Overview
Ditch the vehicle windows and experience the kingdom step-by-step.
The Bhutan Walking & Slow Travel package replaces long road journeys with scenic village footpaths, ancient horse tracks, and suspension bridges. This approach connects you directly with local farmers and pristine pine ecosystems at a relaxed human pace.
Trip Highlights
- A walking tour of Paro along willow-lined riverbanks and covered wooden bridges.
- A 3-hour ridge walk from Buddha Point to Changangkha Lhakhang above Thimphu.
- The ancient horse track down from Dochula Pass through mossy forest.
- A full day on foot in Punakha — rice terraces, the suspension bridge and Khamsum Yulley Chorten.
- The 9-km Tiger’s Nest pilgrimage trail, walked entirely on foot.
- Farmland trails in northern Paro and a hot stone foot bath with herbal tea.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Paro Airport. After meeting your team, take a gentle afternoon walking tour of Paro town. Follow the pedestrian paths along the willow-lined riverbanks and cross traditional wooden covered bridges.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Drive to Thimphu. Embark on a beautiful 3-hour walk starting from Buddha Point along the mountain ridge path to Changangkha Lhakhang, walking through blue pine forests with views of the capital city below.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Thimphu
Avoid the main road for a portion of your journey to Punakha by walking an ancient horse-track trail. This track winds down directly from Dochula Pass through broad-leaved forests and mossy wilderness.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
A dedicated day spent entirely on foot. Stroll through the flat rice terraces of Sopsokha, walk over the long Punakha Suspension Bridge, and complete a scenic uphill loop trail to Khamsum Yulley Chorten.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Punakha
Travel back to Paro via vehicle. In the afternoon, take a historic hillside walk starting from the ancient watchtower of Ta Dzong, descending via a dirt path into the old town square.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Walk the complete 9-kilometer round-trip pilgrimage trail to Taktsang Monastery entirely on foot, taking time to rest at forested stupas and waterfalls along the way.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Spend your morning walking through the quiet farmlands and historic ruins of the northern Paro Valley. Reward your feet in the evening with a hot stone foot-bath session paired with local herbal teas.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner | Overnight: Paro
Final transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure flight.
Meals: Breakfast
Inclusions & Exclusions
What’s Included
- Private Transport & Guide: All ground transportation in a private vehicle with an English-speaking licensed guide.
- Accommodation: Twin/double-sharing rooms in 3-star tourist-standard hotels.
- Meals: All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) as per itinerary.
- Sustainable Development Fee: The daily SDF is included.
- Hydration: Bottled water during transfers and sightseeing.
- Government Dues: Government royalty and applicable taxes.
What’s Not Included
- Airfare: International/regional airfare to and from Paro.
- Visa Fee: Bhutan visa processing fee (arranged in advance by Gu-Mar as part of permit clearance).
- Personal Expenses: Laundry, telephone, beverages and tips.
- Insurance: Travel insurance.
- Pony Hire: Pony hire for the Tiger’s Nest hike (optional, paid on-site).
- Other Services: Any services not mentioned under Inclusions.
Good to Know
- Licensed Operator: All non-Indian, non-Bangladeshi and non-Maldivian nationals must travel through a licensed Bhutanese tour operator such as Gu-Mar; we process visa clearance and the SDF on your behalf before arrival.
- Hotel Upgrades: Hotel categories can be upgraded to 4-star or boutique/heritage properties under our Deluxe or Luxurious collections.
- Flexible Sequencing: Itinerary sequencing may shift slightly depending on flight timings, road conditions or festival dates — your guide will confirm the final day-by-day plan on arrival.