Many trekking and hiking trails can be found in Bhutan's highlands and valleys, which are well-liked by residents and perfect for visitors wishing to get outside of urban areas. Meeting monks and locals can be facilitated by taking walks to monasteries and villages. There are numerous lower-altitude climbs in the Himalayas that lead to expansive views of snow-capped peaks and deep valleys via picturesque settings like rhododendron forests and farmland. Hiking is a great opportunity to experience Bhutan's culture and natural beauty. Below are some of the top trekking and hiking trails that tourists can explore during their adventurous trip to Bhutan.
An absolute must-see in Bhutan is the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery, also known as Paro Taktsang, which is perched dramatically on a sheer cliff 900 meters above the valley. Its breathtaking beauty and location make the three to four hour hike an amazing experience; legend has it that Guru Rinpoche flew here on a tigress, hence its name, and a charming cafe with monastery views offers a welcome stop for lunch, tea, or snacks.
Start your journey by traveling to Bhutan's highest motorable point, the 3990-meter-high Chelela Pass, which provides views of Jomolhari throughout the day. Admire stunning views of the Paro and Haa valleys as you go along the slope decorated with prayer flags. The opportunity to see blue poppies and rhododendron plants add to the hike's allure. Climb to Gungkarpo, which has a sky burial site, and then descend to the serene Kila Goemba Nunnery via meadows and silver fir forests. Beautiful, tranquil views of the Paro valley may be seen from this cliffside temple complex.
From a monastery with a view of the Paro valley, you start your spiritual journey to Bumdra. The first two-hour ascent rewards you with breathtaking views of the valley below as it winds through picturesque pine, spruce, and fir forests. The camp provides comfort and delectable food, and it is situated beneath the holy Bumdra monastery, which is said to have been blessed by 100,000 angels. A 40-minute climb from the camp takes you to the 4200-meter top, where you can enjoy unhindered views of the magnificent Himalayan range for even more stunning vistas.
Goensakha Temple, which offers breathtaking views of the Paro valley and is ideal for taking pictures of Rinpung Dzong, the airport, the town, and the mountains, is 20 minutes uphill from the national museum. You may get a close-up look at Drukair flights. Before descending to Uma Resort for pickup, the trail continues to the century-old Zuri Dzong and Namthong Karpo cave, where Guru Rinpoche meditated. Before embarking on a trek, this lovely, easy climb is an excellent way to acclimate.
On clear days, Lungchutse Goenpa provides 360° Himalayan views from this charming Thimphu climb. Walk south of the mani wall and chortens from Dochula Pass, then continue uphill over cow tracks to a man-made route. To reach Lungchutse temple, which is indicated by prayer flags on logged hillsides, continue through mossy rhododendrons, hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo. After touring the temple, head 150 meters to the Trashing Goenpa, a significant meditation center from the 18th century. Following there, the track zigzags sharply down to a farm road, where it joins the main road for your return trip to Thimphu.
This temple, which displays outstanding Bhutanese artistry, was constructed in the late 20th century by the Queen Mother for the benefit of the Kingdom and the long life of the Druk Gyalpo Go over rice paddies, over a suspension bridge, and then ascend a gentle trail from the base of the hill. The 4-story temple offers the greatest views of the Punakha valley after an hour-long trek, while the descent takes 30 minutes. In summer, the route may become muddy. Savor the breathtaking view and this picturesque hike.
The Giligang Trail is perfect for a great day hike in Punakha that combines some of the city's main attractions. It begins with a stroll through rice fields and traditional agriculture to the Khamsum Chorten, which is renowned for its breathtaking sweeping views. Giligang Temple, the ideal location for a picnic lunch, is reached after continuing the hike uphill. The trail then drops down toward the river, where you will find the magnificent Punakha Dzong.
This walk is great for a picturesque hike that highlights the splendor of Gangtey. It winds toward a little village through bush bamboo. Yaks frequently graze here in the winter, and the valley is surrounded by colorful rhododendron trees. A gradual ascent through fir, hemlock, rhododendron, birch, and dwarf bamboo leads to Kayche La, marked by prayer flags. The trail softly descends through a lengthy, gorgeous stretch of farmland and meadows on the opposite side of the pass, which opens up into broad meadows.
The Gangtey Nature Trail, which starts at the Mani stone wall north of Gangtey Gonpa and ends at Khewa Lhakhang, is the most picturesque and shortest nature trail in Bhutan. Nature lovers will love this 1.5-hour hike, which winds through peaceful pine trees and tiny bamboo groves while offering breathtaking views of the charming Phobjikha valley. Notably, this trail provides a unique chance to see the endangered black-necked cranes in the winter.
Hiking the Bumthang Bushman Trail is pleasant and easy. A pine forest trail and a mountaintop with views of the Chamkhar valley and a charming meadow for snacks may be reached after a half-hour stroll along a farm road through farms. After passing Zangdopelri and Pemacholling Nunnery while continuing through the pine forest, you will arrive at the trail's terminus at the Bebzur Chukpoi Mei Museum, where you can have a traditional Bumthap lunch. A lunch in Pemacholling Nunnery, which is a short stroll from the museum, is an alternative. Your may drive to Mebartsho (Burning Lake) from the trail's conclusion and explore the museum, nunnery, and lake before heading back to your lodging, or continue walking on a farm road.