Arrive Paro

Hike to Taktshang monastery as good acclimatisation for the trek.

Drive to the end of the motor road at DrukgyelDzong to begin the trek. While you wait for the horses to load up you will have time to take a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of victory, it was constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as far as the army check post at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp so if you prefer you can take a day hike near Paro for acclimatisation and then drive towards camp at Shana in the late afternoon. (17 km, 6 hours)

The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours)

The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours)

It’s possible to walk to Tsophu (sacred lakes) or hike in various directions: towards Mount Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east.

The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 m). Broad yak pastures can be seen along the length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent view of LingshiDzong as we descend into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. (19 km, 7 to 8 hours)

A day’s excursion to Tsekha (Lahe), the base camp of Jichu Drake mountain where it is possible to see blue sheep and musk deer. (Altitude about 4500 m) If you prefer, you can relax today, explore the village and visit the school. Sadly LingshiDzong was badly damaged in a recent earthquake and it will only be possible to visit if renovations works are complete.

The trail ascends to the Yali La Pass (4820 m), from where Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masa Gang can be seen on a clear day. We descend to our campsite which is situated at about 3815 m. (6 to 7 hours)

The path follows the ThimphuChhu (river) and through forests with rhododendrons and waterfalls, before climbing to the ruins of BarshongDzong. The camp is a stone shelter just below the ruined fortress. (Altitude 3685 m, 13 km, 5 hours)

Barshong to Dolam Kencho. We continue to follow the Thimphu Chhu through dense rhododendron forest before emerging into pastureland. We climb to a mountain meadow at about 3428 m and over a small pass. A vehicle will be waiting to collect us at Dodena for the drive to Thimphu. (23 km, 8 hours)

Sightseeing in Thimphu

Drive to Punakha and sightseeing in Punakha

Drive to Paro from Punakha via Thimphu

Tashi Delek your trip to Bhutan ends here… Hope to see you again in future