| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, Paro | Arrival by plane to Paro or crossing border from India in Phuntsholing/Jaigon and drive to Paro. ➜ Visit of National museum of Bhutan and Paro dzong, castle where Bernardo Bertolucci’s Little Buddha film was shot. ➜ Sightseeing subject to the arrival time. |
| 2 | Paro, acclimatization | Early morning drive to Chele la pass (3800 m) from where you will get splendid views of Jomolhari and Kanchenjunga peaks in good weather conditions. ➜ For acclimatization, you should hike up the ridge to nearby hill which is 4000 meters high. Then descend down to the Kila Gompa, the oldest nunnery in Bhutan. ➜ Drive back to Paro and visit Dzongdrakha monastery which is located below high cliffs, overlooking Paro valley. Rest of afternoon spent in leisure, getting ready for next day trekking. ➜ Optionally, if you like and time permits, you can make another scenic hike to Zuri dzong, overlooking the Paro valley. |
| 3 | Paro – Gunitsawa | Morning visit of Kyichu lhakhang, the temple built in 8th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Climb to Taktsang gompa (Tiger's Nest), most venerated and holy place in Bhutan overlooking valley from the steep cliff. ➜ After lunch drive to Drukyel dzong. This used to be a place where the trek started before. See ruins of the old dzong (castle) and continue further to military camp of Gunitsawa on the new built road. ➜ Possibility to make detour to Lhadi Gompa just before military camp. First night camping just above military camp at the elevation of 2890 m. |
| 4 | Trek: Gunitsawa – Thangthangkha | 16 km, 7-8 hours, ➚ 770 m, ➘ 10 m, camp altitude 3610 m. ➜ On this long day there are a lot of up and downs, mostly through the forest along the Paro chhu river. Finally, you will reach to large chorten on the junction, where you will need take trail to the left. ➜ After about half hour, you will reach to Thangthangtha campsite. The place is equipped with dilapidated toilets, kitchen house, and caretaker's dwelling. If weather permits, you might glimpse the first great view of Jomolhari, best photographed right from the toilets. Camp is cold, and it gets dark early. |
| 5 | Trek: Thangthangkha – Jangothang | Trek 10 km, 5-6 hours, ➚ 480 m, camp altitude 4080 m. ➜ If you did not see Jomolhari peak in the evening, you still have a chance to get a great view this morning. ➜ The trek continues up the Paro chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. ➜ Passing the villages Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang is another asset on this day. ➜ After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you can enjoy most spectacular view of Jomolhari over the ruins of ancient temple or fortress. |
| 6 | Halt: Jangothang | Enjoy the sunrise and first rays of sun on the majestic Jomolhari mountain. Calling Jangothang one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas is no exaggeration! ➜ Today we will make beautiful acclimatization hike to Tshophu lakes in 4450 m altitude. Start going from camp further north along the few hamlets and then turn to the steep ascend towards the east. ➜ Finally, you will reach long deep valley hidden from below and see the two spectacular ice lakes hidden at it's bottom. Walk to the first or even second lake since it offers great views back towards the summits of Jomolhari I, Jomolhari II, and Jichu Drakye. Herds of blue sheep are also common sight. If you are strong, you can even continue to the Bonte-la pass (4850 m) but not further. The trail ultimately leads back to Gunitsawa after two days trekking (is so called Jomolhari Yaksa trek). ➜ After enjoying the views around the lakes, descend back to Jangothang and have a good rest, making yourself ready for the next day. |
| 7 | Trek: Jangothang – Lingshi | Trek 13 km, 6-7 h, ➚ 840 m, ➘ 870 m, camp altitude 4010 m. ➜ This is one of the longest days of the trek. A short from the camp, the trail begins climbing rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascent to the Nyilila pass at 4870 m. Enjoy the beautiful surroundings while climbing. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes. From the pass, you will have spectacular views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherimgang peaks. It's a gradual and long descent to the camp. On clear days, you will be welcomed with the spectacular view of the Lingshi Dzong on the heap of the hill. Finally, descend to the valley. There are a few suitable campsites here, and your staff will select the most suitable given the actual conditions. |
| 8 | Trek: Lingshi – Shodu | Distance 22 km, 7-8 hours, 940 m ascent, 870 m descent, camp altitude 4080 m. ➜ This will be quite long difficult day, crossing Yale-la pass in elevation of 4990 m. Luckily, the trail is well-marked as it’s main route for people of Lingshi to reach Thimphu. Camp in Shodu after crossing sandy slope. |
| 9 | Trek: Shodu – Barshong, drive to Thimphu | Distance 14 km, 4-5 hours, 130 m ascent, 360 m descent. ➜ Cross deserted military camp and continue through the limestone valley with meditation caves. There will be nice view of waterfalls coming. Finally, you will climb to the ruins of Barshong dzong. ➜ Dirt road finishes here and hardy 4WD vehicle will be waiting for you here. Part goodbye to your trekking team and start bumpy drive to Bhutan's capital city and hotel. ➜ Take rest after the demanding trek! |
| 10 | Thimphu | Morning drive to Buddha Dordenma, the gigantic statue of Buddha overlooking the valley and walk to striking city viewpoint. ➜ Continue to wild animal sanctuary, where you can see the takin, famous national animal of Bhutan and other dwellers of Bhutanese forests. ➜ Drop to central Clock Tower square and walk in Norzin lam street to see the traffic police signaling on main junction. Thimphu is only capital in the world without the traffic lights. ➜ Finish walk at handicraft market where many interesting Bhutanese souvenirs can be seen and bought for reasonable price. ➜ Continue with visit to Folk Heritage Museum with the exhibition on traditional village life in Bhutan (closed on Sunday, alternatively visit Simply Bhutan museum). ➜ Go to hand paper factory where you can see production process as well as buy original products. Nearby traditional thangkha painting gallery is also worth of peeking in. ➜ Evening visit of historical Dechen Phodrang monastery, overlooking the Thimphu valley. From here you can also see monumental Tashichho dzong and other landmarks. |
| 11 | Departure from Bhutan | Morning drop to Paro airport and departure from Bhutan or drive to land border in Phuenstholing/Jaigon. ➜ Program is subject to departure timing. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
- Halt in Lingshi (+1 day): Lingshi is small but interesting village located below the ancient castle. It’s good idea to visit local farmhouses and interact with welcoming people. You should also visit the castle which serves as Buddhist monastery. Finally the demanding but rewarding hike will lead you to stunning view point from which you can clearly see Tserming Kang, Jichu Drakye and other surrounding peaks.