Trekking in Bhutan
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Adventure · Trekking

Walk the Ancient Trails
of the Himalayas

3 TreksTo choose from
9–12 DaysDuration
Up to 4,942mMax altitude
2–10Group size
Explore Treks
Guide
Licensed & certified
Mandatory for all treks in Bhutan
Camp
Designated campsite
Camping throughout the trek
Food
Cooked meals
Freshly prepared on the trail
Transportation
Pack horses
Horses carry all gear on trek
Best Season
Mar–May · Sep–Nov
Clear skies and stable trails
Group size
2 – 10 people
Small groups, always
Choose Your Trail

Three legendary Bhutan treks

9 DaysDuration
Paro → DepartureRoute
4,235mMax Altitude
ModerateDifficulty
01Arrival

Arrival at Paro International Airport

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
  • Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
  • Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
  • Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
ArrivalParo
02Hike

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)

  • After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
  • 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
  • The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
  • Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
  • Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
Hiking: 4–5 hrsTiger's Nest: 3,120m
03Hike

Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike

  • Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
  • Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
  • Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
  • Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
  • Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
Chelela: 3,988mKila GoenpaPanoramic views
04Start

Paro → Jele Dzong (3,480m)

  • Drive to the trailhead at the National Museum above Paro (2,487m)
  • Trek through apple orchards, Damchena village, and pine forests
  • Visit Jele Dzong — a fortress in ruins with a Lhakhang housing the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni
  • Breathtaking views of Paro town and Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) on a clear day
Hiking: 4–5 hrs10 kmCamp: 3,480m
05Trek

Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha (3,780m)

  • Gradual ascent then descend below the ridgeline through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons
  • Possible sightings of monal pheasants along the trail
  • Visit Drela Samten Chokhor Monastery
  • Arrive at Jangchulakha — a yak herder's pasture with outstanding Himalayan and Dagala range views
Hiking: 4 hrs10 kmCamp: 3,780m
06Trek

Jangchulakha → Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m)

  • Trail follows the ridge through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons
  • Sensational views of Thimphu and Paro valleys below
  • Descend to Jimilangtsho Lake (3,880m) — famous for giant-sized mountain trout
  • Views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314m) from near the Chumela pass direction (4,150m)
Hiking: 4–5 hrs11 kmCamp: 3,880m
07Trek

Jimilangtsho → Simkota (4,110m)

  • Trail through fir forest and alpine willows, passing Janetsho Lake
  • Possible encounters with yak herder camps along the way
  • Trail winds through magnificent views of the Himalaya across deep valleys
  • Simkotatsho Lake (4,110m) visible below the final spur — camp in yak pasture
Hiking: 4 hrs11 kmCamp: 4,110m
08Finish

Simkota → Phajodhing → Thimphu

  • Gradual climb to a saddle at 4,150m — majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum
  • Climb to Phume La pass (4,235m) — the highest point, adorned with prayer flags
  • Descend through juniper trees to Phajodhing Monastery complex (3,750m)
  • Trek down through blue pine and juniper forests to Thimphu (Sangaygang road head)
  • Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
Hiking: 6–7 hrs14 kmOvernight: Thimphu
09Departure

Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing

  • Morning at leisure in Thimphu — last views of the capital valley
  • Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
  • Trek package concludes at your departure point
Paro Airport or PhuentsholingDeparture
Route: Paro → Jele Dzong → Jangchulakha → Jimilangtsho → Simkota → Phajodhing → Thimphu  |  Max altitude: 4,235m (Phume La)  |  Difficulty: Moderate — suitable for fit beginners with prior hiking experience

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Photos from the Trail
9 DaysDuration
Genekha → DepartureRoute
4,520mMax Altitude
Moderate–StrenuousDifficulty
01Arrival

Arrival at Paro International Airport

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
  • Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
  • Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
  • Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
ArrivalParo
02Hike

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)

  • After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
  • 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
  • The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
  • Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
  • Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
Hiking: 4–5 hrsTiger's Nest: 3,120m
03Hike

Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike

  • Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
  • Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
  • Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
  • Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
  • Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
Chelela: 3,988mKila GoenpaPanoramic views
04Start

Thimphu → Genekha → Gur (3,290m)

