Trip length: 10 Days
Level: Moderately / Hard
Maximum altitude: 4,860m
Suitable month: March to May & September to November
Day 1: Paro Arrival
On board the Paro by air presents a spectacular view of the Himalayan Mountains, including Mt. Everest and the sacred mountains of Bhutan in Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. At the Airport, the representative will be there to receive and take you to the Hotel. In the afternoon, you can visit Paro Dzong. Built in 1646, the Dzong today serves as an administrative centre for Paro District. Later, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country, built in the 7th century. Spend the night in the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang (Tigers Nest) at a height of 2900m for it will acclimatize you for the next day’s trek. The 8th-century Buddhist Master, Guru Rinpoche, is said to have flown here from Khengpajong in Lhuntse to meditate. It is perched on the edge of a vertical cliff at the elevation of 900m from valley floor. Explore the Monastery and enjoy the beauty it offers. Descend back to Paro after lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Towards evening you can drive 25 km to the starting point of trek.
Day 3: Shana- Sio Thangkha (20 km, 6-7 hours) Trek starts.
After early breakfast, we will drive to Shana, the trek start points about 2-3 hours. The trek follows Pa Chhu, climbing and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing the bridge, the team stops for hot lunch. After lunch, we climb along the bank of the river through the rhododendron forest. We cross the river again and that will take us to the campsite at 3, 750m.
Day 4: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (15 km, 5-6 hours)
The trail involves gentle climbs before you reach the Army camp. Following the river above the tree line, the trek presents stunning view of surrounding peaks. For lunch, we stop at Yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will reach you at Jangothang at 4, 040m. We pitch base camp here. The view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are splendid.
Day 5: Jangothang (Base Camp)
To acclimatize for following day’s highest climb on this trek, we rest and explore the nearby areas. Mountains and lakes offer exciting sites to explore.
Day 6: Jangothang –Lingshi (18 km, 7-8 hours)
Following the stream for half an hour, we cross the bridge to right. Start the climb up to the first ridge, from where you can have a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Continue towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass begins at an altitude of 4,700m. Conquering the pass, the trail is a gradual descend to Lingshi camp, relishing the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an elevation of 4000m!
Day 6: Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8-9 hours)
The Laya - Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trail climbs upward to a small Chorten on a ridge above the camp, turns south, and continues up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail passes through the treeless valley, climbing a short distance above the Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass at 4,820m. From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu at 4,100m, alongside meadow with a Chorten.
Day 8: Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6-7 hours)
The route enters back to tree line. Following Wangchhu, Thimphu River, and trail descends through the forests of rhododendrons, juniper and alpine vegetation. Passing through ridge, cascades of waterfall present a breathtaking view. Hot lunch will be served by the river bank. After lunch, the route takes to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the height of 3, 600m. Also, the end of trek.
Day 9- Thimphu Sightseeing (optional rest in hotel)
Morning from camp, after breakfast car will pick up and drive towards Thimphu about 2-3 hours in rough road. Rest in hotel.
(Optional itinerary for day) Start your capital tour with the visit to Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third Druk Gyalpo. See the Takin, the national animal at its enclosure. Make a visit to Trashichhodzong, the Throne Room, and seat of the Chief Abbot and the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body. Overnight hotel in Thimphu!
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro (Departure)
After early breakfast, we will drive you to Paro airport along the bank of Thimphu River; pass by confluence and along the Pachhu. Our representative will bid goodbye to you at the Airport from Bhutan!
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