Arts and Crafts, Changangkha Temple, and more.
Overnight; Thimphu

Day 6: Thimphu to Punakha (2.5-Hour Drive)
Sightseeing En Route to Punakha

Today’s journey takes us to Punakha, Punakha valley is known for its historical significance, natural beauty, and cultural richness. It served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and remains an important center for Bhutanese tradition and governance.
Punakha is located in the western part of Bhutan, approximately 72 kilometers from Thimphu. Punakha Dzong also known as the ”Palace of Great Happiness” is one of Bhutan’s most impressive and historically significant fortresses. It is the winter residence of the monastic body, including the Je Khenpo (the chief abbot of Bhutan). The dzong is renowned for its stunning architecture, intricate woodwork, and beautiful location at the river junction. It is a key site for major national events and religious ceremonies. And there is also lots of sites of interest to be visited, which will be detailed in your trip itineraries. The region enjoys a subtropical climate, making it one of the warmer areas in Bhutan. This climate supports agriculture, with rice, fruits, and vegetables being the primary crops grown in the fertile valley. Punakha is known for its traditional festivals, especially the Punakha Tsechu and Punakha Drubchen. These festivals feature vibrant masked dances and dramatizations of historical and religious events, attracting both locals and tourist. Punakha valley is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in Bhutanese culture, history, and natural beauty.

 On the journey stop at Semtokha Dzong and Dochu La Pass for breathtaking views of the Himalayas. We’ll also visit Chimi Lhakhang, known as the “Divine Madman’s Monastery.” After lunch, we’ll explore Punakha Dzong and the nearby suspension bridge.
Overnight; Punakha | Altitude 1350m

Day 7: Punakha to Phobjikha (2.5-Hour Drive)
Gangtey Monastery & Nature Trail Hike (Easy)

We’ll start the day with a leisurely walk to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Lhakhang in the upper Punakha Valley. 

After hiking to Khamsum yulley, we’ll drive to the beautiful Phobjikha Valley, also known as Gangtey Valley,  a stunning glacial valley located in central Bhutan. It is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and rich cultural heritage. The valley is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, offering panoramic views of the Himalayan mountains. Phobjikha Valley is famous for being the winter habitat of the endangered black- necked cranes, which migrate from Tibet. The cranes arrive in late October and stay until early March. Gangtey Monastery is one of the main attractions in the valley. It is an important religious site for the Nyingma school of Buddhism and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The valley is home to several traditional Bhutanese villages, where visitors can experience the local lifestyle and culture. There are several trails around the valley for hiking and nature walks, allowing visitors to explore the beautiful landscapes and observe wildlife. The annual Black-Necked Crane Festival, held in November, celebrates the arrival of the cranes and features cultural performances, dances, and traditional music.Overall, Phobjikha Valley is a must-visit destination for those interested in nature, wildlife, and Bhutanese culture. Its serene environment and the presence of the majestic black-necked cranes make it a truly special place. 

Once you reach, visit Gangtey Monastery and hike the scenic Gangtey Nature Trail.
Overnight; Phobjikha valley | Altitude 3000m 

Day 8: Phobjikha to Paro (5-Hour Drive)
Return to Paro with Hot Stone Bath

After visiting the crane information center, we’ll drive back to Paro, stopping at the Royal Botanical Gardens along the way. In Paro, you’ll enjoy a relaxing hot stone bath and a traditional Bhutanese dinner at a local homestay.
Overnight; Paro

Day 9: Paro – Chele La Ridge Hike (4-5 Hours)
Sky Burial Site, Nunnery Visit & Cliff-Face Monastery (Medium)

