The enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan is an earthly nirvana filled with natural beauty and Buddhist tradition. This MT Sobek-exclusive itinerary highlights the best of Bhutan through three days of ridgeline trekking and camping, with the remaining time allocated for easy touring and scenic day hikes. Visit Bhutan's most famous monasteries, learn about Bhutanese folk art, discover the Paro Valley, explore the remote and magical Haa Valley, and lose yourself amid some of the world's most exciting peaks. This short visit will stay with you for a lifetime!
The enchanting Kingdom of Bhutan is an earthly nirvana filled with natural beauty and Buddhist tradition. This MT Sobek-exclusive itinerary highlights the best of Bhutan through three days of ridgeline trekking and camping, with the remaining time allocated for easy touring and scenic day hikes. Visit Bhutan's most famous monasteries, learn about Bhutanese folk art, discover the Paro Valley, explore the remote and magical Haa Valley, and lose yourself amid some of the world's most exciting peaks. This short visit will stay with you for a lifetime!
Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus. Note that most airlines arrive late at night into Bangkok, and your flight from Bangkok to Paro departs very early the next morning.
Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
Enter the Kingdom of Bhutan
Day 2
Board an early-morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Vie for a seat on the left side of the plane: Weather permitting, you'll have spectacular views of the eastern Himalaya, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga - five of the highest peaks in the world! - and peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Kang. After clearing customs, drive into Paro for lunch, then on to Thimphu (7,725'), the capital of Bhutan, set in the Wang Chu Valley. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax.
Accommodation: Druk Hotel
Transportation: 4-hour flight transfer & 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Cheri Monastery
Day 3
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and then to our trailhead where we set out on our hike: a steep, hour-long climb to Cheri Goemba, constructed in the 17th century. The monastery houses the relic stupas (ashes of the father of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan) and is also considered one of the earliest monasteries of Bhutan. We have lunch, then drive back to Thimphu and up to Wangdi Tse for a peaceful one hour loop hike where we can enjoy wonderful views of Thimphu, but see few others on the trail. Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.
Accommodation: Druk Hotel
Activity: 3-4 hours/4 miles hiking
Transportation: 2-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Explore Thimphu & Paro
Day 4
Begin the day at the School of Arts and Crafts (or "painting school"), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, drive back to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum's collections include spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, and Bhutan's beautiful stamps. Time permitting, also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Transportation: 45-minute private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Hike to Taktsang Monastery
Day 5
Today it's a steep hike to a traditional teahouse for a great view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Taktsang, meaning "tiger's nest," is Bhutan's most spiritual place and a major pilgrimage spot. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, Taktsang has been completely rebuilt. After a tea break, you can sit outside and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Enjoy free afternoon time to explore Paro on your own.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Activity: 5 hours/2.6 miles hiking with 1,707' elevation gain/loss
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Go Deep in the Unspoiled Haa Valley
Day 6
Take a morning drive to the wooded Haa Valley, lying along the western border of Bhutan. Haa was closed to visitors until 2001, so to behold it is still a rare gift. Tonight's lodge is in a beautiful setting at the edge of a blue pine forest overlooking Haa La, and you may even be able to visit a local family today. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Lhakhang Karpo (Temple of the White Dove), a famous monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
Accommodation: Lechuna Heritage Lodge-Haa Valley, Bhutan
Transportation: 3-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Trek to Camp Below Saga La
Day 7
Lace up your boots! Begin your trek on a gradual uphill through a blue pine forest and farmland. The terrain steepens as you climb, and you'll walk along streams past rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Lunch in a grassy meadow at about 11,200 feet, then continue to camp at 11,800 feet, about 45 minutes below Saga La (pass). Weather permitting, take an afternoon hike up to Saga La for views of sacred Chomolhari (24,035'), several other peaks, and panoramic views of the Haa Valley.
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Haa Valley
Activity: 4.5-5 hours/4-5 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Over Saga La to Ningula
Day 8
In the morning, hike up to Saga La and follow the ridge up and down to 13,200 feet, from where you may be able to catch a glimpse of Taktsang Monastery. Continue steeply up through dwarf rhododendron to 13,700 feet and down through narrow grazing paths. Camp is set up for you at Ningula, in a rhododendron forest from where you have a beautiful view of the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake (21,857').
Accommodation: MT Sobek Camp-Haa Valley
Activity: 7-8 hours/7-8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Surround Yourself with Himalayan Peaks
Day 9
This morning climb steeply back up to the ridge and cross Kale La (12,900'), with views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Weather permitting, you'll also have a terrific view of the Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks including Kanchenjunga (28,208'), the third-highest peak in the world! Ascend up to Kung Karpo (13,500') for more stellar views, then descend and traverse toward Chele La (13,080'). All day, enjoy clear views of the mountains, and the Paro and Haa Valleys (again, weather permitting). Once at Chele La, meet your bus and drive to Paro where you'll be treated to a festive farewell dinner.
