It is a classic 14 - day Trek starting from (Drukgyal Dzong) Paro and end at Dodena near Thimphu (1 hour drive from Thimphu valley). The route passes through two high passes from Jangothang. Jumolhari Mountain (7314 m) from Jangothang you will get spectacular view of Sacred Mt. Jumolhari. The Trek is strenuous and is very popular. The highest point is 4115 m.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 ARRIVE PARO

During the journey, the traveler will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours). Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Evening walk around the town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

Day 2. PARO – EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river (Paro chu – Chu means river or water). It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.

Lunch at the Yak herders’ cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.

Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism in the Himalayas. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place for the people of the kingdom, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 3. PARO - SHANA (Start of Trek)

Altitute - 2800m, Distance - 17 km and 5-6 Hr walk

After breakfast, drive up to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m, and where the road ends and begins the trek by following the river gently uphill through the wonderful narrow agricultural valley of paddy fields and you will come across with many of traditional farm houses in a purely rural setting.

Over night: Camp (Tent).
Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

Day 4 – SHANA - THANGTHANGKHA

Altitute -3,860 m. Distance - 15 km. 6 -7hrs walk.
The trail continue to ascents uphill through the spectacular view of river valley, deep conifers and rhododendrons forests and after sometime the trail narrows and closes in some distance. On the way, there is a

Overnight: Over night: Camp (Tent).

Day 5 - THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG

In the morning drive to Wangdue Phodrang, visit its small town and Dzong and drive towards Gangtey valley which takes about 4 hours journey and it is a beautiful valley situated at an altitude of 3000m, this valley was open its route very recently. During winter one can see the endangered species of bird (Black Naked Crane). Lunch in Wangdue Phodrang.
Overnight: Hotel in Phubjikha

Day 6 - JANGOTHANG - HALT

Altitute - 4,240m. Distance - 19 km. 5 - 6 hours walk
Trekking up to Tsophu for fishing or hikes around, there are good short hiking trails in three directions. Mt. Jhomolhari and its subsidiary chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake towards the north.
Overnight: Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 7 - JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI

Distance - 19 Km. 5 - 6 hours walk. Alti 4150 m.

The trail accents gradually to Nyilila Pass (Alt. 4,680 m / 15354 ft). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a spectacular view of the Lingshi Dzong(Fort) as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley.

Over night: Camping (Tent).

Day 8 - LINGSHI - HALT

Distance 15 Km. 3 - 4 hours walk. Alt 4500 m.

A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake) which is the base camp for Jichu Drake. During the excursion you can see many of the blue sheep, musk deer and other wild birds and animals.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 9 -LINGSHI - SHODU

Distance 22km. 7 - 8 hours walk, Alt 3963m

The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get spectacular view of Mt. Jhomolhari, Mt. Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang on a clear day. The trail follows the steep down hill to Shodu.

Over night: Camping (Tent.)

Day 10 -SHODU - BARSHONG

Distance - 13 Km. 3 - 4 hours walk. Alt 3785m.

The trail continues to follows the ThimChu river through the dense rhododendron forests and waterfalls are great views along the way. The valley narrows and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 11 -BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO

Distance - 11 Km. 3 - 4 hours walk (3628m.)

The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thimchu and then ascends to pasture lands.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 12 -DOLAM KENCHO - THIMPHU

Distance - 14 Km. About 4 - 5 hours walk

The trail continues to follow through the forest areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) and other wild animals can be seen along the way and you are ending up your trek and your car will be waiting at Dodena for you.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 13 -THIMPHU - SIGHT SEEING

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.

Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 14 -THIMPHU – A DAY EXCURSION TO DOCHULA PASS – PARO

Morning drive to town for shopping, you might want to take gifts to your friends back home. Drive to Dochula Pass (3150m) and stop for a photo stop at Dochula Pass which is 26km away from Thimphu valley, for Tea and snacks and to enjoy the most spectacular view of eastern Himalayan snow capped Mountains and also the great view of Gasa Dzong at a distance. Lunch in Dochula Pass. Afternoon drive to Paro, on the way visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Kingdom. It was built in 1629 AD, by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country.

Over night: Camping (Tent)

Day 15 - PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bhutan Bigfoot Trekkers (Tours) will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.