Adventure and Outdoor Tours
Wild Trails. High Altitude Thrills.
Bumthang Cultural Trek (10 N / 11 D)
Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1
Arrive Paro – Thimphu
- Altitude: Paro 2,200 m | Thimphu 2,320 m
- Spectacular flight into Paro with Himalayan panoramas. Meet your Bhutan Travel Bureau representative and transfer to Thimphu.
- Sightseeing in Paro (time permitting):
- Ta Dzong Museum, showcasing Bhutanese relics, art, and history
- Paro Rinpung Dzong, famous for Milarepa paintings
- Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hrs), following the Paro Chhu river. Orientation on Bhutanese etiquette before dinner.
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2
Thimphu
Morning
- Full day of sightseeing:
- National Memorial Chorten
- Changangkha Temple and Drubthob Monastery
- School of Arts & Crafts
- National Library
- Traditional Paper Factory
- Folk Heritage Museum
- Takin National Park
- Tashichho Dzong
- Evening at Thimphu Market (Friday–Sunday only).
- Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3
Thimphu To Trongsa
Evening
- Drive (7–8 hrs) via Dochu-La Pass (3,100 m) and Pele La Pass (3,420 m).
- En route, visit Chendebji Chorten (18th century).
- Arrive in Trongsa, ancestral home of Bhutan’s royal family. View Trongsa Dzong from across a deep canyon.
- Overnight: Trongsa
Day 4
Trongsa To Bumthang
Visit Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong Museum. Drive 2.5 hrs to Bumthang, the spiritual heart of Bhutan.
On arrival, visit:
- Jakar Dzong (White Bird Dzong)
- Tamshing Lhakhang (16th century)
- Kurje Lhakhang, sacred 7th-century monastery
- Jambay Lhakhang (7th century)
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 5
Bumthang – Ngang Lhakhang
Distance: 14 km | 3–4 hrs | Altitude 2,900 m
Begin trekking along the Chamkhar Chu River through meadows, blue pine forests, and bamboo scrub. Pass small villages and temples en route.
Overnight: Farmhouse or guesthouse
Day 6
Nang Lhakhang – Ugyencholing
Distance: 19 km | 7–8 hrs | Altitude 2,670–3,360 mAscend gradually through juniper forests to Phephe La Pass (3,360 m). Descend into Tang Valley to reach Ugyencholing village, set beside a river.
Overnight: Guesthouse or riverside camp
Day 7
Ugyencholing – Bumthang
Distance: 11 km | 4 hrs | Altitude 2,850–2,900 mMorning visit to Tang Ugyencholing Palace, a 16th-century mansion with a museum showcasing traditional Bhutanese rural life.
On the return, visit Mebartso (Lake of Fire), sacred for Nyingmapa treasures.
Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang
Day 8
Bumthang – Punakha
Drive to Punakha, ancient capital of Bhutan.
Evening at leisure in Punakha town.
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha
Day 9
Punakha – Paro
Visit Punakha Dzong (1637), winter headquarters of Bhutan’s central monk body.
Drive back via Thimphu and continue to Paro. Evening shopping or sightseeing.
Overnight: Paro
Day 10
Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), perched 900 m above Paro Valley. Refreshments at a nearby teahouse.
Afternoon: visit Drukgyel Dzong ruins and Kyichu Lhakhang (7th century). Optional day trip to Haa Valley.
Overnight: Paro
Day 11
Depart Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for onward flight.
Tashi Delek!
Druk path (10 N / 11 D)
Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1
Arrive Paro
- Kyichu Lhakhang (Afternoon)
- One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century and built by King Songtsen Gampo. The complex includes two temples and a small museum dedicated to Dilgo Khyentse Rinpoche, offering insight into his life and teachings.
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- A former 17th-century watchtower restored as Bhutan’s National Museum, showcasing the country’s culture, traditions, and natural history.
- Paro Rinpung Dzong
- An impressive fortress-monastery serving as the administrative and religious center of Paro, home to a large monastic community.
- Evening
- Free time to explore Paro town at a relaxed pace.
