Into the Wild Heart of the Himalayas

During your flight to Bhutan, you can enjoy beautiful views of the Himalayas, including Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, the sacred Mount Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, and other famous Himalayan peaks. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon, visit Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century. The dzong is still used for both administrative and religious purposes. Continue to Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. In the evening, take a walk 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. The monastery is perched on a cliffside about 900 meters above the Paro Valley. 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. After reaching Taktsang, take some time to explore the monastery and its surroundings. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. In the afternoon, hike back down to the valley. Return to your hotel in Paro and enjoy the rest of the evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Paro

After breakfast, drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the starting point of the trek. From here, trek along a dirt road through the valley, following the Paro Chhu River. The trail passes through forests and traditional villages, with views of the surrounding mountains. Along the way, you may see traditional Bhutanese houses with red chillies drying on their rooftops. At the Gunitsawa checkpoint, your trekking permits will be checked and endorsed before continuing towards the Shana campsite. From the checkpoint, it takes about 30 minutes to reach the campsite. Overnight: Camp at Shana

After breakfast, continue the trek from Shana towards Soi Thangthanka. The trail follows the Paro Chhu River and gradually climbs through dense forests. Along the way, cross the first bridge on the historic route between Tibet and Bhutan, which was once used by travellers travelling between the two regions. The trail passes through forests of oak, rhododendron, bamboo, fern, birch, fir, larch, maple, and blue pine. There are several small ascents and descents along the way, with views of the snow-capped Mount Jomolhari appearing on the northern horizon. After a long day of trekking, arrive at Soi Thangthanka, where the campsite is set in a wide meadow. Overnight: Camp at Soi Thangthanka

After breakfast, continue the trek from Soi Thangthanka towards Jangothang, the base camp of Mount Jomolhari. The trail gradually leaves the forest behind as you move into the higher valley. During late spring, you may have the opportunity to see the Blue Poppy, Bhutan’s national flower, growing along the trail. The route passes through several settlements where you can see traditional houses and meet local people. If invited, you may have the opportunity to enter a local home and enjoy a cup of traditional butter tea. As you continue towards Jangothang, the mountains begin to open up, with views of Jitchu Drakey, Tshering Kang, and Mount Jomolhari. After crossing the bridge, you will get closer views of the snow-covered eastern face of Jomolhari. Continue to Jangothang, located beneath the mountains, and settle into the campsite for the night. Overnight: Camp at Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)

Today is a rest and acclimatization day at Jangothang, giving you time to adjust to the altitude after gaining around 1,800 meters over the past three days. You can take a short day hike from the camp and explore the surrounding valley, with views of the mountains and high-altitude landscape. The hikes also provide an opportunity to gradually acclimatize by walking to higher elevations and returning to camp to sleep at a lower altitude. Spend the evening relaxing at the camp and enjoying the surroundings. Overnight: Camp at Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp)

After breakfast, continue the trek from Jangothang towards Lingshi. The trail climbs steadily towards Nyile La Pass, at an altitude of 4,890 meters. This is one of the high passes along the trek, and the area can be cold and windy. From the pass, descend towards the Lingshi Valley. Along the way, you can see snow-covered mountains and, as you approach Lingshi, Lingshi Dzong standing on a ridge above the valley. Continue down to the Lingshi campsite, located below the dzong. If time and weather permit, you can explore Lingshi Village and visit Lingshi Dzong before returning to camp. Overnight: Camp at Lingshi

After breakfast, continue the trek from Lingshi towards Chebisa. The trail passes through hillsides covered with medicinal plants and gradually leads to a small pass. Continue through the valley and a traditional village, where you can see the renovated Lingshi Dzong and learn more about the local community and its efforts to preserve the area’s cultural heritage. From the village, continue along the trail towards Chebisa campsite. At the end of the valley, the trail continues towards the Tibetan border. During the summer months, you may also see Delphinium brunonianum, locally known as the Royal medicinal plant, growing along the trail. Overnight: Camp at Chebisa

After breakfast, continue the trek from Chebisa towards Shakyapasang. The trail climbs steadily towards the Inela area, offering views across the surrounding valleys. Along the way, keep an eye out for Himalayan blue sheep and the bearded vulture, which can sometimes be seen in the high mountain areas. The trail continues towards Gombu La Pass, at an altitude of around 4,940 meters, before descending through rhododendron forests. As you continue, the trail passes rocky cliffs with exposed salt minerals before descending through the forest towards Shakyapasang campsite. Overnight: Camp at Shakyapasang

