Day 01 – D
Arrive Paro
Meet our representative at the airport and after completion of arrival formalities you will be taken to your hotel. Afternoon is free for leisure. Evening visit to Paro market and town.

Day 02 – B L D
Paro
In the morning visit Ta Dzong, which was built in 1651 as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. Since 1968 it is home to the National Museum. Its collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a short hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’ built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community.

In the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Day 03 – B L D
Paro | Shana [17km, 5-6 hrs]
The trek starts today from Drukgyel Dzong (2,580m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. It then climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet.  Later on you will pass apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2,810m), the last stop before the Tibetan border. You continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.

Day 04 – B L D
Shana | Soi Thangthangkha [20km, 7-8 hrs]
The trail follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river you will stop for a hot lunch. Then continue along the river, climbing upwards through beautiful rhododendron forests, and cross the river once more before reaching your campsite at 3,750m.

Day 05 – B L D
Soi Thangthangkha | Jangothang [19km, 7-8 hrs]
The path ascends for a while until you reach an army camp. You will pass it and then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a traditional yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes you to your campsite at Jangothang (4,040 m). From here you will have superb views of the mountains Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.

Day 06 – B L D
Jangothang | Lingshi [18km, 7-8 hrs]
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. You now start your climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. The trail then takes you across a fairly level valley floor until it climbs up to the Nyele-la pass (4,700m). From the pass, you descend gradually to the campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as you walk.

Day 07 – B L D
Lingshi | Shodu [22km, 8-9 hrs]
The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek route here. Your trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (4,820m). On a clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass.  Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where you will camp in a meadow right next to a chorten.

Day 08 – B L D
Shodu | Barshong [16km, 6-7 hrs]
You are now back below the tree line, and your path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. Stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes you gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600m), near which you will camp for the night.

Day 09 – B L D
Barshong | Dolam Kencho [15km, 5-6 hrs]
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland where you camp for the night at 3,600m.

Day 10 – B L D
Dolam Kencho | Dodena | Thimphu [8km, 3 hrs]
The trail winds in and out of side valleys above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (2,600m). Etho Metho transport will meet you here, and you drive to Thimphu.

Day 11 – B L D
Thimphu | Paro
The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu valley visiting the following, as time permits:

• The National Memorial Chorten, built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king, “the Father of Modern Bhutan”, and as a monument to world peace
• The National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained
• The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• The National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format
• Tashichhodzong, “the Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, which is situated by the Wang Chu and Thimphu’s most impressive building. It houses His Majesty’s secretariat, some ministries, and also the central monk body during the summer months.

In the evening drive to Paro.

Day 12 – B
Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.