A visit to an unspoilt and remote part of Bhutan away from the bright lights of Thimpu and Paro. This trip takes you away from the tourist part of Bhutan to the less visited areas of Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang valleys. With three easy to moderate day walks the trip also includes culture, monasteries and natural beauty making it an all immersive experience for a week in unspoilt Bhutan. We stay in comfortable mid-range boutique properties with excellent facilities and service.
Day 01 – Fly into Paro in the morning – We fly into Paro in the morning and then drive from Paro to Punakha. It is a 3-4 hour drive which will take longer as we will stop at Dochu La pass for the views and to see the famous chortens. We will probably reach Punakha in the evening. Night at Punakha. Paro is at 2200 metres ( 7200 feet) and Punakha is 1250 metres ( around 4000 feet) so it is warmer there.
Day 02: See Punakha Dzong in the morning after breakfast and then drive to Phobjikha 3000 metres – 3 to 4 hours
Phobjikha is a verdant valley at around 3000 metres so is likely to be much colder than Punakha.
Day 03: Phobjikha
In the morning after breakfast around 9 am we do the Phobjikha nature trail and return by lunch as described below. Post lunch we have a free afternoon to relax and enjoy Phobjikha.
Gangtey Nature Trail hike is the most beautiful and shortest of the existing nature trails in Bhutan. The trail hike starts from the Mani (like Chhorten) stone wall to the north of the Gangtey Gonpa and ends in Khewa Lhakhang. The hike takes about 1hr 30minutes through the pine forest and small bamboo plants. You can see the Phobjikha valley so beautifully from this hike. It is one of the best hiking places for the Nature lovers. During the winter months, we can see the endangered species of birds – Black Neck Cranes
Day 04: Drive to Bumthang 2800 metres in the morning around 4 to 4.5 hours leave by 8 am. On the way do the two hour hike to Trongsa Dzong from the viewpoint. Have lunch on the way. Reach Bumthang early afternoon.
The trail to Trongsa Dzong has several viewpoints offer exceptional views of the dzong and the surrounding landscape. Its strategic location offers spectacular views of the Trongsa Valley and surrounding mountains. As you start the hike, there are initial viewpoints offering a distant view of the dzong. These spots provide a sense of its grandeur as it rises above the Trongsa Valley. Early viewpoints often give a great perspective on how the dzong integrates with the surrounding topography. Distance: Approximately 3 kilometres. Time: About 1.5 to 2 hours.
Day 05 :Bumthang do the Bushman hike in the morning visit monasteries, Cheese factory, red panda brewery after lunch
The Bushman trail is an 8 km route located near Jakar, Bumthang. This route has an elevation gain of about 350 metres and is rated as moderate. Nestled in the sacred folds of Bhutan's Bumthang region, the Bushman Trail offers a gentle yet evocative journey through landscapes steeped in mysticism and memory. The trail begins just beyond the tranquil hamlet of Tang, gradually weaving through aromatic pine groves and blooming rhododendron corridors as it ascends to unveil sweeping vistas of the Chhume Valley. It isn't a rushed path, spanning 8 kilometres and taking roughly 4 hours. At an elevation of 3,200 meters, the mountain air is cool and invigorating, scented with resin and marked by the rhythm of fluttering wings and the whisper of leaves
Day 06 : Fly Bumthang to Paro by domestic flight – free day in Paro visit Dzong, Museum, shopping and Kichu Lakhang as you wish
Day 07: Fly out of Paro airport to home destinations
COSTS BHUTAN DAY WALKS 2026 AS PER ITINERARY ABOVE
For Indian Nationals Indian Rs 1,05,000 plus 5% TCS. Per person on twin sharing basis – for single rooms at the hotels please add Rs 15,000 plus 5% TCS to the cost for six nights. Foreign nationals please email us for a costing. .
The cost is per person for Paro to Paro (7 days ) as per the itinerary given. There is an initial payment of Rs 20,000 per person to book the trip.
Costs given above are at current rates and may change without notice. Changes if any will be notified 3 months before the tour.
Costs include
• All necessary permits to enter Bhutan as per the current rules including SDF fee of INR 1200 per person per day for Indian nationals.
• Six nights hotel stay at Paro, Punakha, Phobjikha and Bumthang including breakfast lunch and dinner on twin sharing basis.
• Cost of guides and support staff as needed
• All transport Paro to Paro is covered.
• Cost of domestic flight from Bumthang to Paro to included in the cost.
Costs not included
• Flight Cost to reach Paro and return to home destinations.
• Medical insurance of any kind.
• Personal clothing and equipment; medicines for personal use etc.
• Soft drinks like Coke. Pepsi and alcohol not covered.
• Fees and entrance tickets to monasteries, historic sites are not covered
• Tips at hotel and to local staff at the end of tour – we will give a guideline on this before the tour.
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
CANCELLATION POLICY
The cancellation policy and refunds available are given below:
0-7 days before the start of the day walks =100% cancellation no refund
8 -15 days before the start of the day walks = 75% cancellation 25% refund
16-30 days before the start of the day walks = 50% cancellation 50% refund
31-45 days before the start of the day walks = 30% cancellation 70% refund
46 days and above = 20% cancellation 80% refund
.
IN CASE OF LEAVING THE GROUP
If due to illness or any other reason a client has to leave the group and go down or wait at a lodge for the group to pick him/her up on the way back, all expenses including lodging, fooding and any porter/guide related expenses if any are to be borne by the individual client over and above the day walks fees paid for the day walks. There are also no refunds for leaving a day walks before completion.
LODGES/HOTELS ON THE DAY WALKS
The choice of lodges to be used on the day walks will be decided by South Col and clients will have to stay at these designated lodges. Clients are not permitted to choose their own lodges on the route.
DAY WALKS ROUTE
The day walks route and day wise schedule will be fixed by South Col and will have to be followed by the client.
RISKS AND LIABILITY
The day walks is in a remote mountain area and has certain additional dangers and risks, some of which include: physical exertion for which the client should be prepared; weather extremes subject to sudden and unexpected changes; remoteness from normal medical services; evacuation difficulties.
In the event of injury or illness South Col Expeditions (Sujoy Das) or its Staff can, at the clients cost arrange any medical treatment and emergency evacuation service as it or they deem necessary for the health and safety of the client.
WAIVER OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE FORM
The waiver of liability and release form is to be signed by the client before leaving for the day walks.