Bhutan Off-Beaten Trail of Tigers Nest
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Bumdrak
Package Description
Discover Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery via an off-the-beaten-path hiking experience. This short but immersive journey combines culture, history, and nature. Trek through pine forests, alpine ridges, and scenic valleys, camp under the stars, and explore sacred monasteries and Bhutanese heritage sites.
Tour Facts
- Duration: 4 Nights / 5 Days
- Destinations Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Bumdrak
- Peak Altitudes:
- Thimphu: 2,300 m
- Paro: 2,219 m
- Bumdrak (camping): 3,990 m
- Tiger’s Nest: 3,120 m
- Transport: Private car with driver and guide
- Physical Activity Level: Moderate to challenging – trekking 4–5.5 hours/day
Best Time to Visit: September–November, February–April
Daywise Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Paro & Thimphu Sightseeing
- Drive 54 km to Thimphu (1.5 hr)
- Visit:
- Kuensel Phodrang: tallest Buddha statue with Thimphu valley views
- National Memorial Chorten – witness local circumambulation
- Traditional Paper Factory: observe and try ancient handmade paper craft
- Tashichhoe Dzong: historic fortress and government secretariat
- Craft Bazaar: local arts, handicrafts, and souvenirs
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2,300 m
Day 2
Thimphu to Paro Sightseeing
-
Hike to Cheri (Chagri) Monastery, oldest Buddhist institute of Bhutan (1 hr)
- Picnic lunch at Cheri base
- Drive to Paro, stop for scenic views of Paro Airport
Visit:
- National Museum of Bhutan (Ta Dzong) – ancient artifacts and exhibitions
- Paro Rinpung Dzong & Rinpung Bridge – historical fortress and cantilever bridge
- Optional: Wear traditional Bhutanese dress
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,219 m
Day 3
Hike to Bumdrak Monastery
- Drive to Sangchoekor Monastery and explore the surroundings
- Trek to Bumdrak: 7 km / ~4 hours
- Scenic forestry ridge, Chhoe Lhakhang temple for panoramic Paro valley views
- Open meadow with chortens and prayer flags
- Visit Bumdrak Monastery (“Cave of Thousand Prayers”) – sacred site with ancient legends
Overnight: Camping at Bumdrak | Altitude: 3,990 m
Day 4
Hike from Bumdrak to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
- Trek downhill 9 km / ~5.5 hours to Paro Taktsang
- Iconic cliffside monastery perched 900 m above Paro valley
- Historical significance: Guru Rimpoche meditated here in the 7th century
- Visit Kichu Lhakhang – sacred temple dating back to 7th century
- Evening Hot-stone bath at farmhouse – traditional therapeutic experience
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,219 m
Day 5
Departure
-
Transfer to Paro International Airport for onward flight
Farewell to Bhutan – Tashi Delek!
Inclusions
- Accommodation in hotels & camping (4 nights)
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfasts, picnic lunches, selected dinners)
- Private transport with driver and guide
- All entrance fees to monasteries, dzongs, and museums
- Trekking support and camping facilities
- Taxes and service charges
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Bhutan
- Travel insurance covering trekking
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry, phone calls
- Optional hot-stone bath or farmhouse dinner
- Extra drinks/snacks
- Gear rental (if required)
Package Informarion
Best Time to Trek
- September–November: Clear skies, post-monsoon freshness
- February–April: Mild weather, early rhododendron blooms
- Avoid heavy monsoon (June–August) and severe winter (Dec–Jan)
Packing List
Clothing:
- Trekking pants, long-sleeve shirts, lightweight layers
- Warm fleece/down jacket
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Sturdy trekking shoes
Gear:
- Daypack (20–25L)
- Water bottle / hydration pack
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Personal medications and first aid kit
Optional:
- Camera/binoculars
- Snacks for trekking
Meals
- Breakfasts, lunch & dinner included daily
- Picnic lunches during hikes
- Dinner included on Day 2 and optional traditional farmhouse experiences
- Local beverages included (1 per meal)
Safety & Health Considerations
- Certified Bhutanese guide throughout the tour
- Moderate trekking pace; altitude acclimatization considered
- Altitude precautions: hydrate, rest, avoid alcohol
- Trekking first aid kit available
- Food safety: eat freshly prepared meals; drink bottled water