ELEVATION: 1000M TO 4000M
Overview
It is considered one of the most scenic trekking routes in Bhutan. The trek offers some spectacular view of the Himalayan peaks and through the course of the trek, trekkers will come across few endangered species and pass through villages in the highland. The highlanders are known for their unique culture. Towards the end of the trek, trekkers will enjoy soaking in the hot spring in Gasa.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro International Airport and Cultural Sightseeing at Paro
Take in the spectacular aerial view of the valley as you approach Paro International Airport. Assigned tour guide and driver will greet tourists on arrival at the airport and drive to the hotel. In the afternoon travellers will explore the beautiful Paro valley. Some of the highlights include National Museum, Paro Dzong and drive north of Paro town and visit the Drugyel Dzong. On a clear weather day, tourists can see the Mount Jomolhari.
Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery
The highlight of the trip is the hike to the Tiger’s Nest. Tourists will drive up to the base of the monastery and a two hour hike awaits. Refreshment will be served on the way up at the cafeteria where tourists can take in a close up view of the Tiger’s Nest perched on a cliff. After the short break, continue the hike and on arrival at the monastery, tourists will visit the shrine. After the exploration, tourists will descend back to the cafeteria where lunch is served. After lunch, tourists will descend back to the base and onwards to the hotel.
Day 03: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangka
Trekkers will drive to Shana and begin their trek to Thangthangka. The gradually ascending trail follows the Paro River. Trekkers will walk for about 8 hours covering 22 Kilometers. Trekkers will camp their first night in a stone shelter amidst the meadow. Camp altitude will be at 3610 meters. On a clear weather day, trekkers can catch a spectacular view of the Mount Jomolhari.
Day 04: Thangthangka – Jangothang
On the second day trek, the valley begins to widen and trekkers will come across winter house for yak herders where lunch will be served. Trekkers will camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. Trekkers will walk for about 6 hours covering 19 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4080 meters.
Day 05: Halt at Jangothang
Trekkers will stop their journey at the base for acclimatization. During this day, trekkers can engage in day hike around the area. The place offers a great view of the Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peak. Trekkers can also spot blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the valley.
Day 06: Jangothang – Lingzhi
Trekkers will continue their journey to Lingzhi. The trek path will peak at Nyelila Pass from which trekkers will descend to the camp. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 18 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4010 meters.
Day 07: Lingzhi – Chebisa
The trek to Chebisa will pass through Gongyuel village and trekkers may spot Raven, the elusive national bird of Bhutan. Trekkers will camp at Chebisa. Chebisa is winter house for the yak herders. Trekkers will walk for 6 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3880 meters.
Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Trekkers will begin with a steep climb till Gobula Pass. The path starts descending gradually from the pass until the camp site by the river. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 17 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4410 meters.
Day 09: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Trek begins early. Trekkers will climb up to the Jhari La Pass and drop again to Tsharijathang. Trekkers will spot many Takin grazing in the meadow. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 18 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4160 meters.
Day 10: Robluthang – Lemithang
Trekkers will pass the highest point of the trek while crossing the Shingle Pass at 4870 meters. From the pass the trail descends to Lemithang under Laya gewog. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 19 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4140 meters.
Day 11: Lemithang – Laya
The trek from Lemithang to Laya is downhill following a river. Trekkers will walk for about 5 hours covering 10 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 4410 meters.
Day 12: Halt at Laya
Trekkers will spend a day at Laya village. This time can be used to explore the village.
Day 13: Laya – Koiena
Trekkers will begin the descent to Koiena following a winding river. Trekkers will walk for about 7 hours covering 19 Kilometers. Camp altitude will be at 3050 meters.
Day 14: Koiena – Gasa
Trekkers will pass through Balela Pass at 3740 meters and continue descending to Gasa. Trekkers will camp near the Gasa hot spring where trekkers can soak in the hot spring.
Day 15: Gasa – Punakha
Trekkers will finally drive down to Punakha valley and visit the Punakha Dzong. Night halt in Punakha.
Day 16: Punakha – Thimphu
After breakfast tourists will drive back to Thimphu. En route to Thimphu, Trekkers will visit Chimi Lhakhang popularly known as the Fertility Temple. An hour into the journey, tourists will arrive at Dochula Pass at an altitude of 3050 meters. On clear weather day tourists will be greeted with a jaw dropping snowcapped eastern Himalayan range. Tourists can circumambulate the 108 Druk Wangyel Chorten built at the center of the pass and enjoy the tranquility. Night halt in Thimphu.
Day 17: Thimphu Sightseeing
Tourists will do some cultural sightseeing in Thimphu. Attractions include Kuensel Phodrang nature park, Folk Heritage Museum and the largest Buddha statue in Bhutan.
Day 18: Depart from Paro
Drive to Paro international airport for your onward departure flight.
