Itinerary

1. Day 1: Arrive at Paro (2250m/7382ft)

   • The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. 

   • On arrival, you will be greeted by the Bhutanese guide and transferred to the hotel. 

   • After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum.

   • Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". 

   • Next, visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country.

   • From there, you will be taken to the Drugyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. 

   • On a clear day, you can see Mount Jumolhari, Bhutan's second-highest mountain at 7,314meters. 

   Overnight hotel in Paro.

2. Day 2: Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest (3180m)

   • After breakfast, you will take a "pilgrimage" hike up to the most famous Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger Nest. All Bhutanese Buddhist desire to make this their pilgrimage at least once in their lives, and each step they take along the trail counts as merit points towards their future. The trails are through the meadow of pines, rhododendrons, and oaks. 

   • Choose between 2 hours round trip hike to the cafe for a good view of the Monastery or a longer 5 hours more strenuous hike to the Monastery itself. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated here for 3 months and subdued the local deities, and converted them to Buddhism. Later in the 17th century, the 4th Desi deities or temporal ruler of Bhutan, Tenzin Rabgye, built a temple in 1692 in its present form, thus fulfilling the wishes of Shardrung Rinpoche who died before he built this temple. 

   • Eat lunch served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. 

   • After having explored the monastery, you will hike down to Paro. 

   Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3: Paro-Jele Dzong (3480m/11415 ft): 4-5 hrs/10 km

   • After breakfast in your hotel, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum, from where you will start the trek. 
   • The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp, and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind, including Jumolhari in the distance. Above the camp is Jele La Dzong (3,400m), and Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins, and there is a Lhakhang with the statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. 
   • Overnight camp.

4. Day 4: Jele Dzong- Jangchulakha (3770m/12365ft): 3-4 hrs /10 km

   • Before your trek, you can explore the Jele Dzong, which sits at 3570m. 

   • Begin the trek with an hour and a half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons crossing the Jele La (3490m). You may see yak herders around your campsite. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow-capped mountains, and you can also hear some Monal peasants during the day. 

   Overnight camp. 

5. Day 5: Jangchulakha-Jimilangtsho (3870m/12635ft): 4 hrs/11 km

   • The trail climbs steeply to the Jangchulakha (4180m). On a clear day, the views of the mountains and valleys are sensational. 

   • Descending from the pass, you arrive at your camp, beside the Jimilangtsho lakes. These lakes are famous for their giant sized trouts.  Also, there are great views of 6,989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro and Gangkar Puensum (7497m), Bhutan's highest mountain. 

   Overnight camp. 

6. Day 6: Jimilangtsho-Simkota (4110m/13480ft): 4 hrs/11 km

   • The trails climb up from the lower end of the lake and make a traverse along the side of the ridge, then descends to a single stone shelter. 

   • Again ascend to a summit at 4050m overlooking Janetsho Lake. Today you may come across some yak herder's camp and get an idea of how these people live. 

   • The camp is close to Simkota Lake.

   Overnight camp.

7. Day 7: Simkota-Phajoding-Thimphu (2350m/7710ft): 5 hrs/14 km Trek Ends

   • Begin today with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits, you will enjoy the majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and the other peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding. 

   • From Phajoding, the trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. 

   • On arrival, check into a hotel in Thimphu. 

   Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

8. Day 8: Thimphu – Paro

   • After breakfast, drive to Dochu La Pass; the pass is a popular location amongst tourists as it offers a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain range. The view is especially scenic on clear, winter days with snow-capped mountains forming a majestic backdrop to the tranquillity of the 108 Chortens gracing the mountain pass known as the Druk Wangyal Chortens. The construction of these 108 Chortens was commissioned by the eldest Queen Mother, Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. The pass is also a popular spiritual destination for both locals and tourists because an important temple is located on the crest of Dochula pass. 

   • The Druk Wangyal Lhakhang was built in honour of His Majesty the fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang (temple). Its structure tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future in a fine blend of history and mythology.  

   Overnight in Paro Hotel.

9. Day 9: Paro Departure

   • Today you bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, transfer to the airport in the morning, depending on the flight schedule and your destination. The representative will bid you farewell. Tashi Delek!