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Jomolhari trek and best of Bhutan

17
days
For a blowout Bhutan trip, complete the gorgeous and challenging Jomolhari trek in the Himalayas and then relax while exploring the highlights of western Bhutan, including the cliffside Tiger's Nest and several of the country's most impressive historic fortresses.

Detailed Itinerary

Ours. Wall decoration details of Ganteng (or Gangtey) Monastery, Phobjikha Valley, Wangdue Phodrang District

Day 12: Do Gangtey Nature Trail (2 hr) and hike to Tangjey temple (5 hr)

After an early breakfast, enjoy the easy Gangtey Nature Trail, which introduces you to Phobjikha valley. From the small hilltop overlooking Gangtey Goemba, you head downhill through flower meadows to Semchubara village, and from here through beautiful forests and into open valley. Later we head to Tangjey Lhakhang (3,050 m), walking through dwarf bamboo stands, vegetables fields, orchards and the small village of Kilkhorthang. We end up at Tangey Lakhang (temple) – its foundation dates back to the early 1500s. A nice way to end the day is with a little of the locally distilled traditional drink!

Day 13: Walk to Chimi temple walk (1.5 hr) and explore Punakha fortress

After breakfast we drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. En route, we stop to do a short hike through rice paddies and traditional villages to Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility. The temple is visited by childless couples who believe it will help them to conceive. The trail ends in the tiny settlement of Pana, which offers a glimpse into the daily lives of the villagers. Later we visit Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress that sits at the juncture of two rivers and serves as a winter residence for monks.

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Ours. The ornate facade of Chimi Lhakhang monastery, Fertility Monastery in Punakha, Bhutan

Day 14: Explore Punakha

After breakfast, we hike up through fields of chillies, cabbages and rice along the banks of the Mo Chhu to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, a stunning monument built this century by the Queen Mother. Later, we visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang Nunnery, which is perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooks the valleys of Punakha and Wangdue Phodrang. The temple complex is a higher learning and meditation centre for nuns where they can also learn tailoring, embroidery, statue-making and thangka painting.

Day 15: Transfer to Paro and explore three fortresses

After breakfast, we drive to Paro along a scenic highway. En route, we visit Simtokha Dzong, the country's oldest fortress, built in 1627. Once in Paro, and after lunch, we visit Ta Dzong, originally built as watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. We then do a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (or Paro Dzong), which means 'Fortress of the heap of jewels'. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore.

Ours. Rinpung Dzong (Monastery) in Paro is lit up beautifully at night
Tiger

Day 16: Hike to Tiger's Nest (5 hr)

This morning we hike to Taktshang Monastery (or Tiger’s Nest), an improbably placed complex that clings to a cliff 900 m above the floor of Paro Valley. While the winding climb can be taxing, the pristine forest and sweeping views are ample reward! In the afternoon we drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. And in the evening, we visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The temple's building marked the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan.

Day 17: Departure day

After breakfast at the hotel, your tour guide drives you to the airport and helps you with the exit formalities for your flight home. We feel sure that you're going to be leaving Bhutan with incredible memories that will stay fresh in your mind for years and years to come!

Ours. Close up of Bhutan brick wall background.

Price Includes

Daily visa (which is a sustainable development fee, or SDF)

All ground transport, including airport transfers

4-star hotel accommodation in Thimphu, Paro and Punakha, 3-star in Gangtey

Breakfasts, lunches and dinners

2 bottled waters per person per day

Experienced and knowledgeable English-speaking tour guide and driver

All activities and entrance fees stipulated in itinerary

Trek guide, cook and porter salaries

Trekking permit

Tent (sleeps two)

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Price Does not Include

International flights

Travel insurance

Drinks and snacks

Tips for tour guide and mountain trekking crew (customary)

Sleeping bag

Where you'll stay

Zhingkham Resort

This resort sits on a mountain high above the Punakha valley, offering incredible views. There's a spa onsite if you feel the need for some pampering.

Tenzinling Resort

This beautiful resort is ideally situated for you to explore Paro on foot. Room service is available, and there's range of cuisine on offer in case you're feeling homesick for a familiar meal.

Hotel Druk Thimphu

Newly renovated, most of the rooms at this stylish hotel offer a lovely view of the Wangchu (Thimphu River) and the city beyond.

Why Follow Alice?

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Adventuring made easy

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Local guides

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Responsible travel

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FAQs

What are the best places to visit in Bhutan?

Bhutan is packed with cultural gems and natural wonders, but if you’re short on time, these are the top three must-visit spots:

  1. Paro – Home to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang), sitting high on a cliff. Hike up for beautiful views and spiritual insight.
  2. Thimphu – Bhutan’s capital, where you’ll find everything from the Buddha Dordenma statue to local markets and traditional arts centres.
  3. Punakha – Known for the majestic Punakha Dzong and scenic riverside hikes. It’s also great for a bit of adrenaline with white-water rafting.

If you want to find out more, read our article: Bhutan travel guide – Top 12 places to visit in Bhutan

What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) in Bhutan?

The Sustainable Development Fee, or SDF, is a daily charge paid by all visitors on a tourist visa. Introduced to support Bhutan’s growth and preserve its unique culture and environment, the SDF helps manage visitor numbers to keep tourism sustainable. Bhutan's stance on tourism is defined by its "high-value, low-volume" approach, prioritising sustainability and cultural preservation over mass tourism.