Location: Jakar and Chumey Geogs, Bumthang, Drakten Geog, Trongsa
Season: April-May and October-November
Duration: 4 days; start at Wangdicholing Palace and end at Kuenga Rabten Palace (or vice versa)
Tourist Profile: healthy / fit; young or old; enjoys moderate hiking/walking combined with sites and stories on history and culture

Summary

Revisit Bhutan’s past as you trek along the trail used by Bhutan’s Royal family, from Wangdichholing palace in Bumthang to Kuenga Rabten palace in Trongsa. Enjoy the trail’s scenic beauty.

Day 01: Wangdichholing Palace – Domkar Tashichholing Palace.

Highlights: Wangdichholing palace, Jakar Dzong, flora and fauna, Domkhar Tashichholing Palace.

The trek begins from Wangdichholing Palace (2600m), in Bumthang, with a gradual ascend towards Jakar Dzong, and further to Kikila pass (3948m). You could make a visit to the historical Wangdichholing Palace and Jakar Dzong, depending on time at your disposal.

After about four and a half hours trek from Wangdichholing, you will reach the lunch spot (Seou Zheysa), which was the actual lunch spot used by the Royal family in the past.

The campsite (Makhagthang) on the banks of Duegang Chhu is a three hour downhill walk from Kikila and stands at an elevation of 2908 m. It is just about half a kilometer from Domkhar Tashichholing Palace.

Day 02: Domkar – Jamsapang

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape

The hike begins with the crossing of the Duegang chhu after which the trail is mostly uphill. A climb for about three and a half hours will take you to Dungmai Jab, located at an altitude of 3678m. This will be your lunch spot.

After walking for about two hours uphill from the lunch spot, you will reach Jamsapang, which stands at an elevation of 4019m. Tungli La (pass) is just a few minutes away from the campsite.

Day 03: Jamsapang – Bjobshisa

Highlights: Views of Black Mountain, fauna, flora

The day begins with about an hour’s walk, involving a slight ascend towards Tungli La (4039 m). From here, one can feast on the beauty of the snow peaked Black Mountains sandwiched between Bhutan’s southern foothills at the left and the greater Himalayan range at the right.

The trail from Tungli La is a gradual descend and after about two hours, one will reach the lunch point. Another 2 hours brings you to the third campsite, Bjobshisa, a place used by local cattle herders during the summer/monsoon season.

Day 04:

Bjobshisa – Kuenga Rabten Palace

Highlights: Kuenga Rabten Palace,culture,  fauna and flora

Descending all the way, the trail from Bjobshisa to Kuenga Rabten Palace takes about four hours. The palace was the royal winter residence of the Second King and his junior consort and stands at an elevation of 1,774m. At the back of the palace is an ideal camping ground overlooking the valley and Mangdue River.

Duration: Four days

Max. Elevation: 3,400m
Highest Camp: 3,360m
Standard: Easy
Best Seasons: September to May
Start: Dechencholing (Thimphu)
Finish: Zomlingthang (Punakha)

Summary:
Experience the journey taken by people in the past, as they traversed from Thimphu to Punakha. See rural Bhutan and marvel at its glory, augmented by the scenic landscape, flora and fauna.

Day 1: Dechencholing – Chamina (four to five hours, ascent 860m, camp altitude 3,360m).

Highlights: Thimphu chhu (river), Pangrizampa, rural life.

After a short drive from Thimphu to Pangrizampa, along the banks of the Wangchu river, you will start the trek. It is a leisurely hike traversing through some traditional and beautiful villages. You will reach Shong Pang and then Chamina village, your camp for the night.

Day 2: Chamina – Dopshing Pang (seven to eight hours).

Highlights: Sinchula Pass (3,400m), views of Phajoding monastery, Thinleygang village, Talo monastery, flora and fauna

A fairly harder trek, today you will need to make a gradual ascend until Sinchula (Pass, 3,400m). On a clear day, you can Phajoding monastery, located just above Thimphu from here. After about another two kilometers walk, you reach another pass, from where Thinleygang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan, Punakha, is visible. Once you cross the pass, the trek is a gradual descend, until the campsite at Dopshing Pang.

Day 3: Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo (eight hours, camp altitude 2,700m).

Highlights: Flora, fauna and Chorten Ningpo

It is an easy trek that will take you through thick forests, villages and rice fields. Chorten Ningpo is linked to Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “divine madman”. You will be camping right in-front of the temple.

Day 4: Chorten Ningpo – Zomlingthang (two to three hours).

Highlights: Rural Bhutan, people, flora and fauna

Today too, you will be trekking through several villages until you reach a motor road. It takes about two to three hours. From the road, you walk till Punakha following it.

