Your flight from Bangkok to Paro will take about 5 hours. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari 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 traditional bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this tiny magical kingdom.
Day 02
Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous “Tiger’s Nest”. Horses can be arranged for an extra $5 usd. The hike which is all up hill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to hotel.
Day 03
Start of the Laya Lingshi Trek
Paro to Shana
Distance: 15k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 2800m
The Drugyal Dzong was built in 1654 by the Shabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will be met at this historic site by our trekking crew for the start of our trek. Follow the Paro Chu upstream through the village of Tshento on a dirt road for about an hour. We will have lunch in a friend’s house on the trail. Just before reaching our camp, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit.
Day 04
Shana to Thangthangkha
Distance: 22 Km
Walking Distance: 7-8 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3360m
Leaving Shana the trail continues upriver and the route winds in and out of rhododendron and blue pine forests. When we enter Jigme Dorji National Park keep your eyes open for wildlife and changes in vegitation as we continue to climb in elevation. Tonight we camp in Thangthangkha.
Day 05
Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Distance: 19 Km
Walking Distance: 5-6 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 4090m
An hour out of camp this morning we leave the tree line and head into the high mountains. At the halfway point of our hike, we cross Tengethang, a winter home of the migratory yak herders. Arriving at Jangothang. we can watch the sun set on Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m).
Day 06
Rest day in Jangothang
The first of our acclimatization days, we have many day-hiking options. The first is a three to four hour excursion up the ridge to the north for great views of Jichu Drake. The second is to hike up towards the head of the valley in the direction of Jhomolhari. The third is a trek up the main valley towards the last house and onward toward Jichu Drake, this gives a great view of where we will be going in the next few days. The final alternative is to visit Tshophu, a high-altitude lake about a two hour hike away.
Day 07
Jangothang to Lingshi
Distance: 17 Km
Walking Distance: 7 Hours
Pass to Cross: Nyele La, 4890m
Sleeping Altitude: 4010m
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 4,890 m. After the pass it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and the Lingshi Dzong.
Day 08
Lingshi to Chebisa
Distance: 12 Km
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3880m
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi dzong, perched on the hill top with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificient peaks . It is an easy day pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camp. After lunch, a shortwalk will take you to Chebisa village.
Day 09
Chebisa to Shomuthang
Distance: 17 Km
Walking time 7-8 Hours
Pass to Cross: Gobu La pass, 4350m
Sleeping Altitude: 3380m
Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass at an altitude of 4,350m, taking nearly 4 hours to the top.
After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continues along an undulating path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep now and then.
Day 10
Shomuthang to Robluthang
Distance: 18 km
Walking Time: 8-9 Hours
Pass to cross: Jari La, 4747m
Sleeping Altitude: 4,000m
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at an altitude of 4,747 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends to Robluthang camp.
Day 11
Roblythang to Limithang
Distance: 18 km
Walking Time: 7 Hours
Pass to cross: Sinche La, 5,005m
Sleeping Altitude: 3,890m
It is a long climb upto Sinche La pass (5,005 m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass descends to Limithang, the path is quite narrow and you may have to cross-stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount.Gangchenta . Arrive at campsite at the altitude of 4,100 m.
Day 12
Limithang to Laya
Distance: 10 Km
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3,840m
Since we are nearing Laya, we will come across some interesting looking people called Layaps going to tend to their yaks. We will be entering Laya from the west, through narrow cobble stone paths between smoke rising houses, to camp in the wheat field that belongs to a friend.
Day 13
Rest Day. Discover Laya
Day Fourteen
Laya to Koina
Distance: 16 Km
Walking Time: 6 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3,010m
The trail winds up and down along the river valley, avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. 2 hours downhill from Laya is Taktsimakhang, a small army check post. A little further from the army camp the trail branches and the left trail is to go to Lunana, on the Snowman trek. Koina has often been described as the worst camp site in Bhutan, especially when it rains.
Day 14
Koina to Gasa Tshachu ( Hot Spring)
Distance: 18 Km
Walking Time: 7 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 2,200m
Junipers and spruce give way to pine tress. The circular shape of the Gasa dzong can be seen as you as you climb down the very rocky trail. Despite its remoteness and lack of motor roads, Gasa is an administrative district, with the office of the district governor in the Gasa dzong. The hot springs are a good 1½ hour downhill from the dzong.
