Key Information
The Hidden Kingdom trek is one of our most extended Bhutanese treks, which we have been successfully running every year since 1988. On this trek, you experience everything from the fantastic mountain ranges in the Himalayas to charming villages, monasteries, and fortresses, all in a culturally unique area unlike any other in the Himalayas.
The trek starts from Paro, where we set off towards the Tibetan border into the Bhutanese Mountains’ northwestern corner. It takes us beneath Bhutan’s second-highest mountain, Chomolhari (7314 m), and Jichu Drake (6858 m), first climbed during a British-Indian expedition in 1988. During the trek, you may see bears, eagles, herds of ‘blue sheep,’ and what the locals call a ‘Dredmo,’ the elusive Yeti — a large, hairy, man-like creature who roams the nearby hillsides.
On the first day and a half of the trek, we pass through many subalpine and semi-tropical forests, where we see a wealth of plants, flowers, and wide varieties of small birds. As we travel further, the main villages in the area are Gasa, Laya, and Lingshi, occupied by the mountain tribes dressed in yak wool and conical bamboo hats.
To reach the Hidden Kingdom, we cross many passes up to a staggering 5,000 m high and travel over 150 miles. However, we have many appropriate intervals and rest days during the trip, including a stay near Gasa’s hot springs. The Hidden Kingdom trek has proved to be very popular throughout the years and is undoubtedly one of the most memorable trips throughout the Himalayas.
Day 01: Arrive in Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 03: Fly to Paro
Day 04: Sightseeing in the Paro valley
Day 05 to 21: Trek Chomolhari – Lingshi – Laya – Gasa – Punakha
Day 22 to 23: Drive to Thimpu and Paro
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu
Day 25: Free day in Kathmandu
Day 26: International departure
Despite the exceptional circumstances in which we find ourselves at the moment, we don’t want you to give up your holiday – and we want you to be able to book your trip without any worries.
To provide additional security for your booking, we have introduced a new rebooking and cancellation policy so that you can easily rebook or cancel your trip free of charge if the worst comes to the worst.
For new bookings made between May 10th 2021, and December 31st 2022, you may cancel your complete package (activities, hotels, tours, excl. flight) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure and get 100% of your money back. However, to stay flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Stay flexible with our new rebooking service until shortly before your departure. For new bookings made between May 10th and December 31st, 2021, you may rebook your package (activities, hotels, tours) free of charge up to 30 days before your departure (subject to availability). Rebooking is only allowed once, and you must inform us 30 days before your planned departure. Any additional costs incurred due to changes in your schedule or upgrades, such as additional fees in high season or upgrades to your accommodation, will still apply. To remain flexible, we recommend that you choose a flexible fare when booking your flight.
Most of our clients have completed their treks from 3 years old to some in their 70s with almost no exercise or training.
Do you offer hotel/airport pick-up?
We offer hotel and airport pick-up. As you continue with your booking, there will be an option to input flight details or hotel names.
Do I need a visa?
You are required to have a valid visa to enter Bhutan. The Bhutanese Embassies abroad do not issue visas, and visa on arrival is non-existent. Therefore, it is best to get a visa for Bhutan before arriving.
You must submit a scanned copy of your passport details four weeks before your arrival date. After that, your travel company will process your application and provide you with a visa copy. After that, it usually takes 2-3 working days to approve the application.
You need to have a valid passport for at least six months beyond the length of your stay.
The visa fee is US$40, and the Tourism Development Fund (TDF) is US$10. These fees need to be sent together with the tour payment.
What should I bring on a Trek?
Being adequately equipped is one of the keys to a successful trek. For information to help you select the best type of clothing and equipment for your trip, please see our Clothing and Equipment Guide.
Also, see our Links page for details of specialist retailers who will offer further advice and assistance with purchasing new clothing or equipment.
If you have more questions, please check this article to reference equipment to pack or contact us.
Is this trip safe for solo/female/LGBT+/minority/POC travelers?
You are safe as long as you respect the culture, do not show affection in public, and dress decently (this won’t pose too much problem as you will be covered up in layers to stay warm).
Here are some helpful articles:
Am I too old to go trekking?
Arriving at Kathmandu airport.
Should I bring cash or ATM cards?
What to pack for a trek?
Do I need to train for a trek?
What is a typical day on a trek like?
What is the food like on the trek?
The Benefits of using trekking poles.
What do I need to know about high altitudes?
High altitude myths.
How to trek safely?
For more articles, you can go to our blogs.