Himalaya only · Saver trips from ₹7,500
Try "Spiti", "snow leopard", "Char Dham", "homestay", "Tiger's Nest"
Route · Bhutan
From the rice valley at 1,200 m, the road follows the river to Wangdue Phodrang, climbs the Lateral Road east through oak and rhododendron, and turns off near Lawa La to drop into the glacial bowl of Phobjikha at about 3,000 m. About 3 hours.
Photo: Phuentsho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · CommonsEvery way to go
| How | Time | Cost, indicative 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Operator vehicle with guide | 3 h | ₹5,000–7,000 for the vehicle |
| Public bus to the junction | 4–5 h | ₹200–400 a seat |
| Hike in from Lawa La (trek option) | Half day | Vehicle plus guide |
The only practical way for tourists. Stop at the rebuilt Wangdue Phodrang Dzong on its ridge above the confluence of the Puna Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu, then climb steadily east. The last section drops into the valley with a view of Gangtey Goenpa.
Buses on the Lateral Road towards Trongsa pass the Phobjikha turn-off, but local connections into the valley are limited. With the guide requirement, this rarely works for tourists. Check current status before you travel.
Some trips drive to the Lawa La area and walk the last section into the valley on the old trail, meeting the vehicle below. Ask your operator; it suits fit walkers in spring and autumn.
At each end
Photo: Christopher J. Fynn · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
The old capital where two rivers meet below the dzong
Photo: Phuentsho · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Commons
A glacial bowl where black-necked cranes spend the winter
Questions
About 80 km and 3 hours by road via Wangdue Phodrang. Add time for a dzong stop and tea.
You climb from about 1,200 m at Punakha to about 3,000 m in Phobjikha. Walk slowly on arrival, drink water and limit alcohol the first evening.
It burned down in June 2012 and was rebuilt, with reconstruction funded by the king, the Government of India and Bhutanese donors. Ask your guide whether visitors can enter on your day.
Yes; winter is crane season. The road usually stays open, but snow can close it briefly. Pack warm clothes. Check current status before you travel.
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