Hike Through Bhutan’s Wilderness

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, meet your guide and transfer to the capital, Thimphu. En route, stop at Tachhgang and enjoy a short hike across the suspension bridge to Tachhgang Temple. Built in the 14th century, the temple and iron chain bridge were constructed by Thangthong Gyalpo, famously known as the "Drupthob Iron Chain Builder."

After settling in, take a leisurely walk around the town to acclimate. If time permits, visit the Buddha Dordenma viewpoint for panoramic views of the valley. Overnight in Thimphu.

Drive time: 1hrs 30min | Paro ALT 2880M | Thimphu ALT 2300M

Begin the day with a gentle forest hike from Radio Tower to Wangditse Monastery, offering views over Thimphu. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts). End the day with a brief stroll along the riverside, exploring the lively local market, and enjoy watching an exciting archery match at Changlingmithang. Overnight in Thimphu. 

Drive time: 30min | Thimphu ALT 2300M | Hike: 2hrs

On the way to Punakha, visit Trashigang Goempa and enjoy a hike through a stunning forest of fir, juniper, and rhododendron to Lungchuzekha. If the weather is clear, you'll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Himalayas from the temple. After exploring the temple, descend towards Dochula for lunch. Take a leisurely walk around the 108 stupas that grace the picturesque Dochula Pass, located at an altitude of 3,150 meters.After lunch, continue your drive towards Phobjikha, making a stop at Nobding Village. As you approach Pelela Pass (3,420 meters), you'll get your first view of the Black Mountain range, which historically marked the border between eastern and western Bhutan. Just before reaching the pass, take a right turn toward the valley, renowned for its rare and famous Black-Necked Cranes. In the evening, join the monks at Gangtey Monastery for the evening prayer ceremony. Overnight stay at the hotel in Phobjikha.

Drive time: 4 Hours | Phobjikha ALT 2900M | Hike: 4 Hours

From the hotel, we will drive for approximately 30 minutes towards Trongsa before beginning our hike. The trail winds through bamboo thickets, leading to a small hamlet of village houses. On either side of the valley, magnificent rhododendron forests burst with vibrant colors, and during the winter months, yaks are often seen grazing there.

Continue straight through the village and ascend until you reach the enchanting old rhododendron forest. The final stretch of the climb becomes slightly steeper as you approach the pass, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge, and the valley below.

From there, the trail gently descends toward the picturesque village of Kumbu. You can arrange for a pickup here or continue hiking to the Shedra, or even further down to the valley floor. In the afternoon, you will cross the valley and hike towards the village of Kilkhorthang, where you will have the opportunity to meet local villagers in their homes. Overnight in Phobjikha.

Drive time: 30min | Phohjikha ALT 2900M | Hike: 4 Hours

Continue your journey towards Punakha, with your first stop at Wangdue Phodrang Dzong. Built in the 17th century by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to protect the valley from Tibetan invasions, this imposing fortress is perched on a hill overlooking the confluence of the Punatsangchu and Dangchhu rivers. Surrounded by thick walls and watchtowers, it is one of Bhutan’s most well-fortified dzongs. On the way, stop at Lobesa for a short walk to the Chhi-Med Lhakhang temple, also known as the "No Dogs Temple." Set in a beautiful valley, this temple is dedicated to the revered saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley, famously known as the Divine Madman. Overnight hotel in Punakha 

Drive time: 2 Hours | Punakha ALT 1200M | Hike: 2 Hours

In the morning, drive to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong, a magnificent fortress-monastery built in 1637 at the confluence of the Po Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. This dzong serves as the winter residence of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Je Khenpo, and home to 350 monks.

Next, hike for about 20 minutes from the dzong to cross Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. Continue north of Punakha for a scenic hike through terraced rice fields leading to a hilltop temple with stunning views of the Mo Chhu valley. Drive further up the valley to visit Chorten Nyingpo, a beautiful 17th-century temple overlooking Kabesa village, where you can interact with monks and learn about their daily lives. Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

Drive time: 1 Hour | Punakha ALT 1200M | Hike: 3hrs 

From Punakha, cross Dochula Pass and head towards the stunning, remote valley of Haa, which was opened to tourism in 2002 and remains one of Bhutan’s least populated regions. Off the beaten path and rarely visited by tourists, life here is still shaped by the seasons and agriculture, offering an authentic and immersive experience.

The road follows the valley floor, providing breathtaking views as you begin a gradual ascent towards the Haa Chhu, passing through traditional hamlets. A stop is planned to admire Dobji Dzong, a small fortress perched above the deep valley.

Upon arrival in Haa, visit the ancient Lhakhang Karpo and Lhakhang Nagpo temples, two of the valley's most significant landmarks. In the evening, enjoy a short stroll through the charming village of Ha Katso, followed by an exploration of the town itself. Overnight in Ha.

Drive time: 4 Hours | Ha ALT 2500M | Hike: 1 Hour  

After breakfast, set out on the renowned Meri Phuensum Hike, also known as the Three Mountains Hike. These sacred mountains hold deep spiritual significance for the local community, who pay homage to them as manifestations of the deities Jampelyang (Manjushri), Chana Dorji (Vajrapani), and Chenrezig (Avalokiteshvara).

The hike begins from Dumchoe village (opposite the helipad), passing by Lhakhang Karpo. During the initial stretch, you’ll cross several streams and bridges as the trail leads through lush forest. The path gradually ascends to the highest point of the hike at 3,770 meters, where you'll be rewarded with panoramic, bird’s-eye views of the Haa Valley and the majestic peaks of Jomolhari, Juchu Drakey, Tsherimgang, Jow Drakey, and the Dagala mountain range.

From the pass, the trail descends toward Haa town. After about two hours, the route brings you near Gongzim Ugyen Dorji Central School and across the town’s well-known suspension bridge, marking the end of the Meri Phuensum Hike. In the evening, stall around Haa town.  Overnight in Haa

Drive time: 30min | Hike ALT 3770M | Hike: 4 Hours 

Continue your journey to Chele La Pass, one of Bhutan’s highest motorable passes at 3,988 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks. Just beyond the pass, visit Kila Gompa, a peaceful cliffside nunnery offering insight into the spiritual lives of the resident nuns.

From there, drive toward Dzongdrakha village, perched above the Paro Valley, with sweeping views of rice fields and the surrounding landscape. Upon arriving in Paro, visit the National Museum to explore Bhutan’s rich cultural and natural heritage, followed by a visit to the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, which serves as both a monastic and administrative center. After exploring the dzong, descend via the traditional wooden bridge and enjoy some free time to stroll through Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro 

Drive time: 2 Hours | Chele la ALT 3988M | Hike: 2 Hours 

Hike to the iconic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), one of Bhutan’s most sacred sites, perched dramatically on a cliff overlooking the Paro Valley. The four-hour ascent takes you through a scenic landscape of waterfalls, meditation caves, prayer wheels, and fluttering prayer flags—ideal for photography and reflection. After exploring the monastery, enjoy lunch at a nearby teahouse with panoramic views. The descent takes about 45 minutes, offering more chances to soak in the valley’s natural beauty. In the evening, unwind with a traditional hot stone bath at a local farmhouse, believed to have therapeutic benefits. Enjoy a typical Bhutanese dinner and sample "Ara," the local homemade spirit.

Drive time: 30min | Takshang ALT 3150M | Hike: 5 Hours

Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.