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Our Selection of the best destinations of Nepal allows travelers to see the real beauty of the Himalayan country

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Experiences curated by our team of passionate travelers for you to experience Nepal authentically

Day Tours

Being one of the best destination management companies in Nepal, our day tours are designed to show you the best destinations in Nepal in a limited time

  • Pokhara, Must visit Place in Nepal
  • Tibet, Royal Mountain travel, Best travel agency in Nepal
  • Manaslu Tsum Valley Trek, Best trekking destinations in Nepal

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Western Bhutan Hike

Bhutan

Western Bhutan Hike

10 Day Trek
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Bhutan

Western Bhutan Hike

Bhutan
10 Day Trek
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Trip Overview

This 10 days’ itinerary begins with a tour of the most cultural sites in the capital of Thimpu. See the stunning natural beauty of this Himalayan Kingdom with a drive across Dochula Pass, hike in the glacial valley of Phobjikha and a monastery and market tours in semi-tropical Punakha and monastery. Visit the green Paro Valley and hike the most famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery.

Trip Highlights

  • Take a physically challenging, but visual rewarding trek to dramatic Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) – the most iconic sight of Bhutan.
  • Learn about the rich history and culture of Bhutan
  • Explore National Memorial Chorten, traditional arts (painting, carving, weaving, etc.) and Buddha Point in Thimpu
  • Marvel at the rich traditional architecture
  • Day hikes to remote gompas through incredible scenery
  • Picnic lunches with locals

Itinerary

Arrive Paro (2195m) – sightseeing

The Druk Air flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of the country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro Valley as you land. Bhutan’s first gift to you will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After immigration you will be greeted by your guide. 

Later head out to visit Ta Dzong (the National Museum), built in the C7th as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1967.  Below the museum is the Rinpung Dzong, built to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders, it is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. A short walk takes you across a traditional cantilevered bridge to one of the innumerable archery grounds (Archery is the National sport of Bhutan) where you can have an archery lesson.

 

Paro – Hike to Taktsang (3180m) – visit Kyichu Lhakhang

Start early to drive to Ramthangkha for the hike up to Taktsang monastery. The hike up takes 2-3 hours depending on your fitness, with a break at the viewpoint (and cafeteria) to enjoy stunning views of the monastery where Guru Padmasambhava landed, riding on the back of a tigress in the C8th. Hence the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The interior design of the temple impresses with its luxurious beauty: a gold-plated dome and flickering lights that illuminate golden idols. In the hall of Thousand Buddhas, which is carved into the rock, a large statue of a tiger is located. There are 8 meditation caves, including those where Padmasambhava arrived and the one where he meditated.

After the hike back down visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan built in the C7th, is said to be one of the 13 great geomantic temples ordered built by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of central Tibet.

Chumbu Monastery Hike (5-6 hours)

If you still have doubts, a visit to Chumbu Monastery might convince you that magic truly exists. Chumbu is a 15th century temple founded by terton (treasurer discoverer) Drugda Dorji. Due to its unique statue, it is an extremely popular pilgrimage site. The walk to the monastery takes you along the river, through an enchanting forest until reaching a chorten, you may spot magpies, jungle cock and pheasants. The last incline up to the temple is fairly steep.

The highlight of a visit to Chumbu is the statue of the floating Buddha, Dorji Phangmo (Vajira Yogini). This statue is said to be miraculously floating in the air. At a first glance, you might think that the statue is standing on the ground, however if you get a flashlight and a piece of paper, you will see that you can easily slide the piece of paper between the firm ground and the Buddha’s foot.

The temple grounds are serene place for a picnic lunch before exploring the small waterfall above.

Paro – Thimphu – Phajoding Gompa Hike

Phajoding takes its name from the saint Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, who meditated there in the 13th century and is considered one of the most sacred meditational sites in Bhutan. The monastery itself is an open complex that comprises many holy buildings and relics and a State monastic school that currently houses 40 monks. The trek to Phajoding is an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce.

At a leisurely pace, the hike takes about four hours. Phajoding provides an excellent view of Thimphu Valley and is also a retreat centre for monks and nuns. You can visit some ancient monasteries and commune with the monks. Later by evening, you walk down the trail back to the city.

Hike to Lungchutse Monastery – Drive to Punakha

Today’s 10km trail is one of the most picturesque hikes in the Thimphu region. Starting from the large chorten on the Dochu-la pass the trail slowly climbs through a forest of hemlock, birch and rhododendrons until reaching an open meadow.Re-entering a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, gigantic hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth, a small trail leads you the last 50 meters past a row of fluttering prayer flags up to Lungchutse Temple. On clear days, the view from the temple is fantastic! You will have a 360° view of the Himalayas including views of Jumolhari (7314m) and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan and the highest unclimbed peak in the world (7497m). You can also see Gasa Dzong, as a tiny white speck in a sea of green almost 50 kilometres to the north.

 A trail below Lungchutse, leads to Trashigang village and temple then slowly descends through spruce, rhododendron, hemlock and juniper forest. Have lunch around the chorten in the temple’s courtyard while watching the monks in their daily endeavours.

After returning to the main road, you have the option to visit Hongtsho Temple on the hill side, a short hike up through the village. It was built in 1525 by the older brother of Drukpa Kuenlay, the Divine Mad Man. It is a two-story traditional Bhutanese building where the main alter room has several enormous statues of important figures in the history of Bhutanese Buddhism

Drive to Punakha.

