Jhomolhari & Lingshi Treks
14 Days / 13 Nights
Day 1
Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jhomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Yeedzin tours and treks, who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.
Day 2
Paro – Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jhomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3
Paro – Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m.
Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 4
Shana – Thangthangkha
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
Day 5
Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m.
The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders’ winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day 6
Jangothang – Halt
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of un-scaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp
Day 7
Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m.
Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night at Camp.
Day 8
Lingshi – Halt
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.
Day 9
Lingshi – Shodu
Distance – 22 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep downhill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day 10
Shodu – Barshong
Distance – 13 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.
The trail follows the Thim Chhu (river) through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp Site.
Day 11
Barshong – Dolam Kencho – Thimphu
Distance – 20 Kms. About 7 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m.
The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chhu and then ascends to pasture lands of Dolam Kencho. The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 12
Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch/lunch at local restaurant. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 13
Thimphu – Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.
Explore the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit a workshop where the handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced.
Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved.
Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 14
Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport.
JHOMOLHARI BASE CAMP TREK
15 Days / 14 Nights
Day 1
Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Yeedzin tours and treks, who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.
Day 2
Paro – Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3
Paro – Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m.
Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 4
Shana – Thangthangkha
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
Day 5
Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m.
The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders’ winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day 6
Jangothang – Halt
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of un-scaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp
Day 7
Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m.
Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night at Camp.
Day 8
Lingshi – Halt
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.
Day 9
Lingshi – Shodu
Distance – 22 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep downhill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day 10
Shodu – Barshong
Distance – 13 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.
The trail follows the Thim Chhu (river) through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp Site.
Day 11
Barshong – Dolam Kencho
Distance – 11 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m.
The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chhu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.
Day 12
Dolam Kencho – Thimphu Distance – 14 Kms. About 4 – 5 hours.
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 13
Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch/lunch at local restaurant. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 14
Thimphu – Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.
Explore the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced.
Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 15
Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport.
Jhomolhari Yaksa Trek
14 Days / 13 Nights
Seasons: April to June| September to November.
Difficulty: Moderate
Day 1| Arrival in Paro
The flight into Bhutan is one of a kind giving you a taste of the adventurous Bhutanese people taking you as close as u can ever get to the Himalayan mountain ranges. On arrival, our guide from Yeedzin Tours and Treks will receive you after completing immigration formalities. And transfer you to your hotel in Paro. After lunch we will visit in the National Museum and the Paro Dzong.
The evening will be free to take a stroll in Paro town.
Overnight in Paro, altitude: 2200m
Day 2| Paro
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon visit old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple.
Overnight in Paro, altitude: 2200m
Day 3 | Paro to Shana, Distance: 15k, Walking time: 6h, Sleeping altitude: 2800m
We will be met at this historic site by our trekking crew for the start of our trek at the Drukgyal Dzong. It was built in 1654 by the Shabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley.Follow the Paro Chu upstream through the village of Tshento on a dirt road for about an hour. Lunch will be served en route. We will have to pass through an army check post before reaching our camp, where your guide will produce your trekking permit.
Day 4 | Shana – Thangthangkha, Distance: 21k, Walking time: 8h, Sleeping altitude: 3630m
The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro Chu and can be very muddy if it rains. About 2 ½ hours into the trek, you will come at a junction where a trail branches to go to Tibet.
Day 5 | Thangthangkha – Jangothang, Distance: 16k, Walking time: 6h, Sleeping altitude: 4090m
Today you will come across small settlements, and herds of yaks. You will also be crossing the tree line (4000m). Our camp at Jangothang will bring us face to face with the majestic Chomolhari. Jangothang means the land of ruins; you will see ruins of some old settlements.
Day 6 | Jangothang
Acclimatization and rest day. A good optional hike is to climb to the Tshophu Lake at 4300m, which is about 2h from Jangothang.
Day 7 | Jangothang – Yaksa, Distance: 17k, Walking time: 7h, Sleeping altitude: 4090m, Pass to cross: Bongtey La, 4820m, Sleeping altitude: 3800m
2 hours from Jangothang is the Tshophu Lake.From the lake, it’s another 2 hours to the pass. Climbing up to the pass, we will be rewarded with stunning views of the Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey. From the pass, it’s all the way downhill until our camp at Yaksa.
Day 8 | Yaksa – Thombu, Distance: 14k, Walking time: 5h, Pass to cross: Thombu La, 4550m, Sleeping altitude: 4150m
Climbing out of Yaksa, you will see the few houses that make up the Yaksa village across the valley, and the pass you came over yesterday. About 2 hours of gradual climbing and you will cross the tree line, entering another valley. The pass is 1 hours climb from here. From the pass, you can see the yak herders grazing grounds of Thombu, our camp. On a clear day, you can even see some settlement on the Tibetan side.
Day 9 | Thombu – Gunitsawa, Distance: 17k, Walking time: 6h, Sleeping altitude: 2600m
A short steep climb will take us out of the Thombu basin, traversing along a trail cut into a rocky cliff with a dizzying drop. 4 hours of steep and dusty descent (1 ½ k of vertical descent) will bring us to the army check post that we crossed on the first day of our trek. Our camp is a further 2 hours downstream from the army camp.