Day 15
Gasa, Rest day : Soak as much as you can in one of the most precious Hot Springs in Bhutan. And if you think you are done then visit the local houses and share experiences.
Day 16
Gasa Tshachu to Punakha
Distance: 17 Km
Walking Distance: 7 Hours
Overnight in Punakha
Altitude: 1250m
Last day of the trek. Gasa dzong can be seen as you look back. After lunch at the village of Damji, a further 2 hours and our trekking crew will wave us goodbye at Kabina, where a SUV will be waiting for us. From Kabina, it is about 2 hours drive on a dirt road to our hotel in Punakha.
Day 17
Punakha to Thimphu
Distance: 80 Km
Driving Time: 2-3 Hours
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan untill 1950s. Every winter when it gets cold in Thimphu, the central monk body moves to Punakha for residence. Punakha is blessed with plenty of fruits and rice because of a very favourable climate. A visit to the Punakha Dzong will surely amaze you, excite you because a very living example of Bhutanese Art which you will notice before you actually enter the main gate. After touring the Dzong we will drive to the capital, Thimphu, over the Dochula La Pass (3,000m)
Over night in Thimphu/ Altitude:2,400m
Day 18
Explore Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten(monument), the Textile Museum, Flok Heritage Museum, Takin Zoo, the National Library, Handicraft Emporium and special tour of Institute of Traditional Medicines( Special permits required).
Overnight in Thimphu/ Altitude: 2,400m
Day 19
Thimphu to Paro
Distance: 60 Km
Driving time: 1 ½ Hours
Continue exploring Thimphu until lunch. Drive to Paro in the afternoon.
OR
Drive to Paro in the morning and continue exploring Paro until Dinner.
Overnight in Paro/ Altitude: 2,200m
Day 20
Early morning flight from Paro International Airport to Bangkok.
Overview
Detailed Itinerary
Day 01
Your flight from Bangkok to Paro will take about 5 hours. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari 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 traditional bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this tiny magical kingdom.
Day 02
Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous “Tiger’s Nest”. Horses can be arranged for an extra $5 usd. The hike which is all up hill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters above the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure. It is believed that the Buddhist saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley to Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century, a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to hotel.
Day 03
Start of the Laya Lingshi Trek
Paro to Shana
Distance: 15k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 2800m
The Drugyal Dzong was built in 1654 by the Shabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will be met at this historic site by our trekking crew for the start of our trek. Follow the Paro Chu upstream through the village of Tshento on a dirt road for about an hour. We will have lunch in a friend’s house on the trail. Just before reaching our camp, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit.
Day 04
Shana to Thangthangkha
Distance: 22 Km
Walking Distance: 7-8 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3360m
Leaving Shana the trail continues upriver and the route winds in and out of rhododendron and blue pine forests. When we enter Jigme Dorji National Park keep your eyes open for wildlife and changes in vegitation as we continue to climb in elevation. Tonight we camp in Thangthangkha.
Day 05
Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Distance: 19 Km
Walking Distance: 5-6 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 4090m
An hour out of camp this morning we leave the tree line and head into the high mountains. At the halfway point of our hike, we cross Tengethang, a winter home of the migratory yak herders. Arriving at Jangothang. we can watch the sun set on Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) and Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m).
Day 06
Rest day in Jangothang
The first of our acclimatization days, we have many day-hiking options. The first is a three to four hour excursion up the ridge to the north for great views of Jichu Drake. The second is to hike up towards the head of the valley in the direction of Jhomolhari. The third is a trek up the main valley towards the last house and onward toward Jichu Drake, this gives a great view of where we will be going in the next few days. The final alternative is to visit Tshophu, a high-altitude lake about a two hour hike away.
Day 07
Jangothang to Lingshi
Distance: 17 Km
Walking Distance: 7 Hours
Pass to Cross: Nyele La, 4890m
Sleeping Altitude: 4010m
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele La pass at an altitude of 4,890 m. After the pass it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and the Lingshi Dzong.
Day 08
Lingshi to Chebisa
Distance: 12 Km
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3880m
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi dzong, perched on the hill top with a commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificient peaks . It is an easy day pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camp. After lunch, a shortwalk will take you to Chebisa village.
