The Legendary Himalayan Adventure of a Lifetime

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: 15 KM | TIME: 5 HOURS | ASCENT: 310 M | DESCENT: 80 M | ALTITUDE: 2,580–2,890 M Today, the 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. Along the way, you will pass through small settlements and traditional Bhutanese houses. During the season, you may see bright red chillies drying on the rooftops. At Gunitsawa, you will pass through an army checkpoint, where your trekking permits will be checked and endorsed. From here, the Shana campsite is about a 30-minute walk. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 22 KM | TIME: 6–8 HOURS | ASCENT: 685 M | DESCENT: 0 M | ALTITUDE: 2,890–3,575 M Today is a longer and more demanding day as you gradually gain altitude. You will come across the first bridge on the route from Tibet to Bhutan, which was once used by travellers crossing the region. The trail 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: 17 KM | TIME: 4–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 469 M | DESCENT: 0 M | ALTITUDE: 3,575–4,044 M As you leave the camp, the trail continues through the forest towards the army camp. In late spring, you may see blue poppies, the national flower of Bhutan. The trail then passes through remote settlements, where 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 continue higher, the peaks of Jichu Drake, Tshering Kang and Jomolhari gradually come into view. After crossing a bridge, the impressive east face of Jomolhari suddenly appears ahead. With its snow and ice-covered slopes rising high above the valley, it is one of the most memorable views of the trek. You have now reached Jangothang, the Jomolhari base camp. Overnight at a tented camp.

Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Jangothang. After gaining considerable altitude over the past few days, spending an extra night here allows your body to adjust before continuing higher. There are several good day hikes around the camp. You can explore the surrounding area, walk towards the nearby ridges and enjoy views of Jomolhari and the surrounding mountains. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 21 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 845 M | DESCENT: 880 M | ALTITUDE: 4,044–4,890 M Today, you will make a long climb towards Nyile La Pass (4,890 meters), one of the high and windy passes on the trek. From the pass, you can enjoy views of the snow-covered mountains. The trail then descends towards a viewpoint from where Lingshi Dzong can be seen standing alone in the wide mountain landscape. After a long descent, you will reach Lingshi campsite. In the afternoon, you can walk around Lingshi Village and visit the dzong. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 16 KM | TIME: 3–4 HOURS | ALTITUDE: 4,809–3,990 M The walk from Lingshi to Chebisa is one of the more pleasant sections of the trek. The trail passes through hillsides covered with alpine plants and crosses a small pass before reaching a village with only a few households. There is a small dzong in the village, which was renovated by the local community in 2003. After visiting the dzong, you will continue walking towards Chebisa. The campsite is reached after crossing another small pass. At the end of the valley, a trail leads towards Tibet. The area is also known for medicinal plants, including Delphinium brunonianum, a delicate light-purple flower that blooms during the summer. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 14 KM | TIME: 5 HOURS | ASCENT: 450 M | DESCENT: 440 M | ALTITUDE: 3,990–4,000 M The trail begins with a steep climb from Chebisa Village towards a ridge. Along the way, you may see herds of Himalayan blue sheep and, with some luck, bearded vultures. The trail then reaches Gombu La Pass (4,940 meters). From the pass, you will descend towards a valley covered with rhododendron forests. The route passes rocky cliffs containing salt minerals before descending through the forest on a sometimes wet trail to the Shakyapang campsite. The valley is one of the more beautiful sections of the trek. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 16 KM | TIME: 7–8 HOURS | ASCENT: 160 M | DESCENT: 785 M | ALTITUDE: 4,000–4,160 M The day begins with a short climb before the trail levels out and changes direction. Keep an eye out for Himalayan blue sheep, and snow leopard tracks have also occasionally been seen in this area. You will cross Jare La (4,785 meters), a small pass marked by cairns and prayer flags. The pass traditionally marks the grazing area between Lingshi and Laya for yak herders and offers good views of the surrounding mountains. From here, the trail descends through rhododendron, spruce, larch, silver fir, oak and pine forests, as well as open grassy slopes. After crossing several rivers and wet valleys, you will reach Robluthang campsite. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 14 KM | TIME: 6–7 HOURS | ASCENT: 840 M | DESCENT: 840 M | ALTITUDE: 4,160 M Today, the trail crosses several streams as you make your way towards Sinche La Pass (5,000 meters). The trail becomes more open and grassy, with some steep and slippery sections. You will pass through glacial valleys and yak pasturelands. The hillsides are covered with medicinal plants, including Rheum nobile, and there is a possibility of seeing blue sheep. From the higher sections of the trail, you can enjoy views of several Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. You will then descend through scattered yak herder huts towards a moraine area. About 20 minutes after crossing a bridge, you will reach Limithang campsite, walking through beautiful cedar forest. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 9 KM | TIME: 4 HOURS | ASCENT: FEW SMALL CLIMBS | DESCENT: 360 M | ALTITUDE: 4,160–3,800 M The trail crosses several streams and passes through cedar and fir forests, with views of the surrounding mountains. After a few small climbs and descents, you will cross a ridge and reach a chorten overlooking Laya Village. The village is set below Tsenda Gang Peak to the northeast. Laya has six villages and lies within Jigme Dorji National Park. The area is known for its distinctive culture and traditional way of life. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 0 KM | TIME: 0 HOURS | ALTITUDE: 3,800 M Today is a rest day in Laya. You can walk around the village, visit local homes and meet the people of Laya. There is also a school and several temples that you can visit. If you feel adventurous, you can also try yak riding. There are several good short hikes around the village for those who would like to explore further. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 19 KM | TIME: 7–8 HOURS | ASCENT: 900 M | DESCENT: 70 M | ALTITUDE: 3,800–4,160 M Today, the trail leads down to the Lunana trail junction before climbing towards a hilltop with views over the Mo Chhu and Rhodo Chhu valleys. The trail follows the Rhodo Chhu Valley, first through mixed conifer forests and then through rhododendron vegetation above the tree line. From the top of a large rockslide, you can see the glacial valley and the massive glacier on Tsenda Gang (7,100 meters). You will continue towards Rodophu, where the campsite is located at 4,160 meters, just beyond a wooden bridge across the Rhodo Chhu. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 17 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 755 M | DESCENT: 15 M | ALTITUDE: 4,160–4,900 M The trail continues through alpine grasslands where yaks are often seen grazing. You will follow the river through rhododendron shrubs before turning uphill. The trail climbs through open meadows towards Tshomo La Pass (4,915 meters). From the pass, you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding mountains towards the Tibetan border. You will then continue across the high, barren plateau, following yak trails before reaching Narithang at 4,900 meters, where you will camp for the night. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 18 KM | TIME: 6–7 HOURS | ASCENT: 220 M | DESCENT: 770 M | ALTITUDE: 4,900–4,350 M Today, you will climb towards Ganglakarchung Pass at an altitude of 5,120 meters. From the pass, you can enjoy views of Kangbum (6,530 m), Tsenda Gang (7,100 m), Teri Gang (7,300 m) and Jejegangphu Gang (7,120 m). You will then descend through large moraines towards the edge of a steep cliff, with views of hanging glaciers on Teri Gang. Below the glaciers are two turquoise-coloured lakes. The trail then descends steeply into a U-shaped valley, following the Tang Chhu stream towards your campsite at 4,350 meters. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 15 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 250 M | DESCENT: 310 M | ALTITUDE: 4,350 M The trail follows the Tang Chhu River through juniper forests, passing several waterfalls along the way. After a gentle climb out of the valley, you will make a steeper ascent towards Woche Village, the first settlement in the Lunana region, at an altitude of about 4,350 meters. From the village, you can see the route for the following day towards Lhedi. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 19 KM | TIME: 6–7 HOURS | ASCENT: 300 M | DESCENT: 345 M | ALTITUDE: 4,350–4,200 M You will start by climbing up the Woche Valley and crossing a small stream before passing over a moraine. The trail then descends to a wooden bridge across the Woche Chhu and climbs past a clear glacial lake towards Keche La Pass (4,650 meters), with views of the nearby mountains, including the three-pronged peaks of Jejegangphu Gang. From the pass, the trail descends to the Pochu Valley and reaches Thaga Village at 4,050 meters. In autumn, the winds at Thaga can be particularly cold in the late afternoon. From Thaga, you will continue descending past scattered settlements and waterfalls before reaching Lhedi at 4,200 meters, following the Pho Chhu River. Lhedi has a school, Basic Health Unit and a wireless station. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 19 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 250 M | ALTITUDE: 4,200–4,250 M Today is a relatively easier day of trekking. You will follow the north bank of the Pho Chhu River, passing several small farms before reaching Chuzo Village (4,090 meters), usually around lunchtime.En route, you can visit Chezo Dzong. After continuing along the riverbed, the trail climbs a steep hill overlooking Thanza Valley. You will then reach Thanza at an altitude of 4,250 meters. Overnight at a tented camp.