Accommodation: The Zhiwa Ling-Paro, Bhutan
Activity: 7-8 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Transportation: 1-hour private van transfer
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Return to Bangkok
Day 10
Bid a fond farewell to the "happiest country in the world" as you take an early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sightsee, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.
Accommodation: Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel
Transportation: 4-hour flight transfer
Meals: Breakfast
Depart from Bangkok
Day 11
Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight.
Dreaming of an adventure designed exclusively for you? With insider access and decades of experience, our travel experts create custom tailored adventures that are perfect for families, couples, and large groups. MT Sobek's custom adventures are designed to our exacting standards and led by our award-winning adventure guides.
When to start planning? Earlier is always better when designing a custom trip. More time allows for better availability of preferred accommodations, guides and your desired activities. Ideally, start the conversation with us at least 6 months before you want to travel. If you are looking for a custom trip that departs within three months, chances are greatly diminished in securing requested accommodations and the best guides.
*Custom trips require a 25% non-refundable deposit once an itinerary is agreed upon.
The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.
Namgay D.
Namgay is a senior trip leader for MT Sobek in Bhutan and has been leading treks and tours for well over two decades. He is very knowledgeable about Bhutan's history, culture, and religion and speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepalese, and Urdu. Namgay is a graduate of Bissau College, Meghalaya, India and received his diploma in tourism from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria. His many personal interests include bird watching, rock climbing, trekking, and archery. He looks forward to sharing his experience and the wonders of Bhutan with you.
Tandin N.
Tandin is a graduate of Bangkok University, Thailand, majoring in Tourism and Hospitality Management. He has been leading treks and cultural tours in Bhutan since 2000, and is extremely knowledgeable about the cultures, religions, and traditions of his home country, Tandin enjoys sharing his experiences and insights with guests-immersing them in the wonders of Bhutan every step of the way. Tandin speaks English, Nepali, Hindi and passable Thai in addition to his native Bhutanese.
Welcome to Bangkok! Transfer to the hotel via a free 24-hour shuttle bus. Note that most airlines arrive late at night into Bangkok, and your flight from Bangkok to Paro departs very early the next morning.
Board an early-morning flight to Paro, Bhutan. Vie for a seat on the left side of the plane: Weather permitting, you\'ll have spectacular views of the eastern Himalaya, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga - five of the highest peaks in the world! - and peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsering Kang. After clearing customs, drive into Paro for lunch, then on to Thimphu (7,725\'), the capital of Bhutan, set in the Wang Chu Valley. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax.
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and then to our trailhead where we set out on our hike: a steep, hour-long climb to Cheri Goemba, constructed in the 17th century. The monastery houses the relic stupas (ashes of the father of Shabdrung, the founder of Bhutan) and is also considered one of the earliest monasteries of Bhutan. We have lunch, then drive back to Thimphu and up to Wangdi Tse for a peaceful one hour loop hike where we can enjoy wonderful views of Thimphu, but see few others on the trail. Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.
Begin the day at the School of Arts and Crafts (or "painting school"), where Bhutanese children follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, drive back to Paro and visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum\'s collections include spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, and Bhutan\'s beautiful stamps. Time permitting, also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644.
Today it\'s a steep hike to a traditional teahouse for a great view of Taktsang Monastery, perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the Paro Valley floor. Taktsang, meaning "tiger\'s nest," is Bhutan\'s most spiritual place and a major pilgrimage spot. Partly destroyed by fire in 1998, Taktsang has been completely rebuilt. After a tea break, you can sit outside and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Enjoy free afternoon time to explore Paro on your own.
Take a morning drive to the wooded Haa Valley, lying along the western border of Bhutan. Haa was closed to visitors until 2001, so to behold it is still a rare gift. Tonight\'s lodge is in a beautiful setting at the edge of a blue pine forest overlooking Haa La, and you may even be able to visit a local family today. Enjoy an afternoon visit to Lhakhang Karpo (Temple of the White Dove), a famous monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a Tibetan king.
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Lace up your boots! Begin your trek on a gradual uphill through a blue pine forest and farmland. The terrain steepens as you climb, and you\'ll walk along streams past rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Lunch in a grassy meadow at about 11,200 feet, then continue to camp at 11,800 feet, about 45 minutes below Saga La (pass). Weather permitting, take an afternoon hike up to Saga La for views of sacred Chomolhari (24,035\'), several other peaks, and panoramic views of the Haa Valley.
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In the morning, hike up to Saga La and follow the ridge up and down to 13,200 feet, from where you may be able to catch a glimpse of Taktsang Monastery. Continue steeply up through dwarf rhododendron to 13,700 feet and down through narrow grazing paths. Camp is set up for you at Ningula, in a rhododendron forest from where you have a beautiful view of the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake (21,857\').
