Day 01 : Arrive Paro Airport by Drukair
You will be met by our guide on arrival and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro main shopping district.
Day 02 : Excursion of Sightseeing to Taktsang Monastery
Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening stroll Paro town for leisure.
Day 03 : Drugyel Dzong - Sharna Zampa
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) where the road ends and the trek begins. With a gradual climb the trail follows the Paro Chhu passing beautiful meadows, paddy fields and impressive farm houses. After about four hours you will reach the army post at Gunitsawa village. At the army checkpost your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed.The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.
Distance 17km
Time - 4/5 Hours
Ascent -360m
Descent - 80m
Camp altitude - 2850m
Day 04 : Sharna Zampa - Thangthangka
On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going up hill through the river valley , you enter the Jigme Dorji National Park. The valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mount Jhomolhari
Distance - 22km
Time – 7/8 hours
Ascent - 770m
Descent - 10m
Camp altitude – 3610m
Day 05 : Thangthangka - Jangothang
If you did not see Mount Jhomolhari last evening, you will have a great chance to get a great view this early morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. Cross an army outpost along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. Reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jhomolhari.
Overnight – Camp
Meals – Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance - 19km
Time – 5/6 hours
Ascent - 480m
Camp altitude - 4080m
Day 06 : Rest Day at Jangothang
The day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views on lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jhomulhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatisation. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jhomulhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.
Day 07 : Jangothang - Lingshi
After 15 min. from the camp the trail climbs rapidly for about half an hour and then becomes a gradual ascend to the Nyilila pass at 4,870m. While on the climb enjoy the sourrrounding. You might see herds of blue sheep grazing on the slopes of the mountains. From the pass you will have spectacular views of Mt. Jhomulhari, Jichu Drake and Tsherimgang, all of them rising above 7,000m. On the way down to the camp you will pass by some of the yak herder’s tent, made from yak wool, where the herders take shelter while on the move to various pastures for their yaks. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tserimgang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. The campsite is next to a stone hut you reach just before Lingshi Dzong.
Distance - 18km
Time – 6/7 Hours
Ascent - 840m
Descent - 870m
Camp altitude 4010m
Day 08 : Lingshi - Shodu
The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jhomulhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill.
Distance 22km
Time – 8/9 hours
Ascent - 940m
Descent – 920
Camp altitude 4080m
Day 09 : Shodu - Barshong
The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Distance - 16km
Time – 5/6 hours
Ascent - 250m
Descent - 670m
Camp altitude 3710m
Day 10 : Barshong - Dolamkencho
The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.
Distance 15km
Time – 5/6 hours
Ascent - 290m
Descent - 640m descent
Camp altitude - 3320m
Day 11 : Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimpu town
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to a impressive cantilever bridge.
Distance - 8km
Time – 3/4 hours
Ascent - 500m
Descent - 930m
Day 12 : Drive from Thimpu
Sightseeing of Thimphu valley includes the National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho Dzong which houses most of the Government office and King's Throne room.
Day 13 : Thimpu Sightseeings and afternoon drive to Paro
Morning Thimphu sightseeing that includes: National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, Bhuddha point , weaving center. After lunch drive to Paro . Visit Paro Dzong and Museum.
Day 14 : International Departure
Transfer to airport for international departure