- Overnight: Paro
Day 2
Paro
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest):
- Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery clings dramatically to a cliff face 300 meters above the Paro Valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, the founder of tantric Buddhism in the Himalayas, meditated here in the 8th century for three months. The original temple was built in the 17th century but was destroyed by fire in 1998 and later rebuilt to its former glory in 2003.
- Taktsang is considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. Visitors can explore three temples within the main complex. Ponies are available upon request.
- Overnight in Paro.
Day 3
Paro – Jele Dzong
Distance: 8 km | Time: 4–5 hrs | Ascent: 1,090 m
- A short trekking day with a gradual ascent to Jele Dzong. On clear days, enjoy views of the Paro Valley surrounded by snow-capped mountains. Above the campsite lies Jele La (3,400 m) and Jele Dzong, which houses a temple with a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni.
- Overnight: Campsite
- Altitude: 3,480 m
Day 4
Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
Distance: 10 km | Time: 3–4 hrs | Ascent: 310 m | Descent: 50 m
- Begin with a steep climb followed by a gentler ascent through dense alpine rhododendron forests. On clear days, enjoy views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow-capped peaks. Yak herders may be seen near the campsite.
- Overnight: Campsite
- Altitude: 3,770 m
Day 5
Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho
Distance: 11 km | Time: 4 hrs | Ascent: 330 m | Descent: 230 m
- The trail follows a ridge with stunning mountain and valley views. Enjoy a clear view of Jichu Drake (6,989 m), the protective deity mountain of Paro. Camp near the Jimilangtsho Lakes, famous for their large trout.
- Overnight: Campsite
- Altitude: 3,870 m
Day 6
Jimilangtsho – Simkota
Distance: 11 km | Time: 4 hrs | Ascent: 820 m | Descent: 400 m
Walk through dwarf rhododendron forests and pass the serene Janeetsho Lake. You may encounter yak herders and learn about their traditional lifestyle. Camp near Simkota Lake, where trout fishing may be possible.
Overnight: Campsite
Day 7
Simkota – Phajoding
Distance: 10 km | Time: 4 hrs | Ascent: 130 m | Descent: 680 m
- Begin with a gradual climb and, weather permitting, enjoy views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest peak. From Phume La (4,080 m), the trail descends through juniper forests to Phajoding.
- Overnight: Campsite
- Altitude: 3,610 m
Day 8
Phajoding – Thimphu
Distance: 5 km | Time: 3 hrs
A downhill walk through blue pine forests leads to Thimphu. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu
Day 9
Day excursion to Punakha
- Drive to Punakha after breakfast via Dochula Pass (3,150 m), offering panoramic Himalayan views and 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens.
- Chimi Lhakhang:
A short walk through rice fields leads to this 15th-century fertility temple associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, the “Divine Madman.” - Punakha Dzong:
Meaning “Palace of Great Bliss,” this magnificent dzong stands at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. It is the winter residence of the central monastic body and the site of Bhutan’s first royal coronation in 1907. - Punakha Suspension Bridge:
A scenic and thrilling bridge ideal for photography.
Overnight: Punakha
Day 10
Thimphu – Paro
- National Memorial Chorten:
Built in 1974 by the Royal Grand Queen Mother in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan. - Buddha Dordenma:
A massive 51.5-meter-tall statue commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King, offering stunning views of Thimphu Valley. - National Takin Reserve:
Home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, a rare species found in the eastern Himalayas. - Tashichho Dzong:
The seat of Bhutan’s government and the king’s throne room since 1952.
Overnight: Paro
Day 11
Depart Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Tashi Delek!
Jhomolhari Trek (11 N/12 D)
Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1
Arrive Paro
- Kyichu Lhakhang
One of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, dating back to the 7th century. The complex includes two temples—one built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo and another added in 1968 by Her Majesty Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother, in the original architectural style. - National Museum (Ta Dzong)
A former 17th-century watchtower now housing Bhutan’s National Museum, showcasing the nation’s rich cultural, historical, and natural heritage. - Paro Rinpung Dzong
An impressive fortress and administrative center of Paro District, also home to a monastic community of about 200 monks. - Evening: Leisure time to explore Paro town
- Overnight: Paro
Day 2
Paro
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery):
Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery clings dramatically to a cliff face 300 meters above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated here in the 8th century. The monastery, originally built in the 17th century, was destroyed by fire in 1998 and rebuilt in 2003.
