17 Hiking Trails in Bhutan Every Hiker Should Complete

The mountainous and magical Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan is a hiker’s paradise. With a variety of challenging and exciting routes, as well as shorter walks suitable for most people, Bhutan offers something for every hiker. From snow-capped peaks and sacred sites to ancient forests and lush valleys, this unspoiled land is a treasure trove of natural beauty.

Here are some of the remarkable hiking trails in Bhutan that every hiker should experience at least once in their lifetime.

1. Druk Path Trek

This six-day trek is one of the most popular in Bhutan. It takes you through pristine lakes, shaded pine forests, and along high ridges connecting ancient religious sites and mountain settlements.

2. Jomolhari Laya Gasa Trek

If you’re seeking breathtaking views, this is one of the best treks through Bhutan’s spectacular and unspoiled landscapes. Embark on this 217 km, twelve-day trek starting at Drukgyel in Paro and journey through idyllic alpine meadows.

3. Jomolhari Loop

The Jomolhari trails are the most popular in Bhutan. The route has altitude differences of 2,500m and nearly 5,000m and of course offers amazing views. The seven-day loop traverses a range of landscapes, throughout which you will encounter a wide range of flora and fauna.

4. Jomolhari Trek

This is a nine-day route, an extension of the above for those who like a bit more of a challenge. The highlight of this popular trek is the spectacular views of Mount Jomolhari afforded from Jomolhari Basec.

5. Snowman Trek I

This is one of two demanding 25-day treks that take experienced explorers deep into the Bhutanese Himalayas. It is physically challenging and should only be attempted by those in peak fitness and ability. This is a high-altitude adventure for experienced explorers.

6. Snowman Trek II

This is the other 25-day trek high in the snowy Himalayan heights. Like the other, it is an extension of the Laya Gasa Trek and leads explorers high into the mountains. It has been described as one of the most difficult treks in the world, leading through some very remote landscapes.

Also read: Hiking in Asia: 10 Places with Stunning Trails

7. Nabji Korphu Trek

This trek is far easier and more relaxed. It is a six-day or one-week trek that takes hikers on a journey round scenic Trongsa Dzongkhag. The trail stays at a height of between 1,000 and 1,500m through the rich and biodiverse landscape in a warm and pleasant climate.

8. Merak Sakteng Trek

Experience something unique in the world – the semi-nomadic lifestyle and culture of this pastoral idyll in one of the scenic valleys in the protected area of Sakteng on a seven-day trek. This is something a little bit different to anything else experienced in the country.

9. Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Walk between pristine, crystal clear lakes on this six-day trek, which gives walkers stunning views over glistening water towards the Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mount Everest and many more.

10. Gangtey Trek

This short, relatively easy, three-day trek is suitable for all seasons but is best experienced between March and May or September and November. Along the way, you’ll encounter several remarkable villages and monasteries.

11. Punahka Winter Trek

This is another short and easy trek through Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan. Though you will range by almost a thousand metres in altitude, the slopes are mostly gradual and can therefore be attempted by most hikers without any difficulty.

12. Bumthang Cultural Trek

This easy three-day trek takes you through the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Here you will traverse beautiful valleys threaded with trout-filled rivers and see a number of ancient temples during your non-strenuous hike.

13. Bumthang Owl Trek

For fantastic views over this pristine area of natural and spiritual beauty, you have the option of taking this alternative three-day trail, which also gives you the chance to visit ancient Buddhist temples and several monasteries.

14. Wild East Rudung La Trek

While this ten-day trek does not take you to very high altitude, it is still a relatively challenging route, with steep ascents and descents. The trail leads from Bumthang in the heart of the country to Trashiyangtse in the far east of the Kingdom.

15. Samtengang Winter Trek

For an unchallenging and pleasant journey in a warm climate, on a trail that ranges in altitude between 1,100 and 1,900m, take this trek between Punakha and Wangduephodrang Dzongkhag. It takes only four days to take this scenic little adventure.

16. Duer Hot Springs Trek

This nine-day route partially overlaps with the snowman trek and so covers difficult and challenging terrain for those looking to really push themselves to their limit. It leads to the Duer Hot Springs, which are amongst the most beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas.

17. Salt Trek Route

The people of eastern Dzongkhags used to follow this route to transport salt and silk from Samdrup Jongkhar, a border town, until the construction of the National Highway between Samdrup Jongkhar and Trashigang. This eight-day trek is moderately challenging and offers breathtaking views of cloud-capped mountains and ancient villages as you journey through unspoiled broad-leaved and pine forests.

The above must have piqued your interest in the remarkable trails of Bhutan. Your trail guide will lead you on unforgettable adventures that will create lasting memories. If you’re looking to cross hiking in the Himalayas off your bucket list, consider a magical journey through this last Himalayan Kingdom. Lose yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty and immerse yourself in the mists of time. For keen hikers, Bhutan is a must-visit destination to discover what you’ve been missing.

Also Read: 10 Reasons Bhutan is the Most Underrated Destination in this World