Bhutan

The Happiness Trail

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The Happiness Trail: Bhutan's Enchanting Journey

A journey of spiritual revitalisation

Walk "The Happiness Trail" in Bhutan. Immerse in serene landscapes, spiritual sites, and the unique culture of happiness. A truly inspiring and peaceful adventure.

10-14km

Total Trekking Distance

3,000m

Highest Altitude

Sep-Nov

Best Season

12-16

Group Size
Experience Host

Key Highlights

Day-Treks

Explore hill-top villages, remote valleys, monasteries, and retreat centres

Mountain Villages

Trek through remote villages that offer a peek into Bhutanese lifestyle

Culture

Bhutanese culture is strongly rooted in traditions, spiritual values, but also a progressive attitude

Your Journey

Day-by-Day Itinerary

A detailed breakdown of each day's adventure, from the moment you arrive in Bhutan to your final departure.

Highest Point:

Dochula Pass (3,000 m)

Region:

Western Bhutan

5

Day 5: Fly Home

After a memorable journey through Bhutan’s mountains, valleys, and sacred sites, transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight home. Depart with lasting memories of the kingdom’s serene landscapes and timeless spirit.

n/a

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4

Day 4: The Heart of the Kingdom

Sacred Steps & Scenic Rest Drive 1.5 hours from Tshaluna campsite to Paro and hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, perched 900 meters above the valley. The 4–5 hour round-trip trek follows a steep but well-maintained forest trail, with ponies available up to the halfway café for support. After descending, check in at Himalayan Keys Forest Resort and unwind with an optional spa session or a peaceful evening walk in the woods.

Himalayan Keys Forest Resort, Paro

All meals

3

Day 3: Camp in Tshaluna

Drive to Tshaluna village (~1 hr 15 min). Check in to the meadow campsite. Visit local temple, archery session, cultural dance workshop. Evening bonfire. Guests can also opt for multiple day treks from this base, depending on interest and energy.

Campsite, Tshaluna

All meals included

2

Day 2: A Day on the Farm

Start the day with a relaxed farm experience—collect fresh eggs, feed the animals, and enjoy seasonal fruit picking. In the afternoon, visit a nearby Kcymaerxthaere art installation followed by a forest picnic. As evening approaches, parents can unwind with yoga or meditation while children enjoy farm playtime. End the day with a guided stargazing session using a professional telescope, followed by a cozy barbecue dinner under the stars.

The Happiness Farm, Paro

All meals included

1

Day 1: Arrival in the Valley of Happiness

Arrive at Paro International Airport and transfer to The Happiness Farm, a peaceful retreat just 45 minutes away. Settle in and explore the property before heading out for a guided sunset walk through the surrounding fields. In the evening, take part in a hands-on cooking session to prepare Ema Datshi or another traditional Bhutanese dish—your first taste of the country’s rich culinary heritage.

The Happiness Farm, Paro

All meals included

Key Notes

The Happiness Trail is a thoughtfully curated journey through Bhutan’s serene landscapes, farm stays, and spiritual landmarks. Blending gentle exploration with mindful experiences, it offers a deeper connection to nature, culture, and the simple joys of Bhutanese life.

What to Expect

Inclusions & Exclusions

Everything you need to know about what's covered in your trip and what you'll need to arrange separately.

Included

Accommodation on a twin sharing basis at curated hotels, lodges, camps, or homestays as per the itinerary

All meals as per itinerary

Private vehicle for all transfers and internal travel

Experienced tour leader & local guides

Expert-led stargazing session with telescope

GST 5%

Not Included

International flights to/from Bhutan

Travel insurance

Personal expenses

Tips & gratuities

Optional activities not mentioned in the itinerary

The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for US passport holders (100$ per person per day)

Is This Trek Right For You?

Who This Trek Is Ideal For

At Juniper Outdoor, this journey is thoughtfully crafted for fit beginners and intermediate adventurers who are ready to step beyond the ordinary — seeking a meaningful, immersive outdoor experience that challenges and inspires, without requiring commitment to extreme expedition-level terrain.

Who Can Do This Trek

Beginners, wellness travelers, leisure hikers, and first-time Himalayan visitors.

Challenges to Expect

Short uphill monastery walks, long scenic drives, and mild altitude adjustment.

Fitness Expectations

Basic fitness; ability to walk 2–4 hours at a relaxed pace on easy trails.

FAQs

Are your trips environmentally responsible and culturally sensitive?

As a company, we are deeply committed to the "Leave No Trace" philosophy. For us, this means minimizing our environmental impact in every way possible—ensuring that the natural places we visit remain undisturbed, preserved, and respected. Whether it’s through responsible waste management, choosing low-impact accommodations, or working with partners who share our values, we strive to leave the landscapes we explore as we found them—or better. This ethos guides our decisions and helps shape a more sustainable and mindful way of traveling. Many of our itineraries include community-led experiences that promote cultural exchange — with full respect to traditions and privacy. We brief every group on cultural etiquette, language tips, and local dos and don’ts.

Are your trips suitable for beginners or families?

Yes - we offer a curated selection of beginner-friendly and family-oriented trips that prioritize comfort, safety, and immersive learning. These trips typically involve shorter walking days, lower altitudes, and culturally rich experiences that engage both adults and younger travelers. We’ve guided families with kids as young as 7 and first-time trekkers in their 60s. Each trip page will indicate whether it’s suited for beginners or families. Our team provides age-appropriate gear checklists, acclimatization guidance, and pacing that suits the slowest walker. Activities like village walks, nature spotting, campsite games, or storytelling sessions around the fire make the experience more than just a trek — it becomes a memory for life. If you’re unsure which trip is best, reach out, and we’ll tailor a recommendation. Whether it’s your first step into the mountains or a way to introduce your kids to nature, we’ll make sure it’s magical.

Can I join a trip solo or do I need to come with a group?

Absolutely— many of our travelers come solo and end up making lifelong friendships on the trail. You don’t need to assemble a group to book with Juniper. Each trip that’s tagged under “community trip or mentor led trip”has fixed departure dates where individuals, couples, or small groups can signup and join a larger group of like-minded outdoor enthusiasts. We limit group sizes to ensure a high-quality, personalised experience. If you’d prefer a private departure for your family or friends, we can customize the trip to your pace and interests. For solo travelers, we pair you in shared twin accommodation (or offer a single supplement if you’d prefer your own room/tent). Our trips attract thoughtful, adventurous people, and the community vibe is a big part of what makes a Juniper experience special. Whether you're flying solo or bringing your tribe, we’re excited to welcome you.

Can I customize a trip or create a private experience for my group?

Absolutely — custom and private journeys are one of our specialties. Whether it’s a milestone birthday trek, a leadership retreat, a family adventure, or a private Himalayan odyssey with close friends, we’ll co-create the itinerary with you from scratch. You can choose your preferred dates, pace, style of travel (luxury, minimalist, alpine, cultural), and add special touches like local experiences, yoga, photography, or expert-led workshops. Our team handles every detail — permits, logistics, menus, support staff — so you can just focus on the experience. Depending on the group size and region, we can also include glamping setups, private chefs, or curated stays at off-grid homestays. Whether you want to summit a pass in Sikkim or sip salt tea with nomads in Ladakh, we’ll make it happen. Reach out through the “Customized trip format section” on the website, and we’ll begin with a discovery call to design your dream journey.

Key Highlights

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