Today’s trip highlight is excursion visit to the chelela pass, this pass is one of the highest motorable points in Bhutan, standing at an elevation of about 3,988 meters (13,084 feet) above sea level. It is located between the Paro Valley and the Haa Valley and offers some of the most stunning panoramic views in the country. From Chele La, you can see the majestic Jomolhari (7,314 meters) and Jichu Drake (6,989 meters) peaks on clear days. The pass offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding valleys, including the Paro and Haa valleys, and even the distant mountains of Tibet. The pass is adorned with thousands of fluttering prayer flags, which add to its spiritual ambiance. These flags are placed by locals to carry prayers and blessings across the mountains. The road to Chele La passes through forests of pine, rhododendron, and hemlock. During spring, the pass is a riot of colors with blooming rhododendrons, primulas, and other alpine flowers. Just below the pass, you can take a short hike to Kila Gompa, a serene and ancient nunnery nestled in a cliffside. It’s a peaceful spot where you can meet the nuns and experience the spiritual side of Bhutanese culture. The pass is also the starting point for several hikes, including the one leading to the sky burial site, a unique and culturally significant location in Bhutanese tradition.The area around Chele La is also rich in birdlife, including Himalayan monal and blood pheasants, making it a great spot for birdwatchers. Visiting Chele La Pass is a must for those who want to experience the natural beauty and cultural richness of Bhutan. The journey to the pass itself, with its winding roads and scenic landscapes, is as rewarding as the destination.

We’ll drive to Chele La Pass for a hike to a sky burial site, followed by a visit to Kila Nunnery.The day ends with a visit to Dzongdrakha Lhakhang, a cliff-face monastery known as the “Second Taktsang.”
Overnight; Paro

Day 10: Bumdra to Taktsang Monastery (14km Hike)
Overnight Glamping Hike (Medium to Difficult)

Today’s hike is one of Bhutan’s most spectacular, leading to Bumdra Monastery. Bumdra Camp is a unique trekking destination in Bhutan, located at a high altitude near Paro. The camp is often part of a two-day trekking itinerary that starts from the Paro Valley and ends at the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). The trek typically begins from Sang Choekor, a monastery located above Paro. From here, the trail leads up through forests of pine, rhododendron, and oak. The hike is moderately challenging and takes around 4-6 hours, depending on your pace and the weather conditions. Along the way, you’ll encounter stunning views of the Paro Valley, the surrounding mountains, and sometimes even the distant snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas. Bumdra translates to “Cave of a Thousand Prayers” and the camp is set near a sacred cave that is said to have been blessed by Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava). The campsite is at an altitude of around 3,800 meters (12,500 feet), offering panoramic views of the Himalayan range. At Bumdra Camp, you stay in tents provided by trekking companies. The experience is rustic but comfortable, with basic amenities available. The area around the camp is great for short hikes to nearby ridges or exploring the cave. Some trekkers also participate in evening prayers at a nearby monastery or enjoy the breathtaking sunset views. The best time to trek to Bumdra Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and the skies are clear. The Bumdra trek is a perfect blend of adventure, spirituality, and natural beauty, making it a must-do for those visiting Bhutan.
Overnight; Bumder camp

Day 11: Taktsang Monastery
Descent to Taktsang Monastery (Easy)

We’ll begin the day with a visit to Bumdra Temple before descending to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Tiger’s Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, is one of Bhutan’s most iconic and revered religious sites. Perched on a cliffside about 900 meters (3,000 feet) above the Paro Valley, it is both a cultural symbol and a popular destination for visitors to Bhutan. Tiger’s Nest was built in 1692 around the cave where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava), the founder of Tibetan Buddhism, is said to have meditated in the 8th century. According to legend, he flew to the site on the back of a tigress, which is how the monastery got its name. The monastery is considered one of the holiest sites in Bhutan and a pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. The monastery is located on a sheer cliff face, about 3,120 meters (10,240 feet) above sea level. The architecture is a stunning example of Bhutanese design, with whitewashed walls, red and gold roofs, and intricate woodwork. Visiting Tiger’s Nest is not just about the physical trek; it isalso a deeply spiritual experience. The monastery is an active religious site where monks live and practice. Visitors often participate in prayers or meditations, soaking in the peaceful and sacred atmosphere. Tiger’s Nest Monastery is a symbol of Bhutan’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual tradition, and it offers visitors a profound experience of the country’s natural beauty and religious significance. After exploring the monastery, we’ll stop for lunch at Taktsang Café and return to your hotel for some last-minute shopping in Paro.

Day 12: Paro (Departure)
Till Next Time

Enjoy some free time before your departure. In Bhutan, we never say goodbye, as we believe in the good fortune of meeting again. We hope you had a memorable journey with us and hope to see you again.