Bhutan walking travel guide

Walks to monasteries, such as Tango, Cheri and Taktsang are an opportunity to exit city streets and embark on an adventure, where meetings with monks and villagers are likely. Although Bhutan is home to the Himalayas, there are plenty of opportunities to hike at lower levels. The Bumthang and Phobjikha valleys have river trails, farming communities and fertile foothills alongside habitat for migrating black-necked cranes. Trekking trails lead through flowering rhododendron forests to unveil breathtaking views from high ridges with snow-capped peaks offering a tantalising taste of the Tibetan border. The higher you go, the more challenging the experience, but registered guides and helpers offer support and cultural insights as you walk. Staying overnight in well organised camps allows you to absorb the surroundings and catch your breath before embarking onwards and upwards over Bhutan's most spectacular peaks and passes.

Find out more in our Bhutan walking vacations travel guide.

Swiftly flowing rivers cut through deep valleys in Bhutan’s southern Himalayan foothills against a backdrop of Jhomolhari (7,314m) in the east and Gangar Punsum (7,570m) overlooking Tibet to the north. Perched on many of Bhutan’s peaks are some of the world’s most revered Buddhist monasteries (dzongs) with Taktsang Dzong (the Tiger’s Nest) overlooking Paro Valley and Tango Dzong, just north of Thimphu, just a couple of points to head to on a walking tour of Bhutan. Guided walks help you get to grips with the history, symbolism and etiquette attached to visiting monasteries and combining a walking tour with a Buddhist festival provides the perfect path to cultural enlightenment.

There are plenty of circular treks and shorter walks in Bhutan that can easily be achieved just outside of city limits. Early morning transfers can position you right at the start of a trail head, where you can spend a day walking in Bhutan before returning to base to rest, unravel and prepare for the next day’s adventure. Point to point hiking presents longer distance trails with the Druk Path, Merak and Sakten and the Snowman, all offering more of a challenge amongst some of Bhutan’s most scintillating scenery. Time, fitness and cultural or natural interests will all determine which walk best suits you so be honest before embarking on an enjoyable experience rather than a gruelling slog.