  • Drive 45km from Thimphu to Genekha village (2,800m) — the trek starting point
  • Trail through beautiful terraced fields and conifer vegetation
  • Short descent to river, then climb to a rock platform at 3,350m with valley views
  • Arrive at Gur (3,290m) amid yak pastures
Hiking: 5 hrs7 kmCamp: 3,290m
05Trek

Gur → Utsho Lake / Labatama (4,300m)

  • Trek across ridges through flowers, wild asparagus (spring), and large meadows
  • Climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons to Pagalabtsa pass (4,250m)
  • Panoramic views of Kanchenjunga and most Bhutanese Himalayan peaks from the pass
  • Descend into Labatama valley, ascend to Utsho Lake (4,300m) — golden trout in abundance
  • Camp beside the lake
Hiking: 6 hrs12 kmCamp: 4,300mBirding
06Lakes

Excursion Day at Labatama — Sertsho & Jagetsho Lakes

  • Day excursion to the pristine Sertsho and Jagetsho Lakes
  • Hike uphill to Sertsho Lake — easy and scenic trail
  • Walk over a small ridge and down to Jagetsho Lake
  • Optional: attempt the Jomo peak (5,500m) — requires scheduling an extra day
  • Return to camp at Labatama
Day hikePristine lakesOptional peak: 5,500m
07Trek

Labatama → Pankha (4,000m) via Labaguae Pass (4,510m)

  • Climb along the western side of Dala Tsho to a saddle at 4,520m
  • Majestic panorama of Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang and more
  • Cross Labaguae pass (4,510m) — the highest point of the trek
  • Descend via Docha Chu river to Pankha (4,000m)
Hiking: 5–6 hrs8 kmPass: 4,510mCamp: 4,000m
08Finish

Pankha → Talakha / Chamgang → Thimphu

  • Early start — cross several passes including Tseri La (4,150m) and Tala La (4,180m)
  • Look out for the rare Blue Poppy (June–July) and mountain birds
  • Long descent to Talakha Monastery perched on the ridge
  • Trek ends at Talakha or Chamgang road head (2,640m) — driver meets you for transfer to Thimphu
  • Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
Hiking: 8 hrs14 kmEarly startOvernight: Thimphu
09Departure

Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing

  • Morning at leisure in Thimphu — last views of the capital valley
  • Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
  • Trek package concludes at your departure point
Paro Airport or PhuentsholingDeparture
Route: Thimphu → Genekha → Gur → Labatama → Pankha → Talakha → Thimphu  |  Max altitude: 4,520m (Labaguae Pass saddle)  |  Difficulty: Moderate–Strenuous — prior trekking experience at altitude recommended

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12 DaysDuration
Paro → DepartureRoute
4,942mMax Altitude
StrenuousDifficulty
01Arrival

Arrival at Paro International Airport

  • Arrive at Paro International Airport — one of the world's most dramatic airport approaches
  • Meet and greet by your oh! Bhutan guide and driver
  • Transfer to your hotel in Paro and check in
  • Orientation briefing on the trek, kit check, and welcome dinner
ArrivalParo
02Hike

Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang, 3,120m)

  • After breakfast, hike to Bhutan's most iconic landmark — Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
  • 4–5 hour round trip through pine forest with increasingly dramatic views
  • The monastery clings to a cliffside at 3,120m above the Paro valley
  • Optional lunch at the cafeteria with stunning monastery views
  • Return to hotel in Paro — rest before the trek begins
Hiking: 4–5 hrsTiger's Nest: 3,120m
03Hike

Chelela Pass & Kila Goenpa Hike

  • Drive to Chelela Pass (3,988m) — Bhutan's highest motorable road
  • Panoramic views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake on a clear day
  • Hike to Kila Goenpa (Kila Nunnery) — one of Bhutan's oldest nunneries
  • Trail through rhododendron and blue pine forest
  • Return to Paro — overnight before trek departure
Chelela: 3,988mKila GoenpaPanoramic views
04Start

Shana → Thangthangkha (3,550m)

  • Drive to Drukgyel Dzong trailhead near Paro
  • Long day with small ups and downs through the Paro Chhu river valley
  • Enter the Jigme Dorji National Park
  • Valley gradually narrows to a meadow campsite at Thangthangkha
  • First views of Mt. Jomolhari on a clear day
Hiking: 5–6 hrs21 kmCamp: 3,550m
05Trek

Thangthangkha → Jangothang (4,100m)