Day 09
Chebisa to Shomuthang
Distance: 17 Km
Walking time 7-8 Hours
Pass to Cross: Gobu La pass, 4350m
Sleeping Altitude: 3380m
Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gobu la pass at an altitude of 4,350m, taking nearly 4 hours to the top.
After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continues along an undulating path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep now and then.
Day 10
Shomuthang to Robluthang
Distance: 18 km
Walking Time: 8-9 Hours
Pass to cross: Jari La, 4747m
Sleeping Altitude: 4,000m
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at an altitude of 4,747 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the footbridge is washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends to Robluthang camp.
Day 11
Roblythang to Limithang
Distance: 18 km
Walking Time: 7 Hours
Pass to cross: Sinche La, 5,005m
Sleeping Altitude: 3,890m
It is a long climb upto Sinche La pass (5,005 m). The view of the mountains from the path is stunning. After the pass descends to Limithang, the path is quite narrow and you may have to cross-stream again and get wet. The last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount.Gangchenta . Arrive at campsite at the altitude of 4,100 m.
Day 12
Limithang to Laya
Distance: 10 Km
Walking Time: 5 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3,840m
Since we are nearing Laya, we will come across some interesting looking people called Layaps going to tend to their yaks. We will be entering Laya from the west, through narrow cobble stone paths between smoke rising houses, to camp in the wheat field that belongs to a friend.
Day 13
Rest Day. Discover Laya
Day Fourteen
Laya to Koina
Distance: 16 Km
Walking Time: 6 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 3,010m
The trail winds up and down along the river valley, avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. 2 hours downhill from Laya is Taktsimakhang, a small army check post. A little further from the army camp the trail branches and the left trail is to go to Lunana, on the Snowman trek. Koina has often been described as the worst camp site in Bhutan, especially when it rains.
Day 14
Koina to Gasa Tshachu ( Hot Spring)
Distance: 18 Km
Walking Time: 7 Hours
Sleeping Altitude: 2,200m
Junipers and spruce give way to pine tress. The circular shape of the Gasa dzong can be seen as you as you climb down the very rocky trail. Despite its remoteness and lack of motor roads, Gasa is an administrative district, with the office of the district governor in the Gasa dzong. The hot springs are a good 1½ hour downhill from the dzong.
Day 15
Gasa, Rest day : Soak as much as you can in one of the most precious Hot Springs in Bhutan. And if you think you are done then visit the local houses and share experiences.
Day 16
Gasa Tshachu to Punakha
Distance: 17 Km
Walking Distance: 7 Hours
Overnight in Punakha
Altitude: 1250m
Last day of the trek. Gasa dzong can be seen as you look back. After lunch at the village of Damji, a further 2 hours and our trekking crew will wave us goodbye at Kabina, where a SUV will be waiting for us. From Kabina, it is about 2 hours drive on a dirt road to our hotel in Punakha.
Day 17
Punakha to Thimphu
Distance: 80 Km
Driving Time: 2-3 Hours
Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan untill 1950s. Every winter when it gets cold in Thimphu, the central monk body moves to Punakha for residence. Punakha is blessed with plenty of fruits and rice because of a very favourable climate. A visit to the Punakha Dzong will surely amaze you, excite you because a very living example of Bhutanese Art which you will notice before you actually enter the main gate. After touring the Dzong we will drive to the capital, Thimphu, over the Dochula La Pass (3,000m)
Over night in Thimphu/ Altitude:2,400m
Day 18
Explore Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten(monument), the Textile Museum, Flok Heritage Museum, Takin Zoo, the National Library, Handicraft Emporium and special tour of Institute of Traditional Medicines( Special permits required).
Overnight in Thimphu/ Altitude: 2,400m
Day 19
Thimphu to Paro
Distance: 60 Km
Driving time: 1 ½ Hours
Continue exploring Thimphu until lunch. Drive to Paro in the afternoon.
OR
Drive to Paro in the morning and continue exploring Paro until Dinner.
Overnight in Paro/ Altitude: 2,200m
Day 20
Early morning flight from Paro International Airport to Bangkok.
Enjoy your Flight.