Welcome to Bhutan! Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you’ll be warmly greeted and after completing immigration formalities, you will drive to your hotel and settle in.

Your first experience in Bhutan begins with a visit to Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this magnificent fortress-monastery stands as a symbol of Bhutan’s rich cultural and spiritual heritage. The intricate architecture, including the five-story tower made entirely without nails, is a visual masterpiece. From the Dzong, enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding valley and mountains.

Rest in your hotel in Paro for the night.

After breakfast, embark on an unforgettable hike to Taktsang Monastery (3,120 meters), also known as Tiger’s Nest, one of Bhutan’s most iconic sites. Perched 900 meters above the valley floor on a cliffside, the monastery is a revered pilgrimage site for Buddhists. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche flew to the site on the back of a tigress and meditated here in the 8th century, transforming the cave into a spiritual sanctuary. The trek offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and valleys, making it a challenging yet rewarding experience.

In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan, which houses a diverse collection of Bhutanese artifacts, including ancient masks, paintings, weapons, and textiles. The museum, housed in the former watchtower of Paro Dzong, offers fascinating insights into Bhutan’s history, culture, and religious practices. Overnight stay in Paro.

Your adventure begins with a drive from Paro to Drukgyel Dzong (2,580 meters), a historical site that once served as the defensive fortress against invasions from Tibet. From here, start your trek to Shana Zampa (2,870 meters), a campsite set in a picturesque valley. The trek follows the Pa Chhu River, winding through lush rice and millet fields before ascending into the forested hills. Along the way, you’ll pass small villages where locals cultivate crops and raise livestock. Overnight camp at Shana Zampa.

Today’s trek takes you to Soi Thangkha, passing through varied terrain along the Pa Chu River. As you ascend, the landscape gradually changes, offering beautiful views of the mountains ahead. The trail narrows as you move higher, passing through dense forests and small bridges that cross the stream. Upon reaching Soi Thangkha, you’ll camp in a tranquil setting, with the sounds of nature surrounding you. Overnight camp at Soi Thangkha.

Today’s trek leads you to Jangothang Base Camp. The journey takes you through alpine terrain, where you’ll pass by yak herders’ camps and traditional stone huts. The magnificent views of Mount Jomolhari (7,314 meters) and Jichu Drake (6,494 meters) become more prominent as you approach the camp. Jangothang Base Camp offers an exceptional vantage point for the surrounding peaks, and you’ll be able to appreciate the majestic Himalayas up close. Overnight camp at Jangothang Base Camp.

Spend a full day at Jangothang Base Camp (4,080 meters) to acclimatize and explore the area. For those feeling energetic, take a hike to Tshophu Lakes, a pair of serene high-altitude lakes surrounded by meadows and blue poppies, Bhutan’s national flower. The views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake from the lakes are nothing short of breath-taking. Take this opportunity to relax and soak in the stunning scenery before continuing your trek. Overnight stay at Jangothang Base Camp.

The trek today takes you to Lingshi, passing through dramatic landscapes and remote villages. Begin by crossing the Neyle La Pass (4,700 meters), the highest point of the day, where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Mount Jomolhari and the surrounding peaks. After descending, you’ll continue along the trail that winds down to the peaceful settlement of Lingshi, with its traditional wooden homes and yak herders. Overnight camp at Lingshi.

From Lingshi, trek to Chebisa, a remote village surrounded by high ridges and green valleys. The trek today involves steady climbs, passing through scattered settlements, forested hills, and yak pastures. Upon reaching Chebisa, you’ll find yourself camping in a serene environment, with the towering Mount Gangchen Ta (6,340 meters) looming in the distance. Overnight camp at Chebisa.

The path from Chebisa to Shoumothang (4,150 meters) ascends to the Gogu La Pass (4,700 meters), offering spectacular views of the snow-covered mountains. After the descent into the valley, the terrain changes, and you’ll find yourself trekking through dense forests and meadows filled with wildflowers. The campsite at Shoumothang offers a tranquil setting, surrounded by nature’s beauty. Overnight camp at Shoumothang.

The trek from Shoumothang to Robluthang is challenging but rewarding. You’ll climb to the Jari La Pass (4,750 meters), where the stunning views of the surrounding peaks will leave you awe-struck. After descending into the valley, the landscape opens up as you make your way to Robluthang, where you will camp for the night. Overnight camp at Robluthang.

Trek through the scenic Shingchen La Pass (5,005 meters), the highest point of the day. The path offers dramatic vistas of the Himalayas, with towering peaks and deep valleys. After a descent, you’ll arrive at Lingmithang (4,100 meters), where you’ll camp in the peaceful surroundings of the valley. Overnight camp at Lingmithang.

