Detail Itinerary

• 1 Arrive at Paro
  Fly into Bhutan on Druk Airways. If you are lucky, you will have glorious view of the snowcapped Himalayas. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to an adventure of a lifetime.

  After visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will meet the Bhutanese representative from Bhutan Journeys, who will receive you and drive through Paro valley to your hotel.

  After settling down at the hotel, you will have your lunch. Afternoon visit the National Museum (Tak Dzong) (one of the fine museums in Asia that would shed further light to your adventurous trip to Bhutan and Paro Rimpong Dzong, administration center and religious institute of the valley. This Dzong may be familiar to people who watched Burtolucci’s film “The Little Buddha”, followed by walk through Paro town.

  Dinner and Overnight: Hotel
• 2 Paro - Taktsang (Tiger Nest Excursion)
  After breakfast we drive to the north of Paro valley to Ramthangkha, from where we start our hike to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Visitors are permitted to hike up to the viewpoint from where they can see the monastery hanging on a cliff. We will obtain the special permit to visit the monastery.

  Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche flew from Eastern Bhutan on a tigress, bringing Buddhist teachings and meditated here in this cliff. This is one of the most venerated and sacred of all Buddhist sights around the world.

  Lunch will be served at Taktsang cafeteria. Walk downhill to the road and enroute visit Drukgyel Dzong (now in ruins), which reveals the reminiscence of ancient architecture and followed by visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by Songtsen Gompo, which denotes the spread and emergence of Buddhism in the country.

  Evening at leisure: Dinner and Overnight: Hotel
• 3 Shana (9480ft/2890m)
  Trek Day 1: By car to Drugyel Dzong (8460ft/2580m), trek to Shana (9480ft/2890m)

  • Time: 5hr
  • Distance: 9.3 miles / 15 Km
  • Altitude gain: 1020ft/310m
  • Altitude loss: 260ft/80m

  At the end of the road north from Paro lie the ruins of Drugyel Dzong with Mount Jhomolhari (23,995ft/7315m) behind – a wonderful vista for the start of this trek. Bhutanese trekking staff and the first group of pack animals are met here. Walk along a dirt road for 1 hr through a wide, rich, cultivated valley, beneath forest-covered mountains, following the Paro Chhu. Beware of the sun, which can be very fierce at this altitude.

  At Tshento (Chang Zampa)- the first small settlement encountered – there is a small shop and a Basic Health Unit (BHU), which cares for people who live far away from hospitals. High up to the right on cliffs is a hermit building, the Chona Gompa (11,430ft/3485m). Throughout the valley there are big, magnificent, traditional Bhutanese farmhouses with bright red chilies drying on their roofs in season. Farmers in the upper Paro Valley grow red rice, potatoes and wheat. They measure their land in langdo, a section of land that can be ploughed by a pair of bulls in one day. At the end of the dirt road a new Swiss-built suspension bridge (8150ft/2485m) is crossed.

  The trek continues on the east side of the river. The trail climbs gently and will probably be muddy. Not far from the suspension bridge you pass a traditional stone bath, then a chorten; walk around its left side. After 2-2.5hr, just before entering a forest below a farmhouse, there is a spring with holy water that originates from Hedi Gompa further up the valley. In the forest there is another chorten (8,450ft/2577m), normally the lunch spot. There are two streams round the chorten: the smaller one, on the left, is holy water. The larger one, which has to be crossed by the bridges next to the chorten, starts from one of the glaciers on Chatarake. This mountain can be seen from tonight’s camp.

  Cross the main bridge and continue on a pleasant trail with no steep climbs through forest next to the Paro Chhu; look for the famous Hedi Gompa, located 200m higher. This is a very important monastery with some large old statues. At the hamlet of Chobiso (9120ft/2780m) there is a walk-through chorten with prayer wheels; you gain merit if you walk through, the valley widens, and after 2-2.5hrs the big military camp is reached, with ‘Welcome to Gunitsawa – the Phurba Battalion’ painted on a boulder. The camp has a big school and some shops, and your trekking permit will be checked at camp entrance. Next to the entrance there is a house with a tall, water-powered prayer wheel and a Bhutanese-style house/chapel with Buddha statues and an enormous phallus fixed to its outside wall.