Punakha Sightseeing – Hike to Khamsum Yuelley

Spend the morning sightseeing in Punakha town including a visit to Punakha Dzong (Fortress). Punakha was the old capital of Bhutan and is still the winter residence of Central Monastic Body. Punakha Dzong is the most magnificent and largest Dzong in Bhutan scenically located between two rivers.

An enjoyable, yet challenging hike, hike takes you through rice paddies and up the winding trail to Khamsum Chorten.  Rest here whilst admiring this impressive structure and the beautiful view of the valley below. 

Continue climbing slowly upwards to Giligang. There are numerous places on the way with inspiring views of the surrounding temples, rice paddies, mountain tops and green forests. Giligang is a 300-year-old privately owned monastery which has been in the care of the same family for generations 

It is the perfect spot to enjoy your picnic lunch. If you are lucky, the charming old couple who resides in the temple might offer some ngaja and join you for some food and good laughs. Descend to Changyul Bridge just before Punakha Dzong where your car will pick you up.

Punakha – jungle hike to Hokatsho

This beautiful untouched lake is hidden amidst dense jungle vegetation. The hike starts on a red mud path sloping uphill through small villages before reaching the C15th temple Chorten Nyeabu. From here, the path follows a man-made creek all the way to the lake. As you climb the vegetation gets denser and the sound of insects is impressive.

Take in the beauty of the setting before continuing down again on an alternative path which is not as steep. You can enjoy a picnic lunch in one of the charming farmhouses scattered on the hillside overlooking the valley. Enjoy the gorgeous views whilst sipping some ngaja with the locals, before commencing on the last hour down to the pickup point.

Drive from Thimpu to Paro –  sightseeing

This morning drive back to Thimphu. Here visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974 in the memory of Bhutan’s third King, His Late Majesty, and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. Also visit the institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School. The Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. 

In the afternoon continue to the Zilukha Nunnery and meet some of the nuns. Perched on a promontory, overlooking picturesque Trashichhoedzong and Golf course, it is the only nunnery in capital.

Drive from Thimpu to Paro followed by sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Paro, on arrival head to Ta Dzong, (National Museum) built in the 17th century as a watch tower for the Paro Dzong. This Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967.

Departure from Paro to Onwards Destination 

You will be transferred to the airport where your guide will assist with formalities and bid you farewell.

Services Included

  • English Speaking local Bhutanese guide throughout the trip
  • All transport by private vehicle
  • Accommodation throughout the tour including breakfast & dinner
  • Lunch at tourist standard restaurants
  • Bhutan Visa and Tourism Development Fund (TDF) Charge
  • Entry fees to listed sites

Services Excluded

  • Meals other than specified in the itinerary
  • Expenses of personal nature such as bar bills, mineral water, laundry
  • nsurance – your travel insurance must provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency evacuation and expatriation (including helicopter evacuation for trekking itinerary only) and personal liability. We recommend that it cover cancelation curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects
  • Tips and Gratuities
  • Any other services which are not mentioned as included
  • Additional Expenses which may arise due to circumstances beyond control of RMT such as landslides, strikes, flight cancellation or flight delays etc

Impact Footprint

  • You are traveling to the only carbon negative country in the World
  • Tourism Development Fund charge you pay contributes to the education/health/transportation fee for the citizens of Bhutan

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FAQs
Not many know but Bhutan has a major monastery called Tiger’s Nest. And It was constructed in 1692. The site is sacred to the locals who believe that Guru Rinpoche first mediated around the cave and also the very first place where Buddhism was brought to Bhutan.
The hike to Tiger’s Nest Bhutan is graded as moderate to difficult level. It takes from 3 to 5 hours depending on your pace and fitness level.
Tiger’s Nest in Bhutan is built in 1692. Guru Rincpoche first mediated in this cave in 7th century A.D for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days and 3 hours in order to defeat evil demons residing within it.
The only possible way to reach the Tiger’s nest bhutan is by hiking or horse riding. It take 25min from paro to reach the base of Tiger’s Nest or starting point of hiking.
Built in 15 th century, Chumbu is the statue of the floating Buddha, Dorji Phangmo (Vajira Yogini). This statue is said to be miraculously floating in the air.
There are two modes of transportation in Bhutan, by air and by land, entering Bhutan is mostly done by air.
  • By Air: Bhutan has only one international airport, that is Paro International Airport. Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines are the national carriers and have flights from Nepal (Kathmandu), India, Singapore, and Thailand (Bangkok).
  • By Land: Three entry points connect to Bhutan by Land, Southeast and Southwest. The option to go by land is best if you are visiting from India.
Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan. Thimpu is poular for its rich culture and spectacular scenery. The spectacular 15th century Tango Gompa is must visit place while travelling to Bhutan.
Paro is most popular Takhtsang Lakhang (also known as the Tiger’s Nest) which is located at the northern end of the valley. There is also National Museum that contains hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artefacts and artwork.
Tiger’s Nest, Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Gangety Monastery, Bumthang, Chimi Lhakhang, Chele La Pass are the place to visit in Bhutan where most of them are covered in tour and trekking packages.
Deliberate tourism policies of Bhutan have instilled the minimum tour package for each tourist per night in Bhutan. Hence having a guided tour in Bhutan is mandatory. Your tour operator employs only the trained guides who are certified by the Tourism Council of Bhutan and they speak fluent English.
Traveling independently is not allowed. It can be done only by hiring a tour operator who provides an experienced guide along with you to assist you throughout the trip. Having a tour guide along will be much easier.