DAY 1: Arrival in Paro

Arrive in Paro, enjoying spectacular Himalayan views during your flight, including Mount Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga. Before landing, see sacred Mount Jumolhari (7326m) and Jichu Drake (6662m). Upon arrival, meet your guide and transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Time permitting, visit Paro’s highlights: Rinpung Dzong, a traditional wooden bridge, Kichu Monastery, and the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Stroll through Paro town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

DAY 2: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic site perched at 3100m. Drive 20 minutes to the trailhead, then trek through pine and hemlock forests, enjoying stunning views of Paro valley. Stop at the lookout point for photos before descending via stone steps to the monastery. After visiting, return to the cafeteria for lunch and hike back to the base. Optional stroll in Paro town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

DAY 3: Paro to Sharna Zampa (Trek Starts)

Distance: 15 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Elevation: +300m/-60m | Camp Altitude: 2870m

Drive 12 km north of Paro to the starting point at Drugyel Dzong (2580m). Walk downhill along the Pachhu River, passing rice terraces, apple orchards, and small villages. After crossing an army post at Gunitsawa (2810m) and a wooden bridge, climb to Sharna Zampa (2870m). Camp in meadows surrounded by trees.

DAY 4: Sharna Zampa to Soi Thangkha

Distance: 20 km | Duration: 8-9 hours | Elevation: +900m | Camp Altitude: 3750m

Follow Pachhu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge near Shingkharap (3110m), enjoy a hot lunch. Continue climbing through rhododendron forests to the camp at Soi Thangkha, set in beautiful meadows at 3750m.

DAY 5: Soi Thangkha to Jangothang Base Camp

Distance: 17 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation: +290m | Camp Altitude: 4040m

Ascend above the tree line (3700m), passing an army camp and yak herder settlements. Enjoy stunning views of peaks and a hot lunch at a yak herder’s camp. Trek through plateaus and villages to reach Jangothang, a campsite with superb views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

DAY 6: Acclimatization and Exploration at Jangothang

Take an acclimatization hike to a viewpoint at 4895m for magnificent views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. Alternatively, visit the twin Tshophu Lakes or relax at camp, where you may spot blue sheep and other wildlife. Overnight at Jangothang.

DAY 7: Jangothang to Lingshi

Distance: 18 km | Duration: 6-7 hours | Elevation: +800m/-730m | Camp Altitude: 4010m

Climb to a ridge with breathtaking views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tsherim Gang. Cross the Ngye La Pass (4830m) before descending to the camp at Lingshi. If time allows, visit the historic Lingshi Dzong overlooking the village.

DAY 8: Lingshi to Shodu

Distance: 19 km | Duration: 7-8 hours | Elevation: +940m/-920m | Camp Altitude: 4100m

Climb through the Mo Chhu valley, crossing the river and ascending to Yeli La Pass (4942m). On clear days, enjoy views of Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to the camp at Shodu, a meadow with a Chorten.

DAY 9: Shodu to Barshong

Distance: 16 km | Duration: 5-6 hours | Elevation: +250m/-670m | Camp Altitude: 3600m

Descend alongside the Thimphu River through rhododendron and juniper forests. After a riverside lunch, ascend to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, once a key supply base for Lingzhi Dzong. Camp at Barshong.

DAY 10: Barshong to Dodena to Thimphu

Distance: 17 km | Duration: 4-5 hours | Elevation: +200m/-280m

Hike through forests of rhododendron and conifers, descending to the Thimphu Chhu River. Follow the river southward to Dodena (2600m), where a vehicle will transfer you to Thimphu.

DAY 11: Thimphu to Punakha

Drive to Punakha, stopping at Dochula Pass (3100m) for Himalayan views and 108 chortens. Continue through forests and rice fields, stopping for a hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley. Visit the stunning Punakha Dzong before staying overnight in Punakha.

DAY 12: Punakha to Paro

Return to Paro via Dochula Pass. Stop at Druk Wangyel Monastery and, if in Thimphu on a weekend, visit the Centenary Farmers Market. Stroll through Paro town in the evening. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

DAY 13: Departure from Paro

Transfer to the airport for your departure flight, taking with you unforgettable memories of Bhutan.