After breakfast, continue the trek from Shakyapasang towards Robluthang. The trail begins with a gentle climb before levelling out. This area is known for sightings of Himalayan blue sheep, and you may also come across snow leopard tracks. Continue climbing towards Jare La Pass, at an altitude of 4,785 meters. Small cairns and prayer flags mark the pass, which traditionally served as a boundary between the Lingshi and Laya areas used for yak grazing. From Jare La, descend through rhododendron bushes and forests of spruce, larch, silver fir, oak, and different species of pine. The trail then continues through several valleys and across streams and rivers before reaching the Robluthang campsite. Overnight: Camp at Robluthang

After breakfast, continue the trek from Robluthang through a glacial valley and yak grazing areas. The trail crosses several streams before gradually climbing towards Sinche La Pass, at an altitude of around 5,000 meters. The trail becomes steeper and more uneven as you approach the pass, so take care while hiking. Along the way, you may see Himalayan blue sheep and the medicinal plant Rheum nobile, which grows in the high-altitude areas. From Sinche La, you can see several peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas, ranging from around 4,617 to 7,194 meters. The trail then descends through areas with small yak herder huts and forests of cedar before reaching a sandy area beside a moraine. Cross the bridge and continue walking for about 20 minutes to reach the Limithang campsite. Overnight: Camp at Limithang

After breakfast, continue the trek from Limithang towards Laya. The trail passes through cedar and fir forests, with views of Gangchen Ta, also known as the Mountain of the Snow Lion. After a few gentle climbs and descents, continue towards a small chorten before reaching Laya Village, located within Jigme Dorji National Park. Laya is one of the highland communities of Bhutan, with several villages in the surrounding area. The village offers an opportunity to learn more about the local way of life and traditions of the people who live in this remote mountain region. From Laya, you can also enjoy views towards Tsenda Gang Peak to the northeast. Overnight: Camp at Laya

Today is a rest and exploration day in Laya. Take a walk through the village and learn more about the local culture and way of life. You may have the opportunity to visit a traditional home and meet local families who are happy to share their customs and daily life. Visit the local school and temples to learn more about the community and its traditions. For those interested in a different experience, yak riding can also be arranged. You can also take a short hike around the surrounding hills and explore some of the trails near Laya. Spend the evening in the village and enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Overnight: Camp at Laya

After breakfast, begin the final day of the trek from Laya towards Koina and Gasa. The trail descends through pastures, forests, and small villages, following the Mo Chhu River through the valley. Along the way, pass two large caves before continuing towards Koina. After the final section of the trail, you will reach Koina, where your vehicle will be waiting to drive you to Gasa. After completing the trek, relax at the Gasa Hot Springs, known for their naturally warm mineral waters. The hot springs are surrounded by forests of fir, spruce, and rhododendron, making them a pleasant place to rest after the trek. Overnight: Hotel or guesthouse in Gasa

After breakfast, drive from Gasa towards Punakha through the heavily forested landscapes of the region. The road follows the Mo Chhu River, passing through dense forests with a variety of plants and wildlife. Continue through Tashithang Village before reaching the Punakha Valley. On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, a temple associated with Lama Drukpa Kunley, known for his unconventional teachings and stories. The temple is also commonly known as the Fertility Temple and is visited by couples seeking blessings for fertility. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, located at the meeting point of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Explore the dzong and learn about its history and importance in Bhutan. After the day's sightseeing, continue to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Punakha

After breakfast, drive from Punakha to Thimphu through the mountain roads and forests. Stop at Dochula Pass to see the 108 chortens and enjoy a cup of tea. You can also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, built in honour of the Fourth King and the armed forces of Bhutan. On a clear day, the pass offers views of the Himalayan mountains. Continue to Thimphu and visit the Memorial Chorten, located in the heart of the city. Continue to Kuenselphodrang, home to the 169-foot-tall Buddha Dordenma statue. Later, visit the National Postal Museum, where you can learn about Bhutan’s postal history and create personalized postage stamps. Continue to the Traditional Handmade Paper Factory to see how traditional Bhutanese paper is made. In the late afternoon, visit Tashichho Dzong, an important government and religious center in Thimphu. After sightseeing, check in to your hotel and enjoy the evening at leisure. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu

After breakfast, drive from Thimphu to Paro International Airport for your departure flight. Your guide will accompany you to the airport and bid you farewell. If you have time before your flight, you can explore the airport and browse the shops, which offer traditional Bhutanese handicrafts, textiles, artwork, and other local products. wish you a safe journey home.