Punakha
Mendegang Hike
Time: 1.5 – 2 hours
Difficulty: Easy
This hike is a nice way to replace a 45-minute drive with a peaceful walk if you’re heading back to Paro Thimphu. The trail starts above Zangdo Pelri Hotel and follows an irrigation channel along the mountain. Some parts of the trail are near a steep drop, which may feel scary for those afraid of heights. The hike ends near the main road, passing a couple of village houses and rice fields.
Nobgang Hike
Time: 45-minute drive from town
1-hour downhill hike to Punakha Hospital
Difficulty: Easy
Nobgang Village, located on a hill before Talo, is home to the four Queens. Here, you can visit the 4th King’s Palace, two lhakhangs, and two chortens. The hike starts at Nobgang village and goes downhill to Punakha Hospital, offering beautiful views of the valley.
Giligang via Khamsum Chorten to Punakha Dzong
Time: 5 – 6 hours, approx. 12 km
Difficulty: Hard
This challenging hike includes visits to Khamsum Chorten, Giligang Temple, and Punakha Dzong. The trail takes you through rice fields and forests with amazing views of the valleys. At Giligang, you can relax and enjoy a picnic. The hike continues downhill to Punakha Dzong.
Giligang Hike past Samdingkha to Phochhu Zam
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
This hike starts with a steep climb to Giligang Temple, then continues along the mountain ridge to Samdingkha. From there, the trail goes down to Phochhu Zam, with scenic views of villages and rice fields. If you prefer a shorter hike, you can stop at Samdingkha.
Jungle Hike to Hokatsho – Bhutan’s Largest Lake
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
This hike takes you through dense jungle to Hokatsho Lake, where you can enjoy the beautiful, untouched nature. The trail starts in a village, goes uphill, and gets denser with plants. At the lake, you can relax before continuing down to a nearby village for a picnic.
Goen Tshey Phu Nyea Hike
Time: 5 – 6 hours
Difficulty: Hard
This hike takes you to the Goen Tshey Phu Nyea Temple, located in a national park. The trail is steep and passes through forests and small villages. At the temple, you can see caves and the spot where Guru Rinpoche meditated. After visiting, you can take a gentler path down.
Bay Yul Lang Dra Hike
Time: 2-hour drive to Yoser Namseling Lhakhang
1.5-hour hike up, 1-hour hike down
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike to Bay Yul Lang Dra includes stops at temples and places connected to Guru Rinpoche. The path passes through forests, meadows, and offers views of wildlife. The temple at the end of the hike is perched on a cliff.
Hike to Sewala Monastery
Time: 6 – 7 hours
Difficulty: Hard
The Sewala Monastery is believed to be a place where prayers for a better future are heard. The hike is mostly uphill, taking you to incredible views and a 12th-century monastery. The monastery has a large statue of the Future Buddha.
Hike to Jachung Karmo Nunnery
Time: 30-minute drive, 5 – 6-hour hike
Difficulty: Hard
This hike takes you to Jachung Karmo Nunnery, a peaceful place run by nuns. The hike starts on a dirt road and continues uphill through a forest. The nunnery is a beautiful place founded by a meditation master and has a tranquil atmosphere.