Bhutan treks & tours · Planning for 2027
Bhutan Trekking Tours 2027
From the six-day Druk Path to the month-long Snowman Trek, trekking in Bhutan means quiet trails, high passes and monasteries along the way, with a licensed trekking guide and a full camp crew. Here are our treks, the 2027 rules and honest advice on choosing one.
Licensed by Bhutan's Department of Tourism · Licence No. 1052914
Trekking in Bhutan
The rules for trekking in Bhutan in 2027
Independent trekking is not allowed in Bhutan. These rules come from the Department of Tourism and apply to every trekker, whichever company you book with.
Guide
Licensed trekking guide
The Department of Tourism’s April 2026 notice confirms that all trekking tours need a licensed trekking guide.
Camps
Certified sites only
An August 2026 notice confirms overnight stays, including camping, must be at certified accommodation or designated sites.
US$100
SDF every night
The Sustainable Development Fee applies to nights on the trail too, per adult until 31 August 2027. Indian nationals pay Nu. 1,200.
Permits
Handled for you
Some routes cross national parks or restricted areas that need extra permits. Your operator arranges these with your visa.
Bhutan trekking packages
Our Bhutan treks for 2027
Listed from shortest to longest. Every trek includes a licensed trekking guide, cook, camp crew and pack animals; prices are per person and the SDF and US$40 visa fee are added separately.
7 Days / 6 Nights
Bhutan’s most popular trek between Paro and Thimphu, past alpine lakes and ridges with Himalayan views.
- Paro to Thimphu · Moderate
From USD 1,950
7 Days / 6 Nights
High-altitude lakes and wide mountain views, including Kangchenjunga on clear days.
- Dagala · Moderate
From USD 1,680
8 Days / 7 Nights
A village trek between the Haa valley and Paro over the Saga La pass, rich in rural life.
- Haa · Paro · Thimphu · Easy to moderate
From USD 1,780
10 Days / 9 Nights
Forests, alpine meadows and close views of snow peaks near Jomolhari.
- Paro · Moderate to challenging
From USD 2,650
11 Days / 10 Nights
Untouched forest trails and quiet monasteries above the Thimphu valley.
- Paro · Thimphu · Moderate to challenging
From USD 2,850
13 Days / 12 Nights
Remote trails in eastern Bhutan to an ancient monastery with sweeping views.
- Eastern Bhutan · Moderate
From USD 4,250
13 Days / 12 Nights
Walk sections of the restored ancient route that once linked Bhutan from west to east.
- Haa · Lamperi · Bumthang · Moderate
From USD 4,950
18 Days / 17 Nights
Meet the semi-nomadic Brokpa people in the highlands of far-eastern Bhutan.
- Merak · Sakteng · Moderate
From USD 5,650
30 Days
One of the world’s toughest treks, crossing remote high passes of northern Bhutan above 5,000 metres.
- Northern Bhutan · Very strenuous
From USD 8,900
Which trek is right for you?
Choosing your Bhutan trek
Be honest about your fitness and how much time you have. Most treks spend several nights above 3,500 m, so experience of hiking at altitude helps more than speed.
Your first trek
Druk Path · Saga La
Short, well-trodden routes with good campsites, close to Paro and Thimphu, so they fit a 7–9 day trip.
Lakes and big views
Dagala Thousand Lakes · Soi Yaksa
Alpine lakes, yak herders’ camps and, on clear days, views across the Himalaya.
Culture on foot
Trans Bhutan Trail · Merak and Sakteng · Rigsum Goenpa
Walk between villages, temples and old trade routes, meeting the people who live along them.
The ultimate challenge
Snowman Trek
About a month in remote northern Bhutan with many passes over 5,000 m. Only for very fit, experienced high-altitude trekkers.
Not ready for a full trek?
Day hikes in Bhutan
Short hikes can be added to any cultural tour, with your guide and without camping. They are also the best way to acclimatise before a longer trek.
