Walk the Ancient Path Through Bhutan

During your flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy beautiful views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Jomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. Later in the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century and now used for both administrative and religious purposes. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, take a stroll around Paro town and explore the local shops and traditional Bhutanese buildings. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

In the morning, hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery, located at an altitude of about 3,180 meters. According to legend, Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) flew to this place on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse and meditated in a cave where the monastery now stands. The monastery is perched on a cliff about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. After lunch, take some time to explore the monastery before hiking back down to the valley in the afternoon. Return to your hotel in Paro and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

The trek starts from Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The first day is a fairly strenuous one, with a steady climb through the mountains. The trail begins on a gravel road, passing a few farmhouses and apple orchards before entering a pine forest. As you climb higher, you will get beautiful views of the Paro Valley, with Jele Dzong visible on the ridge above. Continue along the trail towards the ridge. Just before reaching a small pass, the trail descends slightly to the campsite, where you will spend the night. Overnight: Camp at Jele Dzong

After a steep climb in the morning, the trail becomes more gradual. Along the way, you will have beautiful views of the Paro Valley and the Dagala Range, another popular trekking area in Bhutan. The trail passes through thick alpine forests and rhododendron, as well as areas affected by bark beetles in the 1980s. You will cross Jele La Pass at 3,490 meters before continuing towards the campsite. You may see yak herders around the campsite. The area also offers views of Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped mountains. If you are lucky, you may hear or spot Himalayan monal pheasants along the trail. Overnight: Camp at Tshokam

Today’s trail crosses two small passes and offers beautiful views of the snow-capped Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, the protective deity of Paro, and Gangkhar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. Along the way, you can also enjoy views of some of the monasteries and villages in the Paro Valley below. As you cross to the other side of the trail, Jimilangtsho Lake comes into view. The trail passes several small mountain lakes, with a number of possible camping spots. The best campsite is near Jimilangtsho, a beautiful lake known for its large trout. If you are interested, we can arrange a catch-and-release fishing permit. Overnight: Camp at Jimilangtsho

The trail follows the lakeshore towards the far end of Jimilangtsho. From there, the trail climbs through bushes and dwarf rhododendron. As you gain altitude, you will have good views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Along the way, you will pass several small mountain lakes, including the male and female lakes. You may also see yak herders and their camps in the area. Continue towards Simkotra Tsho, where the campsite is located near the lake. There are some old stone ruins nearby, adding to the character of this peaceful mountain campsite. Overnight: Camp at Simkotra

Today, the trail climbs past several false summits before reaching Labana La Pass at 4,235 meters. From the pass, begin the descent towards the Thimphu Valley. On a clear day, you can enjoy views of Mount Jomolhari, Dochula Pass, Gangkhar Puensum, and other Himalayan peaks. The trail then descends through juniper forests towards Phajoding. Continue walking downhill until you reach Sangaygang, on the outskirts of Thimphu, where the trek ends. From Sangaygang, your vehicle will take you to your hotel in Thimphu. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast, begin your sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and Kuenselphodrang, home to the giant Buddha Dordenma statue. Continue to the Drubthob Goemba (Nunnery Temple) and the Textile Museum, where you can learn more about Bhutanese religious traditions, textiles, and traditional weaving. If your visit falls on the weekend, explore the weekend market along the banks of the Thimphu River. Farmers and vendors from nearby villages come here to sell fresh farm produce, including chillies, vegetables, cheese, and seasonal fruits. You can also find Bhutanese handicrafts and household items at the market. Take some time to walk around, see the local produce, and experience the everyday atmosphere of the market. It is also a good place to interact with local people and take photographs. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Our representative will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell.