Hiking for Everyone in the Heart of Bhoutan
Three days of cultural trekking in the sacred valleys of Bumthang, spiritual heart of the Himalayan kingdom.
Duration
12 days
From
€3,850/pers.
Ideal seasons
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Style
Guided tour
Comfort
Charm & Character
Travelers
Couple, Solo, With friends, senior
The spirit of travel
A 12-day circuit in the heart of Bhoutan that showcases the country's must-see attractions, with a stop in the Paro Valley and the capital Thimphu, before heading to the Punakha Valley and its dzong built at the confluence of two rivers. The journey continues with a three-day trek in the Bumthang Park, known as the "cultural heart" of Bhoutan, which contains several ancient temples to discover during the trek. This stage allows you to approach isolated monasteries and traditional villages, still largely preserved from mass tourism. The landscapes traversed alternate between rhododendron forests, Himalayan passes and agricultural valleys, offering a complete overview of the kingdom's natural diversity. The circuit also includes a visit to the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery (Taktsang), perched on a cliff face near Paro and considered one of Bhoutan's most iconic sites. The best time to do this circuit remains spring and autumn, seasons offering dry weather and particularly luminous landscapes.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Bhutan
Once our luggage is checked in at the hotel, we begin discovering the wonders of Bhoutan by visiting the main attractions of Thimphu. After lunch, we head to the Memorial Chorten built in tribute to Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, then the Buddha temple and finally, time permitting, the Changangkha Lhakhang temple, dating from the 15th century. We visit the Textile Museum to learn about the national art of weaving and end our day at the learning center for Bhutanese artists: the School of the Thirteen Arts and Crafts.
In the evening, we have time to explore the city of Thimphu, craft stalls, and the centenary farmers' market.
We land at Paro international airport. There, we meet our guide and driver who drive us for one hour through the valleys of Paro and Thimphu towards the capital of Bhoutan, Thimphu, at 2320m altitude.
A Day in Thimphu
In the morning, we head north of the Thimphu valley (15 km away) and enjoy a short hike of 30 to 45 minutes to the Cheri monastery. This monument built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is currently an important teaching and meditative retreat center of the Southern Drukpa Kagyu sect.
We return to Thimphu to visit the handmade paper factory. Then we head to the Takin National Reserve and the Zilukha convent, a highly popular attraction in Bhoutan. It's a beautiful place to take photos, meet the nuns and discover their way of life.
On the way to Punakha
Arrived at , we explore the village of Chimmi Lhakhang during a short 45-minute walk that takes us to the fertility temple built in tribute to the Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley whose eccentric customs and practices have inspired local folklore. It is here that we will be able to see thousands of phallic representations!
In the evening, we visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong , established at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. It was in this palace-fortress that the first king was crowned. Not far from the fort, the suspension bridge promises to delight thrill-seekers and photography enthusiasts.
After breakfast, we leave Thimphu to reach Punakha . We thus leave the cold region for the warmer, almost tropical region of the Punakha valley. We stop along the way for a short coffee break at the Dochula Pass and its 108 stupas. On clear days, a superb view of the Himalayan mountain range is available to the visitor.
Arrival in Bumthang
In the afternoon we explore farms and craft workshops.
Transfer day to the Bumthang . With an average altitude of 2600m, this region has a particular character that charms its visitors and sets it apart from the rest of the country. Composed of 4 small valleys of Chumey, Choeskhor, Tang and Ura, this region is highly spiritual and steeped in religious legends.
A day of visits in the Bumthang
After breakfast, we visit the restored Tang Ugyencholing Palace from the 19th century as well as the Tang Valley on the way.
In the evening, we visit the Kurje Lhakhang, the Jambay Lhakhang and the Jakar dzong. We also explore the town of Jakar.
Trek to Chamkhar Chu River
This morning we head to Tuktu Zampa, the starting point of our 3-day cultural trek in Bumthang.
This first section of our trek follows the Chamkhar Chu river, renowned for its many trout. We stop at the Thangbi Lhakhang temple for lunch. From there begins the hiking in the Ngang Yul, which literally means "the land of the Swan", housing in its center the Ngang Lhakhang temple. The valley was once populated by swans, hence its name.
Elevation gain: 170 m
Camp altitude: 2720m
Trek to Phephe La (3360 m), highest point of the route
We begin the hike in verdant meadows, with a panoramic view over the entire valley below. Then we gradually climb to Phephe La (3360 m), the highest point of the route. The itinerary crosses lush forested areas where we make frequent stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the environment. The descent leads to a vast valley expanse. Among the many camping sites, we choose the one located behind the village of Tahung.
