Thimphu
Doderak Monastery
Time: 4-5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
The hike to Doderak is a tough climb but offers beautiful views and insights into Buddhist architecture and art. Start by walking for about 10 minutes on a paved road, then climb steeply for about 1-1.5 hours. As you go up, you’ll see views of Thimphu town, Wangditse, and Dechen Phodrag temples. The last part of the hike is along the hillside, passing a study spot for monks and leading to a chorten. At the end of the trail, you’ll reach Doderak, a small village around a 12th-century temple. The area is peaceful and often has monkeys in the trees. After exploring the village and temples, head back the same way or take a trail that leads to Dechhencholing Goemba and the Queen Mother’s Palace.
Cheri Monastery
Time: 1-2 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
A 40-minute drive from Thimphu takes you to the start of the hike to Cheri Monastery, which Guru Rinpoche visited in the 8th century. After crossing a bridge, the trail goes uphill to a chorten, which you should pass clockwise. After passing some buildings, you’ll see the temple. Sometimes you may spot wild goats nearby. Cheri is sacred because it holds the remains of Tempi Nima, father of Bhutan’s first Zhabdrung. The monastery was built in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Tango Monastery and Tango Dzongkha Monastery
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Strenuous (Moderate if just hiking to Tango Monastery)
Tango is an easy hike, but the trail to Tango Dzongkha, a retreat for hermits, is more challenging. The hike rewards you with stunning views of Thimphu and Punakha valleys, especially in spring when rhododendrons bloom. From Tango Monastery, follow the upper trail which passes a few houses and crosses a small landslide. Once you reach a meadow, the steep part is over, and you’ll continue through a forest. At the end, you’ll reach Tango Dzongkha, where the view of the surrounding mountains is incredible. Tango Monastery was built in the 15th century, and it is where Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated to defeat invading forces.
Tango Monastery and Drolay Goemba Loop
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This is an easier option than hiking to Tango Dzongkha. After visiting Tango Monastery, take a right trail leading to Drolay Goemba. The trail passes through forests with meditation huts and offers great views of Cheri Monastery and Thimphu.
Wangditse – Choekortse Loop
Time: 3-4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This moderate hike starts at the Radio Tower and goes to Choekhortse Goemba. The trail offers views of Thimphu and the surrounding area. At Wangditse, follow the trail uphill to Choekhortse and then back down. Wangditse Goemba was founded in 1750 and houses statues of guardian deities.
Phajoding and Pumola
Time: 7-8 hours
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
This is a challenging hike with amazing views above Thimphu. Start at the Radio Tower and climb to Choekhortse Goemba, then continue through a forest to reach Phajodhing, where you’ll see temples and enjoy a picnic. From there, it’s an hour hike to Pumola Monastery. After visiting, descend to the Takin Preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Phajodhing was a rich monastery founded in the 13th century.
Royal Botanical Park
Time: 1 hour (optional hike)
Difficulty: Easy
The Royal Botanical Park in Lamperi, between Thimphu and Punakha, offers a nature hike that explains the plants of Bhutan. The hike is a great introduction to the country’s botanical and medicinal history.
Dochula – Lungchutse – Tashigang Goemba – Hongtso
Time: 5-6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike starts at Dochula, offering panoramic views of the Himalayas. The trail climbs through forests to Lungchutse temple, where the view of the mountains is breathtaking. From there, head down to Trashigang temple and continue to Hongtso for a short hike. Trashigang Goemba is an important meditation center, and Hongtso Goemba is an old temple with statues of Guru Tshoki Dorji and others.
Sinchula Trek (Thimphu to Punakha)
Time: 9-10 hours
Difficulty: Very Strenuous
Instead of driving from Thimphu to Punakha, you can hike across Sinchula Pass, a scenic route between the two valleys. The trail ascends steadily and offers great views of rhododendrons in spring. The hike takes about 9-10 hours, with a challenging climb at the start. From the pass, the trail gradually descends to Punakha.