The field notes
A journey with rhythm
Private guiding, thoughtful pacing, and enough room to absorb each place rather than simply pass through it.
PrivateThoughtfulLocal
Journey overview
The experience at a glance
7-day Three Valleys hike and visit tour that combines three beautiful hikes into one with Bhutan’s most amazing cultural and natural landscapes. Take a trip through Paro, Thimphu and Punakha to see ancient Buddhist temples, historical dzongs, traditional villages, Himalayan views and beautiful mountains.
Bhutan’s three signature trail-setting trips are included in this itinerary, and each of them offers a different view of the kingdom. At Paro, take the Tiger’s Nest Hike to Paro Taktsang, Bhutan’s most renowned monastery in the hills at 3,120 meters above the ground. In Thimphu, follow the Changangkha Lhakhang to Buddha Point Hike to go from an ancient Buddhist temple to the Buddha Dordenma statue in forested hills and through valley views. In Punakha, go for the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike (a gentle countryside hike through rice fields, orchards, villages, etc.) through subtropical vegetation.
The journey starts in Thimphu, Bhutan’s prosperous capital, where you can witness the modern world of Bhutan alongside centuries-old Buddhist traditions. Then, over the Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters upward and into the warm, fertile Punakha Valley. But first see the gigantic Punakha Dzong and the peaceful rural landscapes around Khamsum Chorten.
The adventure ends with the Tiger’s Nest Hike in Paro. The trail ascends through pine forests, prayer-flag-lined paths, and dramatic mountain views before you get to the holy monastery. This easy hike is one of the best in spirituality, history, nature, and Himalayan views.
This 7-day Bhutan hiking trip is a good one in nature for a day-to-day hike with the perfect balance of active exploration and cultural sightseeing, with the ability to be a part of Bhutan and also to visit the people of Bhutan’s rich culture in the mountains and the surrounding countryside, and what’s special about it.
The Bhutan Three Valleys Hiking Tour for couples, families, friends, and small private groups is perfect for adventurous and comfortable travel. From peaceful forest trails and fertile valleys to sacred monasteries and panoramic mountain views, this itinerary will provide a solid introduction to Bhutan’s rich natural and cultural heritage. Each day of the trip offers a new perspective on Bhutan, and it is very helpful for active cultural travelers from all over the world to be a part of this journey.
Trip highlights
What makes this journey
- 01
Three signature Bhutan hikes - Experience the Tiger’s Nest, Changangkha to Buddha Point, and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten trails.
- 02
Explore Three Distinct Valleys - Discover the contrasting landscapes and cultures of Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha.
- 03
Walk Through Bhutanese Culture - Combine hiking with ancient temples, Buddhist monuments, dzongs, traditional villages, and local life.
- 04
Himalayan Mountain Scenery - Cross the spectacular Dochula Pass and enjoy panoramic views of Bhutan’s forested mountains and valleys.
- 05
Adventure Without a Multi-Day Trek - Enjoy rewarding day hikes while staying in comfortable hotels and traveling by private vehicle between destinations.
Places covered
Destinations on this trip
The places this journey moves through, in the order they shape the experience.
Thimphu, Punakha
Paro, Tiger's Nest
Day by day
7 days
Walk the route one day at a time — meals, overnight stays, and the details that shape each stage.
At Paro International Airport, your guide and driver will welcome you. Once you pass immigration and baggage, start your drive to Thimphu. Follow the Pa Chhu River through traditional villages and mountain views to Chuzom, the confluence of Bhutan’s rivers. Then go to Thimphu and check into your hotel.
After lunch, enjoy a relaxed introduction to the capital with visits to Buddha Dordenma and the National Memorial Chorten. Spend the evening walking in Thimphu’s streets and preparing for the mountain hike you will have in the coming days.
