International Multi-day Tour

Bhutan Active Adventure

Discover the magic of Bhutan on a ten-day journey through soaring Himalayan landscapes, ancient monasteries, and remote mountain villages. This is an adventure designed to inspire and slow you down in the best possible way.

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Destination Bhutan

Duration 10 Days

Price From $6,490

Departs 04 May 2027

Group Size 16 Max

Overview

Explore Bhutan with AW

Spend 10 days exploring Bhutan, a land of soaring mountains, deep spirituality, timeless traditions, and warm, welcoming communities. This journey moves at a thoughtful pace, combining gentle hikes of up to 10 kilometres each day with meaningful cultural experiences and time to truly absorb your surroundings.

Walk through pine forests and mountain valleys, visit remote villages and centuries-old monasteries, and experience the rhythm of everyday life while surrounded by spectacular Himalayan scenery. Along the way, enjoy an unforgettable overnight comfort camping experience in the mountains before completing the iconic hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, dramatically perched high above the Paro Valley.

Guided throughout by knowledgeable local experts and an Adventurous Women Tour Leader, this is a deeply immersive journey designed to connect you with Bhutan’s landscapes, culture, spirituality, and people, all shared with a supportive group of like-minded women.

Note: This trip can be combined with our Nepal Pikey Peak Trek.

Fitness/Walk Grade

This trip includes consecutive days of hiking, with distances of up to 10km per day. While the distances are not long, the terrain is hilly and many of the walks take place at around 3,000m elevation. At this altitude, you will notice a reduced level of stamina and increased effort during physical activity. The pace will be slow and designed for enjoyment, with plenty of time to rest and take in the surroundings. However, you must be comfortable hiking both uphill and downhill on uneven terrain.

This itinerary is achievable for most people with a reasonable level of fitness, but we strongly recommend training in advance to ensure you can complete the hikes comfortably and safely.

Pack-free hiking - your luggage moves with you
Wineglass Bay sunrise lookout walk
Freycinet National Park kayak with playful seals
Local Tasmanian produce at every meal
Comfortable lodge accommodation, not camping
Small group of like-minded women, max 14

Hiking the trails of Bhutan — Hike along the Trans-Bhutan Trail

Day 1 Tue 04 May Fly to Paro; drive to Thimphu

Check-in at the Bangkok airport this morning and board a flight to Paro, Bhutan.

After immigration and customs formalities, meet up with our AW Tour Leader and Bhutanese guide and travel by private van/bus to Thimpu. The scenic one-hour drive takes us past rice fields, hamlets and wayside mountain villages.

After checking in at your hotel in Thimphu and a brief rest ; we embark on a leisurely exploration of Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan to get a sense of the place and acclimatize to the altitude. Thimphu is a fascinating combination of traditional and contemporary life.

Meals: Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 2 Wed 05 May Thimphu morning city tour; optional afternoon hike (5km)

This morning is devoted to a cultural exploration of Bhutan’s capital with our local guide.

Begin with a visit to the Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting School), where students are trained in Bhutan’s traditional arts and crafts. Continue with selected city highlights such as the National Library, home to important Buddhist manuscripts and cultural archives, and the Royal Textile Academy, showcasing Bhutanese textiles and weaving traditions. We’ll also take a walk through the local market, offering a glimpse into everyday life and culinary culture in Bhutan.

This afternoon, there is an option to hike up to ‘Buddha Point’, (5km / appx 2-3 hours) a gentle hike that rewards with views over the capital.

Hiking Distance and Duration: Hiking appx 5 km ; easy to moderate with limited elevation gain (+260m/-85)

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Thimphu

Day 3 Thu 06 May Thimphu to Punakha: Hike along Trans Bhutan Trail (8km)

In the morning, we drive to Punakha via the scenic Dochula Pass (3,050 m), offering panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan range on clear days. We stop briefly to admire the 108 stupas before continuing on a downhill drive to the Thinleygang Valley. If seasonal fruits are available, we will stop at a roadside farmers’ market to sample fresh local produce.