Day 10 | Gunitsawa – Paro, Thimphu, Distance: 10k, Walking time: 4h
Last day of our trek. We are back tracing the trail now. Very soon Drugyal Dzong will come into view where our transport will be waiting. After lunch in Paro, the drive to Thimphu the capital is 1hour 45 minutes.
Overnight in Thimphu, altitude: 2400m
Day 11 | Thimphu
Explore Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten (monument), the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Takin zoo, the National Library, the Government Handicrafts and the Handicrafts Emporium.
Overnight in Thimphu, altitude: 2400m
Day 12 | Thimphu – Punakha, Distance: 80k, Driving time: 2 ½h
Drive to Punakha over the Dochu La pass at 3000m. Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1950s. After lunch we will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong which without doubt showcases the finest example of Bhutanese arts and crafts. After the Dzong, we will go on a short drive in the lush upper Punakha valley and hike for 45 minutes to the beautiful chorten temple of Khamsum Yuley on a hill.
Overnight in Punakha, altitude: 1250m
Day 13 | Punakha – Paro , Distance: 140k, Driving time: 4h
Visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the temple of fertility, before back tracing our way to Thimphu for lunch. Drive to Paro in the afternoon.
Overnight in Paro, altitude: 2200m
Day 14 | Departure
Early morning flight from the Paro International Airport to onward destination
Jhomolhari Base Camp Trek
15 Days / 14 Nights
Day 1
Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience breath taking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Yeedzin tours and treks, who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights halt.
Day 2
Paro – Sightseeing
Drive to Drugyel Dzong (a ruined fortress – 16 Kms. away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, this Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Chomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3
Paro – Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m.
Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. The trail follows the river through beautiful meadows and paddy fields. The night’s camp is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 4
Shana – Thangthangkha
The trail continues uphill through the river valley. The valley gradually narrows to a mere path which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up.
Day 5
Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Jangothang 4040 m.
The trek starts up the Pa Chu. Cross an army outpost along the way. The valley begins to widen here with a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. Yaks and the herders’ winter homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Camp for the night beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari.
Day 6
Jangothang – Halt
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Chomolhari and it subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of un-scaled peaks to the east. Overnight halt in camp
Day 7
Jangothang – Lingshi
Distance – 19 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours journey. Altitude of Lingshi 4150 m.
Trek through wide yak pastures and up and down passes. As you come down into the Lingshi basin, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on a clear day. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley. Night at Camp.
Day 8
Lingshi – Halt
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drâke, can be organized. Blue sheep and musk deer are plentiful along the trek route. Distance 15 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Tsokha 4500 m.
Day 9
Lingshi – Shodu
Distance – 22 Kms. About 7 – 8 hours journey. Altitude of Shodu 3963m.
The trail climbs up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get an excellent view of Chomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to camp site at Shodu is steep downhill. Camp can be made in a stone shelter or in tent.
Day 10
Shodu – Barshong
Distance – 13 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Barshong 3785m.
The trail follows the Thim Chhu (river) through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp Site.
Day 11
Barshong – Dolam Kencho
Distance – 11 Kms. About 3 – 4 hours journey. Altitude of Dolam Kencho 3628m.
The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the Thim-Chhu and then ascends to pasture lands. Camp is in a meadow.
Day 12
Dolam Kencho – Thimphu Distance – 14 Kms. About 4 – 5 hours.
The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 13
Thimphu – Day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch/lunch at local restaurant. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 14
Thimphu – Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room , and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed.
Explore the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made.
Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced.
Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved.
Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A..D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 15
Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport.
Jhomolhari, Laya, Lingshi Trek
21 Days / 20 Nights
Day 1
On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 2
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.
Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 3
Start of the Laya Lingshi Trek
Paro to Shana
Distance: 15k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 2800m
The Drugyal Dzong was built in 1654 by the Shabdrung to commemorate one of the many war victories against the Tibetans. Over the centuries, it guarded the trail from Tibet into the Paro valley. We will be met at this historic site by our trekking crew for the start of our trek. Follow the Paro Chu upstream through the village of Tshento on a dirt road for about an hour. We will have lunch in a friend’s house on the trail. Just before reaching our camp, we will have to pass through an army check post, where your guide will produce your trekking permit.
Day 4
Shana to Thangthangkha
Distance: 21k
Walking time: 8h
Sleeping altitude: 3630m
The trail from Shana to Thangthangkha is a very rocky series of small ups and downs along the Paro Chu and can be very muddy if it rains. About 2 ½ hours into the trek, you will come at a junction where a trail branches to go to Tibet. Don’t go to Tibet!
Day 5
Thangthangkha to Jangothang
Distance: 16k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 4090m
Today you will come across small sparse settlements, and herds of yaks. You will also be crossing the tree line (4000m). Our camp at Jangothang will bring us face to face with the majestic Jhomolhari. Jangothang means the land of ruins; you will see ruins of some old settlements, which no one seems to know much about.