  From the military camp you can see a ridge coming down from the northeast. This is the old route (2004) for descending from the Jhomolhari circuit trek, which starts and finishes in Drukgyel Dzong/Paro (see Trek 4, day 8). The trail bypasses the camp and crosses Paro Chhu on a new footbridge. After the bridge, turn straight to the north-northwest following a trail next to the river, which climbs for 10min. After another 10min through forest, you suddenly see the camp in a big open field at Shana (Sharna Sampa; 9480ft/2890m. be aware of burglary at this camp! Looking back from camp you can see a big snowy peak, Chatarake (Djo Drake, Jo Darkey: 18,270ft/5570m or 21,320ft/6500m), was first climbed in 1993 by two Dutch climbers.
• 4 Soi Thangthanka (11,730ft/3575m)
  Trek Day 2 Shana (9480ft/2890m) to Soi Thangthanka (11,730ft/3575m)

  • Time: 6-7hr (add 1hr if trail is muddy)
  • Distance: 13.6 mile s/ 22Km
  • Altitude gain: 2250ft / 685m
  • Altitude loss: 0ft / 0m

  Sun reaches camp at about 0700hr. This is a hard day, with a lot of distance to cover. The altitude gain is above the limit, and after lunch the trail is rough and stony with many rises and drops. Count on a late arrival at camp and carry an extra sweater.

  Follow the river upstream on its right side on a muddy trail. After 10min an old ruined bridge (Penji Zam or Shana Zampa, 9440ft/2878m) is reached, destroyed by major floods caused by glacial lake outbursts in 1950 and 1960. The bridge, named for a Bhutanese official called Sharna Dungpa, was used in the old days by travelers coming from or going to the north, to Phari in Tibet. It was the first administered by the Shana Dungpa (Dungpa = a chief of a sub-district). Traders returning from Tibet paid tax here in the form of salt; traders from Bhutan had to pay in different goods. There is also Lhakhang on the other side of the old bridge.

  On the other side of the river, to the right of a house, is a signboard for the Jigme Dorji National Park (JDNP), which can only be read using binoculars. It is placed out of range to prevent it being demolished! The Trail climbs steadily through a beautiful thick forest of Oak, rhododendrons, bamboo and ferns. Look out for birds: there are many species here. After crossing a couple of small streams and trekking for 2-2.5hr, a clearing with two houses, Shing Karap (10,170ft/3100m), is reached. Home-brewed beer is sold, and the house is plastered with empty bottles. Not far after Shing Karap, the trail forks, marked by a big cairn heavily decorated with flowers and prayer flags. Turn right- ‘Way to Soe’ is written on a stone, with an arrow pointing right.

  The trek to Soi Thangthanka continues for 3-4hr through beautiful forest consisting mainly of birch, fir, larch, maple, blue pine and rhododendron. This 300m+ clim could easily amount to 500m or more due to all small rises and drops.

  After some hours of walk you will cross a big bridge (11,675ft/3560m). Be careful: yaks may be encoutered from now on – always give way for yaks, and make sure you move onto the upper side of the track, not the lower, as they pass. A short climb follows and a big chorten and second bridge appear ahead, at the confluence of the two rivers Paro Chhu (Sey Chhu) from the north and Ronse Ghon from the west. This is Seyende Zumb or Seyende Zam. From the bridge leading to the chorten you might see Jhomolhari to the north. A big valley, called Soi Yakse, opens up to the west with several big snowy peaks between 5000m and 5650m at its end. Further up the Soi Yakse valley is the camp that is used on day six or seven of the Jhomolhari Trek, which starts and ends at Drugyel Dzong/Paro

  To reach Soi Thangthanka camp you don’t cross the second bridge but continue for 20-30min on a good trail along the west side of the river. Soi Thangthanka or Tshajeu Din Kha camp is in a big meadow. The Department of Tourism once built a tourist bungalow here, but it has collapsed and is beyond use.
• 5 Jangothang (Jhomolhari camp) (13,260ft/4044m)
  Trek Day 3: Soi Thangthanka (11,730ft/3575m) to Jangothang (Jhomolhari camp) (13,260ft/4044m)

  • Time: 4-5hr
  • Distance: 10.5 miles / 17Km
  • Altitude gain: 1530ft / 469m
  • Altitude loss: 0ft / 0m

  After enjoying the view to Jhomolhari and a good breakfast, walk for 1 hr through forest. Gradually the view is lost, but the mountain will be seen again in its full glory from Jangothang (Jhomolhari camp). Somewhere between Soi Thangthanka camp and the military camp the border between the Paro Dzongkhag and Thimphu Dzongkhag is crossed. A Dzongkha (district) is divided into smaller gewogs. We now enter the Soe (Soe Yutey) gewog. Today’s trail again follows the river and changes direction several times. Late in spring, towards the treeline, the blue poppy (Bhutan’s national flower) has been spotted. At (12,235ft/3730m a military camp with Bhutanese and Indian army personnel is reached. The camp (Soe Makhang, Heansho Jhangkha) has a helipad, and guards another pass into Tibet, 11Km away from Phari.