Duration:  7 days
Start:  Chaling
End:  Phongmey
Difficulty rating:  Moderate
Maximum elevation:  3480m

Season:  Mid March – May, September - October

Summary

Explore one of Bhutan’s latest trekking routes opened to tourists in eastern Bhutan and visit the nomadic villages of Merak and Sakteng, bordering Tibet and Arunachal Pradesh, India. Trek through the beautiful valleys and interact with the people of the two villages, who still lead a life belonging to the past.

In your travel from western Bhutan to the east, see Bhutan’s diverse ethnic groups, flora, fauna, art and architecture.

Day 1: Trashigang-Chaling-Donmang Chu 

19KM / 6-7 HOURS / 2000M ASCENT 230M DESCENT

Highlights: Towns of eastern Bhutan, people, culture, flora and fauna

On the first day, you will take a scenic drive through Rangjung town and Radhi village from Trashigang for about ninety minutes to Chaling. Your trekking crew and pack animals will join you at Chaling.

At the onset, the trek is a gradual climb towards Shaktimi meadow. Along the trail, you will see huts of yak herders dotted along the hill side and yaks and sheep grazing. As you ascent further, you will reach Mendula Pass, at an elevation of 3354m. After you cross this pass, the trek for the rest of the day is a gradual descend through forest filled with rhododendron trees till Donmong Chu, your camp for the night at 3124m.

Day 2: Donmong Chu-Merak 
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 396M ASCENT

Highlights: Gangu village, Merak, people, culture, landscape, flora and fauna.

Your destination is Merak, and the trail follows the river. Apart from the final leg of the trek, it is a fairly easy hike along flat landmass. Right after you ascend, you will reach Gangu village. In another 45 minutes you reach Merak, located at an altitude of 3520m. From your campsite located before the village, you can have a spectacular view of the nearby mountains and village. You have sufficient time to visit the village and interact with the people.

Day 3: Merak-Miksateng 
16KM / 5-6 HOURS / 633M ASCENT 1074M DESCENT

Highlights: Nachungla Pass (4153m), Flora (Rhododendron, Juniper), landscape.

In what is the toughest day of the trek, you will need to ascend until you cross the Nachungla pass, the highest of the trek at 4153m. The trek begins with a gradual uphill climb as you move from Merak, until the first pass at 3900m. A spectacular view of the entire Merak valley can be seen from here. It is also the pass from where you see Merak for the last time. Having crossed the pass, you will be trekking through outgrowths of juniper and rhododendron forests, finally reaching Nachungla pass. You will then descend to Miksateng at 3079m, your camp for the night.

Day 4: Miksateng-Sakteng 
14KM / 4-5 HOURS / 80M ASCENT 310M DESCENT

Highlights: Flora, fauna, Sakteng village. You may spot some red pandas.

The trek starts with a gradual descend till a river. You cross the river and follow its banks for a few hours, before gradually climbing to a hill adorned by a small Chorten (Stupa) overlooking Sakteng valley. From this ridge, you will be descending and camp on the outskirts of Sakteng village, at an elevation of 2950m. You may spot red pandas along the trek, if you are lucky.

Day 5: Discovering Sakteng

Highlights: Sakteng village, people, culture, flora, fauna, landscape

It is a priceless day for you as you avail the opportunity to visit Sakteng village, interact with the people and get to know the lifestyle and unique culture of this ethnic group. The people are a friendly lot and would willingly pose for photographs.

Day 6: Sakten-Joenkhar Teng
17KM / 6-7 HOURS / 75M ASCENT 130M DESCENT

Highlights: People, culture, flora and fauna

It is a slightly longer journey today and thus, you will be leaving the camp early. You climb up to a small hill at the western end of the village and then descend to the river, after which you will be walking alongside the river through forests filled with broad leaf trees. We will arrive at our camp for the night at Joenkhar Teng village (1733m), situated on a hillside. The village comprises of people belonging to the Brokpa tribe as well as people of eastern Bhutan (Sharchopas).  It also has a community school and an outreach clinic.

Day 7: Joenkhar Teng-Phongmey-Trashigang 

12KM / 5-6 HOURS / 350M ASCENT 950M DESCENT

Highlights: Phogmay village, Rangjung Monastery and town, people, culture.

The last day of the trek begins with a short climb through Joenkhar Teng. You will need to cross few suspension bridges and take short up-hill walks, until you reach Phogmay. Your vehicle will be waiting there and you will be driven to Trashigang. On the way, you will visit the Rangjung Monastery, founded by His Eminence Garab Rinpoche.

