You might know this small Himalayan kingdom because they prioritize happiness above all else, so much that they’ve built a philosophy around it: Gross National Happiness. And when you visit, you feel it everywhere. It’s woven into daily life, creating a place where time slows, presence deepens, and every step higher into the Himalayas draws you deeper into its wild trails and breathtaking mountain terrain.

This itinerary is a rare gem because it not only showcases Bhutan’s most iconic places, like the Tiger’s Nest monastery, but it also takes you off the beaten path to explore a more remote, authentic side of the country on the Dagala Trek. We’ve also specially planned this journey to align with two of Bhutan’s vibrant festivals, giving you a chance to witness sacred dances, join locals in celebration, and experience the country’s traditions at their most alive. At the heart of it all are our Bhutanese hosts, whose hospitality, warmth, stories, and perspectives will stay with you long after the trip ends! This is your chance to fully immerse yourself in the traditions, landscapes, adventures, and culture that make the Land of the Thunder Dragon truly unlike anywhere else.

This hiking and cultural adventure provides a rare look at a Bhutan that most travelers never see. We’ll kick things off at a lively local festival, where the colors, dancing, music and energy will instantly pull you into the spirit of the country. From there, trails will pull us higher (literally) as we head into the remote, high-altitude world of the Dagala Trek. (It’s sometimes known as the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek, which is a misnomer, but trust us, the lakes you do see are worth every step!) Think high alpine passes, wild yak pastures, big open skies, and those “wait… is that Everest?” moments you only get this far off the grid in the Himalayan highlands. When we come down from the mountains, we’ll trade one wonder for another: the climb to the legendary Tiger’s Nest, tucked into a cliffside, and only reachable on foot, the same way pilgrims have done it for centuries.

What makes this journey truly special though, are the people we’ll meet along the way. Bhutanese nuns, guides, farmers, artists and entrepreneurs open doors into a culture that’s both ancient and evolving, and these connections are just as powerful as the views. Come ready to release expectations, breathe thinner air, and let the remoteness strip life back to what matters. Bhutan has a way of revealing joy in the simplest things, and once you feel it, it stays with you!

We rated this Bhutan trip a 4 out of 5 on the WHOA Adventure difficulty scale because of the amount of hiking and walking we’ll be doing, especially on the high altitude 4-day Dagala Trek that reaches altitudes as high as 14,800 ft (4,500 m) above sea level.

Bhutan’s weather shifts in subtle but noticeable ways as you move through the country. In Paro and Thimphu, the higher-elevation cities, you’ll get those crisp, mild days during the fall and spring, typically 50s to 70s °F, with cool evenings and beautifully clear skies. When you go lower into the Punakha Valley the warmth picks up, and nights don’t cool off nearly as much. It’s a small country, but the temperature swings by elevation make every valley feel distinct!

Bhutan’s position tucked beneath the Himalayas gives it some of the best trekking weather you could ask for in the spring and fall. Think crisp mornings, clear skies, and razor-sharp mountain views. Daytime temps usually hover in the 50s to 70s °F, which is perfect for long days of hiking without melting or freezing. That said, once the sun goes down, it’s a different story (especially on the remote sections of the Dagala Trek)! Night temperatures drop below freezing, and at higher elevations you might even encounter a dusting of snow (which makes the landscape feel even more otherworldly). Because this region is off the beaten track, expect rugged trails, and, while it’s nothing technical, it’s “true Himalayan” terrain.

We’ll sleep at altitudes of around 14,000 ft on the trek, and that thin mountain air is no joke. Shortness of breath, a little light-headedness, or mild headaches are all normal up here. The good news? The route is intentionally paced so your body can adjust, and we build in plenty of time for water breaks, slow ascents, and soaking up those panoramic Himalayan views. In short: expect big skies, rugged trails, warm hospitality, cold nights, and the kind of conditions that make you feel like you’ve truly stepped into the high Himalayas (because you have)!

As with all WHOA Adventures, you’ll be on your feet a lot, and Bhutan adds its own layer of intensity! Expect several long days on the move of 8+ hours of hiking at altitude on uneven terrain where there are no shortcuts or easy outs to lean on. Once you’re out on the Dagala Trek, you’re in true Himalayan backcountry: thin air and breathtaking landscapes that demand steady effort and solid preparation.

