Beginning near the footbridge that arches over the Mo Chhu River, the path to Jiligang gently rises through whispering pine groves, quiet farmlands, and sunlit slopes that overlook the valleys of Punakha. With each step, the sounds of the river soften, replaced by birdsong and the rustle of wind in the trees.

This well-worn trail, once a pilgrimage route, winds toward the serene hilltop temple of Jiligang—often called Cat Peak. The journey spans approximately 16 kilometers round trip and rewards the soul as much as the body. Along the way, you may pass villagers tending fields or herders guiding cattle between ridges. The temple itself sits above the clouds at roughly 1,830 meters, offering sweeping views across the valley basin.

At the summit, prayer flags dance in the breeze, and caretakers may offer a warm smile or a quiet blessing. It's the kind of stillness that invites reflection.

Descending takes less time but holds its grace as golden light filters through the forest on your return. During farming seasons, the trail hums with life—plows in motion, rice stalks swaying, and moments of connection that linger long after.