Taktsang is considered one of the holiest Buddhist sites in the world. Visitors can explore three temples within the complex. Ponies are available upon request.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 3
Paro – Shana
Distance: 17 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
The trek begins at Drukgyel Dzong (2,580 m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The path then climbs gently through rice terraces, millet fields, apple orchards, and forests. The valley gradually widens as you reach the army post at Gunitsawa (2,810 m), the last settlement before the Tibetan border. Continue to the campsite near Sharma Zampa (2,870 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 4
Shana – Soi Thangthangkha
Distance: 20 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
The trail follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After lunch by the river, continue through rhododendron forests and cross the river again to reach the campsite at 3,750 m.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 5
Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance: 19 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
After a steady ascent to an army camp, the trail continues above the tree line, offering magnificent mountain views. Lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp before a short walk leads to Jangothang (4,040 m). From here, enjoy superb views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 6
Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance: 18 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
The trail follows a gentle stream before climbing to Nyele La Pass (4,700 m). Enjoy breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. Descend gradually to Lingshi (4,000 m) with views of Lingshi Dzong.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 7
Lingshi – Shodu
Distance: 22 km | Time: 8–9 hrs
Climb towards a chorten above the campsite, then head south through the Mo Chhu Valley. After crossing the river, ascend steeply to Yeli La Pass (4,820 m). On clear days, enjoy views of Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Masagang, and Tserimgang. Descend to Shodu (4,100 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 8
Shodu – Barshong
Distance: 16 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Descend along the Thimphu Chhu, passing through rhododendron, juniper, and mixed alpine forests. Camp near the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 9
Barshong – Dolam Kencho
Distance: 15 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
The trail descends through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, and conifers, then follows the Thimphu Chhu along ridges and gullies. Camp in pastureland at 3,600 m.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 10
Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu
Distance: 8 km | Time: 3 hrs
Climb to a pass at 3,510 m, then descend steeply to Dodena (2,600 m). Meet your transport and drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11
Thimphu – Paro
National Memorial Chorten:
Built in 1974 in memory of the Third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Father of Modern Bhutan.
Buddha Dordenma:
A 51.5-meter statue commemorating the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King, offering panoramic views of Thimphu Valley.
National Takin Reserve:
Home to Bhutan’s national animal, the takin, found in the eastern Himalayas.
Tashichho Dzong:
Seat of Bhutan’s government since 1952, housing the king’s throne room and key ministries.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 12
Depart Bhutan
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Tashi Delek!
laya Trek (11 N/12 D)
Day-by-Day Schedule
Day 1
Arrive Paro
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- One of the oldest and most sacred temples in Bhutan, dating back to the 7th century (the other being Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang). The complex consists of two temples: the first built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, and the second built in 1968 by Her Majesty Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, in the original architectural style.
- National Museum (Ta Dzong)
- A former 17th-century watchtower converted into Bhutan’s National Museum, offering rich insight into the country’s culture, history, and natural heritage.
- Paro Rinpung Dzong
- A grand fortress and administrative center of Paro District, also home to a monastic community of around 200 monks.
- Evening: Leisure time to explore Paro town.
- Overnight: Paro
Day 2
Paro
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery):
Bhutan’s most iconic landmark, Taktsang Monastery clings dramatically to a cliff face 300 meters above the Paro Valley. Guru Rinpoche is believed to have meditated here in the 8th century. The monastery, originally built in the 17th century, was destroyed by fire in 1998 and rebuilt in 2003.
Visitors can explore three temples within the complex. Ponies are available upon request.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 3
Paro – Shana
Distance: 17 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
The trek begins at Drukgyel Dzong (2,580 m), climbing gently through rice terraces, millet fields, apple orchards, and forests. Reach the army post at Gunitsawa (2,810 m), the last settlement before Tibet, then continue to the campsite near Shana (2,870 m).
Overnight at the campsite.
