Day 01: Arrive in Paro

On arriving at the Paro International airport, our representative will receive and escort you to the hotel.
Afternoon visit the national museum and Paro Dzong
The national museum of Bhutan is a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong which is an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong.
Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel [-/L/D]

Day 02: Paro – Shana

Distance: 17kms / 10 miles
Trek Time: 5-6 hours approx.

The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards up to a point just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 03: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha

Distance: 20kms / 12 miles
Trek Time: 7-8 hours approx.

The trail again follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (3,750m).
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 04: Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang

Distance: 19kms / 11 miles
Trek Time: 7-8 hours approx.

The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,040 m). From here, the view of Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 05: Jangothang – Lingshi

Distance: 18kms / 11 miles
Trek Time: 7-8 hours approx.

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chamolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our camp site at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 06: Lingshi – Shodu

Distance: 22kms / 13 miles
Trek Time: 8-9 hours approx.

The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (4,820m). On a clear day you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where we camp in a meadow with a chorten(dome) in it.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 07: Shodu – Barshong

Distance: 16kms / 9 miles
Trek Time: 6-7 hours approx.

We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), near which we camp for the night.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 08: Barshong – Dolam Kencho

Distance: 15kms / 9 miles
Trek Time: 5-6 hours approx.

Today we follow the trail that descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers and then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night at 3,600m.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Day 09: Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu

Distance: 8kms / 4 miles
Trek Time: 3 hours approx.

The trail winds in and out of side valleys above the Thimpu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600m). Our transportation meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at Hotel [B/LD]

Day 10: Drive to Paro, Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Distance: 53kms/ 32 miles
Drive Time: 1 hour approx.
Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx. (round trip)

Today we drive back to Paro.  In Paro we will hike to Taktsang monastery and later visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lakhang

Taktsang Monastery: Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.

The Drukgyel Dzong was an administrative centre till 1951, until a fire caused by a butter lamp engulfed the Dzong and completely destroyed it. All that remains of the Dzong now are tokens of a haunted house, still robust walls and charred remains of gigantic wooden posts and beams.

Kyichu Lhakhang: Located close to the Paro airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Day 11: Final Departure

Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.