This morning climb steeply back up to the ridge and cross Kale La (12,900\'), with views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Weather permitting, you\'ll also have a terrific view of the Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks including Kanchenjunga (28,208\'), the third-highest peak in the world! Ascend up to Kung Karpo (13,500\') for more stellar views, then descend and traverse toward Chele La (13,080\'). All day, enjoy clear views of the mountains, and the Paro and Haa Valleys (again, weather permitting). Once at Chele La, meet your bus and drive to Paro where you\'ll be treated to a festive farewell dinner.
Bid a fond farewell to the "happiest country in the world" as you take an early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure to Bangkok. Upon arrival, take the shuttle to the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to shop, sightsee, and enjoy lunch and dinner on your own.
Take the hotel shuttle to the international terminal and depart on your homeward-bound flight.
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Activity Level
This trip is rated activity level 4. You will be hiking one to five hours on many days, up and down mountain trails that are sometimes steep, and mostly at elevations above 7,000 feet. You will ascend to over 10,000 feet on several hikes. Learn more about activity levels here.
Activity Snapshot
Day 3
3-4 hours/4 miles hiking
Day 5
5 hours/2.6 miles hiking with 1,707' elevation gain/loss
Day 7
4.5-5 hours/4-5 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain
Day 8
7-8 hours/7-8 miles hiking with 1,500' elevation gain
Day 9
7-8 hours/7 miles hiking with 1,200' elevation gain
Accommodations
Warm Bhutanese guesthouses and inns combined with two nights of camping in the beautiful Haa Valley.
The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a four-star hotel located a short walk from Bangkok's international airport. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers two bars and four restaurants, a beautiful pool, a fitness room, and a spa! With a 24-hour airport shuttle running every 10 minutes, accommodations here couldn't be more convenient.
Experience the legendary hospitality of the Bhutanese people at this fine Himalayan hotel. Located in the heart of the capital city, the Druk Hotel is close to shopping, culture, and the bubbling Thimphu River. Pleasant rooms are outfitted with comfortable beds, tiled bathrooms, soaking tubs and modern amenities, while the spa rounds out the offering.
The Zhiwa Ling is a luxurious retreat that combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of modern comforts. The exquisite architecture and manicured gardens create an authentic, inviting atmosphere. Guest rooms, spread out on 10 acres of pristine land, feature modern amenities and comfortable furnishings. Enjoy a traditional outdoor hot-stone bath, a teahouse, a meditation house, and two restaurants.
A beautiful farmhouse converted into a lovely accommodation in the heart of one of Bhutan's least visited regions, the Lechuna Heritage Lodge is trulya unique getaway. Its seven rooms are simply but comfortably appointed, and the on-site restaurant features Himalayan cuisine from Tibet, Nepal, and, naturally, Bhutan.
Enjoy the wonders of the Haa Valley from your beautiful camp at 12,700-feet elevation. High in this idyllic setting you may come across cattle and herders and be rewarded with great views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and the Haa and Paro Valleys. Enjoy the comfort of roomy 2+ person Mountain Hardwear tents and thick sleeping pads — custom-made in Nepal! At the end of the day, dine on hearty camp food cooked up by your trekking team.
Weather
Daytime temperatures: 50°-70°F. Nighttime temperatures: 30°-45°F. Rain or snow possible.
Apr
Oct
Nov
Bangkok
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Bangkok
96
80
91
76
90
75
Haa Valley
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Haa Valley
53
38
59
41
55
37
Paro
High
Low
High
Low
High
Low
Paro
59
40
59
44
54
38
FAQs
Who will meet me on arrival?
Your trip leader will meet you on arrival at Paro Airport.
Do I need a Bhutan visa?
Yes, we handle the group visa for you.
Do I need to bring a sleeping bag for this trip?
Sleeping bags are available to rent free of charge. Please contact your Adventure Coordinator if you would like to reserve one. If you wish to bring your own sleeping bag, we recommend a rating of 10°F to 20°F for the springtime and -10°F to -5°F for the mid October and November trips.
Do we book our flights from Bangkok to Paro?
No, we provide that service and book those flights for you, as they are not easy to book on your own.
Do I need to bring a sleeping pad for this trip?
No. We provide a 3" sleeping pad. If you prefer to bring your own, that is fine, too.
Where do I fly to?
This trip begins and ends in Bangkok, so make your roundtrip air to Bangkok.
"This Bhutan trip was the perfect mix of cultural activities and trekking. I will definitely be coming back."
Anita N. MT Sobek Guest, Bhutan Trek & Cultural Discovery
"We have traveled with MT Sobek nearly a dozen times and this was certainly one of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit. The Bhutanese people are wonderful and we even had the opportunity to have dinner one evening in a private home with a family in Thimphu. The hiking presented a few challenging days so train we'll in advance. Camping nights provided great equipment and support teams. Keep Bhutan on your to visit list."
Stuart M. MT Sobek Guest, Bhutan Trek & Cultural Discovery
