Create an account

Start your adventure today.

    0

    Already a member? Login

    Thimphu (Bhutan)

    Hikes in Thimphu

    Region in Bhutan

    Tucked in a valley peppered with monasteries and rural trails snaking mountain slopes, sits Thimphu. Bhutan’s capital city may not be the first place in the world that comes to mind when you think of intrepid treks. Still, the region encompasses a magical collection of trails that go above-and-beyond ordinary. The hikes combine spectacular scenery with glimpses of local life, one that seamlessly marries ancient practices with contemporary style. And sprinkled amid the magnificent views and locals, is an array of Buddhist monasteries nestled into the steep hillsides.

    The Thimphu valley boasts of a myriad of trails all within close proximity to Bhutan’s capital city. While finding the trailheads may sound complicated at first, it’s not. Most taxi drivers will know exactly where to take interested trekkers. Several trails also begin at a distinct drop-off point, such as a building or a monastery.

    Most visitors flock to Thimphu for Druk Path, a stunning backpacking adventure. Still, the valley contains layers of remote paths leading to magical views of the valley below with glimpses of the Himalayas accompanied by Buddhist monasteries. Expect to go on a surplus of day hikes, granting you the chance to explore nature by day and bask in the modern, comfortable amenities spanning Thimphu by night.

    Are you interested in hiking in Thimphu? We’ve gathered a collection of trekking-related information so that you can cut some hours off researching. Put your hiking gear on and get ready to trek the less-travelled Thimphu!

    Types Of Hiking In Thimphu

    Thimphu valley offers several hikes suitable for all levels. Expect to encounter many easy, family-friendly, day hike options that won’t have you panting too hard, but will carry you to remarkable views of both the valley below and one of the many Buddhist monasteries carved into a steep grassy hillside. Those seeking more of a challenge will also find trails winding up the mountainside, taking you to a high elevation and deep into the woods.

    Some hikes, especially the easier ones, can be done in one afternoon, but you will find several that last for hours. You’ll likely interact with monks, locals, and packs of friendly dogs—who will scare off any bears or yaks that you may encounter—as you meander Thimphu’s backyard.

    Easy Hikes In Thimphu

    Cheri Monastery: Spanning just 2-3 hours and covering 2.4 km, this is an ideal trek for those seeking an outdoorsy afternoon or morning activity, one that immerses you into nature and unveils stunning views of the land below and of the Cheri Monastery carved into the mountain slope.

    Family Hikes In Thimphu

    Tango: This well-marked 4.0 km hike gives families a chance to ease into the array of hikes twisting through Thimphu’s valley. Amid the scenery, expect to encounter monkeys swinging in the trees and deer dotting the landscape.

    Dodeydrak Monastery Hike: Enjoy interacting with the locals as you make your way to the Dodeydrak Monastery, where you’ll instantly appreciate its precarious position on the mountain slope. This trail offers a more off-the-beaten-track experience, making it a memorable family trekking adventure.

    Day Hikes In Thimphu

    Chele La Pass: Embroidered with a tranquil ambience and lush scenery, this one-way day hike immerses you into the natural wonderland, blanketing the land between Thimphu and Paro, offering views of both Paro valley and Haa valley. This trek grants you the chance to choose your endpoint, making it a fun option for those who prefer a little trail flexibility.

    Pomola: Etched with magnificent vistas, horses and yaks peppering the landscape, and a blue pine forest, this 13.0 km route never fails to delight the trekkers who walk this trail. Once you reach Pomola Pass, you can choose your own path back. And who doesn’t love a choose-your-own-adventure hike?

    Challenging Hikes In Thimphu

    Talakha Hike: This trek may only cover 13.5 km, but it’s not for the faint of heart! The lack of signs dotting the path may add a little adventure to this challenging route, but the views from the peak will force you to forget about how hard you were panting moments before.

    Best Hikes In Thimphu

    Phajoding Monastery: This trek not only provides a glimpse of the rural lifestyle dotting Bhutan’s mountain slopes but the path takes you to the Phajoding Monastery, a now-declared “endangered monument.” Expect to encounter horse teams, locals, and a myriad of magnificent vistas.

    Thari Goempa: The Thari Goempa hike covers 11.0 km with an elevation of 3,261 m, making it one the most rewarding day hikes near Thimphu. Encounter jaw-dropping views of Phudjoding, Doedaydra, and Buddha Point as you wind along the path. The pinnacle of the walk will take you to the goempa, where stunning views await.