After reaching Trashigang, you can take a stroll along the town. The night halt will be at a hotel in Trashigang.

Duration: 25 days

Max. Elevation: 5,320m
Highest Camp: 5,050m
Standard: Hard
Best Seasons: Mid June to Mid October
Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Finish: Sephu (Trongsa)

Summary:

Buckle up for the trek described by The Lonely Planet as one of the most difficult treks of the world, which takes you from Laya into the high altitudes of the Bhutanese Himalayas.

Relish the taste of accomplishments as you cross spectacular peaks and trek through the most remote areas up to very high altitudes above 5,000m, sometimes camping on blankets of snow.

Day 11: Rejuvenation in Laya

Highlight:  Laya village, people, culture, landscape

If you have trekked from Drukgyel Dzong you are advised to spend a day recuperating and preparing for the upcoming challenge. Those coming from Tashitang/Damji (Punakha) are also advised to acclimatize at Laya. During the day’s break, one can have a good time relishing the great views from Laya and interacting with its special inhabitants.

Day 12: Laya – Rhoduphu (Distance 19km, six to eight hours, 1,030m ascent, 750m descent, camp altitude 4,160m)

Highlights: Flora (Rhododendron), fauna, landscape

It is a down-hill trek from Laya to an army camp. From there the trekkers move alongside the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch begins the climb through rhododendron bushes till the camp at Roduphu, which is just next to Rhodu Chhu.

Day 13: Rhodophu – Narethang (Distance 17km, five to six hours, 740m ascent, camp altitude 4,900m)

Highlights: Views of Lunana, Mt.Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and the Chinese border.

You again continue following the river for about half an hour and then embark on a steady climb to a high and open valley at 4,600m and further to Tsomo La (4,900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the Gangla Karchung peak.(6,395m).

Day 14: Narethang – Tarina (Distance 18km, five to six hours, 270m ascent, 1,200m descent, camp altitude 3,970m).

Highlights: Passes, views of Jekanphu Gang, Tsenda Gang and Teri Gang

The trek continues with an uphill trek for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m). The pass offers one of the most stunning views of the entire range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m). From the pass one descends along a large moraine and is greeted with extraordinary views such as a massive glacier descending from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. It is from here that a glacial lake burst in the early 1960s, causing widespread damage and partially destroying Punakha Dzong. The final leg of the trail is a very long descent through thick rhododendron bushes to Tarina valley. There are several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.

Day 15: Tarina – Woche (Distance 17km, six to seven hours, 270m ascent, 330m descent, camp altitude 3,910m)

Highlights: Flora, waterfalls, first village of Lunana region.

Following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, the trek goes along conifer forests and beautiful waterfalls. It then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Lunana region.

Day 16: Woche-Lhedi (Distance 17km, six to seven hours, 980m ascent, 1,190m descent, camp altitude 3,700m).

Highlights: Thick forests of juniper, fir and rhododendron bushes; great view of the surrounding mountains, Lhedi.

The day is a trek through thick forests of juniper, fir and rhododendron bushes. It also involves ascending to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have a great view of the surrounding mountains again. Once you cross the pass, the route descends to the riverside. You will be walking through a village offering a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. You then follow the river till Lhedi vlllage, which has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

Day 17: Lhedi-Thanza (Distance 17km, seven to eight hours, 450m ascent, camp altitude 4,150m)

Highlights: Great view of the Table Mountains, Chozo village and Dzong, people, culture

In clear weather, you will have great views of Table Mountain (7,100m). Around lunchtime you will pass the small village of Chozo (4,090m) which has a dzong still in use. On reaching Thanza again you will have a great view of Table Mountain which forms a 3,000m high wall of snow and ice behind the village. Although there are possibilities to camp directly at Thanza, most groups prefer to camp in Thoencha.

Day 18: Rest day at Thanza

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, lakes

This offers you an opportunity to either interact with the people of Thanza or climb up the ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. However, as new yaks have to be arranged (the yaks from Laya will not go further than Thanza) you might have to spend one day at Thanza anyway.

Day 19: Thanza – Damji

(Distance 8km, three to four hours, 80m ascent, camp altitude 4,230m).

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape

After you reach Thoencha, the trek starts to ascend up till a large boulder, from where one can have a spectacular view of Thanza, Toencha and Choso villages, including the surrounding mountains. Then you can usher in a few hours of relatively flat and easy walking, until you reach a yak meadow with some yak herders’ huts. This is an excellent campsite with a great chance to spot some blue sheep on the hills above. Near the campsite is a trail junction, which will give you the choice between the routes up to Gangkhar Puensum base camp, and further on to Bumthang or to Sephu in Trongsa district.

