Today you’ll experience Bhutan’s most valued attractions, and perhaps the biggest highlight for your trip! This hike will also help you to acclimatise to the altitude before you start your trek. An excursion to the famous Taktshang monastery –translated as- Tiger’s nest monastery – is a two hours hike that rewards you with a spectacular temple clinging on a 1000 feet cliff. The temple was built in 1692 by a prominent historical figure named Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgye whose reincarnation is now a young teenager and already a prominent figure in the clergy. Your guide will complement the experience with its story.

On the way back visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong fortress, which is an important Bhutanese heritage as it served as a strategic watchtower and a fortress that helped repel numerous Tibetan invasions in the 1600s. Peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day from here (7,329 mts/24,029 ft.). Continue to visit Kyichu Lhakhang – believed to be the oldest Buddhist temple in Bhutan built during the 07th century.

In the evening visit a farmhouse and will try a herbal hot-stone bath which is known to be therapeutic and helps ailments related to joints and muscle aches, besides simply soothing your mind and body. Perfect to unwind and goes well with the Red Panda local beer. This is a complimentary value-added experience from Himalayan Trails without any hidden costs.

Accommodation: Metta Resort / Gangtey Palace
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Tigers Nest © Margus Riga

This is a long day, we start early from the hotel in the jeeps driving towards Shana. We follow the Paro Chhu (CHHU: river) up the valley. At Gunitsawa we will have our permits checked before continuing the drive a little while longer to Shana. Here our trekking day starts, it will take us around five hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river; gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is a rough and rocky path, it is not too strenuous. In rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail.

Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo La (LA: Pass), which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. About 45 min beyond this is our camp which we reach after about 5 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley.

Distance: 10 Km
Walking hours: 5 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Crossing Paro Chhu © Don Bethune

This morning we continue up the valley through a beautiful forest consisting mainly of birch, fir, larch, maple, blue pine, and Rhododendron.

Not long before reaching the campsite, the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten (CHORTEN: Buddhist monument).

Beyond, in the distance at the end of the valley Mt. Jomolhari (7314m) comes into view. After a 4-hour walk, you will reach the campsite located in a spacious clearing and directly facing Jomolhari. The view the next morning of the sun’s rays striking the peak is breathtaking.

Distance: 12 Km
Walking hours: 4 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Soi Thangthangka Camp © Don Bethune

The third day’s trek is shorter so it’s possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach an army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.

The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some tiny villages. It will take less than six hours to reach Jangothang. The altitude at the camp is 4,080m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of Jomolhari fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens, creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life including the fire-tailed sunbird, ibisbill, white throated dipper, yellow-billed chough, rosy pipit, snow pigeon, blue-fronted redstart, plumbeous water redstart, blood pheasant, snow partridge, and many more.

Distance: 19 km
Walking hours: Approx. 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Dozuden Village © Don Bethune

Today is a scheduled rest day, intended to aid everyone’s acclimatization before the crossing of the Nyele La to Lingshi. There are plenty of options for a walk, and one possibility is a hike up the ridge behind he ruined dzong to a grassy summit at approximately 5200 meters, from where there is an incredible close-up view of Jomolhari.

Alternatively, a 2 hour hike to a lake above camp provides a stunning location for photographs of Jitchu Drake. Green grass, grazing yaks, stunning mountain scenery – it doesn’t come much better than this. For a spectacular view of Jitchu Drake closer to camp (even better at sunrise if you can get up sufficiently early), follow the river for 20 minutes to a lone house and here the mountain is presented before you.

No matter what you choose to do today, the cooks will have had all day to prepare dinner and a veritable banquet will be waiting at the end of the day.

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Mt. Jomolhari © Alex Treadway

As you climb steeply into an area of glacial moraine, the views of Jitchu Drakye and Jomolhari change along with your perspective. A steep and steady climb, perhaps through snow, brings you to the Nyile La, a pass at 4890m. From the top of the windy pass enjoy a 360 degree view. Tshering Gang (6,789) also comes into full view. A fairly tough trek over scree or snow leads down to the valley and then follows the side of a ridge towards the impressively situated Lingshi Dzong (4,370m). The camp site is some distance below the Dzong on a flat area near a community building made of stones, at an altitude of 4000m.

Distance: 21 km
Walking hours: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Lingshi Dzong © Alex Treadway

Shortly after leaving camp, cross a stream on a wooden bridge and ascend to reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of the green hills, a winding river and magnificent peaks. Descend to Lingzhi village notable as a centre for medicinal herbs.

From Lingzhi, it’s an easy, pleasant walk through villages and yak herders’ camps. Lunch will be served at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch it’s a short walk to Chebisa village and then to camp by the side of a stream at an altitude of 3990 meters.

Distance: 16 km
Walking hours: Approx. 5-6 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Goyok Houses © Don Bethune

Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gogu La at an altitude of 4440 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass the trail descends through rhododendron forest to a valley of dense forests of birch and fir trees.

The trek continues along an undulating path. After crossing a stream, proceed through rhododendron forests and across yak herder’s camps. You may see some flocks of Blue Sheep grazing among the rocky crags above the trail. This is the Shakshepasa valley, one of the most beautiful valleys on the trek. Ascend on a steep trail up the side of the valley to 4220m before a traverse past yak headers huts. Camp is beside a stream at Shomuthang.

Distance: 17 km
Walking hours: 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shakyapasang trail © Alex Treadway

The trek starts with an ascent up the valley, crisscrossing the stream. Climb to Jhari La (4,600m) then descend on a switchback trail that becomes rough and rocky as it enters a rhododendron forest. The trail enters the Tsheri Jathang valley, the summer grazing ground of the rare Himalayan Takin (Bhutan’s National animal).

