Bhutan Hiking & Trekking Guide 2026

Top trails

Routes worth lacing up your boots for.

1. 1

   Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang) Trail

   9 km round trip5-6 hours round tripmoderate900m gain to monastery

   Bhutan's most iconic hike leads to the sacred Tiger's Nest Monastery clinging to a sheer cliff 3,120m above sea level. The well-maintained trail winds through pine forest, passing a waterfall viewpoint and a cafeteria with dramatic monastery views before the final steep descent and ascent to the monastery itself.

2. 2

   Druk Path Trek

   55 km5 dayschallengingUp to 4,200m at highest pass

   One of Bhutan's most popular multi-day treks following ancient trade routes between Paro and Thimphu through pristine high-altitude lakes, yak pastures, and rhododendron forests. The trail passes five remote mountain lakes and offers outstanding views of Himalayan peaks including Gangkhar Puensum.

3. 3

   Bumdrak Trek

   16 km2 dayschallenging1,100m gain to 4,200m

   A less-known gem that begins like the Tiger's Nest hike but continues past the monastery to the remote Bumdrak campsite at 4,200m. The elevated ridge offers sweeping 360-degree views of snow-capped peaks and sacred meditation caves used by Guru Rinpoche.

4. 4

   Chele La to Kila Nunnery

   6 km round trip3 hoursmoderate300m gain from 3,810m pass

   Starting from Bhutan's highest motorable road at Chele La Pass (3,988m), this trail descends through alpine meadows to the remote Kila Goenpa nunnery, one of the highest monasteries in Bhutan. Prayer flags, mountain views, and the chance to meet resident nuns make this a spiritual highland experience.

5. 5

   Gangtey Nature Trail

   6 km loop2-3 hourseasyMinimal (valley floor at 2,900m)

   A gentle loop walk through the glacial Phobjikha Valley floor, passing traditional farmhouses, wetlands, and the Gangtey Monastery on its hilltop. In winter (November-March), the trail passes through prime habitat for endangered black-necked cranes wintering from Tibet.

6. 6

   Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten Hike

   4 km round trip1.5 hourseasy150m gain

   A short but rewarding hike through terraced rice paddies and mixed forest to a beautifully ornate chorten on a ridge above the Punakha Valley. The 360-degree views of the valley, Mo Chhu river, and surrounding mountains are exceptional, and the chorten itself is a masterpiece of Bhutanese religious architecture.

7. 7

   Jomolhari Base Camp Trek

   180 km8-12 daysexpertUp to 5,000m at Nyile La pass

   One of Bhutan's classic high-altitude treks leading through remote Himalayan wilderness to the base camp of sacred Mount Jomolhari (7,314m). The route passes ancient fortresses, traditional nomadic communities, snow leopard habitat, and offers some of the most dramatic mountain scenery in the Himalayas.

Trail difficulty levels

Pick a route that matches your fitness and experience.

When to hike

Seasonal conditions in Bhutan.

Spring

March to May is prime season with rhododendron blooms, clear skies before monsoon, and mild temperatures. Tiger's Nest forests are spectacular with flowering trees. Best overall season.

Summer

June to August brings monsoon rains with leeches on lower trails and landslide risk on mountain roads. Some high passes remain open. Not recommended for trekking except in northern rain-shadow areas.

Fall

September to November is the second best season with crystal clear skies, stable weather, and excellent Himalayan views. Ideal for Jomolhari and high-altitude treks. Festivals add cultural dimension.

Winter

December to February brings snow to high passes above 3,500m. Tiger's Nest remains accessible. Gangtey is excellent for crane watching. Crowds minimal and lodges offer off-season rates.

Local hazards

What to watch out for on the trail.