Upon arrival in Paro International Airport, meet, assist and transfer to hotel for room check in and lunch. Rest of the day is free for leisure.

Eve: Pre departure trip briefing followed by dinner.

Overnight at hotel.

It is a short drive of approximately 20 minutes up the Paro valley to the road head at Drukyel Dzong and onto Shana (1-1.5h drive) where our trek commences. Drukyel Dzong was originally built as a fortress in 1647 to guard against Tibetans invading the Paro Valley, although it was destroyed by fire in 1951.

We also witness our first views of the summit of Jomolhari (7314m) at the head of the valley, while horseman organizes their loads. We get under way straight away and take a break for lunch where it suits us, as we are carrying a packed lunch. Initially the trail is wide and flat, passing through farm country made up of fields of rice, wheat, barley, mustard, potato, and radish as well as herds of cows. The traditional Bhutanese two stores, timber and stone houses form photogenic scenery for the beginning of our trek. It is a reasonable day’s walk today, our first day’s trek, taking us past a couple of settlements including a military post where our permits will be checked.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

The trail again follows the Pachu River ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter. Walking time 7~8 hours.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herder’s camp. An easy walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900 meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4~5 hours.

Dinner and overnight at camp.

The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu, crossing it on a wooden bridge. Switch back up the side of the hill to a glare cirque and the lake of Tsho Phu (4380m), which is inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelducks. Stay on the eastern side of the lake, passing a second lake as the trail climbs across a slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bontela pass at alt. 4890m. From the pass the route descends steep slope, then winds down a ridge with a lot of crisscrossing yak trails, it finally switchbacks down to the Dhumzo Chhu. Trek downstream below the few houses of Dhumzo to a bridge, cross to the south side of the river and continue a short distance to a camp at 3800m.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge and then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to Takhung La pass (4520m). A short descent leads to Thombu Shong (4180m) with a open pasture land with 3 yak herders’ huts.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Climb out of the valley to Thombula pass (4,380m), then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switch backing down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730m). Camp here or walk further down past the army camp and camp below village houses near a stream.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

Backtrack to Drukyal Dzong where you will meet the waiting vehicle. After bid farewell to Trekking support team board the vehicle and drive to hotel. Rest of the day is free for leisure and hot shower.

Dinner and overnight at Camp.

After early breakfast transfer to Paro Airport to board the Druk Air flight to onwards Journey.