At Thinleygang Village, we join the Trans Bhutan Trail for a hike ( 8 km/ appx 4 hours), descending through villages, forested paths, and farmland, crossing a suspension bridge before reaching Chandhana village. From here, the trail gently ascends and then descends toward the subtropical landscape of Punakha. A picnic lunch will be served along the way.

Hiking Distance and Duration: Hiking appx 8 km (4 hours)

Driving duration: Approximately 2 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Punakha

Day 4 Fri 07 May Punakha: Hike Jilingang Trail (8-9 km)

In the morning, we take a short 15 min drive from the hotel and start hiking the Jilingang Trail (8 km/ 4-5 hours). We’ll walk at a leisurely pace to enjoy the panoramic views of the Punakha Valley and frequent sightings of the impressive Punakha Dzong along the way.

Near the end of the trail, we cross the Pho Chhu Bridge and take a leisurely walk (appx 1km) alongside the kingdom’s longest suspension bridge. The walk offers wonderful insight into life around the riverside as well as a chance to observe some bird life such as kingfishers, ibis bills and lapwings.

We then visit Punakha Dzong, dramatically located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, before crossing a traditional cantilever bridge to reach our vehicle.

Hiking Distance and Duration: Hiking 8 km (4-5 hours)- easy to moderate; plus an additional 1km on the riverside

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Punakha

Day 5 Sat 08 May Punakha to Gangtey Valley: Nature Walks

This morning we take an easy village walk (about 1 hour round trip) through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of the Divine Madman.

We then drive through central Bhutan, passing Wangduephodrang Dzong and ascending toward Pele La Pass (3,300 m) on the Black Mountain range. Just before the pass, we divert to the scenic Phobjikha Valley.

Upon arrival, we visit Gangtey Monastery and enjoy a gentle walk along the Gangtey Nature Trail (about 1 hour), with sweeping views of the valley. We also stop at the Crane Information Center before continuing onward.

Hiking Distance and Duration: 2 hours walking - easy

Driving duration: Approximately 3 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Gangtey Valley

Day 6 Sun 09 May Gangtey Valley: Hiking (7 km)

We drive for about 45 minutes across Pele La Pass (3,300 m) from Phobjikha Valley to the trailhead at Longtey Village on the east–west highway. From here, we begin a hike (7 km / appx 4 hours) through dwarf bamboo forests, rhododendron woodland, and yak pasturelands.

After ascending to Kayche La Pass (3,700 m), we are rewarded with sweeping views of the Gangtey Valley. Following lunch on the trail, we descend through the valley toward the picturesque Kumbu Village, finishing at the roadhead in Gangtey.

Hiking Distance and Duration: 7 km (appx 4 hours)- the hike includes steady climbs and descents (Elevation gains +483m/-571m) The hike is not technical and we’ll stop often for breaks

Driving duration: Approximately 1-1.5 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Gangtey Valley

Day 7 Mon 10 May Gangtey to Paro

We retrace the scenic route to Paro via Dochula Pass, with relaxed stops along the way for refreshments, sightseeing, and fresh mountain air. En route, we visit the Royal Botanical Park to explore its diverse flora and occasional wildlife.

The afternoon is at leisure, with options to visit Paro Dzong and the National Museum, enjoy a gentle walk along the Gerikha–Ramna section of the Trans Bhutan Trail (about 1 hour) or relax at the hotel.

Hiking Distance and Duration: Optional 1 hour walking

Driving duration: Approximately 5-6 hours

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Paro

Day 8 Tue 11 May Paro: Hiking to Mountain Camp (8 km)

After breakfast, set off with just a small overnight pack for our hiking and camping adventure. Take a short scenic drive (about 30 minutes) to Sang Choekhor Buddhist University above the Paro Valley, where our trek starts.