Day 20: Damji – Tshochena

(Distance 12km, five to six hours, 980m ascent, 240m descent, camp altitude 4,970m).

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape 

After having chosen the route to Sephu, the trek will lead you to a creek, which you need to cross. Following a long climb, you will reach Jaze La (5,150m) with spectacular panoramic mountain views. The trail then descends and takes one between snow covered peaks and a couple of small lakes to the campsite near the shore of Tshochena Lake.

Day 21: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo

(Distance 14km, four to five hours, 230m ascent, 150m descent, camp altitude 5,050m).

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, lakes

 The trek takes you along the bank of the blue green lake to a ridge at 5,100m. Yet again, you can see a spectacular view in all directions. The route then traverses up and down over small hills, until you reach a glacial lake, after which the route again descends. However, it again ascends till you reach the next pass, the Loju La (5,140m). Towards the final leg of the day’s trek, you cross a small saddle (5,100m) and enter a wide glacial valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.

Day 22: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo

(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 320m ascent, 730m descent, camp altitude 4,600m).

Highlights: Views of Mt. Gangkhar Phuesum, people, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, lakes

As soon as you leave the camp, you begin a climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). Your endurance will be rewarded as you see spectacular mountain scenery, including Gangkhar Puensum on this trek route. Towering above the pass in the west is Rinchen Zoe Peak (5,650).

Descending from the pass, the route will lead you into a wide valley with several lakes and steeply down along a moraine to the Thamphe Chhu. From here, the vegetation begins to thicken again and you will see the first real trees since Lhedi. After a couple of hours, you reach the campsite at Chukarpo.

Day 23: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho

(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 400m ascent, 700m descent, camp altitude 4,300m)

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, lakes

The trek’s descent continues along the river till you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m). From here the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite next to it.

Day 24: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang

(Distance 14km, five hours, 330m ascent, 1020m descent, camp altitude 3,610m).

Highlights: People, culture, flora, fauna, landscape, a sacred lake

Today, you begin with a steep ascend to reach the last pass on your trek trail, Thampe La (4,600m). You could spot some blue sheep on the way. The path then descends to the sacred lake, Om Thso. You will pass a waterfall and reach another lake, a smaller one 100m below to descend steeply to the Nikka Chhu. Finally, the path traverses through mixed forest to a large clearing on the banks of the river with a few yak herders’ huts, at Maurothang.

Day 25: Maurothang – Sephu

(Distance 18km, five to six hours, 990m descent).

Highlights: Sephu village, people, culture, flora, fauna, landscape

 This will be the last day of an extraordinary trek and your porters will have to change from yaks to horses as the yaks will not be willing to go further down. You move on a path following the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road and the village of Sephu. Your final destination is the road at the Nikka Chhu bridge at Sephu, where you will find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants.

Duration: 14 days

Max. Elevation: 5,005m
Highest Camp: 4,220m
Standard: Medium to hard
Best Seasons: April to June & Mid September to Mid Nov
Start: Drukgyel Dzong (Paro)
Finish: Tashitang (Punakha)

Summary:

Join the league of people who have had a taste of this beautiful trek along Bhutan’s northern frontiers. Capture the scenic and mesmerizing views of Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Gangchhenta (Great Tiger Mountain) and other peaks, along with the opportunities to spot blue sheep and even takins.

Interact with the nomads; the unique culture and appearance of the Layaps (people of Laya district) and end the trek with a refreshing dip at Gasa hot springs.

 Day 6: Lingshi – Chebisa (Distance 10km, five to six hours, 280m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,880m).

 Highlights: Lingshi Dzong, landscape, village, people, culture

The first part of the Laya Gasa Trek goes along the same route as the Jomolhari Trek I right till Lingshi.

You can take the trek today easy as it is the shortest walking day. Shortly after starting you will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, you have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a diversion up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a ridge. Besides a very special atmosphere of mystic silence Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley. After Lingshi Dzong you will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where village houses are normally scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa with a beautiful waterfall behind the village, you will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it.

Day 7: Chebisa – Shomuthang (Distance 17km, six to seven hours, 890m ascent, 540m descent, camp altitude 4,220m)

Highlights: Sights of Yaks, Blue Sheep, flora, fauna and landscape

You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, you will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing the Gobu La (4,410m), you descend to the valley, then climb again a little bit, and descend again to Shakshepasa (3,980) where a helipad has been established. Climbing from here you will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu river.

Day 8: Shomuthang – Robluthang (Distance 18km, six to seven hours, 700m ascent, 760m descent, camp altitude 4,160m).