The stronger and better conditioned you are, the more you’ll actually enjoy this experience (because the challenge is part of the magic)! Start building your endurance ASAP, stay consistently active, and get comfortable with your gear. Break in your boots, test your layers and rain shell, and make sure your body knows what multi-hour hikes feel like. Show up ready, and this won’t just be a trek, it’ll be a spiritual journey you’ll carry with you long after you leave the Himalayas behind! If you’re looking for more tips check out our expert 6 step training guide.

Welcome to the Land of the Thunder Dragon! The moment you step off the plane in Paro, you’ll feel it: that uniquely Bhutanese mix of calm, warmth, and genuine hospitality. Our team will be there to greet you, help you settle in, and give you your first taste of the culture that makes this small Himalayan kingdom so unforgettable. Once everyone arrives, we’ll make our way to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital. In the evening, we’ll gather for a trip briefing and our WHOA-style Bhutanese Welcome Dinner with local flavors, comfort food, and yes, Bhutan’s famous chili cheese, which has a way of warming up our groups fast!

Drive Time: 3 hours*
Included Meals: Lunch, Welcome Dinner
Stay: Lobesa Boutique Punakha or similar
Arrival Logistics: Plan to fly into Paro by 12PM on the adventure start date. We recommend connecting through Delhi or Kathmandu on Druk Air, and will provide more details on flights and booking assistance prior to your adventure!

*NOTE: All drive times are approximate and subject to change due to conditions!

In Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, we’ll have the opportunity to understand Buddhism in a real, everyday way, not just as something we hear about from books. We’ll go inside the Punakha Dzong, known as the Fortress of Great Bliss, where the meeting of two rivers, quiet hum of monastic life, and storied paintings create a sense of presence you can feel. We’ll also visit the nuns of the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery, where deeper meaning comes through conversation: hearing how they live their practice, how they navigate joy and hardship, and how their stories reflect a spirituality that’s grounded, compassionate, and very human. Surrounded by mountains, prayer flags, and the rhythm of daily devotion, the day becomes less about sightseeing and more about understanding what Buddhism means here, how it shapes lives, and what it stirs in you.

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Lobesa Boutique Punakha or similar

Today, we’ll attend the colorful Talo Tshechu Festival, a vibrant three-day event held in the Talo village, just outside of Punakha. This festival, celebrated annually in March, has been a tradition for over 300 years, and is famous for its mask and Atsara dances. One of its unique highlights is the Zhungdra, a classical Bhutanese song performed in a meditative style without musical instruments. The three songs of Mani Sum—Samyi Sala (first day), Drukpa Dungey (second day), and Thowachi Gangi Tselay (third day)—are deeply cherished by the Talo community. Beyond its religious significance, the festival is also a time for families and villagers to come together and celebrate! In the evening, we’ll make our way to Thimphu and have free time to explore Bhutan’s modern capital, because even in a place rooted in ancient tradition, life continues to evolve, glow, and surprise!

Drive Time: 2 hours
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Access Suites Thimphu or similar

Today we’ll get an up-close look at Thimphu’s towering golden Buddha Point statue, the world’s largest seated Buddha, which watches over the entire valley with a calm, commanding presence we’ve been feeling since the moment we arrived! We’ll also visit one of our favorite stops, the Choki Traditional Art School, where the studios are alive with the sound of chisels, looms, and students honing traditional skills in woodcarving, embroidery, tailoring, and weaving. The school provides free, multi-year training to underprivileged youth, and it is one of the best places in the country to buy handcrafted pieces directly from the artists who make them. We’ll end the day with a cozy dinner and a final round of packing up our duffels, because tomorrow it’s boots on and Bhutan’s backcountry ahead!

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Stay: Access Suites Thimphu or similar

Off we go into the backcountry to start the Dagala Trek and have time to connect with Bhutan’s spectacular landscapes! This 4-day hike is known to be one of the country’s most serene and scenic trails, and we’ll have the chance to experience life like the highland nomadic yak herders who call the region home. Today we’ll hike through lush, fairytale forests, and alpine meadows with Rhododendrons, before reaching our camp for warm tea, sunset, and views of Everest, if it’s clear!