Today’s trek leads you to the village of Laya, one of Bhutan’s most remote settlements. The path follows the valley floor, passing through forests and fields, before reaching the village nestled beneath Gangchenta (6,600 meters), also known as Tiger Mountain. Laya offers spectacular views of the surrounding peaks, making it a picturesque and memorable destination. Overnight camp at Laya.

Take a well-deserved rest day at Laya, a remote village nestled in the northern part of Bhutan. This picturesque village is home to the Layaps, an ethnic group known for their distinct clothing and culture. On this day, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, explore the village, and immerse yourself in the local way of life. You can also take short walks in the vicinity, offering stunning views of snow-capped peaks and lush valleys. Overnight stay at Laya.

Today, begin your trek from Laya to Rodophu, a high-altitude campsite offering spectacular views of the Himalayan range. The trail takes you through dense alpine forests, with a steady ascent through rhododendron and juniper trees. Along the way, enjoy the serenity of nature and catch glimpses of the majestic mountains surrounding you. As you reach Rodophu, the beauty of the area, with its crystal-clear streams and expansive meadows, will leave you in awe. Overnight camping at Rodophu.

The trek from Rodophu to Narithang takes you higher into the mountains, as you continue your journey through Bhutan’s rugged terrain. The path leads you across steep, rocky slopes and alpine meadows, offering panoramic vistas of the majestic peaks, lush valleys, and winding rivers below. As you ascend gradually through an enchanting landscape of dwarf rhododendrons, you reach a small valley dotted with alpine pastures. Continuing onward, you will ascend to the Tsemo La pass (4905m), where the views of the surrounding mountains are breathtaking. After crossing the pass, the descent brings you to a series of slopes, where you are rewarded with a striking sight—a line of towering snowy peaks, with the formidable Gangla Karchung (6395m) standing proudly as the highest.

Narithang is a tranquil haven, ideal for both resting and acclimatizing to the altitude. The peaceful atmosphere allows you to unwind, reconnect with nature, and prepare for the days ahead. As the sun sets, enjoy the soothing sounds of the wilderness, reflecting on the journey so far. You’ll spend the night camping in this serene spot, surrounded by the untamed beauty of the mountains.

From Narithang, continue your trek to Tarina, passing through lush forests and alpine meadows. As you descend slightly to Tarina, you’ll find yourself surrounded by beautiful valleys and distant peaks. The landscape shifts, offering a different perspective of the mountains. The peaceful village of Tarina is a tranquil haven to rest, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Overnight camping at Tarina.

Today’s trek from Tarina to Woche is a continuation of your high-altitude journey, with a trail that passes through forests of juniper, fir, and rhododendron. The route gradually descends to the village of Woche, offering you a chance to experience the beautiful natural surroundings and the remote village life. Woche is a great spot to immerse yourself in the peace and serenity of the Bhutanese wilderness. Overnight camping at Woche.

Begin your climb through the Woche Valley, crossing a small stream before navigating a moraine. Afterward, descend to a wooden bridge that spans the Woche Chu River, then ascend past a crystal-clear glacial lake to reach the Keche La pass (4650m). From here, you’ll be treated to stunning panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including the striking three-pronged peaks of Jejegangphu Gang.

The trail then descends into the Pochu Valley, leading you to Thaga village (4050m). Be prepared for harsh, cold winds in the late afternoon, especially during autumn. From Thaga, you will continue descending, passing through scattered settlements and beautiful waterfalls as you follow the Phochu River bed, eventually arriving at Lhedi (4200m). Lhedi is a small but functional village with a school, a Basic Health Unit, and a wireless station, providing a welcome stop as you continue your trek through this remote and rugged landscape.

From Lhedi, continue the trek to Thanza, the final destination in this segment of your journey. The path to Thanza takes you through forests, past rivers, and along ridgelines, offering stunning vistas of snow-covered peaks. Today’s trek is relatively easier. We’ll follow the north bank of the Phochu River, passing by several small farms, eventually reaching Chuzo Village (4090m) around lunchtime. Along the way, we will visit the historic Chezo Dzong. Continuing along the riverbed, the trail then takes us up a steep hill, offering a commanding view of Thanza Valley at 4250m.

Today, you can either visit Thanza Village or explore nearby glacial lakes. Thanza is a pristine, medieval-like village where residents craft their own clothing, weaving and dyeing materials by hand, and creating distinctive hats, boots, and jewelry. Their stone-built homes feature hand-hewn wood shingles and clay mortar. The locals survive on a diet of grains, yak meat, and cheese from the lower valleys. Alternatively, hike through small moraine rocks to reach the Raphstreng Tsho and Thorthormi Tsho lakes, the sources of the Phochu River. The view of Table Mountain (Zongphu Gang), towering at 7100m, offers a dramatic backdrop of a 3000m-high ice and snow wall behind Thanza Village.

