Mountains & Monasteries: Classic Bhutan

To many, no trip to the Himalayas is complete without walking through the rural villages and farmland of the foothills. So you breathe the fresh air and see a timeless way of life. This Bhutan holiday features a range of day-walks. Crucially, you return each night to a lovely hotel, not a tented camp. As ever, the whole trip is private and tailored to your fitness.

Walks, Not Camps

The idea here is the best of both worlds. So you get a superb trekking experience by day. Then you enjoy real comfort each evening. We can, of course, arrange tougher treks like the Druk Path. Even so, we feel this gives the perfect balance. As a result, you walk hard but never rough it.

Paro: Tiger’s Nest and the Haa Valley

From a first night in Kathmandu, fly to Paro for three nights at Naksel. Your first walk is to Tiger’s Nest, then higher along the ridge to Drukgyel Dzong. This rewards you with far better valley views. The next day brings the all-day Sagala hike to the Haa Valley. So you cross the Chele Pass, Bhutan’s highest, with stunning views back over Paro.

Thimphu: The Dodedrak Trek

Next, drive to Thimphu, with an afternoon to explore on foot. The following day, set off on one of the area’s best treks, to Dodedrak. This monk village has a 12th-century temple at its heart. So you picnic in the courtyard and meet the monks. The walk takes about four to five hours. You stay at the Druk Hotel.

Punakha: Valley Trails

Then drive to Punakha for two nights at Dhensa. First, you might visit Chimi Lhakhang, followed by prayers at Punakha Dzong. The next day, walk the Giligang Trail through paddy fields and villages to the dzong. Another day brings the gentle Nobgang trek above Punakha. This starts near Talo, the Queen Mother’s native village.

Gangtey: The Phobjikha Valley

Next, drive to Gangtey, stopping at the Lawola Pass to walk down to the village. The following day, a longer trek leads through a yak-herders’ village and an old rhododendron forest. So you walk through almost fairy-tale woodland to Kumbu. You stay at Dewachen, deep in this glacial valley.

Bumthang: The Spiritual Heartland

Then continue to Bumthang, pausing at Trongsa en route. The next day, walk the easy-going Bushman Trail, with superb views of the Chamkar Valley. Another day brings the Shugdrak hike, one of Bumthang’s four holy cliffs. So you climb 30 minutes to incredible views, then picnic at the top. You stay at the Village Lodge.

A Restful Finish

Finally, fly back to Paro for two nights at Uma Paro. So you can properly take off your boots and relax. There is an excellent spa and a delightful pool. The cuisine, too, is wonderful. As a result, you reward yourself after all that walking. A last night at Dwarika’s Dhulikhel rounds the trip off.

Best Time to Travel

Generally, spring and autumn bring the clearest skies and safest trails. They also coincide with many festivals. By contrast, the summer monsoon makes some paths harder. So we plan the walking around the seasons. Either way, we advise on the ideal window for your dates.

Tailored to Your Fitness

The great joy here is flexibility. So each walk bends to your level. For gentle days, we keep the routes short and easy. For the keen, longer and higher trails await. Meanwhile, your private guide reads the group and adjusts. As a result, everyone finishes each day happy.

A Walker’s Bhutan

Few countries reward walkers quite like Bhutan. So you pass through farmland, forest and high passes. Meanwhile, prayer flags and chortens mark the way. Festivals, too, may colour your route; the tshechus are unforgettable. As a result, every trail tells a story.

Designed Around You

As ever, this is only a starting point. So we shape the walks, the pace and the hotels to suit. In the end, the trip is entirely your own.

A Walk Through the Seasons

Each season paints the trails differently. So spring brings blossom and rhododendron. Autumn, meanwhile, offers the crispest mountain views. In between, the festivals add bursts of colour. As a result, the timing shapes the whole experience.

Who It Suits

Above all, this suits walkers who love comfort too. For example, it is ideal for keen ramblers wary of camping. Equally, it rewards anyone craving fresh air and culture. Couples and small groups enjoy it most.

A Rewarding Finish

The walking earns a proper reward at the end. So you swap boots for a spa and a pool. Meanwhile, the cuisine at Uma Paro is a treat. In the end, you relax knowing you have truly seen Bhutan.

Frequently Asked Questions

How hard are the walks?

They range from gentle to a full day on the trail. Helpfully, we tailor each one to your fitness. So your guide simply sets the pace to suit.

Do I have to camp?

No. You return to a comfortable hotel every night. So you trek by day and relax in real comfort.

Can it be made tougher?

Yes. We can add proper treks such as the Druk Path. Equally, we can keep every day gentle. It is entirely your call.

When is the best time to go?

Generally, spring and autumn are best for clear skies. We will advise on timing for your dates.