12-Day Bhutan Hiking & Camping Expedition Tour
Bhutan Hiking & Camping Expedition Tour Detailed Itinerary
Arrive at Paro International Airport.
Transfer to hotel in Paro valley.
Optional: Short orientation walk around town and visit Paro Dzong and National Museum.
Overnight in Paro.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang — one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
Optional warm-up hike in the Paro valley (local trails).
Overnight in Paro.
Drive to Dochula Pass (3,100 m) with panoramic Himalayan views.
Hike the Lungchutse trail through forests of pine, hemlock & rhododendron up to Lungchutse Temple at ~3,560 m with 360º mountain panoramas.
Continue to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Easy local hikes (e.g., around Tango Monastery and nature paths).
Explore Thimphu sights: Buddha Dordenma, Tashichho Dzong, crafts bazaar.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive via Dochu La Pass to Punakha.
Hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten — moderate trail through rice terraces and river scenery.
Visit Punakha Dzong — one of Bhutan’s most majestic fortresses.
Overnight in Punakha.
Drive towards Longtey / Longte region (depending on exact route offered by operator) and enjoy a beautiful forest + valley hike.
Experience local villages and rural landscapes.
Overnight in Punakha / Wangdue.
Drive back to Paro.
Visit Chele La Pass (~3,980 m).
Short hike to Kila Goemba (a cliffside nunnery) with spectacular views.
Overnight in Paro.
Drive from Paro to trailhead at Sangchoekor Buddhist College.
Start trek up to Bumdrak campsite (~3,800 m): scenic ascent through alpine forest.
Set up camp under rugged Himalayan skies — camping in remote wilderness.
Overnight at Bumdrak Camp.
Optional exploration around Bumdrak — ridge walks, panoramas at sunrise.
Begin descent towards Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest).
Overnight in Paro after descent.
Hike up to Taktsang Monastery — Bhutan’s most iconic cliffside monastery (~5–6 hours).
Return descent to Paro for rest.
Overnight in Paro.
Buffer day for:
Further hiking (e.g., forest trails near Paro),
Cultural visits,
Shopping and relaxing.
Overnight in Paro.
Transfer to Paro International Airport.
Depart Bhutan with unforgettable mountain memories.
What’s Included (Typical Trek/Camping Tour)
- Camp nights under canvas at Bumdrak
- All park permits & entry fees
- Licensed Bhutan guide & driver
- Transportation between trekking hubs
- Meals (as arranged by tour operator)
Bhutan operates on a daily sustainable tourism tariff/royalty, which is usually prepaid through your tour operator (includes visa fee and minimum daily spend).
Highlights Explained
Lungchutse Hike — Moderate forest hike to a high ridge temple with Himalayan views.
Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten — Cultural hilltop chorten with beautiful Punakha Valley views.
Chelela & Kila Goemba — High pass scenic drive + monastery hike.
Bumdrak Camping Trek — Two-day trek with night under the stars, exploring Bumdrak Monastery area.
Taktsang Monastery — World-famous cliffside pilgrimage hike.
Tips Before You Go
Best seasons: March–May & Sep–Nov (clear views & pleasant hiking conditions).
Physical fitness: Moderate to good fitness recommended — significant altitude changes.
Gear: Good trekking shoes, layers (cold nights at high camps), rain protection.