  About 1 hr beyond the camp, the trail turns right at a mani wall. Climbing a ridge, we reach a big open meadow with a chorten in the middle, a beautiful campsite: Geza (or Genza or Heysi Thangka). Yaks are kept here in winter. In the bushes near the river is a ruin, supposedly a small dzong built to ‘stop’ invasions from Tibet. Take it easy now since the altitude is approaching 4000m.
• 6 Rest day at Jhomolhari Camp (13,260ft/4044m)
  Trek Day 4: Rest day at Jhomolhari Camp (13,260ft/4044m)

  Sun reaches camp at 0800hr in fall. Most people will feel the effects of ascending 1800m in three days, so a rest day at Jhomolhari camp will help with acclimatization. There are some good day hikes from Jhomolhari camp, and it is important to hike today so that you will acclimatize. Follow the standard rule: trek high, sleep low.

  Side trips for the rest day

  • An easy day hike up the valley towards the foot of Jhomolhari; there are several yak trails. After nearly 1hr there is an open sandy space, once probably a big lake. Follow a trail that climbs the moraine on the right and go as far as possible on this towards Jhomolhari. The moraine – ridge walk gives a good view down to the glacier. Ahead, the east face of Jhomolhari gets closer and closer. Watch out for a head of Himalayan blue sheep in this valley.
  • One of the more beautiful hikes goes eastward up to the twin lakes Tsho Phu (14,270ft/4350m), which are full of trout (2hr to the lakes; 1.5hr back to camp). From the lakes there is a spectacular view back to Jhomolhari and jitchu Drake. Watch out for the yak herders’ dogs: they are sometimes kept half-starved and are trained to drive unwelcome visitors away. Start by going up the valley from camp. At Jangothang, just at the first house, a bridge crosses the river at the start of an obvious steep trail. For more information about the area and a note on fishing, see Trek 4, day 5.
  • The most challenging day hike is up the steep, grassy ridge located next to camp to the north. It takes 3-4hr to reach the final rocky summit (15,610ft/4760m). The views get better and better, first of Jitchu Drake (about 22,470ft/6850m) and, at one point, when crossing over a ridge, Jhomolhari (23,995ft/7315m) is just opposite. The last part of the rocky summit can be tricky due to loose rocks and wind; bring a windproof jacket, gloves and hat.
  • A very pleasant hike (2-2.5hr up, 1-1.5hr down) goes in the direction of Jitchu Drake. Walk northeast from camp, following the same trail used to cross Nyile La to Lingshi (see day 5). Pass the last house in Jangothang and find a bridge to cross the river (the second bridge at Jangothang). Immediately after crossing the bridge, turn left and follow a less steep trail into the valley that leads to the foot of Jitchu Drake. You could turn around once you reach a major side valley. A little bit higher up there is a big, flat meadow that used to have a memorial plaque for two Italians who were killed on Jitchu Drake in 1948; unfortunately, the plaque was
• 7 Lingshi (13,150ft/4010m) via Nyile La (16,040ft/4890m)
  Trek Day5: Jangothang (13,260ft/4044m) to Lingshi (13,150ft/4010m) via Nyile La (16,040ft/4890m)

  • Time: 6 - 6.5 hr
  • Distance: 13 miles / 21 Km
  • Altitude gain: 2780ft / 845m
  • Altitude loss: 2890ft / 880m

  Leave camp and walk north to the houses of Jangothang. At the first house there is a good view of Jitchu Drake (22,925ft/6989m). Continue hiking to the last of the three houses and find a log bridge crossing the river. (This is the second log bridge; the first leads to Tsho Phu lakes.) A steep switchback trail starts climbing out of the valley into another that leads to the final climb and pass.

  One year a dead yak-slaughtered or accidentally killed – lay in the river, near the first house. The people of this area only cut meat from a carcass on a date advised by the astrologer, which can be up to a week after death. They believe that cutting fresh meat may lead to more cattle dying. The corpse is kept in the stream to keep the meat from rotting. One man from Jangothang is known to be a good astrologer, the only one in the area and well respected by the people. People seek his advice about illness in both humans and livestock.