Drive Time: 1 hour
Hike Time: 5+ hours*
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi / 7.2 km
Elevation:
↗️ 3,200 ft / 975 m
Camp: Kapchin (12,300 ft / 3,750 m)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

*NOTE: All hike times, milage, and elevations are approximate, and subject to change based on the conditions for the entire group’s safety and enjoyment!

Today we push deeper into the highlands of the Dagala region, traversing rugged trails that roll over meadows and ridgelines, and cross shallow streams and waterfalls. With each step, the landscape opens to wider, panoramic Himalayan views that will take your breath away (literally)! We’ll take our time along the way, pausing for tea breaks, biscuits, and sweeping vistas where prayer flags flutter across high passes. By afternoon, the trail guides us into a quiet valley surrounded by mountains where we’ll settle in for a sky full of stars to take in the stillness of this remote corner of the Himalayas.

Hike Time: 7+ hours
Hike Distance: 6 mi / 9.7 km
Elevation:
↗️ 2,150 ft / 650 m
↘️ 700 ft / 200 m
Camp: Labatama (14,000 ft / 4,270 m)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This is the most challenging (and rewarding!) day of our trek. We'll pass by a few high-altitude lakes where we’ll get unparalleled views of the world’s highest peaks: Kanchenjunga, Jomolhari, and, of course, Everest! Some of the day’s highlights include reaching our highest pass at 14,813 ft (4,515 m), walking the ridge line above the Doccha Chu River, and our memorable last camp where we’ll have one final evening sleeping under the stars together.

Hike Time: 7+ hours
Hike Distance: 6 mi / 9.7 km
Elevation:
↗️ 1,125 ft / 340 m
↘️ 1,900 ft / 580 m
Camp: Panka (13,150 ft / 4,000 m)
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

On the final day of our hike, we’ll descend and watch as the barren mountain landscapes transform into beautiful pine forests. While the hike might be over (celebratory momos anyone?), the adventure continues! In the evening, we’ll drive back west to Paro and settle in for the final chapter of our adventure.

Hike Time: 5+ hours
Hike Distance: 4.5 mi / 7.5 km
Elevation:
↗️ 75 ft / 25 m
↘️ 3,000 ft / 900 m
Drive Time: 3+ hours
Stay: Highland Glamping Paro or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we’ll experience one of Bhutan’s most prominent festivals and enjoy the celebratory mood in the streets of Paro. The Paro Tshechu is a religious and cultural festival that honors Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, who is credited with bringing Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century. Tshechu translates to "tenth day," as the festival falls on the tenth day of the Bhutanese lunar calendar. It’s a time for Bhutanese communities to gather, celebrate, and gain spiritual merit. A highlight of the festival is the masked dances (Cham) performed by monks, which depict stories from Bhutanese mythology and Buddhism. These dances are considered sacred, and attending the festival is believed to cleanse sins and bring blessings.

Stay: Highland Glamping Paro or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We’ll rise early to begin our pilgrimage to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic Tiger’s Nest and one of the most iconic stops of our entire journey. We’ll share the trail with locals, monks, and fellow travelers, all moving toward the same cliffside sanctuary. The climb is steady and rhythmic, giving us time to reflect on everything we’ve experienced so far and to pull the lessons, laughter, and moments of this adventure into focus. Inside the monastery, photography isn’t allowed, which ends up being a gift. Without a camera to reach for, you’re free to simply be there and listen, absorb, and take in the quiet energy of the space. After our descent, we’ll unwind with a traditional hot stone bath at a farmhouse, and end the day with a farewell feast, celebrating everything this adventure has brought to life!

Hike Time: 7+ hours
Hike Distance: 7 mi / 11 km
Elevation:
↗️ 2,100 ft / 640 m
↘️ 2,100 ft / 640 m
Stay: Highland Glamping Paro or similar
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Farewell Dinner

Our journey through the Kingdom of Bhutan has come to an end, but the memories of this magical place will last forever! We'll say our goodbyes and transfer you to Paro International Airport to catch your flights onward. Log jay gay (good bye, we'll meet again)!

Drive Time: 20 mins
Included Meals: Breakfast