Cultural Tours · Classic Bhutan · Easy
Into the Cultural Heartland
- Paro
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- …
West to centre — from Paro across the Black Mountains to Trongsa and the ancient temples of Bumthang.
View itinerary
Adventure & Hiking · Nature & Wildlife
Active Bhutan — Hike, Bike & Raft
Ridge hikes above Chele La and Dochula, cycling the valleys, rafting below Punakha Dzong — active days, comfortable nights.
- Duration
- 10 days · 9 nights
- Route
- Paro → Haa → Thimphu → Punakha …
- Activity level
- Moderate · up to About 4,200 m (Chele La ridge)
- Best time
- Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
- From
- Price on requestQuoted for your dates and style
Overview
For travellers who see a country best on foot or on two wheels, this journey links the finest day hikes in western Bhutan with cycling and rafting — while still leaving room for the dzongs, monasteries and village life that make the country unique.
You will need reasonable fitness, but no technical skills. Every night is spent in a comfortable bed.
- Paro
- Haa
- Thimphu
- Punakha
- Phobjikha
- Paro
Highlights
- Hike the prayer-flag ridge above Chele La with views of Jomolhari
- Forest trail from Dochula to Lungchutse temple
- Rafting the Mo Chhu below Punakha Dzong
- Mountain biking in the Phobjikha valley
- The Tiger's Nest as a grand finale
Day by day
- Day01
Arrival in Paro Paro
Welcome and an easy afternoon walk to Rinpung Dzong and across the cantilever bridge.
- Rinpung Dzong
- Cantilever bridge walk
- Day02
Cycle the Paro valley Paro
A gentle bike ride along the valley to Drukgyel Dzong to warm up and acclimatise, with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang on the way back.
- Valley cycling
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Day03
Chele La ridge hike, on to Haa Paro → Chele La → Haa
Drive up to Chele La and hike the ridge above the pass, with Jomolhari on the horizon on clear mornings. Descend into the Haa valley for a night in a homestay.
- Chele La ridge hike
- Haa homestay
- Day04
Haa to Thimphu Haa → Thimphu
Walk between villages along the Haa Chhu in the morning, then drive to Thimphu.
- Village walk
- Drive to Thimphu
- Day05
Thimphu and a monastery hike Thimphu
Hike up to Cheri or Tango monastery in the forested north of the valley. Afternoon sightseeing in the capital.
- Monastery hike
- Thimphu sightseeing
- Day06
Dochula to Lungchutse, down to Punakha Thimphu → Dochula → Punakha
Hike from Dochula through rhododendron forest to Lungchutse temple for a wide Himalayan panorama, then drive down to Punakha.
- Lungchutse hike
- Punakha
- Day07
Rafting and rice fields Punakha
Raft the Mo Chhu (or the livelier Pho Chhu for experienced paddlers), finishing near the dzong. Afternoon cycle through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang.
- Rafting
- Cycling
- Chimi Lhakhang
- Day08
Bike into Phobjikha Punakha → Phobjikha
Drive towards Phobjikha and cycle the final descent into the valley. Walk the Gangtey Nature Trail in the afternoon.
- Cycling descent
- Gangtey Nature Trail
- Day09
Back to Paro — the Tiger's Nest Phobjikha → Paro
Early drive back to Paro. On arrival, or the following morning if you prefer, hike to the Tiger's Nest — easy work for your well-acclimatised legs.
- Tiger's Nest hike
- Day10
Departure Paro
Transfer to Paro airport.
- Airport transfer
Staying, eating, travelling
- Accommodation
- Comfortable hotels and one night in a Haa homestay.
- Meals
- All meals included, with plenty of fuel for active days.
- Transport
- Private vehicle with support for cycling days; quality mountain bikes and helmets provided.
- Your guide
- Licensed guide with outdoor experience; qualified rafting guides for river sections.
What is included
Included
- Bhutan visa processing and visa fee
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- Accommodation as listed
- All meals in Bhutan
- Bike hire, rafting trip and safety equipment
- Private guide, driver and support vehicle
Not included
- International flights
- Travel insurance covering hiking, cycling and rafting (required)
- Drinks and personal expenses
- Tips
When to go & what you need
Best time to travel
March–May and late September–November. Rafting is best in spring and autumn when water levels are moderate.
- January
- February
- March — recommended
- April — recommended
- May — recommended
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October — recommended
- November — recommended
- December
Before you travel
- Passport valid for at least six months from arrival
- Activity travel insurance
- Good general fitness
Along the way
Places on this route
You might also like
Trekking · Adventure & Hiking · Moderate
The Druk Path Trek
- Paro
- Jele Dzong
- Jimilang Tsho
- Simkota
- …
Five days on foot over the ridges between Paro and Thimphu, past alpine lakes and ancient lhakhangs, with views of the high Himalaya.
View itinerary
Trekking · Adventure & Hiking · Strenuous
Jomolhari Trek
- Paro
- Sharna Zampa
- Jangothang
- Lingshi
- …
Eight days walking through yak pastures and high passes to the foot of Jomolhari, Bhutan's sacred peak on the Tibetan border.
View itinerary