Day Hikes in Thimphu & Paro: Complete Guide
The valleys of Thimphu and Paro offer some of Bhutan’s most accessible yet rewarding hiking trails. From sacred temples perched on ridges to panoramic viewpoints of the Himalayas, these day hikes provide the perfect introduction to Bhutan’s natural beauty without the commitment of a multi-day trek.
Thimphu Hiking Trails
Trail 1: Sangaygang to Chokortse Loop
Overview: A scenic ridge walk connecting three important religious sites with stunning views of Thimphu valley.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 6-8 km (loop)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~300m
- Best Time: Year-round (morning recommended)
The Route:
Start: Sangaygang (BBS Tower)
- How to get there: Taxi from town (Nu. 100-150)
- Starting Point: 2,680m
Section 1: Sangaygang to Chokortse (2 km, 1 hour)
- Gradual descent through pine forests
- Views of Thimphu valley opening up
- Trail condition: Well-defined, dirt path
Chokortse Nunnery:
- Active nunnery with ~100 nuns
- Explore the temple: Beautiful statues and thangkas
- Views: Great photo opportunities
- Time: Spend 30 minutes here
Section 2: Chokortse to Wangditse (2 km, 45 minutes)
- Most scenic section of the hike
- Ridge walking with panoramic views
- Pass through oak and rhododendron forests
Wangditse Lhakhang:
- Historic temple founded in 18th century
- Sacred artifacts: Ancient statues and relics
- Views: Overlooking Dechencholing Palace
- Time: 30-45 minutes
Section 3: Wangditse to Sangaygang (2-4 km, 1-1.5 hours)
- Gentle ascent back to starting point
- Alternative: Continue down to Motithang
Highlights:
- Panoramic valley views
- Sacred temples
- Bird watching (colorful pheasants)
- Prayer flags and chortens
What to Bring:
- Water (1 liter)
- Snacks
- Sun protection
- Camera
- Small donation for temples
Trail 2: Sangaygang to Wangditse Direct
Overview: Shorter version of the above, perfect if time is limited.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 4 km (one way)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~150m
The Route:
- Start: Sangaygang
- Direct ridge trail to Wangditse
- Same return or continue down to Motithang
Best For: Sunsets, short walks, families
Trail 3: Changangkha to Buddha Point
Overview: Urban hike connecting two of Thimphu’s most iconic sites.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 5-6 km (one way)
- Duration: 2-2.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~200m
The Route:
Start: Changangkha Lhakhang
- How to get there: Taxi from town (Nu. 80)
- Visit temple first (15-20 minutes)
Section 1: Changangkha to Rice Research Institute (1.5 km)
- Gradual descent through forest
- Well-marked trail
Section 2: Rice Research to Buddha Point (3.5 km)
- Steeper ascent to Kuensel Phodrang
- Mix of stairs and dirt paths
- City views getting better as you climb
Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang):
- Giant Buddha statue (51.5m tall)
- Best views of Thimphu valley
- Time: Explore 30-45 minutes
- End here or continue to town
Highlights:
- Two sacred sites in one hike
- Great city views
- Accessible year-round
What to Bring:
- Water (1.5 liters)
- Good walking shoes (some stairs)
- Camera
- Small donation for Buddha Point
Trail 4: Buddha Point to Pumola to Takin Preserve
Overview: Scenic ridge walk with wildlife viewing opportunities.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 6-7 km (one way)
- Duration: 2.5-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~250m
The Route:
Start: Buddha Point
- Follow trail behind the Buddha statue
Section 1: Buddha to Pumola (2.5 km)
- Ridge walking with forest views
- Bird watching opportunities
- Gentle up and down
Pumola Viewpoint:
- Less crowded than Buddha Point
- Different perspective of the valley
- Good picnic spot
