Adventure AsiaAI-assisted
Chimi Lhakhang, Bhutan
  • Dochu La Pass
  • Dochu La Pass
  • Hike to Taktshang Monaster
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten
  • National Institute for Zorig Chusum
Bhutan8 days

Bhutan: Mountain Hikes & Thermal Wellness — 8 Days

Paro to Thimphu to Punakha: high-altitude day walks and traditional spa treatments across the western valleys

This eight-day journey moves through Bhutan's western regions on foot and by vehicle, pairing moderate mountain hikes with stays at thermal springs and spa facilities. Days begin with walks to ridge-top temples and Buddha statues; afternoons are spent in hot stone baths, river settings, and massage rooms. The route covers the Phajoding ridge above Thimphu, the Lungchoetse trail near Dochula Pass, the short climb to Khamsum Yulley Chorten above the Punakha Valley, and the full-day ascent to Tiger's Nest above Paro. Between hikes, the itinerary includes visits to craft schools, regional museums, and a monastery dedicated to fertility rites. A final day reaches Chelela Pass at 4,000 meters by vehicle before descent.

Best time to go: mar/ apr/ may/ jun/ sep/ oct/ nov

Highlights

  • Early-morning Phajoding Hike departing from Thimphu with views across the valley
  • Lungchoetse Hike and descent to Dochula Pass, with chortens marking the ridgeline
  • River rafting on the Punakha Mo Chhu after a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten
  • Tiger's Nest Monastery, a full-day trek from Paro with final passage across a chain bridge to the cliff-face temple
  • Chelela Pass (4,000 m), Bhutan's highest motorable road, reached by vehicle from Paro
  • Traditional hot stone baths and spa treatments in Punakha and Paro
  • Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest temples, and Taa Dzong Museum in Paro
  • Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple associated with fertility blessings

Day by day

1Paro Airport Arrival and Transfer to ThimphuParo International Airport · Paro International Airport to Thimphu
Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to Thimphu, 50 kilometers east, by private vehicle.
2Phajoding Hike and Thimphu's Arts HeritagePhajoding monastery · Traditional School of Arts and Crafts · Folk Heritage Museum
Early-morning hike to Phajoding monastery through pine forest. Afternoon visits to the Traditional School of Arts and Crafts and Folk Heritage Museum.
3Dochula Pass and Lungchoetse Hike to PunakhaDochula Pass · Punakha · Kuenselphodrang Buddha statue
Drive via Kuenselphodrang Buddha statue to Dochula Pass. Hike the Lungchoetse trail among chortens Continue to Punakha for the afternoon—swim, massage, or hot stone bath at your hotel.
4Khamsum Yulley Chorten and River RaftingKhamsum Yulley Chorten · Mo Chhu river · cycling trail · spa
A 30-minute hike to Khamsum Yulley Chorten offers views across the Mo Chhu river. Afternoon river rafting follows, then a cycling trail walk before returning for an evening spa treatment.
5Drive to Paro, Chimmi Lhakhang, and Kyichu LhakhangParo · Chimmi Lhakhang · Kyichu Lhakhang · Taa Dzong Museum
A five-hour drive (170km) brings you to Paro. Visit Chimmi Lhakhang, then Kyichu Lhakhang, Taa Dzong Museum, and visit town.
6Paro: Tiger's Nest Hike and Hot Stone BathParo · Tiger's Nest Monastery
Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery Evening: traditional hot stone bath and bonfire.
7Chelela Pass and Local Brewery VisitChelela Pass · a local beer brewery
The morning drive reaches Chelela Pass (4,000 m), Bhutan's highest motorable road, offering wide views across the Himalayan foothills before descent back to Paro. The afternoon includes a visit to a local beer brewery, with free time for rest or personal exploration.
8Departure from ParoParo
Hotel checkout and airport transfer.

Where you go

Map: Bhutan: Mountain Hikes & Thermal Wellness — 8 Days route
Numbers follow the itinerary order. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap
  1. 1Paro International Airport
  2. 2Dochula Pass
  3. 3Punakha
  4. 4Kuenselphodrang Buddha statue
  5. 5Paro
  6. 6Chimmi Lhakhang
  7. 7Kyichu Lhakhang
  8. 8Paro
  9. 9Tiger's Nest Monastery
  10. 10Paro

Included

  • Accommodation at 5* rated hotels
  • All meals (Breakfast & Dinner at hotels, Lunch at restaurants)
  • English Speaking Tour Guide
  • Private vehicle transfers
  • Entrance Fees to attractions
  • Activities as per itinerary

Not included

  • Flights
  • Insurance
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusions
  • SDF payable to the government
  • Visa fee $40 per person
  • Disclaimer:
  • For Indian Nationals, SDF fees are INR.1200/person/night. Please contact us for applicable price if you are of Indian nationality.
  • Please contact us for specific requests on luxury accommodation as prices may vary.
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