- Day 01: Arrival in Paro
As you fly into Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s revered peaks—Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 02: Explore Paro’s Sacred Landmarks
Start your day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a Himalayan demoness. Then continue to the newly rebuilt Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress originally constructed to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
After lunch, explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), once a 17th-century watchtower, and walk down to Rinchenpung Dzong—a fortress of “the heap of jewels.” Cross the traditional cantilever bridge below and return to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 03: Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
This morning, set out on a memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic “Tiger’s Nest.” Clinging to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, this sacred site is said to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated after flying here on the back of a tigress.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the viewpoint café. The roundtrip hike takes about 4–5 hours. Return to Paro for a restful evening before your trek begins.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 04: Trek Begins – Paro to Jele Dzong
Your trek starts with a steady climb through pine and fir forests. As you ascend, panoramic views of Paro valley unfold behind you. Reach the ridge-top campsite near Jele Dzong, a 16th-century fortress overlooking the valley. If accessible, visit the small temple inside the dzong.
Overnight camping at Jele Dzong.
Camp Altitude: 3,490 m | Distance: 7 km | Time: 3–4 hours
- Day 05: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha
After a gentle descent and a gradual climb through dense rhododendron forests, you’ll emerge onto open hills dotted with yak herder camps. On a clear day, the route rewards you with views of snow-capped peaks. Set camp amid the wide pastures above the tree line.
Overnight camping at Jangchulakha.
Camp Altitude: 3,770 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours
- Day 06: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtsho
Continue along the ridge trail offering sweeping vistas of mountain ranges and deep valleys. You’ll camp beside the serene Jimilangtsho Lake, known for its giant trout and tranquil alpine setting. The crisp air and starlit night make this one of the trek’s most magical stops.
Overnight camping at Jimilangtsho
Camp Altitude: 3,870 m | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hours
- Day 07: Jimilangtsho to Simkota
Trek past dwarf rhododendron shrubs and glacial tarns, including the sacred Janetso Lake. You may encounter yak herders tending their livestock, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s high-altitude pastoral life. Camp by the clear waters of Simkota Lake.
Overnight camping at Simkota
Camp Altitude: 4,110 m | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hours
- Day 08: Simkota to Phajoding
Climb to the highest point of the trek—just over 4,000 m—where you’ll be rewarded with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the tallest unclimbed mountain in the world. Descend gradually through juniper forests to the monastery complex of Phajoding, perched above Thimphu valley.
Overnight camping at Phajoding
Camp Altitude: 3,600 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours
- Day 09: Phajoding to Thimphu
Descend through pine and fir forests into the capital city of Thimphu. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower and lunch. In the evening, unwind at a modern health club or enjoy an herbal massage treatment—perfect after several days of mountain trekking.
Overnight in Thimphu
- Day 10 : Discover Thimphu’s Highlights
After breakfast, begin your day at the impressive Tashichho Dzong—the heart of Bhutanese governance and monastic life, originally built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods. Continue your cultural journey with visits to the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved, and the Institute for Traditional Medicine, where age-old healing practices flourish.
Next, explore Bhutan’s vibrant arts scene at the Wood Craft & Painting School and the Textile Museum. Delve into local craftsmanship at mask-making workshops and studios for fine metalwork, weaving, ceramics, and paper crafts. If your visit coincides with the weekend, enjoy the lively Thimphu market and visit notable spots such as the Dechenphodrang Monastic School, BBS Tower (Sangay Gang) viewpoint, and even a small zoo.
Overnight in Thimphu.
- Day 11: Excursion to Punakha and Back to Paro
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,050 m), where 108 striking stupas grace the hilltop and offer expansive views of the Greater Himalayas. Continue your journey to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong—a grand fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, gracefully set between the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. This dzong, steeped in legend and history, continues to serve as the winter residence for Bhutan’s monastic body.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, perched high above the Punakha Valley. This chorten was built by Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to promote peace and prosperity.
Overnight in Paro.
- Day 12: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you’re transferred by our representative to Paro International Airport, carrying with you memories of a land steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