On the final day of this segment, trek from Thanza to Tshochena, a breathtaking campsite in the high Himalayas. This stretch will take you into the heart of Bhutan’s pristine wilderness, with spectacular views of the snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and alpine lakes. Tshochena is a place of profound tranquility and offers the chance to reflect on the journey thus far as you experience the rugged beauty of the region. Overnight camping at Tshochena.

Today’s journey takes you through a stunning landscape of snow-capped peaks as the trail gently ascends and undulates. We cross the Loju La (5100m), where the path winds around ridges, revealing expansive and breathtaking views. Many of these peaks remain unclimbed, enhancing the sense of exclusivity in the panorama that unfolds before us. Our campsite is nestled in a peaceful patch of grassy tundra, tucked between barren rocks and the sound of trickling streams, offering a serene spot to rest and absorb the beauty of the surroundings.

Today’s trek takes us through a moraine path as we ascend to the scenic Rinchen Zoe Pass (5350m), which marks the boundary between the Phochu and Mangdechu basins. From this pass, we are treated to views of Gangkar Puensum (7520m), the highest peak in Bhutan. The contrast between the lush forests below and the barren high-altitude terrain above is striking. As we descend through a broad, marshy valley dotted with lakes, yak pastures, and steep moraine slopes, we make our way to Tampe Chu, surrounded by rhododendron and juniper forests. We camp at Thongsa Thang (4400m), a short distance from Chukarpo, offering a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature.

After crossing the river, we follow the main valley into the forest, where the temperatures warm slightly. The surroundings are picturesque, with the valley’s beauty complemented by distant snow-capped peaks. The trail meanders through boulders along the riverbank before entering a dense forest of pines, rhododendrons, birch, and maple. The ground beneath our feet is soft, with mosses and mud reflecting the damp, lush conditions. After a solid day’s trek, we arrive at our camp just below our final pass. From here, we ascend through the forest along a narrow valley to a hanging lake, or tarn. This climb is sustained and steep, as we gain significant altitude, but the reward is well worth the effort: a stunning campsite by the end of the Tampe Tsho lake at 4320m, offering a serene setting for our last mountain camp.

Today’s trek starts with a steep climb to the Tampela Pass (4600m). From the pass, we descend toward the beautiful Omtsho Lake, where the famous 15th-century saint, Terton Pema Lingpa, is said to have miraculously discovered a treasure. The trail leads us to the lake’s shore, passing its outlet marked by prayer flags, before descending steeply past a waterfall to a smaller lake. Continuing down, we reach the left bank of the Nika Chu River, where the terrain flattens as we walk through a mix of forests. Soon, we come to a large open area near the confluence of a major eastern tributary. After crossing a wooden bridge, the path takes us along mixed forests and yak pastures before arriving at Maraothang (3620m), a wide, open area where we’ll set up our final camp. Here, we’ll encounter the first shop since Laya—a quaint wooden house by the river.

Our final day of trekking begins with a gentle descent as we follow the Nika Chu River through scenic forests. The trail gradually eases into a broader, well-trodden path, passing through beautiful valleys and small settlements. We’ll reach the village of Sephu, where the road meets the larger route leading to Punakha, marking the end of our epic trek. From here, we board our vehicle for the drive to Punakha, one of Bhutan’s most picturesque towns.

As we make our way down the valley, the views of terraced fields and the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas behind us offer a stunning backdrop. Upon arrival in Punakha, we are greeted by the Punakha Dzong, a spectacular fortress situated at the confluence of the Pho and Mo Chhu rivers. The town’s lush greenery and the serene atmosphere make it an ideal place to reflect on the journey we’ve just completed. The day ends with a sense of accomplishment and relaxation as we settle into our hotel, ready to explore this enchanting valley or simply unwind after our incredible trek.

In the morning, we begin with a visit to the majestic Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most impressive architectural marvels. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, this fortress-monastery is a stunning example of traditional Bhutanese design, with intricate woodwork and beautiful courtyards. You’ll have the chance to explore the grand halls and temples within, which hold significant religious and historical importance.

Afterward, we continue our journey to Paro. Upon arrival, we head to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. The peaceful atmosphere and stunning architecture make it a perfect spot for reflection and understanding Bhutan’s deep spiritual heritage.

In the evening, we return to our hotel in Paro for some well-deserved relaxation, soaking in the serene surroundings of the valley before the final leg of our Bhutan adventure.

Your journey in Bhutan concludes today with a transfer to Paro International Airport for your flight back home or onward to your next destination. Reflect on the breathtaking landscapes, spiritual encounters, and the warm hospitality that you’ve experienced during this unforgettable journey through Bhutan