Day 4
Shana – Soi Thangthangkha
Distance: 20 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
Follow the Pa Chhu (Paro River) through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After lunch by the river, continue through rhododendron forests and cross the river again to reach the campsite at 3,750 m.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 5
Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance: 19 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
Ascend gradually to the army camp, then continue above the tree line with stunning mountain views. Lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk leads to Jangothang (4,040 m) with spectacular views of Mt. Chomolhari.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 6
Rest day at Jangothang
Rest Day
A day at leisure to acclimatize, explore the area, and enjoy breathtaking views of the south face of Mt. Chomolhari and the ruins of Jangothang Dzong.
Day 7
Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance: 18 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
Climb to Nyele La Pass (4,700 m) with panoramic views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang, then descend to Lingshi (4,000 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 8
Lingshi – Chebisa
Distance: 10 km | Time: 5–6 hrs
Walk past Lingshi Dzong, enjoying views of winding rivers, villages, and peaks. After lunch, continue to Chebisa Village (3,850 m) and camp beside a stream.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 9
Chebisa – Shoumuthang
Distance: 17 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
A steep ascent leads to Guba La Pass (4,500 m). Descend through rhododendron forests and past yak herders’ camps to the campsite at 4,250 m.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 10
Shoumuthang – Robluthang
Distance: 18 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
Climb to Jari La Pass (4,700 m), then descend into Tsharijathang Valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan takin. Continue to Robluthang (4,200 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 11
Robluthang – Limithang
Distance: 19 km | Time: 7–8 hrs
Cross Shinji La Pass (4,900 m), the highest point of the trek, with spectacular views of Gangchenta Peak (6,840 m). Descend steeply to Limithang (4,100 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 12
Limithang – Laya
Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hrs
A pleasant walk through mossy forests leads to Laya Village (3,800 m), the second-highest settlement in Bhutan.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 13
Rest day at Laya
Rest DayExplore Laya village and experience traditional highland hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed into homes with tea and chang (barley beer).
Day 14
Laya – Chamsa
Distance: 19 km | Time: 8–9 hrs
Descend to the Mo Chhu River, then traverse juniper and fir forests to reach Chamsa (3,800 m).
Overnight at campsite.
Day 15
Chamsa – Gasa Tshachu
Distance: 14 km | Time: 6–7 hrs
After crossing Bele La Pass, descend to Gasa Village (2,700 m). Visit Gasa Dzong, then continue to Gasa Tshachu (2,200 m) to camp near the hot springs.
Overnight at campsite.
Day 16
Gasa Tshachu
Rest Day
Relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 17
Gasa – Punakha
Rest Day
Relax in the natural hot springs and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
Day 18
Punakha
Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
Punakha Dzong – Palace of Great Bliss
Punakha Suspension Bridge
Overnight in Punakha
Day 19
Thimphu
Visit Dochula Pass (3,150 m) and its 108 Druk Wangyel Chortens.
Explore the Folk Heritage Museum and Royal Textile Academy.
Evening archery match at Changlimithang Stadium.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 20
Thimphu
- National Memorial Chorten
- Buddha Dordenma
- National Takin Reserve
- Tashichho Dzong
Evening stroll through Thimphu town and handicraft markets.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 21
Thimphu – Paro
Stop at Tachog Iron Chain Bridge and Chhuzom, the confluence of Paro Chhu and Wang Chhu rivers.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 22
Depart Bhutan
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Tashi Delek!
This itinerary is customizable. Please speak to us about your needs and requirements and we will do our utmost to accommodate you.
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Key Details
Inclusion
- Round Trip Flight Tickets
- Visa and Sustainable Development Fee
- Accomodations: Minimum 3 Star Hotels
- All Meals
- Government Certified Tour Guide
- All Transfers
- All Attraction Entry Fees
- Tourist Sim Card with Unlimited Data
- All Service Charge and Sales Tax
- Private Tours and Flexible Date
- Travel Assistance before, during, and after the trip.
Add ons
Optional: Helicopter Services, Domestic Flights, and Charter Flights
Please note
This itinerary is a guide and may vary based on weather, routes, and fitness levels. All times are approximate. Complimentary water is provided on guided tours. Please notify us of any dietary needs in advance. Extra outdoor activities are available for an additional fee.