    Buddha Point: This out-and-back route will have you traversing logging roads and lush rainforest with the highlight being the statue of Buddha gazing over the vast landscape below. While this hike may be just over 11.0 km, it’s relatively flat, making it an ideal morning or afternoon escapade.

    Lungchutse: The Lungchutse hike boasts of a well-marked trail, a short 6.1 km out-and-back route, and views of the famed Himalayas. After hiking through groves of trees—junipers, hemlock, and rhododendrons—the green forest will dissolve into a ridge, where, if it’s a clear day, views of the Himalayas will paint the background.

    When Is The Best Time To Hike In Thimphu?

    The best time to visit Thimphu is between March to May or September to November when the level of humidity provides more comfort than mugginess. During these months, the temperatures range between 16°C and 26°C, amounting to ideal trekking weather. It’s best to avoid going to Bhutan during the monsoon season—June to August.

    From September to November, the torrential downpour from the previous months will cloak the landscape with vibrant hues of green, turning Thimphu’s valley into a verdant trekking wonderland. Hikers flocking to Thimphu between September and November may get the chance to mix up their expeditions with lively festivals dotting the area, with one notable event being the three-day Thimphu Tshechu. This festival typically takes place in mid to late September or early October.

    It’s also best to avoid flying to Bhutan during the cold winter months, but once March rolls around, flowers will begin to bloom, and birds will spatter the sky. Be sure to pack warm clothes if you plan to come between March and May—the temperature can drop drastically!

    Best Regions For Hiking in Thimphu

    The lush Thimphu valley stretches for 26.0 km and is loaded with a panoply of trails and revered monuments. Nestled within the mountains cradling the valley, you’ll find a concoction of regions layered with explorable paths.

    If you’re looking for views of the Himalayas, opt to venture to Duchola, where panoramic vistas of the snow-swept mountains line the horizon. Whereas, more family-friendly, more accessible paths, such as Cheri Monastery, Dodeydrak Monastery, and Tango wind through the northern part of the valley. Meanwhile, the west, towards Paro, offers more intrepid treks, where the route signage is poor, but the adventure and rewarding scenery ranks high. Head south for one of the most challenging hikes: Talakha.

    Other Outdoor Activities in Thimphu

    As Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu is one of the leading adventure hubs in the country. On top of hiking, you can opt to participate in a collection of outdoor activities, including climbs. Fun fact: Thimphu is home to The Vertical Bhutan Climbing Club, which provides equipment, training, and supervision! Or you can give your legs a break and go on an adrenaline-inducing kayaking adventure through Class IV+ rapids on the Upper Thimphu Chuu.

    Download the 10Adventures App

    View Hikes in Thimphu on Map

    View Map

    Best Hikes in Thimphu

    Open details for Lungchutse

    Lungchutse

    Moderate
    6.1 km
    661 m
    3-4h

    The Lungchutse day-hike will take you through woodland groves peppered with hemlock trees, junipers, and rhododendrons. Once you reach the ridge, the lush forest scenery will dissolve into a ridge, which, on a sunny day, unveils a panoramic view of the Himalayas. The picturesque scenery blanketing this track tends to attract more hikers than other spots, but compared to other tourist destinations, this trail is pretty remote.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Chele La Pass

    Chele La Pass

    Hard
    13.5 km
    1,100 m
    5.5-7.5h

    Exploding with an unspoiled, hushed ambience, the scenery blanketing Chele La Pass envelops any trekker. Depending on what time of year you hike, you’ll notice the enchanting blue poppies dotting the valley. The end of the hike will take you to the nunnery, which is set along the mountain face.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Buddha Point

    Buddha Point

    Moderate
    11.4 km
    660 m
    4-5.5h

    The hike to Buddha points traverses the lush mountainside blanketing the landscape, allowing you to admire the sprawling Thimphu valley from various points on this pleasant hike. The minor undulations carved into this valley will have you meandering logging tracks, and through rainforests and brush with the highlight being the statue of Buddha towering over the valley.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Cheri Monastery

    Cheri Monastery

    Very Easy
    2.4 km
    220 m
    1-1.5h

    Slightly rugged, but tailor-made for families and those seeking a relaxed adventure, the short hike to Cheri Monastery doesn’t disappoint. After trekking for an hour to two hours, you’ll encounter the Cheri Monastery perched on the hillside, overlooking the land below. Let your body immerse in nature, while also experiencing a dose of spiritual history on this lovely hike.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Open details for Pomola