Positive elevation gain: 750 m
Negative elevation gain: 670 m
Camp altitude: 2800 m
End of trek at Ugyencholing Palace
After breakfast, we embark on our getaway by crossing the Tang Chu River, another body of water filled with trout. On the shore stands the Lhakhang of Tang Rinpoche. We visit the Mebar Tsho lake (or lake of fire), then continue our journey to the palace of Tang Ugyencholing.
Negative elevation change: 230m
On the Way to Phobjikha
In the afternoon we visit the Gangtey Monastery which overlooks the wetlands surrounded by farms and natural forest areas, giving Phobjikha a beauty with a sacred character. Next, we take a one and a half hour hike along the Gangtey natural trail. This is one of the most magnificent short hikes in Bhoutan. In the evening, we visit a farm in a traditional village.
After breakfast, we head towards the Phobjikha valley, known for its vast wintering fields that serve as a refuge for black-necked cranes, rare and endangered in Bhoutan.
Paro, final stage
Tiger's Nest Trek
After breakfast, we set off on a hike to reach Tiger's Nest. This is the most picturesque icon and the main attraction of Bhoutan. Taktshang Tiger's Nest is situated on the edge of a steep cliff, 300m above the Paro valley.
We devote the day to an in-depth visit of Paro and its surroundings. We will notably admire several dzongs, the Bhutanese fortresses.
We begin with the Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, and continue towards the Ta Dzong, a clock tower whose role was to protect the Rinpung Dzong during inter-regional wars in the 17th century. We then pass through the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest sacred sanctuaries of the kingdom and whose creation dates back to the 7th century. We end our day of discovery at the Drukgyel Dzong, a fort erected in 1646, with a charming village nestled at its feet.
Good return and thank you!
Free morning then we are transferred to Paro airport for our return international flight.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- International Flights
- Repatriation insurance
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages at additional cost / alcoholic drinks
- Phone calls
- Non-mentioned transport
- Unmentioned excursions
- Everything not mentioned in "Included"
Included
- Accommodation in 3* hotels (based on 2 people per room)
- Camping equipment
- Full board
- Entrance fees for activities
- Experienced English-speaking guide (English-speaking guide as optional add-on with supplement)
- All transportation
- Government tax and other taxes
- Visa fees
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below provides entry requirements for tourists traveling to Bhutan. Entry regulations may change, and you are strongly advised to verify all information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Bhutan, your passport must be valid for a minimum of six months beyond your date of entry and must contain at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn, or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Bhutan for tourism purposes. There is no visa exemption for tourist stays.
The visa is issued exclusively through the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) and only via an authorized tourism operator. Independent travel is not permitted: all tourist visits must be arranged through a certified travel agency, which will handle the visa application on your behalf.
The visa is granted for the duration of your planned stay, generally up to 30 days, with the possibility of extension upon request to the competent authorities.
Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
All foreign visitors must pay the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), a daily charge established by the Bhutanese government to support sustainable development and environmental protection.
The current SDF rate is 100 USD per person per night. This fee is typically included in the package offered by the authorized tourism operator and generally covers:
basic accommodation,
meals,
an authorized official guide,
internal transportation.
Payment of the SDF is a mandatory requirement for obtaining a Bhutanese visa.
Travel with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own Bhutanese visa.
When a minor travels without one or both parents, a parental authorization or exit permit may be required depending on the regulations of the country of residence.
Health
No vaccinations are officially required for entry to Bhutan. However, due to the high altitude of many regions in the country, it is advisable to consult a doctor before departure to take appropriate precautions, particularly against altitude sickness. Travel and medical insurance that covers emergency evacuation is strongly recommended.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. All travelers are advised to verify the specific requirements for their country by contacting the embassy or consulate of Bhutan in their country of residence, or by visiting the Tourism Council of Bhutan website.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly recommended to be insured for repatriation assistance and medical expenses abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to enjoy your trip with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Supplementary Bank Card
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and claim reporting procedures are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the claim reporting procedures. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
Yes, all foreign travelers must obtain a Bhutanese visa and pay a Sustainable Development Fee (approximately 100 USD per day). The visa is obtained through an approved local agency (mandatory) before arrival. Our team handles all the formalities for you.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
Bhutan practices high-quality tourism with strong added value. Budget between €300 and €450 per day and per person, including the Daily Tariff, accommodation, meals, transport, English-speaking guide and activities. International flights (€1000-1400 return) via Delhi or Bangkok are additional.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt every itinerary to your travel profile. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, engaging and educational activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You fine-tune every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Thimphu Capital
Keeper of Himalayan Traditions, based in Thimphu
Bhutan is a country that moves at its own pace, trying to preserve what truly matters. It's this harmony between nature, culture, and spirituality that I love sharing with travelers.
— Yangchen
