Lungchutse hike

This is one of the most popular hikes near Thimphu. It’s on the tourist route, so you’ll see more people compared to other walks in the area. You may need to enlist the help of a travel agent to get a route permit, but you won’t need a guide as this track has plenty of signs.

The start point is just past the 108 chortens on the pass, about a 45-minute drive from Thimphu. These chortens were built by the Queen as an offering for her husband’s safe return from war.

The walk will take you through the old-growth rhododendron forest. If you do this trek during the spring, bright flowers will elevate the magical ambience spattering this journey. As you hike, notice how the flora changes several times, from old-growth to fir trees and birch, to fields of flowers. Do note that the yak herders use part of the track as a grazing field, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get a quintessential Bhutan view of a yak under some prayer flags. These yaks are pretty used to humans and are unlikely to charge you.

You’ll encounter several rest stops as you walk, including a small bench about ¾ of the way up, where a gap in the trees unveils a view of the goempa. The last push is probably the steepest, but the 180-degree view at the top is worth it. If it’s just after or during monsoon season, the vista may be obscured by clouds. Try to do this hike during the spring or winter. Opt to stop at the picnic spot next to the goempa.

On the way down the path splits: the lower path takes you to a different Lhakhang near the immigration checkpoint, and is only 1-2 hours away. Again, this path is pretty well tendered, so it’s your choice which path you take back.