Highlights: Great Tiger Mountain, several Passes, Sights of Takin, flora, fauna and landscape

As the walk is a little strenuous, it is advisable to start early. You climb up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing you will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where you catch the first sight of Sinche La, the pass you will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jumolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared a takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and you will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

Day 9: Robluthang – Limithang (Distance 19km, six to seven hours, 850m ascent, 870m descent, camp altitude 4,140m).

Highlights: People, culture, moraines, flora, fauna and landscape

After crossing Sinche La (5,005m) – the last and highest pass on the trek in case you don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards – you descend to a little stone house where a few Laya women – dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats on their head – live and offer their weaving products. Right behind the stone house you will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. You can see classic examples of the lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, you cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away.

Day 10: Limithang – Laya (Distance 10km, four to five hours, 60m ascent, 340m descent, camp altitude 3,840m).

Highlights: Laya village, people, culture, flora, fauna and landscape

Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. After a long time, you again trek partly through deep forest. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village you will view Gangchhenta again and catch a glimpse of Masagang. In the village centre is a community school and a basic health unit with telephone connection. The campsite is below the school.

Day 11: Laya – Koina (Distance 19km, six to seven hours, 260m ascent, 1,070m descent, camp altitude 3,050m).

 Highlights: Flora, fauna and landscape

The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the crashing river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.

Day 12: Koina – Gasa (Distance 14km, six to seven hours, 740m ascent, 1,500m descent, camp altitude at Gasa Tsachu 2,240m).

Highlights: Gasa village, people, culture, Gasa dzong, Gasa Hot spring, flora, fauna and landscape

Today you will have your last major climb of the Laya - Gasa Trek. You will cross the Bari La (3,740m), after which the trail is all the way down till you reach Gasa village (2,770m), where you will find the first restaurants since starting from Drukgyel Dzong. There also is a campsite close to Gasa Dzong ( You will have to decide if you want to stay in Gasa village or descend for another one hourto the Gasa Tsachu (hot springs) and relax in the thermal water. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan.

Day 13: Gasa – Damji (Distance 18km, five to six hours, 480m ascent, 470m descent, camp altitude 2,250m).

Highlights: Flora (pine, oaks), fauna and landscape

After a short climb, the trail winds through lots of ups and downs, through rolling hills and passes and pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see a beautiful view of the Gasa Dzong glued to the valley wall as if floating in space. You finally reach Damji with its well maintained campsite.

Day14: Damji – Tashithang (Distance 16km, five hours, 250m ascent, 870m descent).

Highlights: Flora, fauna and landscape

The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mo Chhu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and various tropical vegetation. You will also see monkeys and a few other animals occasionally. The road actually leads further up than Tashithang and will soon reach Damji. You can save about two hours of walking when you arrange transport from the current roadhead.

Duration: Nine days

Max. Elevation: 4,930m
Highest Camp: 4,080m
Standard: Medium
Best Seasons: March to June & September to November
Start: Gunitsawa village (Paro)
Finish: Dodena (Thimphu)

Summary

Experience the excitement of trekking to heights with altitude differences of 2,500m up-to 5,000m along breathtaking views of landscapes, fauna and flora.

Be one of the very few to get a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari (Mountain Goddess) from Jomolhari basecamp (Jangothang).

Day 1: Gunitsawa village- Sharna Zampa

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape

This trek begins at Gunitsawa Village where you pass the army post. At the army check-point your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from Gunitsawa.

Day 2: Sharna Zampa – Thangthangkha

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape

On this long day, the trail continues with several ascends and descends. After an uphill trek through the river valley, the trail narrows gradually to a mere path and then descends to a meadow. This will be your camp for the night.

Day 3: Thangthangkha – Jangothang

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, view of Mt Jomolhari

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scenic beauty.

Day 4: Jangothang halt

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, views of lakes and snow capped mountains. You could spot blue sheep

The rest day in Jangothang provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization.

Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, lake

The trail leads to a last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route.

Day 6: Lingshi-Shodu

Highlights: Flora, fauna, landscape, views of Majrstic mountains

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m. From the pass, on a clear day you will get an excellent view of Jomolhari, Tserimgang and Masanggang.

Day 7: Shodu – Barshong

Highlights: Flora (Rhododendron), fauna, landscape, waterfalls

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Day 8: Barshong- Dolam Kencho

Highlights: Flora (rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos), fauna, landscape, Barshong Dzong

The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow.

Day 9: Dolam Kencho – Dodena

Highlights: Flora, fauna and landscape

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and drive to Thimphu.

Overnight at the hotel.