Trek itinerary:

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the flight to Paro, one will experience from the left hand side of the plane 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, representatives of Reality Escape “Bhutan” who will escort you to the Hotel where arrangements have been made for two nights’ stay.

Day 2 Paro – Paro
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, you could see the peak of Jhomolhari “Mountain of the Goddess” (Alt. 7,329 m / 24,029 ft.). After lunch, take a leisurely stroll around the Paro Town. O/N in Paro

Day 3 Paro – Shana
Distance 17 Kms. About 5 – 6 hours’ journey. Altitude of Shana 2,800 m. Drive up to Drukgyal Dzong where the road ends and the trek begin. 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 that 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 below a ruined fortress at the base of Mt.Jhomolhari

Day 6 Jangothang – Jangothang
Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jhomolhari 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 halt is a choice between a stone hut or the tent.

Day 8 Lingshi – Lingshi
A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake), which is the base camp for Jichu Drake, 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 Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masagang on a clear day. The trek from the pass to campsite 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 – Chu River through rhododendron forests. Waterfalls can be seen along the way. The valley narrows until the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp can be made in stone shelter or tent.

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-Chu 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 Wangdue:
Drive to Punakha and Wangdi for a day’s excursion. Visit Punakha Dzong. Packed lunch will be arranged. Return to Thimphu. Overnight halt in Hotel

Day 14 Thimphu – Thimphu
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 painting and woodcraft schools where traditional painting and other crafts are still practiced. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 Kms. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1629 A.D.

Day 15 Thimphu – Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport.

(Note: These are sample itinerary planned to give you a general idea of trek in Bhutan. We can tailor, and make tour programs to meet individual needs and preferences.)