Day Hikes in Thimphu Valley
Buddha Point Nature Trail
This is a relaxed one day nature excursion in Thimphu. You will drive up to the Kuenselphodrang Nature Park where the world largest Buddha measuring 51.5 metres is located. This is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and is made of bronze and gilded in gold. The throne on which Buddha sits is a large mediation hall. The statue was prophesied in 8th century A.D and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world.
From there you can take the hike up and discover the park on your own leisure. The park is 493 acres of forested areas.
Tango & Cheri Monastry
The hike starts from Doedena, which is about an hour away from the Thimphu city. From Doedena a trail to Tongo Goemba starts. The hike will take about 1hour 30minutes or an hour depending on the gradual trail or the steeper one. Tango Goemba was founded in 12 century and later addition was made by the “divine madman, Lama Drukpa Kuenley and various leader of the Bhutan.
After Tango monastery you walk back to the base and have packed lunch. After lunch then hike to Cheri, this will take about 1 hour up steep.
Phajoding Monastery
Phajoding is located at a height of 3500 metres and overlooks the entire Thimphu Valley. The hike is about 4 hours from Thimphu. The hike will take you through the forest of chirpine and rhododendron.
Wangditshe Lhakhang
This hike can start from Dechenphodrang. It is steep climb till the Lhakhang and you can see Thimphu Valley once you reach up.
Lungchuzekha Goemba
Its about one and half an hour hike up to the Goemba and starts from Dochu La. On a clear day, you can see the great mountain ranges of Bhutan like Jhomolhari (7,314 m), Kang Bum (6,500 m), Gangchhenta (6,840m), Masang Gang (7,165 m) towers over Gasa Dzong (2,700m). Further to the northeast you might see Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain and the highest unclimbed mountain in the world (7,541 m).
From the Goemba you can return to Dochula or continue to Trashigang goenpa and Hontsho. Alternative return routes will take about 3-4 hours.
Thadranang Goemba
This is a steep two hours hike up to Gomeba which is at 3270 metres. Its located up in the mountains and once you reach there you can see the entire valley.
Talakha Goemba
The Goemba is located at 3080 metres and was built in 15th Century. From the Goemba you can take a hike up to the Talakha peak located at 4280 metres but the trek will take about 8-9 hours.