The 8-kilometre trail follows an ancient pilgrim route through pine forests, yak pastures, and alpine meadows.

En route, we’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Choe Chotse Monastery, offering sweeping views over the Paro Valley. Hiking at a relaxed pace, we reach our campsite in 4-5 hours at around 3,800 m, near Bumdra Monastery (the Cave of a Million Prayers).

Take some time to freshen up at the camp site (the camp is fixed tents with proper beds, pillows and carpets).

In the afternoon, we explore nearby mountain trails and take in panoramic views of the Bhutan Himalayas.

Hiking Distance and Duration: Hiking 8 km with steady uphill (Elevation gain + 1300 m / - 155m) - due to the incline, this is a challenging hike but there is plenty of time and it is not technical.

Driving Duration: Approximately 30 minutes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Comfort camping

Day 9 Wed 12 May Trek to Tiger’s Nest Monastery- Return to Paro (10km)

We descend for about two hours along the pilgrimage trail through rhododendron and juniper forests to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang). Dramatically perched on a cliff high above the Paro Valley, it is Bhutan’s most recognizable landmark.

We enjoy lunch at the cafeteria with views of the monastery before hiking the last stretch downhill for about 45 minutes to where our car awaits.

It’s just a short 15-minute drive back to the hotel in Paro where we’ll freshen up, relax and then gather for our final group dinner.

Hiking Distance and duration: 10 km hiking, mostly downhill (Elevation gain +348 m / -2050 m)

Driving duration: approximately 15 minutes

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Accommodation: Hotel, Paro

Day 10 Thu 13 May Fly Paro to Bangkok; Onward travels

After breakfast, we transfer to Paro’s airport for our departure flight to Bangkok.

No onward travel services are included; you may choose to extend your stay in Bangkok or arrange onward flights home.

Meals: Breakfast

Important Notes

Every effort will be made to follow the itinerary as planned, but please remember this is adventure travel and conditions can change unexpectedly. Weather, road conditions, vehicle issues, or the health of fellow travellers may require adjustments. We’ll do our best to keep things on track, but a flexible and easy-going attitude is essential for the best experience.

Occasionally, certain experiences or activities may need to be modified or skipped due to circumstances beyond our control. In such cases, refunds will not be provided for any missed components of the itinerary.

Adventurous Women Tour Leader
An experienced, professional English-speaking Bhutanese guide(s)
Accommodation on a twin/share basis with optional single rooms at a surcharge
Private transportation with driver in Bhutan
Activities and excursions as listed in the itinerary, including entrance fees and permits
Bhutan’s Sustainable development fee ($900 USD per person)
Bhutan Tourist Visa
Meals as listed in the itinerary

"Loved every minute of the trip! Organisation was great, tour leader (Jazzy) was fabulous, and the other women on the walk were just lovely"

Celia Nepal

"So well organised by the team nothing was a problem so helpful lots of fun with the other Adventurous Women"

Lorrie Ningaloo Reef

"I loved the great group of women and the variety of activities. We hiked, cooked, kayaked, met elephants, laughed, swam and ate. Marie’s knowledge of her homeland made this a memorable experience"

Michelle Cambodia

"Loved the week hiking with Anna & an inspiring group of women. Really well organised, fun, delicious food, amazing scenery. Highly recommend"

Sue Bibbulmun Track

"A stunning part of the world to hike with a special group of awesome women, led by our wonderful leader Lyn"

Tammy Japan

Cancellation & Refunds

Cancellation by Adventurous Women:
In the event that we cancel a tour or are unable to guarantee the departure due to not meeting minimum numbers, we will provide a full refund.

Cancellation by you:

90+ days before departure - Loss of deposit (partial voucher available*)
75-89 days before departure - Loss of deposit
74 days or less before departure - Loss of all payments
No refund is available once a tour has commenced

*Multi-day tour cancellations made 90+ days before departure are eligible for a $250 voucher

We strongly recommend taking out travel insurance with trip cancellation cover for peace of mind.

