Holidays
Temples & Trails of Bhutan

Temples & Trails of Bhutan

Guided Walking Holidays in Bhutan

11 nights

Oct, Nov

1 walk

Grades 4

3338kg CO2

11 nights from

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£4,899

Non-members

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£4,929

Groups of 10+

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020 3974 8865

Nicknamed the 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', Bhutan is a hidden Himalayan kingdom where walking holidays are every bit as incredible as you’d expect. Discover golden temples, sky-scraping stupas, and epic views over some of the highest peaks on the planet as our expert local guides lead you through the western valleys of Thimphu, Punakha, and Paro. You’ll explore Punakha Dzong Fortress, where all of Bhutan's kings are crowned, marvel at the 'Tiger's Nest Monastery' that clings to a 900m-high cliff face, and trek the sky-high Chele La Pass. Uncover Bhutan's enchanting landscapes and rich heritage on this unforgettable journey.

What You’ll Love

Embarking on exhilarating hikes in Bhutan’s Himalayas
Marvelling at the magnificent Punakha Dzong Fortress
Visiting the remarkable Tiger’s Nest Monastery, a symbol of Bhutanese spirituality
Walking Bhutan’s highest road, the Chele La Pass
A longevity blessing ceremony performed by Buddhist monks
A tour of India’s capital, Delhi, and a visit to Humayun’s Tomb

What's Included

Return flights from London Heathrow including baggage and transfers
Guided walks with local leaders
HF Holidays Tour Manager
8 nights’ touring accommodation across Bhutan
2 nights' accommodation in Delhi
10 breakfasts, 8 lunches & 10 dinners
All sightseeing and entrance fees (as per itinerary)
All in-destination transport and internal flights

Itinerary

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Depart the UK on an overnight flight to India.

Arrive at Delhi International Airport and transfer to your hotel. A symbol of the country’s rich past and thriving present, the city of Delhi is where ancient and modern blend seamlessly together. It was the British that moved the seat of their empire from Kolkata to Delhi and it has been the capital city ever since. Enjoy some leisure time before dinner at the hotel. We’ll discover more of Delhi upon our return at the end of the itinerary.

Today we’ll fly to Paro on what is considered one of the world’s most amazing mountain flights. Enjoy lunch on arrival (dependent on flight times) before a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong, for a fascinating intro to Bhutan’s past.

Next, we’ll visit picturesque Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, considered the master of meditation by the Bhutanese. Afterwards, we’ll drive to Thimphu for dinner and an overnight stay. In the evening, your local guides will give a short presentation on the trip ahead.

Spend the day exploring Thimphu, with a visit to Zorig Chosum, a school for studying traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts. We’ll also visit the post office – Bhutan is known for its unusual stamps, and here you can make your own personalised stamps. Next, we’ll visit the Motithang Takin Preserve to look out for Bhutan’s national animal, the takin.

Later, in a local cafe, we’ll get a talk from an expert in Buddhism. We’ll then visit the Shakyamuni Buddha bronze statue (51.5 metres tall) in Kuensel Phodrang Nature Park. The day ends with a trip to local art gallery, VAST Studio, and a stroll around the town’s craft bazaar or vegetable markets.

Distance: 3.7 miles (6km)

Ascent: 1,300 feet (400m)

An early morning drive takes us to Dochula Pass, 3,000 metres above sea level. Enjoy breakfast with views of Himalayan peaks and 108 memorial chortens (stupas). Next, we’ll visit the Druk Wangyal temple and hike through flower-filled forests and meadows to the 18th century Lungchutse Lhakhang. Soak up 360-degree views of Bhutan’s high peaks before we transfer to Lampelri Botanical Garden for a picnic lunch. There’s time for a stroll around the park and a presentation on Bhutan’s flora and fauna with our local ecologist expert.

We continue by bus to the Punakha Valley and participate in a tea ceremony with the locals. We'll spend the night in Punakha.

We visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to a 16th century monk famous for amusing folklore stories. See a Longevity Blessing Ceremony performed by a high-level monk and enjoy a riverside picnic lunch before a visit to magnificent Punakha Dzong.

We’ll explore the hilltop Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery in the evening. Originally established as a Buddhist College for nuns, it now accommodates approximately 120 nuns. Join the nuns during prayers, reflect on your thoughts and enjoy the serenity and calmness you feel as you listen to the melodious chants.

Distance: 6.2 miles (10km)

Ascent: 985 feet (400m)

Drive north of Punakha Dzong for a hike to Yuwo village through rice fields and up to Chorten Nyingpo Temple. Enjoy a picnic lunch in the monastery courtyards, and then serve tea to the resident monks.

Optional walk towards Zhoshi village and up to Khamsum Yueling Temple. As part of your optional activity, we'll walk to Yebeesa village for evening tea with the farmers.

Distance: 5 miles (8km)

Descent: 656 feet (200m)

This morning we’ll drive to Sieupang, followed by a hike through pine forests to Toeb Chadhanang. This heritage home holds the relics of Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the Divine Madman. We then hike further up to our picnic spot near a stream. Following lunch, our walk will take us steadily back to the highway from where we’ll drive back to Paro. We break up the journey with a visit to Tachogang Lhakhang, built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the renowned Iron Bridge Builder. Here, you can see remnants of his famous iron chains.

Distance: 3 miles (4.5km)

Descent: 1,300 feet (400m)

Today, we drive west to Chele La Pass (3,988 metres). At the pass, we’ll take the trail southeast to explore greater heights and views. Enjoy a picnic lunch before hiking to Kila Goenpa through highland conifers, rhododendrons, and other flora. This region is home to rare pheasants, especially visible in the spring. The highlight of the hike is reaching the nunnery built on the sheer cliffs, providing a wonderful opportunity to serve tea to the nuns. Later, we return to Paro Valley.

Distance: 4 miles (6.5km)

Ascent: 2,300 feet (700m)

Hike to Taktsang. Known as the Tiger’s Nest, it’s one of the most memorable highlights of Bhutan. We embark on an early morning trip with breakfast at the Taktsang Cafeteria. The magnificent Taktsang Monastery, perched on a sheer cliff-face 900 metres above the valley floor, is a dream for every Buddhist pilgrim. For non-Buddhists, the hike represents a symbolic inner journey, making this a unique Himalayan experience.

Any guests who prefer not to hike to the monastery can spend the day exploring the Paro Valley. Lunch can be taken in a local restaurant offering views of the monastery. After lunch, we’ll return to the hotel to relax.

We bid goodbye to Bhutan today and head to Delhi for an overnight stay.

In the afternoon there’s a guided tour of New Delhi, which reflects on the legacy the British left behind. Highlights include a drive past India Gate, the 42-metre-high War Memorial Arch, the Parliament House, the Secretariat buildings and the Vice Regal Palace. Later, we’ll visit the 16th century Humayun’s Tomb, the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and a precursor to the Taj Mahal. We’ll also stop by Sunder Nagar Nursery - a 16th century heritage park complex, a UNESCO world heritage site. Final group dinner together in the evening.

Transfer to Delhi airport for your return flight to the UK.

Download trip notes

Daily Walk Options

Medium Walks

Long distances in remote countryside and on rough terrain. You can expect some sustained ascents and descents; there may be occasional sections of scree and steep ground.

Accommodation

The Suryaa, New Delhi

The Suryaa is a haven of peace and tranquility amidst the hustle and bustle of India’s capital city. After a day of exploring, retreat to elegantly designed rooms complete with all mod cons and take advantage of four different dining venues with a wealth of options. Other facilities include a state-of-the-art fitness centre, plus a swimming pool and spa area.

