Itinerary

1. Day 1 - Arrival in Paro & Sightseeing

   • Arrive in Paro by flight followed by a meet and greet with your tour guide.

   • Head to your hotel and have warm lunch.

   • Enjoy the afternoon sightseeing around Paro including a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum, which houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts.

   • Visit the Rinpung Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa, which is considered the master of meditation by the Bhutanese. 

   • Walk to the beautiful cantilever wooden bridge that is still in use.

   Overnight in Paro.

2. Day 2 - Paro Sightseeing

   • Have a hearty and full breakfast.

   • Hike to Taktsang Monastery and witness the spectacular sight.

   • Stop for lunch near a teahouse. 

   • Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong in the afternoon, which is a historic monument built by the Shabdrung.

   • Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo.

   Overnight in Paro.

3. Day 3 - Trek from Drukgyel Dzong

   • Start trekking from Drukgyel Dzong with a short downhill walk on a wide track.

   • Climb gently through well-maintained fields of millet and rice terraces to reach apple orchards and forest.

   • Reach the army post of Gunitsawa as the valley widens, which will be the last stop before heading to Tibet.

   • Continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

   Overnight at the campsite.

4. Day 4 - Continue Trekking

   • Follow the Pa Chu (Paro river) trail ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forest.

   • Stop for lunch after crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, 

   • Continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forest and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite.

   Overnight at the campsite.

5. Day 5 - Jangothang Campsite

   • Reach the army camp along the ascending path.

   • Follow the river above the tree line and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

   • Have hot lunch served at a yak herder’s camp.

   • Walk from here into the valley to reach the campsite at Jangothang and see the superb views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

   Overnight at the campsite.

6. Day 6 - Lingshi Campsite

   • Follow the trail along a gentle stream for half an hour and cross a bridge to the right bank.

   • Climb up the first ridge and enjoy breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. 

   • Descend gradually, enjoying a panoramic view of the mountainous peaks and Lingshi Dzong from the pass.

   • Reach the campsite at Lingshi.

   Overnight at campsite

7. Day 7 - Shodu Campsite

   • Climb up and follow the trail towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp.

   • Turn to the south, up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the West side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. 

   • Cross the river and climb steeply for two hours to Yeli-La. You may witness Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass on a clear day.

   • Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in a cliff face and continue heading downstream.

   • Reach Shodu where you will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it.

   Overnight at the campsite.

8. Day 8 - Barshong Campsite

   • Descend through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests to witness stunning views along the way.

   • Stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. 

   • Go upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong to set camp.

   Overnight at the campsite.

9. Day 9 - Continue Trekking

   • Descend gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drop steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu.

   • Climb around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland to set camp for the night.

   Overnight at the campsite.

10. Day 10 - Drive To Thimpu

    • Follow the trail winding in and out of a side valley above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass.
    • Drop steeply down to the river, following the trail southward to the road head at Dodena. Bhutan Travel Bureau transport meets you here.
    • Drive to Thimphu and stay overnight.

11. Day 11 - Thimphu Sightseeing

    • Enjoy sightseeing in Thimphu, beginning with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, which depicts the Buddhist faith in the form of paintings and statues. 

    • See other highlights that include Changangkha Temple, Drubthob monastery housing the Zilukha nunnery, the School for Arts and Crafts.

    • Visit the National Library, housing a collection of Bhutanese scriptures, and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.

    • Depart for Paro during the early evening.

    Overnight at Paro.

12. Day 12 - Departure

    • Head to the airport for your flight back home.