  It is a long climb – 3-3.5hr – to reach the first high and very windy pass of this trek, the Nyile La (16,040ft/4890m; Nglele La, Ngile La; ‘sleepy pass’). A yak ride up to the pass is an option (although you need luck to find one calm enough to ride!). Today’s trek will test your level of acclimatisation. If you’re having problems this is the time to turn back; once you’ve crossed over to Lingshi you can only get out by crossing high passes.

  From Nyile La you can see far towards the east-northeast into the trekking area covered over the next couple of days. The mountain Takaphu (21,405ft/6526m) dominates the view towards the north. Tiger Mountain is the main mountain to be seen looking east.

  From the pass, descend a short, steep section with some loose stones. Be careful if the yaks are on their way down at the same time; if they start running they are difficult to stop. Less than 30min down is a flat, more sheltered area-a good lunch spot.

  Continuing to descend and passing a narrow gorge with a small river crossing, you can spot Masa Gang peak in the far distance. The trail in now easy, flat and good, leading to a viewing point from which Lingshi Dzong can be seen in its full glory; a powerful, solitary structure in the middle of an enormous wilderness.

  Lingshi Dzong gets closer during the steep 900m drop, and camp is located next to a tourist bungalow.
• 8 Rest day at Lingshi for exploring
  Trek 6: Rest day at Lingshi for exploring

  You will spend an extra day here to explore the Lingshi surroundings. Looking towards the east from camp are views of Takaphu (21,405ft/6526m) and its glacier. At the end of this valley (1hr walk) are two big old yak herder houses at Guilpho (Jukhuje) and a little gompa called Gyo Gompa. Gyo Gompa was built on a rockface at the beginning of the last century, and can be reached by climbing some stairs. Its setting is dramatic with Jitchu Drake in the background. Another day hike could be to visit the lake Chhokam Tso (14,225ft/4337m) near the base of Jitchu Drake. From here a pass, called Bake La – as difficult as Nyile La-leads to Jitchu Drake base camp on the Jangothang side.

  The Lingshi tourist bungalow (now totally out of order – 2004) is another big shelter with a shingled roof, built by the former government –run tourism company, BTCL. There are only three tourist bungalows in Bhutan (2002), but there are plans to build new ones and to renovate the three existing ones. There is a separate room for cooking, and a big room where the group can sit, trying to survive the smoke of a welcome fire. The bungalows normally have a caretaker who keeps the campsite in shape, sells firewood, some vegetables and other products. One night in 2001 the bungalow at Lingshi was attacked twice by a Himalayan bear. The bear tried to get in through the roof, but the caretaker scared him away. His wife had died the previous year, and he believed she had taken all the good luck with her!
• 9 Shodu (13,380ft/4080m) via Yale La ( 16, 235ft 4950m)
  Trek 7: Lingshe (13, 150ft /4010m) to Shodu (13,380ft/4080m) via Yale La ( 16, 235ft 4950m)

  • Time: 8 - 9hr
  • Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km
  • Altitude gain: 3085ft / 940m
  • Altitude Loss: 2855ft /870m

  Today it is a long, hard day. We start early taking a trail through the rhododendron forest on the ridge above the camp in an easterly direction towards a small chorten. Turn a corner and go south into a valley with few trees. Below flows the No chu or Chabeyt Chang Chu (Blue River).

  The climb rises steadily to reach an altitude of about 4450m, 2.5 – 3 hrs after leaving the camp. Cross the main river to its right side and climb out to the main valley into side valley. The last part of climb is through area called Jimenameshing with large boulders and several switch backs. Finally you will reach to the big cairn on top of the Yale La, with the views towards the snowy mountains around Lingshi and Basingthang Peaks to the south. Most people travel between Lingshi and Thimphu use the Yale la, so the trail is well marked. The decent joins the Jaradingthang Chhu, which becomes the Thimphu Chhu. At around 4150m, you will come across a small chorten from where the trail takes an easterly direction following the river. The campsite is at shoudu ( 13, 380ft/ 4080ft) just after crossing a sandy slope.
• 10 Barshong (12, 200ft / 3720m)
  Trek Day 8: Shodu 13,380ft/4080m) to Barshong (12, 200ft / 3720m)

  Today pass the deserted military camp ad follow the trail to the river through the lime stone valley. Monks use this caves in the rocks for mediation and Shabdrung is said to have mediated there. Cross the Main River, which offer good views of giant rock faces and waterfalls? Towards the end of the today’s trek the trail gradually ascends 130m to Barshong Dzong ruins (12, 200ft/3720m). There is a muddy campsite below the Dzong or you can carry on for 1- 1.5hr to a better campsite. Barshong Village is a very small, consisting less the half a dozen of houses.
• 11 Dolam Khencho (10,790ft / 3290m)
  Trek Day 9: Barshong (12, 220ft /3720m) to Dolam Khencho (10,790ft / 3290m)

