Hiking in Bhutan

Hiking holidays in Bhutan allow you to see the natural beauty and ways of life of this mountain kingdom in the best possible way. Many monasteries and cultural sites sit high on hills and mountains, often only accessible on foot. Which means even if you aren’t specifically interested in hiking, there’s a good chance you’ll do at least a little during your holiday.

Whether it’s short day hikes or epic multi-day adventures in the Himalayas that appeal, there’s a trail for you. Some hikes mean camp is made nightly and broken down in the morning, others involve homestays, permanent camps, simple guesthouses, or even access to a five star hotel. Whether you want a full-on hiking holiday or a mix of hiking and culture, we’d love to help you experience all that Bhutan has to offer.

Where to Hike in Bhutan

The short answer to the question of where to hike in Bhutan is everywhere. Short hikes such as Chedi Monastery less than 30 minutes outside of Thimphu and the trails above Paro that take you down to the National Museum are easy to access and can be included in any holiday. Full day walks between villages in the Bumthang Valleys or further east require more planning and time yet need not be strenuous. If you can make it to the Phobjika Valley, the Nature Trail passes through flat areas and gentle hills, allowing you to see some of the most stunning scenery in the country in about an hour.

If you want to get off the beaten path but don’t have time to go east, then the western Haa valley is only a short drive from Paro. Lodging in this region is simple and as the start of the Trans Bhutan Trail, you can expect beautiful walks through the hills along well-maintained paths. A multi-day hike from Haa to Paro offers incredible views and some steep summits.

For those seeking something more rigorous, there are countless options including the Bumdra Trek, Jomolhari Trek, Dagala Thousand Lakes, the Druk Path from Paro to Thimphu that continues to Punakha, and the infamous Snowman Trek that crosses the northern stretch of Bhutan. The options are nearly endless.

When to Hike in Bhutan

With a range of altitudes and climates, you can hike year-round in Bhutan. Spring and autumn (March-May and late September-November) offer mild temperatures and clear skies. These are the busiest months for visitors to Bhutan so while you can expect good weather, be prepared for more people on the trails and along the way. Spring brings flowers and autumn sees crisp clear air making both an excellent time to trek.

The summer months of June through early September bring monsoons so mud and rain can make hiking less pleasant although the lush green landscapes are a feast for the eyes. For any serious treks, it’s best to avoid July and August. Winter often sees snow in the mountains and sun in the valleys so for lower altitude hikes, this is an amazing time for views of the Himalayan peaks.

Ultimately, when to hike depends on where you want to hike and for how long. All Fleewinter holidays are bespoke and one of our Bhutan experts is an avid hiker so get in touch and we’ll help you have the hiking holiday of a lifetime.

Multi-day Hikes in Bhutan

From one night to thirty, multi-day treks in Bhutan can be part of any trip. Some are moderate overnight treks where all you need is a day pack with bedding provided at camp. Others traverse the country, your gear and camp moving on horseback while you immerse yourself in the landscapes on foot. At the extreme end, the 25-day Snowman Trek covers 347 kilometers, tops out at an elevation of 5,230 meters, and is considered one of the hardest treks in the world.

If you want to walk from west to east without the dangers of being above 4,000 meters, the recently reopened Trans Bhutan Trail is 403 kilometers and takes about a month to complete. With many access points, there’s no need to walk the entire pilgrimage route. You can do a few days, choosing the region and difficulty that appeals.

As all Fleewinter holidays are tailor made, please get in touch about hiking in Bhutan and we’ll find the right trek for you. One request, if any of your luggage will be carried by pony or horse, please use a duffle bag or other bag without wheels!

Hiking the Tiger’s Nest

A trip to Bhutan is not complete without feasting your eyes on the iconic Taktsang, or Tiger’s Nest. Here are a few things to know:

The hike is about 3km each direction and it takes most people 2-3 hours to ascend
To enter the monastery, your shoulders and knees should be covered with long trousers and a long-sleeved shirt the most respectful attire
Photographs and phones are not permitted within the monastery. There are lockers for checking bags, phones, and cameras before you enter
Although you can ride horseback to the halfway point, we don’t recommend this as the chances of serious injury are higher than hiking
As you approach Taktsang, there are many stairs going both up and down. A walking stick is a helpful tool
The path is steep at times and gentle in others. If you’re up for the adventure, it’s well worth the reward
It’s best to attempt Tiger’s Nest when your body has acclimated to the altitude and with a rest day afterward

Itineraries & Inspiration

Hiking in Bhutan

This 19-day hiking holiday begins in Nepal with day hikes in the Kathmandu valley so you can acclimate to the altitude incrementally. Once in Bhutan, you'll discover the incredible beauty of this remote land with a mix of short and long hikes, walks from one village to the next, and one overnight trek with unbelievable views.

Bumdra Trek

A two-day trek to 3,900 meters that ends with descending to Tiger's Nest after a night in a camp with hot showers and amazing views. If you don't have time for long treks elsewhere in the country, this is a great option for an overnight hike above Paro.

Paro

Home to the country's only international airport and the well-known cliffside Paro Taktsang or Tiger's Nest monastery, your holiday will almost certainly start and end here.

Thimphu

This capital city is the largest in the nation and although it's becoming more modern, it maintains its historic character and charm. Home to many museums and other sights that provide insight into Bhutanese culture, Thimphu is worth at least two nights on your holiday.

Punakha

Generally considered the most beautiful fortress in a country full of stunning buildings, Punakha Dzong alone makes it worth visiting this small city in a subtropical valley. The drive over mountain passes is memorable and on a clear day, the views are spectacular.

Gangtey

If you're hoping to see black-necked cranes, the Gangtey region will be on your itinerary. Late October is typically the best month to see these rare birds coming through although you may see them all the way into February.

Bumthang

Many call this the cultural heart of the country, and if time allows for a visit to Bumthang, you'll be well rewarded. Bring good walking shoes as some of the best sights are seen on foot.