Druk Hotel, Thimphu

You can explore Bhutan’s capital with ease from the Druk Hotel. Spend your days discovering the sights before returning to comfortable rooms that come with décor inspired by elements of nature. Relax in the newly renovated Hi Jinks bar and enjoy quality dining in the hotel’s contemporary restaurant. Guests can also make use of the free fitness room and spa facilities (payable locally).

Lobesa Hotel, Punakha

This simple-yet-stylish retreat offers an ideal base for discovering Punakha’s pleasant walking trails and historical treasures. Rooms command impressive views of the Bhutanese countryside and provide all the comforts required for a relaxing stay. The hotel also houses its own restaurant serving authentic local cuisine.

Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa, Paro

Immerse yourself in luxury at Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa in Paro. Sleek, modern rooms combine traditional Bhutanese architecture with modern amenities. Surrounded by Bhutan’s beautiful nature, it’s the perfect place to enjoy breathtaking views, rejuvenating spa treatments, and a serene escape from the everyday.

More Information

Once you have made your booking, you will receive a pre-holiday questionnaire where we ask for details of next of kin and insurance details. You must complete and return this to us - we need to have this from you at least 10 weeks before travel.

Please also inform us of any medical situation which may affect your enjoyment of the holiday. This is important because our leaders must consider both group and individual safety at all times.

Whilst out with the group, we respectfully request that you:

Please listen to any safety instructions and other directions from the leader
Keep group members in view, especially if weather or visibility is poor
Please stay where you are if you become separated from the group. The leader will retrace their steps to

find you.

Each leader carries a first aid kit but is not allowed to supply any medication including aspirin, paracetamol,

antihistamines and antiseptic cream. You may wish to bring these items with you in your own kit (see Suggested Kit List).

In the unlikely event that your leader is incapacitated, please use any emergency kit in their rucksack and call emergency services on 113. Please then call our emergency number (sent in your final dispatch) and let us

know there is a problem.

Please contact us as far in advance as possible if you have any specific dietary requirements and we will do our best to meet your needs.

If you require a specific meal on the flight, please let us know as soon as possible, and no later than 96 hours before travel.

Before booking, you should check with your doctor to see if any health precautions are needed.

The following websites provide a wealth of information on travelling and health: NaTHNaC - Home

(travelhealthpro.org.uk); www.redplanet.travel/mdtravelhealth

Vaccines: Diphtheria Hepatitis A, Typhoid, Tetanus & Polio vaccinations are recommended. Cholera, Malaria

and Rabies are sometimes recommended too.

Visa clearance documentation: Visa clearance documentation will be sent you prior to your travel date. You must produce the visa approval document and e-tickets at the time of boarding the flight to Bhutan. The actual visa stamping is done at Paro Airport. Please post these documents in your traveling mailbox. In the event you lose the papers you can always download from the mailbox.

Please make sure to travel with the same passport on which the Bhutan visa was issued. We will not be held responsible if the passport on which the visa was issued does not match the passport used to travel to Bhutan. In such an event, you will not be allowed to board the flight or enter Bhutan.

Other Country Visas: Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines do not have inter airline agreements with most of the international carriers and hence transfer of baggage during transit will not be facilitated. Guests will have to pass through the transiting country’s immigration, collect bags and then check in for the Bhutan flight when travelling to Bhutan. After departing Bhutan, guests will have to pass through the transiting country’s immigration, collect bags and then check in for the onward international flight. Please ensure that the you obtain the necessary visa for the transiting country (a double entry visa is the min recommended) and ample transit time should be kept between connecting flights.

Passport & visa arrangements: Your passport should be valid for at least six months after your planned date of departure from Bhutan.

It's best to be prepared for all weather conditions. To make it easier, here is a list of items you should consider packing.  

