Hiking is almost a rite of passage in Bhutan, with more than 70 per cent of the country covered in forest and mountain. Twisting paths lead to hidden monasteries and temples, where views extend across the Himalayas.
In Punakha, a popular hike takes you to the intricate temple complex of Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, perched on a hill amongst avocado, passion fruit and orange trees. There’s also a gentle walk to Chimi Lakhang temple, passing through rice fields to reach the local village where the temple stands.
In Paro, a five-hour drive over the winding Dochula pass, you can embark on Bhutan’s most well-known route up to Taktsang ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery — a marvel of architecture, perched on a sheer rock face 3,000 metres above the valley. It is arguably the most iconic landmark in Bhutan, believed to be the place Guru Rinpoche landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet.
