A Hike Like No Other: Lungchutse Trail
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The journey begins just beyond the iconic Dochula Pass, where a hidden trail beckons hikers towards the lofty heights of two of Bhutan’s most exquisite hilltop sanctuaries—Lungchutse Temple and Trashigang Goenpa. This hike, winding through dense forests and mist-kissed air, promises an experience like no other.
Initially, my cousin and I hadn’t planned to ascend all the way to Lungchutse. Knowing it would be a steep climb, from 3,100 to over 3,569 meters, we hesitated—especially as we were ill-prepared for the cold and uncertain terrain. But adventure called, and despite our trepidation, we set off at 12:30 PM, leaving our packed lunch snugly stashed in the car. Carrying it seemed too cumbersome, but we had enough seasonal fruits to keep our spirits lifted as we climbed.
The trail greeted us with a steady ascent, weaving through forests that seemed to embrace us with their tranquility.
Once in ruins, it now stands as a community temple for Toeb. The Lhakhang was built as the seat of Terton Drukdra Dorji, who prophesied Bhutan’s Fourth King and the nation’s growth under his reign. Below the temple is a cremation ground where Terton cremated his mother, adding history and reverence to the site.
Tall hemlocks stood sentinel, while vibrant prayer flags fluttered, infusing the air with a sense of reverence. The dense woodland was alive rhododendrons draped in moss, ancient junipers, and the soft carpets of emerald-green moss covering the ground. It felt like stepping into a world far removed from the busy rhythms of Thimphu—a sanctuary where time slows, and nature sings its quiet hymn.
Having explored most of the hiking trails around Thimphu, I found Lungchutse to be the most enchanting. Come April or May, the forest bursts into life, with blooming rhododendrons painting the landscape in shades of pink and crimson. The fresh scent of pine enveloped us, and on occasion, we encountered curious monkeys and grazing yaks. We made plenty of noise to keep them at a distance but relished the surprise encounters, nonetheless. The trail alternated between gentle stretches and steep inclines. For seasoned hikers, it’s a relatively easy climb, but for novices like us, it felt both
challenging and rewarding.
Along the way, a signboard informed us it was a 3.5-kilometer hike, taking approximately two hours uphill to reach the sacred Lungchu Tsey Pilgrimage. As we climbed higher, the glimpses of the Lungchutse Temple became our beacon. Yet, despite the temple appearing within reach, it took another 30 minutes to actually arrive at its serene courtyard.
Finally reaching the summit, we were rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Himalayas. The peaks stood tall and proud—Jomolhari (7,314 m), Masang Gang (7,158 m), Table Mountain (7,060 m), and Gangkhar Puensum (7,520 m), Bhutan’s highest and most elusive summit. The enchanting valley of Punakha lie below. The entire scene looks like screensaver; one you wish you could pause forever.
The temple’s caretaker welcomed us warmly and shared stories about the Lungchutse Lhakhang, a 16th-century monastery nearly lost to time until its restoration in 2008.
Author : For a hike with cultural heritage and breathtaking views, visit Lungchutse. Contact us.
