Discover Bhutan’s Most Breathtaking Treks: From The Snowman Trek To Bhumthang Owl Trek

Think of Bhutan, and you think of monasteries, lush landscapes, and mountains that seem to touch the sky. But to truly experience its beauty, you must walk through it to feel the rhythm of its trails and the quiet strength of its mountains. Trekking in Bhutan is like stepping into a world that feels almost mythical, where peaks rise like silent sentinels above the clouds, monasteries cling to cliffs, and prayer flags ripple in the refreshing Himalayan air. Every path here tells its own story.

From the legendary Druk Path that traces ancient routes between Paro and Thimphu to the Snowman Trek, which is among the toughest in the world, these are paths that pushes adventurers deep into Bhutan’s remote wilderness, where only few travellers ever reach. And then there’s Tiger’s Nest, the iconic monastery perched high on a cliff, its hike as much a spiritual journey as a physical one. 

Here’s a look at some of Bhutan’s most breathtaking treks, from the most challenging expeditions to gentler, lesser-known trails that reveal the country’s quiet, unspoiled beauty.

The Snowman Trek

For the true and daring adventurer, the Snowman Trek is the ultimate test. Stretching across Bhutan’s northern frontier, this is one of the most demanding treks in the world, crossing more than ten high mountain passes that soar above 5,000 metres. It’s a journey through raw, unfiltered wilderness that include turquoise glacial lakes, yak pastures dusted with snow, and remote villages. The air grows thinner, the trails steeper, but the silence of the high Himalayas feels almost sacred. Only a handful of trekkers complete it each year, making it a spiritual as well as a physical accomplishment. 

Difficulty: Extremely challenging 

Duration: 25–30 days 

Best time to go: Late September to mid-October

The Druk Path Trek

The Druk Path is a moderate, short trek - a perfect introduction to the country’s dramatic landscapes. It is ideal for those who want to taste Bhutan’s wilderness without venturing too far into extremes. Winding between Paro and Thimphu, the route passes through rhododendron forests, past shimmering alpine lakes, and along ridgelines that offer sweeping views of snow-capped peaks. It’s not just about the scenery, though; the trail also carries traces of Bhutan’s past, once serving as an ancient trade route linking the two valleys. 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Duration: 5–6 days 

Best time to go: March to June or September to November

Jomolhari Trek

Named after the majestic Mount Jomolhari, revered as the “Goddess of the Mountain,” this trek not only offers challenge but also provides an experience of Bhutan's culture, and scenic splendour. The journey begins with a short drive from Paro, passing the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong before reaching Sharna Zampa (Gunitsawa village), where the trail truly begins. From there, it goes along river valleys and through pine forests, past yak herder camps and into higher alpine zones where Jomolhari’s snow-clad peak comes into view. Along the way, you pass remote hamlets where daily life continues much as it has for centuries, framed by some of the most breathtaking Himalayan landscapes in Bhutan. And when the mountain finally reveals itself at Jangothang Base Camp, it’s a moment of quiet awe, the kind that stays with you long after the trek ends. 

Difficulty: Moderate to challenging 

Duration: 7–10 days 

Best time to go: April to June or September to November

Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek

Travellers and trekkers often describe the Dagala Thousand Lakes Trek as a wandering through a dream — a trail of sparkling glacial lakes tucked high in Bhutan’s mountains. It’s one of those journeys that still feels untouched, often missed by first-time visitors but loved by those who crave quiet and wide-open spaces. The path travels through soft meadows and fields of wildflowers, leading to places where the views stretch all the way to Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s own peaks, Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. By evening, when the wind drops and the lakes turn still, their glassy surfaces reflect the stars, and for a while, it feels like you’re standing between two skies. 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Duration: 6-8 days 

Best time to go: April to June or September to October

Tiger’s Nest Hike (Paro Taktsang)

Few places in the world are as instantly recognisable as the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. Situated 900 metres above the Paro Valley, it seems to defy gravity, clinging to the cliffside in serene isolation. The hike up is short but steep, meandering through pine forests scented with incense and fluttering prayer flags. Both locals and travellers often stop along the way, partly to catch their breath, but mostly to take in that first glimpse of the monastery across the valley, glowing golden in the sunlight. Reaching the top feels less like a physical conquest and more like an act of reverence. 

Difficulty: Moderate 

Duration: 3–5 hours (round trip) 

Best time to go: Year-round, except during heavy rains

Bhumthang Owl Trek

Short, scenic, and rich in culture, the Bumthang Owl Trek offers an intimate glimpse of Bhutan’s spiritual heartland. The trail journeys through ancient forests of blue pine and rhododendron, past monasteries that echo with chants, and into traditional villages where life remains fairly simple. The chirping of owls at night gives the trek its name, and while it’s less demanding than others, it rewards trekkers with sweeping valley views and a deep sense of peace. Perfect for those seeking a softer adventure with cultural depth. 

Difficulty: Easy to moderate 

Duration: 3 days 

Best time to go: March to May or September to November

Trans Bhutan Trail

Once the backbone of the kingdom’s connectivity, the Trans Bhutan Trail was the route along which monks, traders, and messengers travelled for centuries. Recently restored after decades of disuse, it now stretches over 400 kilometres across the country, from Haa in the west to Trashigang in the east. It passes through 27 gewogs (villages) and countless monasteries, dzongs (fortress), and sacred sites. You can walk short sections or attempt the full trail for an epic cross-country journey. It’s a trek that connects not just places, but people and stories, a living thread through Bhutan’s past and present. 

Difficulty: Varies (easy to challenging, depending on section) 

Duration: 28–36 days for the full route 

Best time to go: March to May or September to November

FAQs

1. What are the best historical places to visit near Mumbai? 
Some of the best historical sites near Mumbai include Elephanta Caves, Vasai Fort, Kanheri Caves, Karla Caves, and Mahim Fort — all within 100 km. 

2. Which forts near Mumbai are worth visiting? 
Vasai Fort and Arnala Fort are must-visits for their colonial and maritime history, while Mahim Fort offers a glimpse into Mumbai’s coastal defence heritage. 

3. What are the top ancient cave sites near Mumbai? 
Elephanta, Kanheri, Karla, and Jogeshwari Caves are significant archaeological sites showcasing Buddhist and Hindu rock-cut art. 

4. How far are these historical sites from Mumbai? 
All destinations listed are within 100 km of Mumbai — ranging from 15 km (Mahim Fort) to 93 km (Karla Caves). 

5. What is the best time to visit historical sites around Mumbai? 
November to February offers the most pleasant weather for exploring forts and caves. Avoid the monsoon months due to slippery trails.