  • Time: 4 hr
  • Distance: 9.3 miles / 15km
  • Altitude gain: 0ft / 0m
  • Altitude loss: 1410ft / 430m

  After crossing a side stream, Tshongjug Chhu, makes a steep descent on a rocky trail ending at the Wong Chhu or Thimphu Chhu. There are several ups and downs and crossing of smaller side stream; the main river follows a very obvious, nearly perfect 90 degree corner, changing from west – east to the south. Reach a split in the trail, the one on the right descends to the camp site for tonight. Dolamak Kencho (10,790ft/3290m).
• 12 Thimphu (45 minutes drive)
  Trek Day 10: Dolam Kencho (10,790ft / 3290m) to Dodena (8577ft / 2615m) and Thimphu (45 minutes drive)

  • Time: 3 hr
  • Distance: 4.3 miles / 7km
  • Altitude Gain: 525ft / 160m
  • Altitude Loss: 2214ft / 675m

  Climb back from the campsite up to the main trail to the cairn at 11, 315ft / 3450m, from where the route descends to a side stream (10, 070ft/3070m). There are small ups and downs followed by a couple of short steep switchbacks to descend a vertical cliff before finally reaching the last stretch to Dodena.

  The Trail descends through bamboo forest, following the mule trail high above the river until finally meets it again at Dodena. A large sign marks the one of the entry and exit point of Jigme Dorji National Park, and a beautiful styled covered wooden bridge marks the path to Cheri Gompa. Drive to Thimphu for a nice hot shower at your hotel.
• 13 Thimphu Sightseeing
  After breakfast, you will be taken to the following places of cultural interest.

  The folk Heritage Museum: This museum lets you experience the Bhutanese way of life. Art and Craft Institute: This is a vocational training Institute where the art of painting, woodcraft and sculpturing are taught to students with the objective of preserving the rich and pristine heritage.

  The National Library: This repository houses ancient religious and historical manuscripts.

  Those of you interested in whetting your intellectual appetite may do so here. Lunch will be served at your Hotel. Afternoon you will visit

  The Drubthob Gompa Nunnnery: Nuns with sport short hair, who play a vital role in the religious affairs of the local community, are enrolled here. Thereafter you will be taken to have a “Birds Eye view” of Thimphu valley. Enroute, you shall visit the mini zoo to see the National Animal “ Takin”.

  After seeing this place you will have a free time to explore the Handicraft Emporium and other local Handicrafts shops to experience the beauty of Bhutanese Textiles.

  Dinner and Overnight: Hotel
• 14 Thimphu - Paro
  This morning visits The Textile Museum: This museum displays the finest art of weaving from various regions of Bhutan. You will also be able to see the different fabrics and the intricacies of weaving. There will be a brief audiovisual program on textiles of Bhutan.

  Bhutan Post (Post Office): As the sole postal organization of Bhutan, Bhutan Post offers you the finest collections of stamps and post cards. You can purchase the finest stamps and cards as a souvenir. The Memorial Chorten built in the honor of the late King of Bhutan; this Chorten is centrally located for young and old people to pray.

  Afternoon you will depart to Paro for your overnight hotel. We will take 2 hours leisurely drive following the Thimphu River till the confluence of Thimphu and Paro River, Chunzom. At the confluences, here your will see three forms of Chorten in different styles i.e. Nepalese, Tibetan and Bhutanese.

  The drive then follows the Paro River upwards passing through several villages. Enroute you will view Tachogang Monastery, (the monastery of the Excellent horse) built by Thangthong Gyalpo (Iron chain builder in Bhutan) and his Iron chain bridge can be still seen.

  Drive though village of Shaba and then to you hotel at Paro. Evening at leisure. Farewell Dinner and Overnight: Hotel
• 15 Paro – Airport
  Depart for Paro airport for your onward flight having experienced the best of Bhutan.

  Note: This itinerary is a sample, intended to give you a general idea of the likely trip schedule and everything that you will be able to see during your trip. Numerous factors such as weather, the physical ability of the participants, may dictate itinerary changes either before or while on the trip. We reserve the right to change this schedule in the interest of trip participant's safety, comfort and general well being. We have included everything that is feasible for you all to see during the trip.