From scenic farms and woodlands to alpine pastureland and high hills, this walk offers varied terrain. This trekking path also has stunning campsites located beneath some of Bhutan's most magnificent peaks. Its qualities are further enhanced by the numerous remote sites of cultural relevance along the route.
The ideal month for trekking on this route in April, while the trek is often open from mid-April to mid-June and mid-September to mid-November.
Day 1 : Arrive Paro
One of the most breathtaking flights offered by Druk Airways in the entire Himalaya is to Bhutan. Each flight is an amazing aeronautical feat and offers a thrilling descent into the Kingdom, whether it is from Kolkatta or Kathmandu across the foothills of the Himalayas.
After clearing customs and immigration at the Paro airport, our representative will meet you there and drive you to the hotel.
Take a stroll down the town's main street in the evening. Spend the night at the Paro hotel.
Day 2 : Paro
Morning visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century, as watch tower to guard Paro Dzong and valey. After becoming the National Museum in 1968, this castle is currently home to vintage thangkha paintings, textiles, firearms, and Bhutan's well-known postage stamps. The remarkable Rinpung Dzong, which translates to "fortress of the heap of jewels" and has a lengthy and intriguing history, is located beneath the Ta Dzong.
Afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's holiest and oldest temples. Spend the night at the Paro hotel.
Day 3 : Paro - Shana, 17 km (5 / 6 hours)
The hike begins with a little descent on a wide trail from Drukgyel Dzong at 2,580 meters. The track softly ascends while passing past millet fields and immaculately kept rice terraces. Later, the road passes through a region with woodlands and apple orchards. You soon arrive at the military outpost at Gunyitsawa at 2,810 meters as the valley opens. The last stop before Tibet is here. There are several decent camping spots in meadows surrounded by trees at 2,87m, close past Sharma Zampa.
Day 4 : Shana - Soi Thangthangkha (20 km, 7 / 8 hours)
Once more, the trail follows the Paro River, rising and falling through forests of spruce, oak, and pine. After crossing the bridge to the river's left side, a hot lunch will be provided. After lunch, follow the river as it climbs through rhododendron trees until crossing the bridge once more and arriving at the campsite, which is 3,750 meters above sea level.
Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang (19 km, 7 / 8 hours)
The road climbs gradually until you reach the army camp. Then, while admiring the breathtaking view of the surrounding peaks, follow the river above the tree line. A ya herder's camp will be the setting for a hot lunch. You may reach the camp at Jangothang, located at a height of 4,040 meters, by taking a short stroll into the valley. The view of Jichu Drake and Mount Chomolhari from here is breathtaking.
Day 6 : Jangothang - Lingshi, 18 km (7 / 8 hours)
After 30 minutes of stream-following, the trail passes the bridge on the right side. Start the ascent with a breath-taking view of Mount before reaching the first crest. Jichu Drake, Tsrim Khang, and Chomolhari. Then go in a nearly leveled-off direction toward the valley until you begin the ascent to the 4,700m-high Nyele la pass. Following the pass, there is a steady descend to the Lingshi camp while taking in the expansive panorama of the mountains and Lingshi Dzong. 4,000 meter altitude camping area.
Day 7 : Lingshi - Chebisa, 10 km(5/6 hours)
Continue on past Lingshi Dzong, which is set on a mountaintop with a commanding view of the twisting roads, majestic peaks, and lush hills. Lingshi Dzong's correct name is Yugyel Dzong. Its construction in the 17th century helped regulate traffic across the Lingshi La (pass) between Tibet and Bhutan. The trek today is leisurely and enjoyable, passing past towns and yak herders' camps. At 3,860 meters, set up camp next to a creek.
Day 8 : Chebisa - Shomuthang (17 km, 6/7 hours)
The day starts with a challenging ascent to Gomby La (4,450m), followed by a protracted descent to a stream at 4,170m. Later, the trail ascends through a cedar grove and crosses a short ridge once more. The track falls on a muddy slope into the main Jholethang valley after a strenuous ascent over the peak through a dense forest of fir and birch. By stream right, the trail ascends above the valley level in the afternoon to reach Chachim, a yak pasture at 4,260 meters. At the foot of the valley, in a clump of vegetation by a creek, the camp is located at 4,250 meters.
Day 9 : Shoumuthang - Robluthang (18 km, 6/7 hours)
The walk starts with a climb to the 4,700m-high Jari La mountain before descending to the Tasharijathang valley, which is home to the endangered Himalayan Takin (Bhutan's national animal) during the summer. The trail then climbs till you reach Robluthang camp at an elevation of 4,200m after you have crossed the stream.
Day 10 : Roluthang - Limithang (19 km, 7/8 hours)
Crossing the last and highest pass along the course, Shinjela (4,900m), takes up most of this day. High on the mountains, Blue Sheep can be visible. A difficult, rocky road descends from Shinjela and follows a moraine into another glacier valley. The final section of the walk offers a stunning perspective of Mt. Gangchey Ta and is highly interesting. Campground in a meadow at 4,140 meters.
Day 11 : Limithang - Laya (10 km 4/5 hours)
The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country at a altitude of 3,800m.
Day 12: Laya - Chamsa (19 km, 8/9 hours)
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chhu river. Follow the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down several times through juniper and fir forest until you reach the camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3,500m.
Day 13 : Chamsa - Gasa Tsachu (14 km, 6/7 hours)
To reach the Bari La, take a 30-minute flat-land stroll (3,900m). At the pass, there is a modest rock cairn and a few prayer flags. The path then descends once more, occasionally sharply, through a bamboo forest to a brook. Later, the entire route to Gasa Tsachu is downhill. Visit Gasa village and the 17th-century Dzong in the afternoon. then descend to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring), where you can set up camp at a 2,200m elevation.
Day 14 : Gasa Tsachu - Damji (18 km, 6 hours)
The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas and wild orchids. Overnight camp at altitude of 2,400m.
Day 15 : Damji - Tashithang (16 km, 6 hours)
Continue following the Mo Chhu river through heavily forested area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m. Picked up by our transport and transfer to the hotel in Punakha.
Day 16 : Punakha - Thimphu (75 km, 2.1/2 hours)
Morning visit to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market.
Afternoon drive to Thimphu for overnight stay.
Day 17 : Thimphu - Paro (55 km, 2hours)
Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chorten, Trashichhodzong, National Library, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Handicrafts Emporium.
Evening drive to Paro for overnight stay.
Day 18 : Depart Paro
After breakfast transfer to Paro International Airport for flight to onward destination.