Trek · Dochu La, Bhutan
Walk down the Lumitsawa ancient trail
Follow a 4.7 km stretch of the old Thimphu–Punakha footpath from Dochu La down through rhododendron, hemlock and oak forest to rejoin the road at Lumitsawa, with your vehicle waiting at the end.
Photo: Thomas Wanhoff · CC BY-SA 2.0 · CommonsBefore the road, people walked between Thimphu and Punakha over Dochu La. Two pieces of the old route have been restored. The Dochu La nature trail runs 1.2 km from the cafe to Lamperi. The Lumitsawa ancient trail runs 4.7 km down the Punakha side through the forests of the Royal Botanical Park and meets the main road at Lumitsawa.
The path is mostly downhill on stone steps and earth, with views back to the chortens in places. In March and April rhododendrons in red, pink and white line the way, and Magnolia campbellii flowers pale pink. Look for Daphne, a small shrub whose bark makes Bhutan's traditional termite-resistant paper. Birders can see laughingthrushes and sunbirds.
Wear walking shoes with grip; stones are slippery after rain. Carry water and a snack. Your guide walks with you, as is required, and the vehicle meets you at the road. The walk replaces part of the drive, so it adds little time to a Thimphu–Punakha transfer.
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Questions
Before you book
How hard is the Lumitsawa trail?
Easy to moderate: 4.7 km mostly downhill on steps and forest path, about 2–2.5 hours. Knees take the strain. Walking poles help. Not suitable in heavy rain.
When do rhododendrons flower at Dochu La?
Mostly March to April, with primulas starting after Losar in February as the snow melts. Magnolia campbellii flowers in the same period. Exact timing depends on the winter.
Do I need a guide for the trail?
Yes. Under Bhutan's tourism rules a licensed guide accompanies tourists outside the first checkpoint, and your guide will walk with you. Check current status before you travel.