Bhutan Walking
A Secluded Himalayan Kingdom
It’s a place you feel lucky to have experienced. So exotic. So dramatic. Hidden deep in the Himalayas. Restricted by the government. It has an untouched essence that’s indescribable. It practically rubs off on you. Makes you want to cancel cable. From the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions to its remote location. Temples that cling to the cliffs. People who live unimaginably serene, simple and full lives. You’ve discovered something that seemed like it couldn’t still exist. But it does. Bhutan is there. See it for yourself if you’re lucky.
- An ancient landscape where life’s daily rituals remain sacred
- Hike to secluded temples and monasteries, including the famed Tiger’s Nest
- Namgay, our guide and friend, opens doors normally closed to foreigners
- Ascend herders’ trails to find valley views and colorful prayer flags
- Exchange ideas with Buddhist monks and receive a blessing
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Namgay, our guide and longtime friend, opens doors normally closed to foreigners; ask him about his tenure in the National Assembly 
Explore Paro Dzong, a massive fortress and hub for spiritual and community life.
Days 2-3 An ancient landscape where life’s daily rituals remain sacred Cresting Dochu La mountain pass, take in a panorama of snowcapped Himalayan peaks Pine forests line our path through Punakha Valley Hike to Chorten Nebu, a 14th-century temple accessible only by foot.
Day 4 Ascend herders' trails to find valley views and colorful prayer flags Exquisite riverside Punakha Dzong, Bhutan’s 300-year-old winter capital, still exudes eminence See traditional thangka silk paintings at Thimphu’s art school.
Day 5 Exchange ideas with Buddhist monks and receive a blessing Cheri Goemba Monastery beckons from above Dodina village En route through Thimphu Valley, meet Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.
Days 6-8 Hike to secluded temples and monasteries, including the otherworldly cliff-clinging Tiger’s Nest Believe in legends? A giant ogress inspired construction of 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery Paro’s shops abound with exotic items Sip a hot brew 9,200 feet up at Taktshang teahouse and savor superb views.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
Bhutan is simply an amazing place, straight out of the pages of National Geographic. I feel honored to be a guest in this extraordinary country every time I visit - the Buddhist culture & architecture make it feel like one of the last isolated kingdoms on the planet. Shangri-La is a myth, but no other country for me has such a magical allure, and exploring it on foot is truly a remarkable experience.- Regional Manager Asia & the East Coast More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Bhutan Walking
Premiere Inns
Uma Paro
Paro (1 night) An upscale hillside retreat with luxurious guest rooms; the main building was formerly a Bhutanese nobleman’s home. (spa)
Meri Puensum Resort
Punahka (2 nights) Traditional lodging with views across the rice fields and orange groves of the Punakha Valley.
Taj Tashi Hotel
Thimphu (2 nights) Designed in Bhutanese dzong architectural style, and just steps away from cultural sites and the market.
Zhiwa Ling
Upper Paro Valley (2 nights) With impressive masonry and elaborate hand-carved cornices, this hotel is set on a verdant mountainside and combines Bhutanese hospitality with modern conveniences. (spa)
Bhutan Walking
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Walking 2.8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 4.8 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 3.3, 4.7 miles
- 1000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1 hour
- Hiking 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Level 2 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 2, 3.2 miles
- 500 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1, 3.7 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 7
- Levels 2 to 3 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 3.3, 6.1 miles
- 1500 - 2500 feet elevation gain
Day 8
- Conclusion of Trip