Essentials 

Walking boots
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof trousers
Insulated jacket/top
Walking clothing
Walking socks (plus spares)
Sunhat
Gloves/mitts and warm hat
Water bottle (minimum 2 litre capacity)
Headtorch
High-factor sunscreen (minimum SPF 30)
Sunglasses with a dark lens
Rucksack (15-30 litres)
Mobile phone
Personal first aid kit (containing your medication, blister plasters, etc.)
Passport
Visa (if applicable)
Copy of your travel insurance policy
UK Global Health Insurance Card (formerly known as EHIC)

Recommended

Collapsible walking poles
Swimwear and travel towel
Snacks
Dry bags
Rubbish bags
Insect repellent

Optional extras

Camera
Sit mat
Flask for hot drinks
Durable lunch box
Gaiters
GPS device (excluding Bhutan, Georgia and India)

Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines Checked Baggage Allowance (International Flight)

The checked baggage allowances on scheduled international flights are as follows:

Economy Class 30 kg

Infants paying only 10% of the applicable air fare are not entitled to any free baggage allowance.

WHAT TO PACK

The following is an exhaustive list of what you should pack for the trip. Please carefully read the sections on Climate and Clothing under General Information (below) before packing your clothing.

(1) Everyone: small day pack; proper pouch to hold your travel documents, money, air tickets and other valuable items/documents; clothes as per season, & a poncho or rain gear &/or umbrella (June-September); facecloth, soap, hair shampoo, cold water detergent, sunglasses/spare glasses, comfortable walking shoes, pocket knife, hat, camera and accessories insect repellent, hand cream, torch or flash light with spare batteries, sun cream, lip salve, soluble aspirin, antiseptic cream, anti-histamine cream, anti-diarrhea pills, a preparation for the relief of sunburn, and any medication you take regularly, or might need to take for a periodically recurring condition, such as asthma.

There are many dogs in settled areas. They sleep in the day and roam around at night. Bring earplugs if you think their barking might bother you.

If you wear contact lenses, bring a pair of spectacles as well, as at high altitudes contact lenses can irritate the eyes.

(2) Trekkers: In addition to the above, comfortable trekking boots which have already been broken in and plenty of pairs of socks, noting that woolen socks dry quicker than cotton ones. Also bring a water bottle and plastic bags for packing clothing while on trek, as plastic bags are banned in Bhutan.

Bhutan’s currency is the Ngultrum (Nu.). The Ngultrum is fixed to the value of Indian rupees. It is only possible to obtain Ngultrum inside Bhutan, as such you are advised to carry your money in the form of cash (US dollars would be best), which might be used for incidental purchases/ expenses. Once inside Bhutan there are bank branches and ATM machines in all major towns for obtaining local currency.

It is also only possible to obtain Indian Rupees (INR) once inside India. Once again, ATMs and major banks such as Union Bank of India will be able to facilitate obtaining local currency.

In Bhutan, electricity runs on 220/240 volts, with round hole two-pin and three-pin power outlets. If you bring electrical appliances, also pack appropriate adapter plugs. In Thimphu electrical appliance shops stock adapter plugs, but they are unlikely to be available elsewhere.

Carbon Footprint - 3338kg CO2

We see it as our responsibility to minimise our emissions, not just for this year but every year to come. Our work with sustainability experts, ecollective, has enabled us to measure our carbon footprint and create a strategy to reduce the carbon intensity of our product by 5% each year. Our ambition is to be net zero by 2040 – earlier if we can.

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Reviews

Code: BHU11-WHW10

2026

Back to dates

Sat 24 Oct – Wed 4 Nov 2026

Trip Note Download

Flight Inclusive

Members

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Non-members

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Land Only

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Single Price - Land Only

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Non-members

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Single Supplement

Members

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Non-members

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Itinerary: 11 Nights - Itinerary

Trip Type: Guided Walking Holidays

All our carefully-curated itineraries are designed by our experts. While we make every effort to adhere to the described itinerary, we may take an alternative route, or vary the running order for weather and/or operational reasons.

All holidays are subject to availability. Supplements may apply.

Temples & Trails of Bhutan

What You’ll Love

What's Included

Itinerary

Daily Walk Options