Day 6
Acclimatization and rest day. A good optional hike is to climb to the Tshophu Lake at 4300m, which is about 2h from Jangothang.
Day 7
Jangothang to Lingshi
Distance: 17k
Walking time: 7h
Sleeping altitude: 4090m
Pass to cross: Nyele La, 4890m
Sleeping altitude: 4010m
Heading uphill from Jangothang we cross the first of the many passes. 4 hours of uphill climbing will take us over the very windy Nyele La pass at 4090m. Scree makes it a little tricky to go down the pass on the other side. Lingshi dzong will soon be visible in a distance.
Day 8
Lingshi to Chebisa
Distance: 12k
Walking time: 5h
Sleeping altitude: 3880m
Since today’s hike will not be as long, we can afford to wander around a bit. We will start off by visiting the Lingshi dzong, built on a commanding hill by the Shabdrung in the 1600s. About 3 hours into our trek is the dramatic village of Gangyul, surrounded by a natural amphitheatre of cliffs. Our camp is in windy Chebisa, a small village with 2 storey stone houses.
Day 9
Chebisa to Shakaypasa
Distance: 16k
Walking time: 6h
Pass to cross: Goku La, 4350m
Sleeping altitude: 3880m
2 hours of climbing from Chebisa will get us over the Goku La pass at 4350m. From the pass we descend into a rhododendron filled valley, and continue past some yak herder camps to Shakaypasa.
Day 10
Shakaypasa to Tsheringyangu
Distance: 17k
Walking time; 7h
Pass to cross: Jari La, 4747m
Sleeping altitude: 4000m
An early morning start will get us on the way to Jari La pass at 4747m. From the pass, its all the way downhill into the picturesque valley of Tsharijatha where herds of takin (the national animal of Bhutan) are normally seen in the summers. From here a small climb will take us to our camp at Tsheringyangu.
Day 11
Tsheringyangu to Limithang
Distance: 18k
Walking time: 7h
Pass to cross: Sinche La, 5005m
Sleeping altitude: 3890m
Snow Leopard country. Being highly elusive animals, it is very rare to spot one but their paw marks can be seen occasionally. Starting early, a strenuous hike will get us over the Sinchey La, the highest pass on our trek. Descending to Limithang we’ll see the snow covered peak of Gangchenta (6840m) and the glacially carved Gangchenta valley. Gangchenta means Great Tiger Mountain.
Day 12
Limithang to Laya
Distance: 10k
Walking time: 5h
Sleeping altitude: 3840m
Since we are nearing Laya, we will come across Layaps going to tend to their yaks. We will be entering Laya from the west, through narrow cobble stone paths between houses, to camp in the wheat field that belongs to a friend.
Day 13
Rest day. Explore Laya.
Day 14
Laya to Koina
Distance: 16k
Walking time: 6h
Sleeping altitude: 3010m
2 hours downhill from Laya is Taktsimakhang, a small army check post. A little further from the army camp the trail branches and the left trail is to go to Lunana, on the Snowman trek. Koina has often been described as the worst camp site in Bhutan, especially when it rains.
Day 15
Koina to Gasa Tshachu (Hot spring)
Distance: 18k
Walking time: 7h
Sleeping altitude: 2200m
Junipers and spruce give way to pine trees. The circular Gasa dzong can be seen as you as you climb down the very rocky trail. Despite its remoteness and lack of motor roads, Gasa is an administrative district, with the office of the district governor in the Gasa dzong. The hot springs are a good 1½ hour downhill from the dzong.
Day 16
Rest day. Soak in the Gasa Tshachu.
Day 17
Gasa Tshachu to Punakha
Distance: 17k
Walking time: 7h
Last day of the trek. Gasa dzong can be seen as you look back. After lunch at the village of Damji, a further 2 hours and our trekking crew will wave us goodbye at Kabina, where our transport will be waiting for us. From Kabina, it is about 2 hours drive on a dirt road to our hotel in Punakha.
Overnight in Punakha | Altitude: 1250m
Day 18
Punakha to Thimphu
Distance: 80k
Driving time: 2 ½h
Punakha was the capital of Bhutan until the 1950s. Today, the central monk body moves to Punakha in the winter when it gets too cold in Thimphu. With a climate almost tropical in the summer, the valley is blessed with an abundance of fruits and rice. We will visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong which without doubt showcases the finest example of Bhutanese arts and crafts. After the Dzong, we will drive to the capital, Thimphu, over the Dochu La pass (3000m).
Overnight in Thimphu | Altitude: 2400m
Day 19
Explore Thimphu. Visit the National Memorial Chorten (monument), the Textile Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, Takin zoo, the National Library, the Government Handicrafts and the Handicrafts Emporium.
Overnight in Thimphu | Altitude: 2400m
Day 20
Thimphu to Paro
Distance: 60k
Driving time: 1 ½ h
Continue exploring Thimphu until lunch. Drive to Paro in the afternoon.
Overnight in Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 21
Early morning flight from the Paro International Airport