  • Morning views of Mt. Jomolhari from camp
  • Trek up the Paro Chhu river valley through widening alpine meadows
  • Pass an army outpost with views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks
  • Pass traditional villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang
  • Arrive at Jangothang — one of the Himalayas' most dramatic campsites with spectacular Jomolhari views
Hiking: 5–6 hrs18 kmCamp: 4,100mJomolhari views
06Halt

Halt at Jangothang — Acclimatisation Day

  • Rest at Jangothang Base Camp (4,100m) to acclimatise before crossing Neylay La
  • Optional hike to Tshophu Twin Lakes (4,380m)
  • Optional walk toward the base of Mt. Jomolhari for closer views
  • Explore the ruins of Jangothang fortress
Rest & acclimatiseOptional hike: 4,380mTwin LakesCamp: 4,100m
07Pass

Jangothang → Charzhithang (3,950m) via Neylay La (4,877m)

  • Rapid climb then gradual ascent to Neylay La pass (4,877m)
  • Possible sightings of blue sheep grazing on the mountain slopes
  • Panoramic views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsheringmigang
  • Pass traditional yak herder tents woven from yak wool
  • Views of Lingzhi Dzong from the pass — descend to Charzhithang
Hiking: 6–7 hrs18 kmPass: 4,877mCamp: 3,950m
08Explore

Charzhithang — Exploration Day

  • Visit Gongyul — the ancient "Village of the Vulture Egg"
  • Explore Jagay Dzong (Vulture Fort) — built in the 13th century when Lam Phajo Drukgom Zhipo arrived
  • Village has been inhabited continuously since the 13th century
  • Explore Lingzhi Dzong — a remote fortress overlooking the valley
  • Rest and acclimatise at camp before the high-pass day ahead
Rest dayGongyul villageLingzhi Dzong
09Pass

Charzhithang → Shodu via Yaklay La (4,942m)

  • Climb to Yaklay La pass (4,942m) — the highest point of the trek
  • Spectacular views of Jomolhari, Tsheringmigang, and Jichu Drake on a clear day
  • Steep descent from the pass to the campsite at Shodu
Hiking: 8–9 hrs22 kmPass: 4,942m
10Trek

Shodu → Barshong (3,710m)

  • Follow the Thimphu Chhu river through colorful rhododendron forests
  • Beautiful waterfalls cascade along the route
  • Valley narrows as the trail climbs through mixed forest
  • Reach Barshong — camp near the ruins of the ancient Barshong Dzong
Hiking: 5–6 hrs18 kmCamp: 3,710mRhododendrons
11Trek End

Barshong → Dodena → Thimphu

  • Descend through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples, and bamboo
  • Possible sightings of Langur monkeys along the forest trail
  • Exit Jigme Dorji National Park at Dodena — cross an impressive cantilever bridge
  • Vehicle waits to transfer you to your hotel in Thimphu
  • Check in to hotel in Thimphu — overnight stay included before departure
Hiking: 7–8 hrs30 kmOvernight: ThimphuLangur monkeys
12Departure

Thimphu → Paro Airport / Phuentsholing

  • Morning at leisure in Thimphu — optional city exploration or rest
  • Transfer to Paro International Airport (approx. 1.5–2 hrs) or Phuentsholing border (approx. 4.5–5 hrs)
  • Trek package concludes at your departure point
Paro Airport or PhuentsholingDeparture
Route: Paro → Thangthangkha → Jangothang → Charzhithang → Shodu → Barshong → Dodena → Thimphu  |  Max altitude: 4,942m (Yaklay La)  |  Difficulty: Strenuous — good fitness and prior high-altitude trekking experience required

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Photos from the Trail
What's Included

Everything taken care of

All meals during the trek
Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats)
Licensed & certified trekking guide
Trained cook and kitchen staff
Pack horses or mules for gear
All ground transport & transfers
Visa & SDF documentation handled
In-country medical cover
Not Included

Good to know

International flights
Gratuities — tipping to guides & crew (recommended)
Guides are the backbone of every journey. They bring your experience to life — sharing stories, navigating the terrain, and giving their very best so your trip is safe, meaningful, and truly unforgettable.
Travel & medical evacuation insurance (strongly recommended)
Personal trekking gear & sleeping bag
Monument & park entry fees
Personal expenses & shopping

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