Tiger's Nest (Paro Taktsang)
Half to full day · Moderate
Bhutan’s most famous hike, to the monastery on the cliff above Paro. Most people take 4–6 hours for the round trip.
Phajoding Monastery
Full day · Moderate to steep
A steep climb from above Thimphu to a hillside monastery complex with wide views over the capital.
Cheri Monastery from Dodena
Half day · Easy to moderate
From the road end at Dodena, north of Thimphu, cross a covered bridge and climb through forest to Cheri, founded in 1620.
A Trans Bhutan Trail section
Half to full day · Easy to moderate
Walk a restored stretch of the old west-to-east route, for example over Dochula, between sightseeing stops.
Bhutan's long-distance trail
The Trans Bhutan Trail
For centuries this footpath linked Bhutan’s dzongs from west to east, used by messengers, pilgrims and traders. After roads replaced it, it was restored and formally reopened to visitors on 28 September 2022. Most travellers walk a few sections, staying in hotels and farmhouses along the way.
403 km
Haa to Trashigang
9
Districts crossed
18
Major bridges restored
10,000+
Steps rebuilt
When to trek and how to prepare
Best time for trekking in Bhutan
Spring and autumn are the trekking seasons. Summer brings monsoon rain and leeches on lower trails; in winter the high passes are snowbound, though low-altitude walks are lovely.
Spring (March–May)
Rhododendrons in bloom and mild days. Afternoon cloud can hide the peaks, so start early.
Autumn (late Sept–November)
The clearest skies and most stable weather. The best window for high treks, including the Snowman.
Altitude
Most treks spend nights above 3,500 m. We build in acclimatisation days, and your guide will turn back if anyone shows signs of altitude sickness.
Fitness
Expect 5–7 hours of walking a day on rough, steep trails. Regular hill walking in the months before your trip makes a big difference.
What the crew provides
Tents, a dining tent, meals cooked on the trail and pack animals for the heavy gear. You carry only a daypack.
Insurance
Travel insurance is no longer required for the visa, but for trekking we strongly recommend cover for high altitude and helicopter evacuation.
FAQ
Trekking in Bhutan: your questions
Planning a wider trip? See our Bhutan trip planner and best time to visit guide.
Can I trek in Bhutan without a guide?
No. Independent trekking is not allowed, and the Department of Tourism requires a licensed trekking guide on all trekking tours. Your guide travels with a cook, camp crew and pack animals.
What is the best trek in Bhutan for beginners?
The Druk Path Trek between Paro and Thimphu, or the Saga La Trek from Haa to Paro. Both are about a week, with good campsites and moderate days.
How much does trekking in Bhutan cost?
Our treks start from USD 1,680 per person (Dagala Thousand Lakes) and go up to USD 8,900 for the 30-day Snowman Trek. On top of that, international trekkers pay the SDF of US$100 per night until 31 August 2027 and the US$40 visa fee.
How much does the Snowman Trek cost for Indian nationals?
Indian nationals pay a much lower SDF of Nu. 1,200 per night and need no visa, so the total is lower than for other nationalities. Ask us for a quote in rupees for your dates and group size.
When is the best time to trek in Bhutan?
March to May and late September to November. Autumn has the clearest views and is the main season for high treks such as the Snowman.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day for several days on steep, rough paths. Previous hiking at altitude is very helpful for the longer treks.
Where is Dodena?
Dodena is at the end of the road north of Thimphu, beside the Wang Chhu river. It is the starting point for the short hike to Cheri Monastery and lies at the edge of Jigme Dorji National Park.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Bhutan treks?
Yes, on most multi-day treks. Our itineraries include acclimatisation, and guides watch for symptoms and will descend if needed. Speak to your doctor before travelling.
Plan your trek
Tell us about your Bhutan trek
Share your dates, fitness and the kind of trek you have in mind. We will suggest the right route and send a free itinerary with an itemised quote.
- Licensed operator, licence No. 1052914
- Licensed trekking guides, cooks and camp crew
- Permits, visa and SDF arranged for you
Plan my trip to Bhutan
Free itinerary and itemised quote