It is a classic 9 days trek starting from (Drugyal Dzong) – (Dzong means fortress that is built for official and legislative purposes all over Bhutan) Paro and ending at Dodena near Thimphu. The route passes through two high passes from Jangothang. The views of Jumolhari mountain of 7,314m from Jangothang are spectacular. The trek is strenuous but very popular. The highest point on the trail is 4,115m.

Day 1: Arrival Paro

Pick up from Paro International Airport (2280m) and drop into hotel. If time is available – visit Paro Town in the afternoon.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, visit the National Museum housed in the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1656 and served as the watch tower of Paro Dzong in the past. Visit Paro Dzong, which is also called the Rinchen Phug Dzong, meaning fortress on a heap of jewels. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known Dzongs of Bhutan and was built in 1644. After lunch in town, proceed towards Drukgyel Dzong, 14 Km from the Paro town. Also known as the Fortress of Victory Drukgyel Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. On the way to Drukgyel Dzong one can have clear view of the Takshang Monastery, perched on the side of a rock cliff 900m above the floor of Paro valley. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century flew to a cave in Taktshang on a tigress and mediated there for 3 months, 3 weeks, 3 days and 3 hours. Dinner will be served in the hotel.

Day 3: Paro – Shana (Start of trek)

Walking time 5-6 hours. The trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong and follows the Paro river through cultivated crop fields, tiny picturesque hamlets and forests inhabited by numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Overnight halt at camp Shana. Altitude – 2,820m.

Day 04: Shana ­- Thangthangka

Walking time 7-8 hours. The trail follows the river through dense forests with a few isolated farmhouses. After a while it narrows and closes in and winds up and down to pass a junction where another path leads north to Tremo-La, Tibet. Camp in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude – 3,610m.

Day 5: Thangthangka -­ Jangothang

Walking time 5-6 hours. After passing an army check point in the morning, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be in a yak herdsman’s hut. A lot of yaks will be visible before arriving at the Jhomolhari base camp (4115m). High mountains overlook the camp and nearby are the ruins of an old fortress that was used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude – 4115m.

Day 6: Jangothang (Acclimatization)

Rest day. A chance to acclimatize and walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the lakes in the opposite direction.

Day 7: Jangothang – Lingshi

Walking time, 6-7 hours. Day 7 is a good day’s walk with spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang peaks (if the day is clear). It is a climb from the start up-to Nyelela pass (4700m) which takes about 3-4 hours. Then it is a descent to a circular hut just below Lingshi, the camp spot for the day. The descent to Lingshi provides spectacular views of the truly mystical Dzong, atop a high hill. Altitude – 4000m.

Day 8: Lingshi – Shodu

Walking time – 8 hours. The trail to Shodu starts with a climb to Yalila Pass (4820m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen.

Day 9: Shodu ­- Barshong

Walking time 6-7 hours. This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at 3600m.

Day 10: Barshong – Dolamkencho

Walking time 5-6 hours. The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb to Dolamkencho camp at 3600m.

Day 11: Dolamkencho – Dodena – Thimphu

Walking time 4 hours. The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu river again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up by car for drive to Thimphu-15 Km distance. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12:Thimphu Sightseeing

Sightseeing in Thimphu (2320m) includes visits to: National Library which was established in 1967 and has many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts); Painting School or the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (the 13 traditional arts and crafts like painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making); National Memorial Chorten (stupa) which was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan; Semtokha Dzong which is about five Km south of Thimphu. Semtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.); Tashichhodzong – the seat of the Government of Bhutan. It houses the Throne Room, His Majesty’s Secretariat, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. If the sight seeing falls on the weekend you can visit Thimphu’s open vegetable market where farmers from the nearby regions gather to sell their produce. Evening is set aside for shopping in town.

Day 13: Departure (Thimphu to Paro Airport)

Our representative will see you off at Paro International Airport.