View our full booking terms & conditions

The Adventurous Women Way

The magic of our trips comes from travellers bringing a supportive mindset, a go-with-the-flow attitude, and a genuine spirit of adventure.

We explore beautiful, often remote places where life moves at a different pace. Flexibility, a little humour and positivity go a long way in creating an atmosphere where everyone feels free to be themselves and make the adventure far more rewarding.

Find more about the Adventurous Women Way and travelling with AW

Exclusions

The following is not included in the cost of the tour:

International flights
Regional Flight Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok, or Kathmanudu-Paro-Bangkok
Drinks at meals other than water
Meals not specified in itinerary
Transfer in Bangkok on day 1
Transfers/services in Bangkok on day 10
Tips and gratuities for guides and drivers
Expenses of a personal nature such as launch, bar bills, etc
Travel insurance (Compulsory)

Solo Travellers

If you’re travelling solo not to worry, you’re in good company! Many of our travellers join solo and our trips are designed to feel welcoming and supportive from the moment you arrive. It’s a great way to meet like-minded women, and friendships often form quickly along the way.

While on tour, we have you sharing with different women from the group at different times - great for group bonding and also for alleviating any potential annoyances that may occur as a result of travelling with the same person throughout a tour. Or, if you’d prefer your own room on the trip, this is possible for an additional supplement. You can select this option at the time of booking.

Arrival & Departure Details

Independent travel is not permitted in Bhutan, so entry and exit from the country must align with our group itinerary.
There are also limited daily flights to and from Bhutan, with Paro being the country’s only international airport.

We will arrange airport transfers in Paro for the following flights:

4 May : arrival from Bangkok or Kathmandu
13 May : departure to Bangkok or Kathmandu

Who will be leading the trip?

All AW trips are accompanied by one of our experienced Tour Leaders. Their role is to take the hassle out of your travels and help you get the most out of your experience, while embracing the Adventurous Women way.

You’ll also be supported by a Bhutanese guide who provide invaluable insight into culture, history and more.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

We do our best to accommodate dietary requirements and food allergies on every tour. It’s important that any requirements are communicated accurately at the time of booking.

Accommodation

We will be spending 8 nights in 3-star deluxe hotels, with ensuite bathrooms.

One night (Day 8) will be 'comfort camping', with stand-up tents equipped with proper beds, pillows and carpeted floors.

The tour price is based on twin-share (two people per room). A single room is available for a surcharge - please check the single supplement option.

How will we be travelling?

We’ll be travelling by private van, bus and jeep on the trip. The durations provided are intended as estimates only.

Is travel insurance required?

Travel insurance is mandatory for AW's international trips. We recommend taking out a policy early. Most good travel insurance policies offer an upgrade option to cover trip cancellation and interruption, which can come in handy.

If you are looking for a recommendation, we suggest Go Insurance. Through an affiliation with this insurer, AW receives a financial benefit. As a way of passing value back to our guests, if you purchase a policy for an AW trip through Go Insurance using this link, you may be eligible for our rebate offer.

Do I need a visa?

A visa is required for Bhutan. The visa price and processing is included in the trip price. While no additional fees are required for this process, it is necessary for you to provide the required information and it is your responsibility to print the visa document to present upon arrival.

What is the ‘Sustainable Tourism Fee’ listed in the inclusions?

Bhutan charges international visitors a Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) of USD $100 per person, per night. The fee is part of Bhutan’s “high value, low impact” tourism policy and helps fund environmental conservation, cultural preservation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure projects across the country.

What do I carry while hiking?

Most of the hikes on this trip are day hikes. You’ll need to carry water, sun protection and any valuables. When we have the overnight hiking experience (days 8-9) you’ll also need to fit in an extra layer for cooler temperatures, toiletries and a clean shirt/undies if you wish. Therefore, a day pack of 20-30 litres should be sufficient for the trip.