Nature Walks in Bhutan 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
Package Description
Immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Bhutan on this 7-day nature and walking tour. Explore Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha, and Paro through scenic walks, short treks, and cultural experiences. Enjoy pristine Himalayan landscapes, historic monasteries, lush valleys, wildlife, and Bhutanese culture. Experience local life, traditional architecture, and the spiritual heart of the Last Shangri-La.
Tour Facts
- Duration: 6 Nights / 7 Days
- Destinations Covered: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Phobjikha
- Total Driving Distance: ~376 km
- Peak Altitudes:
- Thimphu: 2,300 m
- Punakha: 1,300 m
- Phobjikha: 2,900 m
- Paro (Tiger’s Nest): 3,120 m
- Transport Mode: Private car with driver and guide
- Physical Activity Level: Moderate – hikes 45 min – 2 hr
- Best Time to Visit: September–November, February–April
- Focus:
- Cultural: Buddhism, festivals, traditional architecture, handicrafts
- Nature: Himalayan views, rivers, forests, rhododendron valleys, black-necked cranes
Daywise Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival Paro to Thimphu, 54km, 1hr drive
- Scenic drive along Paro and Thimphu rivers
- Hike to Wangditse Monastery: 45–60 min through oak, blue pine, and rhododendron forest
- Explore Thimphu town and local handicraft shops
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2,300 m
Day 2
Thimphu Sightseeing
- Full-day Phajoding Hike through pine forests to monasteries and meditation sites
- Visit Buddha Dordenma – giant Buddha statue overlooking Thimphu valley
Overnight: Thimphu | Altitude: 2,300 m
Day 3
Thimphu to Punakha, 71km 2hr drive
- Drive via Dochula Pass (3,150 m) with 108 chortens and panoramic Himalayan views
- Hike to Chimi Lhakhang – Temple of Fertility, 30 min uphill hike through scenic villages
- Visit Punakha Dzong – magnificent fortress at confluence of Phochu & Mochu rivers
Overnight: Punakha | Altitude: 1,300 m
Day 4
Punakha to Phobjikha, 75km 2hr drive
- Scenic drive through Wangdue, Gangtey, and Lawala Pass
- Visit Gangtey Gompa and Gangtey Nature Trail – easy 1–2 hr trek through villages and forests
- Spot black-necked cranes at Crane Center
- Evening farmhouse visit and traditional dinner with locals
Overnight: Phobjikha | Altitude: 2,900 m
Day 5
Phobjikha to Paro, 170km, 4hr 30mins drive
- Retrace route via Wangdue, Punakha, and Dochula Pass
- Lungchutse Hike: Loop trail with 360° Himalayan views, including Gangkhar Puensum
- Experience archery and Bhutanese dress-up in Paro
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,200 m
Day 6
Paro Sightseeing
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest Monastery): 3 km trek, 1.5–2 hr through pine forests to cliffside temple at 3,120 m
- Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples
- Evening hot stone bath at farmhouse (optional)
Overnight: Paro | Altitude: 2,300 m
Day 7
Departure
-
Transfer to Paro International Airport for onward journey
Farewell to Bhutan – Tashi Delek!
Inclusions
- Accommodation in hotels/farmhouses (6 nights)
- Government Sustainable Development Fess (SDF) & Visa Fess
- Meals as per itinerary (breakfasts, trekking lunches, some dinners)
- Transport: private car with driver and guide
- Hiking and nature trail excursions
- Entrance fees to monuments and monasteries
- Local guide services
Exclusions
- International flights to/from Bhutan
- Travel insurance covering trekking
- Personal expenses, tips, laundry, phone calls
- Optional hot stone bath or farm dinner
- Drinks beyond included beverages and snacks
- Optional gear rental
Package Informarion
Best Time to Walk & Hike
- September–November: Clear skies, post-monsoon freshness
- February–April: Mild weather, early rhododendron blooms
- Avoid: Monsoon (June–August) and heavy winter (Dec–Jan) for snow on high passes
Packing List
Clothing:
- Lightweight trekking pants, T-shirts, and long sleeves
- Warm fleece or down jacket
- Waterproof windproof jacket
- Hat, gloves, scarf
- Comfortable trekking shoes and casual footwear
Gear & Essentials:
- Daypack (20–25L)
- Water bottle / hydration system
- Trekking poles (optional)
- Sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
- Personal medications, first aid kit
- Camera / smartphone, chargers
Optional:
- Binoculars for birdwatching
- Notebook / journal
- Snacks for hikes
Meals
- Daily breakfast included
- Packed picnic lunches during hikes
- Some dinners included, including farmhouse experiences
- One local beverage per meal included
- Optional hot stone bath dinner (additional cost)
Safety & Health Considerations
- Accompanied by certified Bhutanese guides
- Moderate hiking pace maintained; gentle elevation gain
- Altitude-related precautions: drink water, avoid alcohol, rest as needed
- Trekking first aid kit and emergency support available
- Food safety: eat freshly prepared meals; drink bottled/boiled water
Altitude Info:
- Thimphu: 2,300 m
- Punakha: 1,300 m
- Phobjikha: 2,900 m
- Paro (Tiger’s Nest): 3,120 m