Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro
You'll get picked up from Paro International Airport and head straight into Bhutan's cultural side. The day includes the National Museum, then Paro Rinpung Dzong from the 17th century, and a traditional wooden cantilever bridge. By late afternoon, you'll check out Kyichu Lhakhang temple dating back to the 7th century, then spend some time walking around Paro town before settling in for the night.
Included Activities
- Visit National Museum
- Visit 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong
- Walk to traditional wooden cantilever bridge
- Visit 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang
- Explore Paro town
Landmarks/POIs National Museum Paro Rinpung Dzong Kyichu Lhakhang - Day 2
Paro to Thimphu
Start early for the Tiger's Nest hike, a 4-5 hour round trip that's worth the effort (horse riding available for USD 20 uphill to midpoint if you prefer). After lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria, you'll drive to Thimphu and pass Tamchog Lhakhang from the 15th century on the way. Once you arrive in Thimphu, there's a chance to catch archery at Changlimithang Archery Ground, Bhutan's national sport.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria), Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest)
- Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria
- Visit Tamchog Lhakhang
- Drive past Changlimithang Archery Ground
Optional Activities
- One-way horse riding to Taktsang Viewpoint Cafeteria (approximately USD 20 per horse)
Landmarks/POIs Paro Taktsang Tamchog Lhakhang Changlimithang Archery Ground - Day 3
Thimphu to Paro
Begin at Kuensel Phodrang to see the tallest sitting Buddha statue with views over the Thimphu valley. You can do a 2-hour leisure hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from the 12th century if you want valley views, or skip it and head to lunch. After a traditional meal at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum to watch traditional arts and crafts being taught, browse the Craft Bazaar, then drive back to Paro for your homestay.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch (Traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant), Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit Kuensel Phodrang
- Traditional lunch at Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant
- Visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum
- Visit Craft Bazaar
Optional Activities
- 2-hour leisurely hike from Kuensel Phodrang to Changangkha Lhakhang
- Visit 12th-century Changangkha Lhakhang
Landmarks/POIs Kuensel Phodrang Changangkha Lhakhang Folk Heritage Museum National Institute of Zorig Chusum - Day 4
Paro to Shana Zampa (Trek Start)
After breakfast, head to Dzongdrakha Temple perched on a cliff just 1km away from your homestay. Following lunch, you'll drive to Shana Zampa where the trek begins. Stop at Drukgyal Dzong along the way, a 17th-century structure built to mark victory against Tibetan-Mongol forces. Settle into your first night at a full-service outdoor camp.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Visit 15th-century Dzongdrakha Temple
- Visit Drukgyal Dzong
- Drive to Shana Zampa campsite
Landmarks/POIs Dzongdrakha Temple Drukgyal Dzong - Day 5
Shana Zampa to Thang Thangka
This is the longest trekking day you'll have, but the scenery makes it worthwhile. After breakfast, the trail moves through a river valley with lots of small climbs and descents. The path gradually gets narrower until it opens into a meadow where camp gets set up. If weather cooperates, you'll catch your first view of Mt. Jomolhari from here.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Shana Zampa to Thang Thangka
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Jomolhari - Day 6
Thang Thangka to Jangothang
Wake early to look for Mt. Jomolhari if the weather clears. You'll trek up the Paro Chhu valley as it opens into alpine meadows and forest areas. Cross an army checkpoint and take in views of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. You'll pass through Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang before arriving at Jangothang, one of the most beautiful Himalayan campsites with another great view of Mt. Jomolhari.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Thang Thangka to Jangothang
- Cross army checkpoint
- Pass villages of Soe, Takethang, and Dangochang
Landmarks/POIs Mt. Jomolhari - Day 7
Day 1)
The Jomolhari Mountain Festival kicks off with a 30-45 minute hike back to Dangochang. You'll see cultural performances with songs and dances from local communities, a school play about Snow Leopard Conservation, and a Snow Leopard dance. Join in local games including horse racing, yak riding, Khuru (dart), shot put, and tug of war. Check out handicrafts and food at various stalls, then head back to Jangothang for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Hike to Dangochang
- Watch cultural programs and performances
- Participate in local games
- Browse handicraft and food stalls
- Day 8
Day 2)
Day two of the festival has locals leading scenic hikes to different spots around Mt. Jomolhari like the twin lakes called Tsophu, glaciers, and Snow Leopard habitat. You'll see blue sheep (the main prey for Snow Leopards) and other wildlife. In the afternoon, watch traditional folk dances and try local games like Khuru and shot put. Return to camp for another night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Scenic hikes to Tsophu (twin lakes)
- Hike to glacier areas
- Wildlife viewing hikes
- Watch traditional folk dances
- Participate in local games
Landmarks/POIs Tsophu - Day 9
Jangothang to Soe Yaksa
Trek to the last settlement in the valley and drop down to the Paro Chhu. Pass Tshophu lake before climbing steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890m, the highest point on this trek. Follow the Dhumzo Chhu river downstream, passing a few houses at Soe Yaksa, then reach your camp for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek past Tshophu lake
- Climb to Bhonte La pass
- Trek to Soe Yaksa camp
Landmarks/POIs Bhonte La pass Tshophu - Day 10
Soe Yaksa to Thongbu Shong
The trek continues as you climb 100m over a ridge, descend to another stream, then cross Takhung La pass at 4,520m. Drop down to Thongbu Shong, a remote location with three yak herder huts where camp gets set up for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Takhung La pass
- Trek to Thongbu Shong
Landmarks/POIs Takhung La pass - Day 11
Thongbu Shong to Gunitsawa to Paro
Cross Thongbu La pass at 4,380m and finally reach Gunitsawa village where your driver will be waiting. Your trekking staff will say goodbye here. From there, you'll drive back to Paro, marking the end of your trekking adventure.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Cross Thongbu La pass
- Trek to Gunitsawa village
- Drive to Paro
Landmarks/POIs Thongbu La pass - Day 12
Paro (Departure)
After breakfast, you'll get transferred to Paro International Airport for your departure. The timing works around your flight schedule, so you'll have enough time to get there without rushing.
- Meals
- Breakfast
