Itinerary
- Day 1
Paro
You'll fly into Paro on Druk Air or Bhutan Airlines, and if you're seated on the left side, there's a good chance you'll see Himalayan peaks like Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga during the approach (weather dependent). Once you clear immigration, your guide will meet you and drive into town for lunch. From there, you can visit Rinpung Dzong, the 1644 fortress that serves as the administrative center, or check out Ta Dzong museum to see Bhutanese art and bronze statues. The evening is yours to wander around Paro town and see the traditional buildings.
- Meals
- Lunch
Included Activities
- Visit Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the heap of jewels)
- Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum with Bhutanese art and bronze statues)
Optional Activities
- Explore Paro town with traditional Bhutanese buildings (evening)
Landmarks/POIs Rinpung Dzong Ta Dzong - Day 2
Paro to Jele Dzong
The trek starts with a gradual climb from Dopshari at 2,300m/7,546 feet heading toward Jele Dzong at 3,450m/11,319 feet. You'll cover about 10 kilometers over 4-5 hours on this section. That night you'll camp at Jele Dzong, and if the weather cooperates, you can see out to Paro valley with views of Mt. Jumolhari at 7,314m/24,000 feet and other snow-capped peaks in the distance.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Dopshari to Jele Dzong (10 km, 4-5 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Jele Dzong Mt. Jumolhari Paro Valley - Day 3
Jele Dzong to Tshokam
This portion of the trek takes you through thick alpine rhododendron forest with a short climb at the start and then a gradual elevation gain. You might pass possible campsites at Dorjo Lakha or Jangchu Lakha at 3,770m/12,369 feet before reaching the better campsite at Tshokam after crossing a small saddle. Keep an eye out for yak herders working the pastures along the route.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Jele Dzong to Tshokam through alpine forest (5.5 miles, 6-7 hours)
Landmarks/POIs Tshokam - Day 4
Tshokam to Simkotra
The trek begins with a gradual descent to Pangrithang, which takes about an hour or so. After that, things get steeper as you climb through bushes for about 2 hours before the views open up at Jane Tsho Lake at 3,956m/12,969 feet, where yak herders often camp. From there, you'll have a gentle slope climb for 1 hour followed by 2 more hours of trekking to reach the campsite at Simkotra.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Tshokam to Simkotra (6 miles, 6-7 hours) passing Jane Tsho Lake
Landmarks/POIs Jane Tsho Lake - Day 5
Simkotra to Thimphu
The final trekking day features a good trail with minor climbs to small passes, and you'll reach the highest point at 4,420m/14,501 feet with views overlooking Phajoding monastery and down toward Thimphu. Monks use this route regularly to reach the sacred lake Jimilang Tsho. The trek to the pass takes about 2-3 hours, then you'll descend steeply through thick forest for 2-3 hours to reach the motor road (about 8.5 kilometers, 6-7 hours total). From there, you'll drive down to Thimphu, and along the way you can stop at Thimphu Zoo to see Takins, which is Bhutan's national animal. Say goodbye to the trekking team and head to your hotel.
- Meals
- Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included Activities
- Trek from Simkotra to highest pass (4,420m) and descent to motor road (8.5 miles, 6-7 hours)
- Visit Thimphu Zoo to see Takins (National Animal of Bhutan)
Landmarks/POIs Phajoding Monastery Jimilang Tsho Thimphu Zoo - Day 6
Paro
After breakfast, you'll drive to Ramthangka and hike to the viewpoint of Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery at 2,950m/9,678 feet. The round trip hike takes about 2-3 hours total. Taktsang sits 900 meters above Paro valley on a clifftop, and according to legend, Guru Rinpoche visited and meditated here back in the 8th century, making it one of the holiest pilgrim sites for Mahayana Buddhists. You'll also visit Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1649 to mark victory over allied Tibetan-Mongolian forces, and it's known for housing some of the country's finest armory.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Included Activities
- Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) viewpoint (2-3 hours round trip)
- Visit Drukgyel Dzong (1649 fortress)
Landmarks/POIs Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Drukgyel Dzong Paro Valley - Day 7
Departure from Paro
You'll be dropped off at Paro International Airport for your departure. Say goodbye and that's the end of the tour.
