Recommended Season: Late February to April, September to November
Maximum Elevation: 4210 meters
Difficulty: Medium
One of most popular and versatile treks in Bhutan, this route has wonderful mountain views and the advantage of being accessible from Thimphu and Paro. The trek passes by lakes famous for rainbow trout, forests, rhododendron shrubs etc. Presenting enchanting views of the Himalayan ranges.
Note: The sighting of the flora and fauna is seasonal.
This is only a suggested itinerary and you can always customize the trip to suit your plans and needs.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Sightseeing in Paro: Rinpung Dzong and Ta Museum. Halt in Paro
Day 2: Paro sightseeing
Excursion to Taktsang Monastery. Halt in Paro.
Day 3: Trek Day 1
Paro – Shana, distance 14kms., time 5/6 hours,max alt. 9,240ft. overnight camp.
Day 4: Trek Day 2
Shana-Thangthangkha, distance –22kms, time –8/9 hours, max alt. 12,170ft. Overnight camp
Day 5: Trek Day 3
Thangthangkha- Jangothang, distance –16kms, time –5/6 hours, max alt. 13,750ft. Overnight camp.
Day 6: Trek Day 4
Jangothang-Lingshi, distance –19kms,time –7/8hours,max alt. 15,500ft. Overnight camp
Day 7: Trek Day 5
Lingshi- Chebisa, distance –15kms, time –5/6 hours. Overnight camp.
Day 8: Trek Day 6
Chebisa- Shomuthang, distance – 17kms, time –7/8 hours, max alt. 14,280ft. Overnight camp.
Day 9: Trek Day 7
Shomuthang- Tsharijathang, distance –18kms, time –7/8 hours, max alt. 15,088ft. Overnight camp.
Day 10: Trek Day 8
Tsharijathang- Lemithang, distance –19kms, time –8/9 hours, max alt.16,500ft. Overnight camp.
Day 11: Trek Day 9
lemithang- Laya, distance –10kms., time –4/5 hours. Overnight camp.
Day 12: Trek Day 10
Laya- Koena, distance –19kms, time –7/8 hours, max alt. 11,628ft. Overnight camp.
Day 13: Trek Day 11
Koena-Gasa Hot Spring, distance –17kms, time –6/7 hours. Overnight camp.
Day 14: Gasa to Punakha
Drive Gasa to Punakha for about 3 hours. Halt in Punakha.
Day 15: Punakha to Thimphu
Punakha to Thimphu, enroute stop by Punakha Dzong. Halt in Thimphu.
Day 16: Thimphu sightseeing
National Library, School of arts and crafts, Textile museum, Handicrafts Emporium, Tashichhodzong, Memorial Chorten. Evening drive to Paro. Halt in Paro.
Day 17: Paro Depart.