Protect the Wild, Walk the Himalayas

During the journey to Bhutan, you will experience breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, you will visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now housing government offices and religious institutions. You will then visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, traditionally believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In the evening, you can stroll through Paro town. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

In the morning, you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, situated at an altitude of 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, you will explore the monastery and hike back to the valley in the afternoon. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

DISTANCE: 17 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 500 M | DESCENT: 0 M | ALTITUDE: 2,580–2,850 M Today, your trek begins from Drukgyal Dzong. You will walk along the dirt road through a wide and cultivated valley, with forest-covered mountains on both sides, following the Paro Chhu. You will pass through the first settlements, where traditional Bhutanese houses stand among the fields. During the chilli season, you may see bright red chillies drying on the rooftops. Not far from here, at Gunitsawa, you will pass an army checkpoint, where your trekking permits will be checked and endorsed. From the checkpoint, it is about a 30-minute walk to the Shana campsite. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 22 KM | TIME: 6–8 HOURS | ASCENT: 900 M | DESCENT: 0 M | ALTITUDE: 2,850–3,750 M Today is one of the longer days of the trek as you gradually gain altitude. You will cross the first bridge on the route, which was once used by travellers travelling between Tibet and Bhutan. The trail then climbs steadily through thick forests of oak, rhododendron, bamboo, fern, birch, fir, larch, maple and blue pine. There are many small climbs and descents along the way, with occasional views of the snow-capped Jomolhari to the north. After a full day of walking, you will reach Soi Thangthanka campsite, situated in a large meadow. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 19 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 300 M | DESCENT: 0 M | ALTITUDE: 3,750–4,050 M As you leave the camp, the trail continues through the forest towards the army camp. In late spring, blue poppies, Bhutan’s national flower, can sometimes be seen along the trail. The route continues through remote settlements, and you may have the opportunity to meet local people and, if invited, visit one of their homes for a cup of traditional butter tea. As you walk higher, the peaks of Jichu Drake, Tshering Kang and Jomolhari gradually appear closer. After crossing a bridge, the snow- and ice-covered east face of Jomolhari comes into view. The mountain rises high above the valley and marks the approach to Jangothang, the Jomolhari base camp. Overnight at a tented camp.

Today, you will take part in the first day of the Jomolhari Mountain Festival. The celebration begins with a welcome dance and local songs performed by the Soe community. The local stalls will then open, giving you an opportunity to walk around and see exhibitions of traditional products and handicrafts prepared by the local communities. The programme will include a yak and horse show. After lunch, you can watch and take part in activities such as yak riding, horse riding, khuru and shot-put contests. There will also be performances focusing on the conservation of snow leopards, including a snow leopard dance. In the evening, you will return to Jangothang base camp. Overnight at a tented camp.

Today is the second day of the Jomolhari Mountain Festival. You will take part in a trek through the Soe Valley accompanied by local guides. This gives you a chance to see the landscape around the valley and learn more about the local way of life. After lunch, you can watch traditional folk performances and explore the handicrafts and other products displayed by the local communities. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 16 KM | TIME: 6–7 HOURS | ASCENT: 850 M | DESCENT: 1,090 M | ALTITUDE: 4,050–3,800 M Leaving Jangothang, the trail heads towards the last settlement in the valley before descending to the Paro Chhu, which you will cross by a wooden bridge. You will then climb towards the turquoise-coloured Tshophu Lake at 4,380 meters, where ruddy shelducks can often be seen. After the lake, the trail climbs across a slope to another lake before descending into a hidden valley. From here, you will make a steep climb towards Bhonte La at 4,890 meters, the highest point of the trek. From the pass, you can enjoy views of surrounding mountains, including Basingthang (5,500 m) and Chatarake (5,570 m). The trail then descends, crossing yak trails towards the Dhumzo Chhu. After following the river downstream and passing a few houses, you will reach your campsite at 3,800 meters. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 11 KM | TIME: 4–5 HOURS | ASCENT: 720 M | DESCENT: 340 M | ALTITUDE: 3,800–4,180 M From the camp, you will climb through rhododendron, birch and oak forests covered with moss before reaching open grazing land. The trail crosses the meadow above the river and leads towards a chorten. From here, a large cliff comes into view, with Sey Dzong set into the rock. After a series of climbs and descents through the forest, the trail becomes more level as you walk beneath rhododendron bushes. Tagulun La (4,540 meters) gradually comes into view. From the higher sections, you can see Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Kang, while Kanchenjunga and Makalu can be seen in the distance. From the pass, the trail winds gently downhill towards the lush Thangbue Valley, where you will find the Thombushong campsite. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 13 KM | TIME: 4–5 HOURS | ASCENT: 200 M | DESCENT: 1,380 M | ALTITUDE: 4,180–2,890 M Today, you will continue towards Thombu La through a marshy valley and rhododendron-covered slopes. The trail climbs towards Thombu La Pass, from where you can see snowy peaks stretching across Bhutan, Sikkim, Nepal and Tibet. The walk from the pass is one of the pleasant sections of the return journey, with open mountain views and hillsides covered with alpine vegetation. You will then make a long descent through the forest towards the Paro Chhu and continue to Shana. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 13 KM | TIME: 4–5 HOURS | DESCENT: 1,380 M Today is the final day of your loop trek. You will continue from Shana through the forest and along the Paro Chhu, gradually making your way back towards Drukgyal Dzong. The trail passes through the lower valley and cultivated fields before reaching the road at Drukgyal Dzong, where your trek ends. Your vehicle will be waiting here to transfer you to Paro. After completing the loop, you can enjoy a relaxed evening in Paro. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

After breakfast, you will drive to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.