- Meals
- Dinner
- Overnight
- Hotel in Thimphu
- Distance
- 55 km
- Altitude
- 2,320m
After breakfast, start your first big hike at Changangkha Lhakhang. Go to the historic temple before starting the trail through the hills overlooking Thimphu.
Walk through pine forests, quiet neighborhoods, and scenic ridge sections while enjoying views of the capital and surrounding mountains. Then proceed on to Buddha Dordenma, where the huge Buddha statue is the finish to the hike.
After lunch, explore more of Thimphu, with optional visits to Tashichho Dzong, traditional handicraft centers, or local markets.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Thimphu
- Altitude
- 2,320m
NoteElevation: Thimphu 2,334m Hiking: Approximately 3–4 hours
We leave Thimphu after breakfast and go to Punakha. The route climbs through beautiful mountain forests to Dochula Pass at 3,100 meters.
Visit the 108 Druk Wangyal Chortens and enjoy panoramic Himalayan views when the weather is good. Walk downhill through rhododendron and pine forests towards the warmer Punakha Valley.
Once you get there, visit the gigantic Punakha Dzong, which is located at the confluence of the Mo Chhu and Pho Chhu rivers. Enjoy the evening by the river or at your hotel.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Punakha
- Distance
- 75 km
- Altitude
- 1,250m
NoteElevation: Dochula Pass 3,100m | Driving: About 3–4 hours
Today, enjoy the scenic Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike. Drive to the trailhead and begin walking through rice fields, orchards, villages, and subtropical countryside.
Climb gradually toward the hilltop chorten and enjoy magnificent views across the Punakha Valley. Explore the four-story monument before descending through the countryside.
There is free time to relax or to do some optional activities, including a riverside walk or village exploration.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Punakha
- Altitude
- 1,250m
NoteKhamsum Chorten approximately 1,500m. Hiking: Approximately 1.5-2.5 hours
After breakfast, drive back toward Paro, cross Dochula Pass, and proceed through Thimphu. Enjoy the changing scenery as you travel from the subtropical Punakha Valley through mountain forests.
Arrive in Paro and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Explore Paro town and enjoy a relaxed evening before tomorrow’s major hike.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Paro
- Distance
- 128 km
- Altitude
- 2,250m
NoteElevation: Dochula 3,100m . Driving: Approximately 4.5–5.5 hours
Start early for the spectacular Tiger’s Nest Hike. The trail climbs through pine forest toward the famous viewpoint overlooking Paro Taktsang.
Continue along the cliffside trail, passing a waterfall and a series of stone steps until you reach the sacred monastery at about 3,120 meters.
Explore the temples and meditation caves before beginning your descent. After returning to the valley, enjoy lunch and spend the afternoon relaxing in Paro.
- Meals
- Full Board
- Overnight
- Hotel in Paro
- Distance
- 6.4 km
- Altitude
- 2,250m
NoteElevation: Tiger’s Nest 3,120m. Elevation Gain: Around 870m. Hiking: About 4-5 hours round trip
Enjoy a relaxed final morning in Paro. Depending on your flight schedule, visit Paro Dzong, the National Museum, or explore the traditional streets and local handicraft shops.
Later, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight.
Tour ends in Paro.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Private vehicle & English-speaking guide throughout · Paro
Trip essentials
What your journey covers
A clear split between what we arrange and what you budget yourself.
- Private transportation including airport transfers
- All necessary travel permits and Bhutan Visa Fee
- English-speaking local guide throughout the tour
- Accommodation twin sharing room plan (Given tariff is based on 3-Star hotels)
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)
- Sightseeing Entry Fees as per the itinerary
- Meal plan: Full Board Basis (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner)
- Insurance of any kind
- Single Supplement (if necessary)
- Airfare and Airport taxes
- Additional costs due to natural calamity and unforeseen circumstance
- Personal expenses such as drinks guide tips & etc.
- Bhutanese Traditional Hot Stone Bath
- Horse Hiring charges for Tiger's Nest Hike
