Embark on a hike through vibrant blue pine forests, enjoying panoramic views of Thimphu Valley and Changangkha Temple. Originally designed as a cycling trail, it also makes for a fantastic hiking route. You can approach the hike from either direction, and it typically takes about 1 to 1.5 hours. This trail was established to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the fourth king of Bhutan.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 5.10 km

Walking time: 1:30 hrs (one way)

Cheri Monastery, located about a half-hour walk from Dodeba (elevation 2,600 meters), was established by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1620. Inside the monastery, a silver chorten contains the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father. The hike begins by crossing a traditional wooden bridge over the Thimphu Chhu, then ascends steeply to the monastery. Cheri, where Zhabdrung spent many years meditating, features numerous hermitages and small temples on its slopes, offering breathtaking views. The one-way walk to the monastery is approximately 4.5 kilometers and takes about two hours.

Difficulty Level: Easy

Distance: 4.5 km

Walking time: 2 hrs (one way

Attraction: Cheri Monastery, wild animals, Wangchu river & cantilever bridge

This hike is one of the most refreshing and scenic in the Thimphu region. It can be completed as a loop, starting at Dochula and ending at Hongtsho village, with visits to Lungchutse Gomba and Trashigang Gomba along the way. At Lungchutse, you can take in a 360° panorama of the Himalayan Mountain range.

Begin your hike at the large Chorten located in the center of Dochula Pass, which sits at an elevation of 3,140 meters (10,300 feet) between Thimphu and Punakha. From there, the trail gradually ascends a ridge through a forest of hemlocks, birches, and rhododendrons, leading to an open meadow. The path then re-enters a forest of moss-covered rhododendrons, towering hemlocks, junipers, and bamboo undergrowth. A small trail takes you the final 50 meters, past fluttering prayer flags, up to the Lungchutse temple..

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 10 km

Walking time: 2.5 hrs (one way)

Attraction: Dochula Pass, View of snowcapped mountain rages & Lungchutse Goenpa

Tharpaling Goemba, also known as the Place of Liberation, is perched on a hillside with a view of the Chumey and Gaytsa villages in Bumthang. The trail begins about 1 km beyond the Goemba, which was constructed in the 1800s as a residence for King Ugyen Wangchuck and now serves as a government office. While the hike may not provide extensive views, it has a pilgrim-like quality, passing by several sacred sites.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 5 km

Walking time: 2-3 hrs

Attraction: Tharpaling Goemba & Chojedrak and Chumey Valley

Drive for 30 minutes from Phobjikha to Longtey village on the East-West highway. From there, begin your walk by taking the path on the right of the road. This trail will take you through a bamboo thicket and past a small cluster of village homes. You’ll be surrounded by vibrant rhododendron forests, and in winter, you might see yaks grazing. Continue straight through the village and uphill until you enter an ancient rhododendron forest. The final stretch through the forest is a bit steeper as you ascend to a pass with stunning views of Gangtey Goemba, the Shedra, the lodge, and the valley below. From the pass, the path descends towards the charming Kumbu village. You can arrange for a pickup from Kumbu, or if you prefer, you can continue further down to the Shedra or all the way into the valley.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Walking time: 4 hr

Attraction: Longtey village & Kumbu village

After lunch, visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery), the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

This enjoyable walk offers a great way to experience the beauty of Phobjikha Valley. The Gangtey Nature Hike can be combined with visits to Gangtey Goemba, the local school, and Khewa Lhakhang. Gangtey Goemba is a prominent landmark in the valley and is especially popular with tourists during the winter, when they come to see the magnificent black-necked cranes that migrate from distant regions of Tibet. The hike lasts about 2 hours and meanders through pine forests and small bamboo patches, providing stunning views of the Phobjikha Valley.

Difficulty Level: Moderate

Distance: 4 km

Walking time: 2 hr

Attraction: Gangtey Goemba, view of valley, local community school & Khewa Lhakhang