Section 2: Pumola to Takin Preserve (3.5 km)
- Forest trail descent
- Connects to Motithang area
Takin Preserve:
- See the takin (Bhutan’s national animal)
- Entry fee: Nu. 50
- Time: 30 minutes
Highlights:
- Less crowded trails
- Wildlife viewing
- Great photo opportunities
Paro Hiking Trails
Trail 5: Rago Goenpa Hike
Overview: Moderate hike to a hermitage with stunning Paro valley views.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 5 km (round trip)
- Duration: 2-3 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~400m
- Starting Elevation: 2,280m (Paro)
The Route:
Start: Rago Bridge (10 min drive from Paro town)
- Cross bridge and follow trail up
Section 1: Bridge to Chorten (1.5 km, 45 min)
- Steep ascent through pine forest
- Many prayer flags
- Take your time, plenty of rest spots
Section 2: Chorten to Goenpa (1 km, 30 min)
- Continue climbing
- Views improving with elevation
- Goenpa appears on cliff edge
Rago Goenpa:
- Small hermitage with monk resident
- Incredible views of Paro valley and Dzong
- Tea available if monk is present
- Time: 30-45 minutes
Return: Same route (1-1.5 hours)
Highlights:
- Panoramic valley views
- Sacred hermitage
- Off the beaten path
- Great acclimatization hike
What to Bring:
- Water (1.5 liters)
- Snacks
- Good hiking shoes
- Camera
- Small donation for goenpa
Trail 6: Jana Dzong Hike
Overview: Moderate hike to ruins of a historic fortress with valley views.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 8 km (round trip)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: ~500m
The Route:
Start: Damchena village (20 min from Paro)
- Ask locals for trailhead
- Follow trail through village
Ascent:
- Through fields and forests
- Gradual climbing
- Village life along the way
Jana Dzong Ruins:
- Historic fortress ruins
- 360-degree views of Paro valley
- Picnic spot
- Time: 30-45 minutes
Highlights:
- Historic site
- Valley views
- Village experience
- Off typical tourist trail
Trail 7: Tshogonpa Nunnery Hike
Overview: Easy hike to an active nunnery above Paro.
Trail Stats:
- Distance: 4 km (round trip)
- Duration: 1.5-2 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: ~200m
The Route:
Start: Above Paro town (taxi to trailhead)
- Well-marked trail up
- Paved in sections
Tshogonpa Nunnery:
- 50+ nuns in residence
- Temple visit (30 minutes)
- Valley views
- Tea often available
Perfect For: Acclimatization, cultural experience, families
Combination Hikes
Sangaygang Full Loop (Full Day)
Combine: Sangaygang → Chokortse → Wangditse → Motithang → Changangkha → Buddha Point
Stats:
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 6-7 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Lunch: Pack lunch or eat at Motithang
Paro Ridge Hike (Full Day)
Combine: Rago Goenpa → Jana Dzong → return via different route
Stats:
- Distance: ~10 km
- Duration: 5-6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous
Practical Information
Getting to Trailheads
Thimphu:
- Sangaygang: Taxi Nu. 100-150 from town
- Changangkha: Taxi Nu. 80
- Buddha Point: Taxi Nu. 100 (up), Nu. 50 (down)
Paro:
- Rago Bridge: Taxi Nu. 200-300
- Tshogonpa: Taxi Nu. 150
- Jana Dzong: Taxi Nu. 300-400
Best Times to Hike
| Season | Conditions | Recommendations |
|---|---|---|
| Spring (Mar-May) | Clear, blooming rhododendrons | Ideal hiking weather |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | Rainy, leeches, muddy | Start early, bring rain gear |
| Autumn (Sep-Nov) | Best visibility | Peak hiking season |
| Winter (Dec-Feb) | Clear but cold | Morning frost, dress warm |
Daily Timing
Recommended:
- Start: 8-9 AM (earlier in summer)
- Finish: 1-4 PM depending on hike
- Avoid: Hiking in midday heat (summer)
What to Wear
Year-Round:
- Hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers
- Lightweight pants (not jeans if raining)