    Pomola

    Moderate
    10.5 km
    945 m
    4.5-6.5h

    Embroidered with quintessential Bhutan vistas, a blue pine forest, and animals and plants dotting the land, the Pomola Hike doesn’t disappoint. As you wander, it’s likely that you’ll come across horses and yaks. When you reach Pomola Pass, the number of trails grant you the chance to choose your end point.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Dodeydrak Monastery Hike

    Dodeydrak Monastery Hike

    Hard
    6.5 km
    820 m
    3.5-5h

    The Dodeydrak Monastery Hike embodies a more rural, off-the-beaten-path vibe. Mingle with the locals as you make your way to the mountain-tucked Dodeydrak Monastery, resting on a slope. The friendly atmosphere and peculiar monastery architecture will undoubtedly please you.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Phajoding Monastery

    Phajoding Monastery

    Hard
    6.9 km
    822 m
    3.5-5h

    The Phajoding Monastery Hike will take you along a well-worn track, peppered with locals, horse teams, and a few other tourists, to the monastery. In 2010, the once-prosperous, adorned monastery was declared an “endangered monument.” If you have energy after reaching the monastery, you can opt to trek higher into the mountains for more vistas.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Open details for Thari Goempa

    Thari Goempa

    Very Hard
    11.1 km
    1,205 m
    5.5-7.5h

    Immerse yourself in nature on this pleasant walk traversing Thimphu’s backyard. This trek not only comes with a myriad of spectacular views of Phudjoding, Doedaydra, and Buddha Point, but you can expect numerous friendly dogs to join you on your walk. The top of the trek will take you to the goempa, where the valley glistens below.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Talakha

    Talakha

    Very Hard
    13.5 km
    1,100 m
    5.5-7.5h

    The Talakha Hike is one of the most difficult hikes in the area, but it offers rewarding views of the vast landscape sprawling below. En route, you’ll meander through bamboo, logging sites, collecting dog friends as you trek, who will bark at any yaks or animals crossing the path. The lack of signage may heighten your chances of getting lost, but it’s all a part of the adventure, right?

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Advanced (Diamond)
    Suitable for advanced experience level looking for a solid adventure.
    Open details for Tango

    Tango

    Easy
    2.4 km
    400 m
    1.5-2h

    Looking to ease your way into the trails scattered around Thimphu, Bhutan? The Tango Hike is tailor-made for newcomers wanting to warm-up their legs and tap into the trekking mindset. Just 2.4 km, this out-and-back trek will introduce you to wildlife like monkey and deer, as well as the Tango Monastery, which stands tall on a grassy slope.

    User Ratings
    Overall Rating
    10.0
    Technical Difficulty
    Easy (Circle)
    Suitable for beginners, families, young children, and those looking for a casual adventure.
    Physical Difficulty
    Intermediate (Square)
    Suitable for intermediates who are ready for a little bit more adventure.

    Change happens, fees shouldn't

    Essential Tools for Any Adventure

    Find a hotel in some of the most beautiful locations on earth.

    Book your own car to have complete freedom on your next adventure.

    Gear-up for your next adventure.

    This page may include affiliate links. We may get a small commission for the purchases made through these links at no additional cost to you.
    We only recommend tools we personally think are great.

    Related regions

    Change happens, fees shouldn't

    Recent Stories

    Open details for Trail Etiquette When Exploring the Backcountry

    Trail Etiquette When Exploring the Backcountry

    By Emma Schroeder
    March 4th, 2024
    Open details for The Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

    The Walkers Haute Route from Chamonix to Zermatt

    By Richard Campbell
    February 13th, 2024
    Open details for 10 Tips for Having fun and Staying Safe on Winter Trails

    10 Tips for Having fun and Staying Safe on Winter Trails

    By Richard Campbell
    November 28th, 2023
    Open details for The Best Larch Hikes in Alberta: 15 Stunning Trails To Do This Fall

    The Best Larch Hikes in Alberta: 15 Stunning Trails To Do This Fall

    By Lynn W
    July 14th, 2023
    Detailed Route Guides
    Real GPS Coordinates
    Reliable Trail Reports
    Experienced-Based Travel Tips
    GPS App
    Extensive Travel Guides

    Get travel inspiration and discounts

    Join our weekly travel newsletter