Taba – Lungtenphu Hike
If you are an avid adventure seeker, you should hit the Taba-Lungtenphu trail. The real adventure begins after an hour or so into the hike.
The hiking trail is well built and the real adventure begins after an hour or so into the hike. The trail is a little tricky in between but you can find your way out soon enough.
Difficulty Level: Moderate
Distance: 7 km
Walking time: 3 hrs (one way)
Attraction: Thimphu view, Bird watching & Landscape Photography
Wangditse Hike
The Wangditse hike is a short one-hour hike that starts from Sangaygang, a hill festooned with bright and colorful prayer flags. The hiking trail takes you through the thick pine vegetation occasionally opening to a commanding view of the Thimphu Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Fortress) and the Thimphu city. The Hike to Wangditse is of gentle gradient which even 5 years old can cover comfortably.
Buddha Point Hiking Trail
The hike from Changangkha Lhakhang to Kuenselphodrang is also known as the Buddha Point Hiking trail. You have the option to start the hike from either point, Changangkha Lhakhang to Buddha point or vice versa.
After a visit to the ancient Changangkha Lhakhang located on a ridge, make your way through the trail that passes above the main Thimphu city through the thick vegetation of pine forest. It is a family-friendly hiking trail offering a good view of Thimphu city and one can also see bikers enjoying off-road mountain biking. Upon reaching Buddha point (Buddha Dordenma statue) enjoy the panoramic view of the entire Northern and Southern Thimphu city surrounded by high mountains.
Chokhortse Hike
This is a short and beautiful hike to the top of a mountain in Thimphu. The Chokhortse hike starts from the same point as the Wangditse hike at Sangaygang which is adorned with bright and colorful prayer flags. The trail ascends for about 30 minutes till you reach the secluded Chokhortse Lhakhang on top of the mountains. You can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the trail and here.
If you are adventurous and want to cover more you can combine both Chokhortse and Wangditse hikes.
Cheri Monastery Hike
The hike to Cheri Monastery is a serene experience of wilderness and tranquility. Cheri is located at the Northern end of Thimphu valley and takes about 30 minutes by car, it is 17kms away from Thimphu city. The drive to Cheri passes through the village of Begana before the road ends at Dodena. The Hike starts from a traditional wooden cantilever bridge from Dodena and takes you through the shades of coniferous wilderness. You can hear the singing of different species of birds and if you’re lucky spot the rare and majestic Himalayan Monal. Often you will see mountain goats mingling freely with monks.
Lungchutse Hike at Dochula Pass
If you drive up to Dochula you can make the 4 hour round trip to Lungchutse Goenpa and descend to 18th century Trashigang Goenpa. It is a peaceful hike through giant hemlock and rhododendron trees. You will come across beautiful hermitage homes, wild mushrooms and subalpine vegetation.