Bhutan Trekking Tour

Day 1 | Arrival in Paro Your flight to Paro will offer you a beautiful mountain view. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom. Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m

Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rinpoche, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress Yeshey Tshogyal and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. We can pray to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey. While returning, you can choose to eat lunch in Taktshang Cafeteria or in one of the local restaurants in Paro town. Overnight in Paro

Paro to Jela Dzong Distance: 10k Walking time: 6h Sleeping altitude: 3000m Today marks the beginning of our Druk Path trek. Be prepared for a challenging day, as we'll ascend approximately 1,090 meters. Our journey starts from Ta Dzong, winding through serene blue pine forests and passing by quaint farmhouses. Later, we'll descend around 100 meters from the ridge below Jela Dzong to set up camp at its base. Jela Dzong, though mostly in ruins, remains an awe-inspiring fortress perched atop the ridge and adorned with vibrant prayer flags. Weather permitting, we might be rewarded with breathtaking views of majestic mountains like Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 meters) or Gangkhar Puensum (7,570 meters). Dinner and overnight stay will be at the campsite.

Day 4 | Jela Dzong to Jangchublakha Distance: 10k Walking time: 4h Sleeping altitude: 3200m The trek gradually ascends for one and a half hours, then descends through lush alpine forests dotted with vibrant rhododendrons. You might encounter nomadic yak herders tending to their large, shaggy mammals. The majestic Mt. Jomolhari dominates the skyline. After a challenging uphill climb, you'll reach the serene yak pasture of Jangchulakha (3,760m), offering breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayas. Two more camping options await: a quick descent to the often-muddy Tshokham (3,780m), or a 25-minute hike to the picturesque yak herder's camp at Rabana (3,890m), nestled amidst blooming rhododendrons. Dinner and overnight in camp.

Day 5 | Jangchublakha to Jimilang Tsho Distance: 13k Walking time: 6h Sleeping altitude: 3300m The trail winds along a ridge, passing through diverse vegetation like dwarf rhododendrons and juniper trees. From the mountaintops, breathtaking views of both Thimphu and Paro unfold. After a steep descent, we reach Jimilangtsho Lake (Sand Ox Lake), home to massive trout. On a clear day, you will see Mt. Jichu Drake, the mountain peak that represents the protective deity of Paro Valley. Our overnight camp is nestled near this serene lake.

Day 6 | Jimilangtsho to Labana Distance: 15k Walking time: 7h Sleeping altitude: 3500m Another long but great day walk with good mountain views. The trail will take us through dwarf rhododendrons and junipers. We will also pass the lakes of Janatso and Simkotha. The view of the far ridge across the valley which you trekked will fill you with a sense of personal satisfaction and renew you with extra confidence in yourself. Tonight is going to be the coldest of all our camps.

Day 7 | Labana to Thimphu Distance: 12k Walking time: 6h Pass to cross: Pumo La, 4200m An hours’ climb from the camp will take us over the highest pass on this trek at 4100m. On a clear day we can see the Gangkhar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan. Descending from the pass over rocky steps, we will be greeted by the sight of Thimphu far below in the valley. From this point on, it’s all downhill. We will be passing through the temple and meditation center complex of Phajoding. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slight more than a hour. Overnight in Paro.

Day 8 | Departure Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.