[ The Lungchutse trail above Dochula ]
Above Dochula
Walk through rhododendron and high forest to Lungchutse Lhakhang, with the Himalayan range opening in clear weather.
A Bhutan Beckons journey
Two Sacred Ascents
An active passage through Lungchutse, Punakha, Paro, and Taktsang.
5 days · Hiking · Spiritual · Active
Plan this journeyThe story
Five purposeful days. Two paths above the clouds.
This compact journey is defined by two climbs: the forest path from Dochula to Lungchutse Lhakhang and the pilgrimage trail to Taktsang above Paro.
Between them sit Punakha’s river fortress, a hilltop chorten, and the old watchtowers of Paro—a short route with real movement and little wasted time.
Experience highlights
What stays with you.
The defining moments of this journey, chosen for depth rather than spectacle.
[ Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten above Punakha ]
A valley from above
Climb through Punakha’s fields to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten and its wide river-valley view.
[ The Taktsang pilgrimage trail ]
Taktsang at your pace
Finish with Bhutan’s iconic ascent, taking the full day to reach the monastery without rushing.
- 01
Land and look outward
Location · Paro · Thimphu
Travel from Paro to Thimphu via Tachogang, then begin with Buddha Dordenma, Memorial Chorten, the takin preserve, and Wangditse’s forest path.
- 02
The first ascent
Location · Dochula · Punakha
Climb from Dochula to Lungchutse Lhakhang, then continue to Chimi Lhakhang, Punakha Dzong, and the suspension bridge.
- 03
Prayer above the fields
Location · Punakha · Paro
Walk uphill to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before travelling to Paro for Rinpung Dzong and the National Museum.
- 04
The second ascent
Location · Paro
Hike to Taktsang Monastery, with a midway rest and enough time to absorb the sacred landscape around the cliff.
- 05
Homeward
Location · Paro
Depart Bhutan after breakfast and a private transfer to Paro International Airport.
The details
What’s included.
Included
- Carefully selected accommodation along the route
- Private transportation throughout Bhutan
- English-speaking local guide
- Planned sightseeing and guided walks
- Bhutan travel arrangements
- Local assistance from arrival to departure
Not included
- Flights or transfers to the journey’s starting point
- Travel insurance
- Personal purchases and gratuities
- Optional activities outside the planned journey
Where you’ll stay
Places with a sense of place.
Properties are selected for warmth, location, and the way they belong to their landscape. Final choices follow your preferred travel style.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Thimphu ]
Thimphu stay
Thimphu
A well-positioned first-night stay for an early start toward Dochula and Lungchutse.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Punakha ]
Punakha stay
Punakha
A restorative valley stay between the route’s two most active days.
[ A thoughtfully selected stay in Paro ]
Paro stay
Paro
A comfortable base for the Taktsang ascent and an easy departure morning.
Gallery
The Kingdom through your eyes.
Good to know
Practical, when you need it.
Best time to travelSpring and autumn for clearer mountain walking; the route can run year-round
Spring and autumn for clearer mountain walking; the route can run year-round. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
DifficultyActive, with the Lungchutse and Taktsang ascents on separate days
Active, with the Lungchutse and Taktsang ascents on separate days. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Recommended forFit travellers who prefer walking to extended sightseeing
Fit travellers who prefer walking to extended sightseeing. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Group sizePrivate, typically 2–8 guests
Private, typically 2–8 guests. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Starting pointParo International Airport
Paro International Airport. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
Duration5 days / 4 nights
5 days / 4 nights. We will confirm the details for your dates when we shape your journey.
This journey can be customized.
The pace, stays, and experiences can be shaped around the way you want to travel.
Make this journey yours.
No two journeys need to be the same. Tell us what you’re looking for and our travel specialists will tailor this experience around you.
Plan my journey