From here, we may have to wade across the stream as the footbridge is frequently washed away. After crossing the stream towards the left bank the trail ascends to Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4160 meters.

Distance: 18 km
Walking hours: Approx. 6-7 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Down to Robluthang © Don Bethune

A long climb up to the Shinche La (5005 meters). Blue sheep may be seen from the trail. The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend on a rough trail which crosses numerous streams. After lunch the trail descends steeply to the floor of a valley then climbs through a rhododendron forest. Reach a plateau and pass through a cedar forest to our camp. The last part of the trek has fine views of the peak of Gangchey Ta (6840m).

Distance: 19 km
Walking hours: Approx. 7-8 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sinche La © Don Bethune

In the morning, you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta in front of you. The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meters. The administrative name for the area is Layagewog and the main villages are Toko, Pashi, Neilo, Lubcha, Tonfra and Lungo. Laya is also part of the Jigme Dorji National Park.

Distance: 10 km
Walking hours: Approx. 4-5 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Limithang Breakfast © Don Bethune

Descend to an army camp and join the Mo Chu and follow the river until you cross the bridge. After the bridge, it’s up and down several times through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at Koina at an altitude of 3,240 meters. The campsite at Koina is muddy, with no proper space to put up tents in case of rain. We may need to continue for another 2 hours to a better campsite beside the Mo Chu. Bears and Takins have been sighted in this area.

Distance: 18 km
Walking hours: Approx. 6 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Laya Village © Don Bethune

We begin early as it is the last and the longest day of your trek. Although you are heading downstream, the climbs on this trek are not yet finish worked. There is another major climb ahead to get over Bari La Pass at an altitude of 3900m. After the pass, it’s downhill until you reach Gasa village at an altitude of 2760 meters. We will be camping beside the small bazaar in Gasa.

Distance: 20 km
Walking hours: Approx. 9 hours

Accommodation: Camping
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

View of Gasa © Don Bethune

We start the drive towards Punakha. The drive descends through heavily forested areas on a winding road, high above the valley floor. The gradient eases as we stop in a small park for a lunch beside the river. The afternoon drive continues alongside the Mo Chhu through scenic farmland and past Royal Family residences to the town of Punakha.

Stay in a cozy resort overlooking the valley enjoying some good food and drinks after the trek. You might want to check out some Spa’s in the evening.

Accommodation: Best Available
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Gasa Dzong © Michele Bjornson

After breakfast, drive to visit Punakha Dzong – the most beautiful fortress in Bhutan situated at the confluence of two rivers. This ancient fortress is the winter residence of the monastic order’s leadership and still serves as the administrative headquarters for the Punakha region. The fortress is a fine example of Bhutan’s rich art and architecture, and our guide who is an expert in iconography will explain all aspects of art, architecture, history and its significance.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang – a monastery built by one of Bhutan’s most charming and eccentric historic figures nicknamed ‘The Divine Madman’ at the ChhimiLhakhang – also called the fertility monastery – our guide will explain the entire story about it. The visit involves a short nice hike through a beautiful village surrounded by paddy fields.

Drive to Thimphu over the Dochula Pass (3140m). Situated atop the pass at the backdrop of fluttering prayer flags is the Druk Wangyal Chortens, a collection of 108 chortens (stupas) that was built to exemplify the greatness of the Fourth King.

In the evening if you feel like taking a walk, visit the Memorial Chorten Stupa which is a sacred shrine built in the memory of third king of Bhutan. You will enjoy welcome and anniversary dinner at one of Thimphu’s best restaurants where you can enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines.

Driving time: 3 hours

Accommodation: Bhutan Suites/ Hotel Pedling/ Peaceful Resort
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Punakha Dzong bridge © Margus Riga

After breakfast, lets enjoy the bountiful nature of Bhutan. Drive to Kuensel Phodrang where the gigantic 169 ft statue of Buddha Dordenma overlooks Thimphu valley. The interior of the statue’s temple is easily one of the most beautiful and unique with thousands of other statues inside. Enjoy a panoramic view of Thimphu city from there. Walk into Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and do a yoga session at the viewpoint grounds from where you can also enjoy great views over the underlying city. After hoisting some flags lets take a beautiful 2-hour easy walk towards motithang. End the hike with a visit to the beautiful Changangkha monastery. From here we will visit my mother’s Child Daycare Centre where you will get to interact with little munchkins and learn about the education system in Bhutan.

Take a ride upto the Takin Reserve Center in the evening to see the national animal of Bhutan – the Takin and stroll over to the viewpoint that offers great views of Thimphu city. From here, continue to the colourful vegetable market where you’ll really experience local lifestyles where farmers from all around Bhutan will be seeling their produce. It is interesting to see what may seem to you as ‘weird vegetables and forest products’ that actually enriches the Bhutanese palate. If you are interested, we could organise a cooking session in Bhutanese culinary with a renowned chef.

Continue to the Changlimithang Stadium to watch locals enjoying the national sport of Bhutan – Archery – which is played in a traditional style over a 120m long range and always filled with fun and festive moods.

In the evening we’ll have dinner at one of Thimphu’s best restaurants to enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisines.

Note: If you feel like, we can also explore a little but of Bhutan’s urban lifestyles by going to a Live music pub to sample some good craft beers from local breweries and enjoy the local music scene.

Accommodation: Bhutan Suites/ Hotel Pedling/ Peaceful Resort
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Monk © Punap Ugyen Wangchuk

After breakfast at your hotel, your driver will drive you to the airport for your onward journey.

Personalised Stamp © Don Bethune