Today is a rest day in Thanza, with two options for exploring the area. You can walk around Thanza Village and learn about the traditional lifestyle of the local people. Many families continue to make their own clothes by weaving and dyeing the materials themselves. The traditional houses are built with stone walls, wooden shingles and clay mortar. Alternatively, you can take a hike towards the nearby glacial lakes, including Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho. These lakes are connected to the Pho Chhu River, and the area has experienced glacial lake outburst floods in the past. From Thanza, you can also enjoy views of Table Mountain, locally known as Zongphu Gang (7,100 meters), rising high above the valley. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 18 KM | TIME: 7–8 HOURS | ASCENT: 750 M | ALTITUDE: 4,250–5,000 M You will climb towards a large boulder-covered hillside south of Thanza. After a few hours of walking, you will reach Danji at 4,500 meters, a summer grazing ground for yaks. You may also see herds of blue sheep grazing on the surrounding meadows. From Danji, you will climb several hundred metres to the top of the ridge, which offers views of the surrounding mountains. After another 20 minutes, you will reach a junction where the trails lead towards Gangkar Puensum and Tshochena. You will take the trail to the right towards Jaze La Pass. From the pass, at around 5,200 meters, you can enjoy views of the surrounding mountains and high-altitude lakes. The trail then descends through the high mountain landscape to Tshochena at 5,000 meters. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 14 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 170 M | DESCENT: 120 M | ALTITUDE: 5,000–5,050 M You will follow the shore of a blue-green lake before climbing to a ridge at about 5,150 meters, offering wide views of the surrounding snowy peaks. The trail continues up and down over a series of small rounded hills. You will pass another glacial lake before reaching Loju La Pass (5,170 meters), an open yak pasture crossed by many yak trails. From here, you will cross a small saddle-like hill and enter a wide glacial valley. You will then descend towards Jichu Dramo campsite at 5,050 meters, the highest campsite of the entire trek. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 15 KM | TIME: 5–6 HOURS | ASCENT: 950 M | ALTITUDE: 5,050–4,400 M Today, you will climb through a moraine landscape towards the picturesque Rinchen Zoe Pass (5,350 meters), which separates the Pho Chhu and Mangde Chhu basins. From the pass, you can see Gangkar Puensum (7,520 meters), one of Bhutan’s most prominent mountain peaks. The pass also provides a clear view of the change from the barren high-altitude landscape to the forests below. You will descend through a broad marshy valley with lakes, moraine slopes and yak pastures before reaching the Tampe Chhu area, surrounded by rhododendron and juniper forests. You will camp at Thongsa Thang, at about 4,400 meters, some distance from Chukarpo. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 19 KM | TIME: 7–8 HOURS | DESCENT: 80 M | ALTITUDE: 4,400–4,320 M You will descend along the right bank of the river towards Galapang Yak Pasture at 4,025 meters. From here, the trail climbs steeply through juniper and silver fir forests before reaching Tampetsho. The trail follows a stream towards a clear turquoise-coloured lake, surrounded by steep ridges. You will camp at the end of the lake at an altitude of 4,320 meters. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 16 KM | TIME: 4–5 HOURS | ASCENT: 280 M | DESCENT: 980 M | ALTITUDE: 4,320–3,620 M Today, you will make a steep climb towards Tampela Pass (4,600 meters). Blue sheep are often seen on the mountain slopes above the trail. From the pass, you will descend towards Omtsho Lake. According to local legend, the famous 15th-century saint Terton Pema Lingpa discovered a treasure from this lake. The trail follows the shore of the lake before descending past a waterfall and a small lake. You will eventually reach the left bank of the Nika Chhu River. After crossing a wooden bridge, you will continue through mixed forests towards Maraothang at 3,620 meters. This is a wide open area with yak herder camps and will be your last night of camping on the trek. Overnight at a tented camp.

DISTANCE: 20 KM | TIME: 6–7 HOURS | DESCENT: 970 M | ALTITUDE: 3,620–2,650 M The final day of the trek gradually descends through mixed deciduous and bamboo forests. You will continue downhill through forests and pastures before reaching a large grassy area overlooking the motor road and Sephu Village at around 2,650 meters. Your vehicle will be waiting here to transfer you to Punakha. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

In the morning, you will visit Punakha Dzong, beautifully situated between the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers like an anchored ship. You will then visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility temple dedicated to the great 14th-century yogi Drukpa Kuenley, also known as the “Divine Madman.” After visiting these sites, you will drive to Thimphu via Dochula Pass. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town. Overnight at a hotel in Thimphu.

In the morning, you will drive to Paro International Airport for your departure. Our representative will bid you farewell.