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Bhutan Walking

Bhutan Walking

Dreaming of a vacation that enlivens your adventurous spirit? Walk with us in Bhutan, a mountain nestled between India and Tibet, that has been isolated and protected for centuries by mighty Himalayan peaks. Tradition and Buddhism infuse every facet of life from the jingling brass bells of prayer wheels to ornate monasteries perched high above terraced rice paddies. Change is coming to Bhutan, but the country isn’t blindly adopting modern western culture. Join us for the unique opportunity to see how the Bhutanese balance development and tradition, and to meet Namgay Tsering, our incredible local guide, who proudly shares his culture with us throughout the trip. Shangri-La may be a fictional land, but you’ll find something akin to its wonders amid Bhutan's natural beauty, cultural richness and friendly people.

Days 1-2 Paro Valley

Meet in Bangkok, Thailand, and fly to Paro, Bhutan  Join Namgay, our guide for the past ten years and a former National Assembly member, to explore the massive fortress of Paro Dzong, a hub for spiritual life and community events Hike on a hillside covered in prayer flags to Kyichu Lhakhang Monastery. 

Days 3-4 Thimphu

In the capital city of Thimphu, visit an art school to see examples of the traditional thangka style of painting, embroidery and other crafts  Join a Buddhist historian for an insightful discussion of local life and the significance of Buddhism From the village of Dodina, ascend on foot to Cheri Goemba Monastery  Stroll through the Thimphu Valley  Meet takins, rare Himalayan creatures that are Bhutan's national animal.

Days 5-6 Punakha

Shuttle to Dochu La mountain pass and take in panoramic views of snowcapped Himalayan peaks Walk through pine forests to our hotel in the Punakha Valley Hike to Chorten Nebu, a 14th-century temple accessible only by foot and rarely visited by foreigners.

Days 7-9 Paro

Explore areas of Punakha Dzong, the winter capital of Bhutan for more than 300 years  Discover the shops of Paro for exotic and unique goods  Follow an ancient path to the Taktshang teahouse, situated at 9,200 feet and offering superb views of the otherworldly Taktshang Monastery, also known as  the Tiger's Nest, and surrounding valley  Fly to Bangkok.

big map

VALLEY VIEWS: Premiere Inns

Zhiwa Ling Hotel (2 nights): With impressive masonry and elaborate hand-carved cornices, this hotel on a verdant mountainside combines traditional Bhutanese warmth and hospitality with modern conveniences, including a spa, fitness center and gourmet restaurant.

Taj Tashi Hotel (2 nights): Designed in Bhutanese dzong architectural style, this newly opened service-oriented hotel is located in the heart of Thimpu, just steps away from cultural sites, shopping and the market.

Meri Puensum Resort (2 nights): Sitting high above the Punakha Valley and the Puna Tsang River, this simple hotel - currently our best option in the area - offers views over rice fields and orange trees that can’t be beat.

Uma Paro (2 nights): This five-star hotel features luxurious guest rooms, gourmet dining and a spa with treatments, including traditional Bhutanese hot stone and herbal baths.

Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
Day 6
Day 7
Day 8
Day 9

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
Level 1 2-3 hours 10-20 mile 2-5 miles
Level 2 2-4 hours 21-30 miles 5-7 miles
Level 3 3-5 hours 31-40 miles 7-9 miles
Level 4 4-6 hours 41-55 miles 9-11 miles
Level 5 5-7+ hours 56-75+ miles 11-13+ miles
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS

Guest Trip Reviews

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.
Christian Chumbley - Regional Manager Asia & the East Coast

This trip was the most amazing travel experience I've ever had. The combination of living in and learning about the culture of Bhutan and beautiful hikes to incomparable temples with historic, religious and artistic features was incredible. The local guide was outstanding.
Nancy Ashley - Seattle, WA

This was a phenomenal experience rich in culture, history, architecture and landscape. Bhutan is a beautiful country with beautiful people. It left me wanting to return and see more and learn more about this wondrous place and its people. Bhutan was an amazing experience I will remember forever. There are many other places I would like to visit, but I have to go back to Bhutan!
Jennifer Carzoli - Chicago, IL