Day 01: Fly to Paro 2,280 / 7,524 ft via Druk Air and transfer to hotel.
Depending upon the flight time to Paro, Bhutan either morning or in the afternoon time, our staff transfer you to Kathmandu international airport, after checking in boarding in Bhutan national carrier “Druk Air” a super scenic flight to Paro with amazing views of high snow-capped peaks including Mt. Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga and on reaching Paro airport with mountains of Bhutan. At Paro airport, after immigration and visa formalities our guide in Bhutan will receive the drive to respective hotels in Paro, with the afternoon free at leisure.
Day 02: Trek from Paro – Shana 7 hours
Today is the day where we begin our trek. However, before the star trek, we drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the road ends and we start the trek by following the river gently uphill through a narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will find plenty of traditional farmhouses on the way to Shana. We make camp and stay overnight at the Altitude of. 2800m.
Day 03: Trek from Shana to Soe Thangthangkha, 15 km, 5 hours
Early morning, we wake up with rested legs and continue uphill through the river valley, which narrows and closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of the trail actually is downhill after the initial climb. We reach destination Soe Thangthangkha, which is located in a meadow with a stone shelter at the altitude of 3400m.
Day 04: Trek from Thangthangkha to Jangothang, 19 KM, 6 hours.
After hot breakfast, we start walking along the Pachu (Paro river), through a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly see the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see the yaks and the yak herder’s winter homes. Today we stay at the base of the Jumolhari Mountain, which is at an altitude of 4040m.
Day 05: Trek from Jangothang to Lingshi, 19 km, 6 hour
Start walking up toward the pass through wide pastureland. You might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see some beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong, valley, Tserim Kang (mountain), and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley. Stay overnight in the stone shelter at the altitude of 4150m.
Day 06: Trek from Lingshi to Chebisa, 12 km, 4 hour
Today we walk a quite a short distance, so it is going to be easy. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses if you feel up to it.
Day 07: Trek from Chebisa to Shomuthang, 17km, 6 hour
Today we trek towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding the yaks. After crossing the Gobu -la (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. We will stay at the bench over the Nochu river. At the altitude of 4260m.
Day 08: Trek from Shomuthang to Robluthang, 15km, 7 hours
Today we had quite a hard walk, so we started a little early in the morning. After crossing the Jerela (pass) alt. 4600m you come down to Tsharijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Stay overnight at Tsharijathang at an altitude of 4390m.
Day 09: Trek from Robluthang to Lingmithang, 19km, 7 hour
After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4900m, you come down and follow the valley. Lingmithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costumes with long pointed bamboo hats on their heads. Stay overnight at Lingmithang at the altitude of 4140m.
Day 10: Trek from Lingmithang to Laya, 10km, 4 hours
Today, we walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Stay overnight at a high flat bench above the Laya village at the altitude of 3850m.
Day 11: Stay in Laya and explore the village
Today we take a rest at the same time we explore the Laya village.
Day 12: Trek from Laya to Koena, 19 km 7 hours
Today’s walk winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams, and waterfalls. We stayed overnight at Koena at the altitude of 3800m.
Day 13: Trek from Koena to Gasa, 17 km, 7 hours
Crossing through Babela pass (3740m), after which the trail is all the way down till you reach the campsite which is close to Gasa Dzong at the altitude of 2900m
Day 14: Trek from Gasa to Gasa Tsachu,
We take breakfast quite late today, then trek to Gasa Tsachu. We take lunch at Gasa Tsachu then relax in the hot spring. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan. Stay overnight at Gasa Tsachu.
Day 15: Trek from Gasa Tsachu to Tashithang to Punakha
Today is the last day of our walk, after a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the pine and oak forests, villages, and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall seeming to float in space. Arrive Damji, so at Damji your car will be waiting here to transfer to Punakha. You will drive through the high agricultural benches above the Mochu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers, and various tropical vegetation till Tashithang. Continue driving to Punakha.
Day 16: Drive from Punakha to Thimphu
Set out for Thimphu with a stop in DochuLa for tea. Visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Continue to drive to Thimphu and check into your hotel on arrival.
Day 17: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Early morning After your breakfast, our guide will pick you from your hotel and start Thimphu Sightseeing. Visit to Trashichhodzong, the beautiful medieval fortress/ monastery which houses most of the Government’s office and king’s Throne room; it is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot. Then visit the National Library which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts. After that drive to painting school, famous for traditional thangka paintings. Here you will see, students at work producing intricate designs on cloth. Also visit Traditional Medicine Institute is worthwhile where centuries-old healing art still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions. After Lunch Visit Handicraft Emporium which displays a wide assortment of beautifully handwoven and crafted products. Then drive to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in memory of Bhutan’s Third King who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan. The paintings and statues inside this monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy
Day 18: Drive from Thimphu – Paro
In the morning you can hike to Tango Monastery, which was built by the “Divine Madman” in the 15th century. It’s a center of study for monks, and it affords a great view of the Thimphu Valley. Drive back to Thimphu and after lunch, you will proceed to Paro.
Day 19: Paro to Kathmandu
Today is the day to say goodbye to Bhutan, you will be transferred to the Paro Airport. You will be seen off by our representative for your next destination.