- T-shirt + light layer
- Sun hat (high UV)
Winter (Dec-Feb):
- Warm jacket (it’s cold at higher elevations)
- Warm hat
- Gloves
Monsoon (Jun-Aug):
- Rain jacket
- Quick-dry clothing
- Extra socks
What to Bring
Essential:
- Water (1.5-2 liters)
- Snacks (energy bars, fruit)
- Sun protection (sunscreen, sunglasses)
- Camera
- Small cash for donations/taxi
Optional but Good:
- Binoculars (bird watching)
- Light rain jacket (weather changes)
- Toilet paper (some trails have no facilities)
Safety Tips
- Hike with others whenever possible
- Tell someone your planned route
- Start early to avoid afternoon weather/rain
- Stay on marked trails
- Carry water (streams may not be safe to drink)
- Respect sacred sites (remove hats, shoes in temples)
- Don’t disturb wildlife
- Be weather aware (storms can develop quickly)
Altitude Considerations
Thimphu: 2,280m - 2,700m Paro: 2,280m - 3,000m+
Altitude Sickness Risk: Low for these hikes, but:
- Take it easy if you’ve just arrived
- Drink plenty of water
- Rest as needed
- Descend if you feel severe symptoms (headache, nausea, dizziness)
Cultural Etiquette
At Temples/Goenpas:
- Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees)
- Remove shoes before entering
- Remove hats inside
- Walk clockwise around chortens/stupas
- Ask permission before photographing
- Keep voices low
On the Trail:
- Yield to locals (especially elders/monks)
- Don’t block prayer wheels
- Don’t touch sacred objects
- Respect prayer flags (don’t remove or damage)
Hiring a Guide
Not required for most day hikes, but beneficial if:
You want:
- Cultural information
- Local knowledge
- Safety in numbers
- Support if altitude is a concern
Cost: Nu. 1,000 - 1,500 per day (plus tip)
Where to find guides:
- Your hotel
- Tour operators
- Tourist information office
Trail Difficulty Guide
Easy (Good for Beginners)
- Sangaygang to Wangditse direct
- Tshogonpa Nunnery
- Buddha Point area walks
Characteristics:
- Well-defined trails
- Minimal elevation gain
- Easy to follow
- Facilities available
Moderate (Some Experience)
- Sangaygang to Chokortse to Wangditse loop
- Changangkha to Buddha Point
- Rago Goenpa
Characteristics:
- Some steep sections
- Longer distances
- Need basic fitness
- Remote from facilities
Strenuous (Fit Hikers)
- Jana Dzong
- Full combination hikes
Characteristics:
- Significant elevation gain
- Longer distances (5+ hours)
- Need good fitness
- Very remote from facilities
Sample Hiking Schedule
Day 1: Arrival Day (Easy)
- Afternoon: Buddha Point walk
- Duration: 1 hour
- Purpose: Acclimatization, valley views
Day 2: Easy Trail
- Morning: Tshogonpa Nunnery (Paro) or Wangditse direct (Thimphu)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Purpose: Test fitness, gentle acclimatization
Day 3: Moderate Trail
- Morning: Rago Goenpa (Paro) or Sangaygang-Chokortse-Wangditse loop (Thimphu)
- Duration: 3-4 hours
- Purpose: Longer hike, more elevation
Day 4: Rest or Cultural Day
- Visit Dzongs, temples, museums
Day 5: Challenging Trail or Trek
- Option 1: Jana Dzong (Paro)
- Option 2: Tiger’s Nest (Paro) - famous 5-hour hike
- Duration: 4-5 hours
- Purpose: Main hiking event
After-Hike Recommendations
In Thimphu
- Post-hike meal: Bhutan Kitchen or Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
- Relax: Hot stone bath at your hotel
- Stretch: Many hotels offer yoga
In Paro
- Post-hike meal: Meto-Pelri Restaurant or Dumptseng
- Relax: Hot stone bath at your hotel
- Stretch: Hotel gardens are perfect
Final Note: These day hikes are the perfect way to experience Bhutan’s natural beauty without the commitment of a multi-day trek. They offer sacred sites, stunning views, and a taste of Himalayan hiking that will leave you wanting more. Whether you have a few hours or a full day, there’s a trail waiting for you in the valleys of Thimphu and Paro.