Explore the world
This is a 14-days Trek, an extension of the Jumolhari Trek and offers diverse flora and fauna, including a good opportunity to spot Blue Sheep, Takins and the Blue Poppy (Bhutan’s national flower). It introduces you to the unusual culture of the Layap people (The Nomadic people of Upper Himalayas bordering Tibet) and offers a stop at a natural hot spring in Gasa. It is a popular Trek. Highest point is 4115 Meter.
(2280 meters – By Druk Air):
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, offers a breathtaking introduction to the spectacular beauty of Bhutan. On clear days, you can enjoy magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks before descending into the lush green Paro valley.
Upon arrival, your Bhutanese escort from Omkara Tours & Travels will greet you and drive you to the hotel, just a short distance away.
After breakfast, our first stop is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower that now houses the National Museum. Below the museum lies Paro Rinpung Dzong, serving as the center of civil and religious authority in the valley. A brief walk brings us to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. Nearby, you’ll find one of Bhutan’s many archery grounds, where archery is the national sport. If we are fortunate, we might witness a lively match in action.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Today is a very special day with an excursion to the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. After breakfast, a short drive will take us to Satsam Chorten, where we will embark on a 2-hour horse ride to reach the viewpoint of the monastery. The trail ascends through beautiful pine forests adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. Along the way, we will rest and enjoy light refreshments at Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria), before continuing a short distance to the awe-inspiring Taktsang monastery.
Built in the 1600s, this monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff, plunging 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan, arrived here on the back of a flying tiger.
Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back to Satsam Chorten. In the evening, we will drive 16 km up the valley to explore the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Although destroyed by accidental fire, its remnants stand as a poignant reminder of Bhutan’s historical victories. From the ramparts, we can enjoy a breathtaking view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).
On our return journey, we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, founded in 659 by Tibetan King Srongsen Gampo. The evening concludes with a leisurely stroll through Paro’s main shopping district.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
Altitude: 2850 meters; Distance: 17 km; Time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 360 meters, Descent: 80 meters
Our trek to Shana begins at Drukgyal Dzong, starting at an altitude of 2580 meters. We will follow the Paro River, passing through cultivated fields and picturesque villages along the way. The forests surrounding us will be alive with numerous bird species and brightly colored butterflies.
Dinner and overnight stay at Camp Shana.
Altitude: 3610 meters; Distance: 22 km; Time: 7 – 8 hours; Ascent: 770 meters, Descent: 10 meters
Today’s trek from Shana to Thangthangka takes us through a heavily forested area alongside the river, occasionally passing isolated farmhouses. The trail narrows and winds up and down along the drainage. Along the way, we’ll encounter a junction where another path leads north over the Tremo La pass into Tibet. Our campsite is located in a scenic meadow with a stone shelter.
Altitude: 4080 meters; Distance: 19 km; Time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 480 meters
Today, we start our trek in the morning after passing a small army post. The trail gradually ascends, leaving behind the forest line and entering a picturesque valley. Along the way, we pass Tegethang, a winter home for yak herdsmen, where lunch will be served in one of the huts.
Throughout the day, we’ll encounter numerous yaks before reaching Jhomolhari Base Camp (4115 meters). The campsite offers stunning views of high mountains, with nearby ruins of an ancient fortress that once guarded Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Today is a rest day at Jangothang, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the superb views all around. You have three options for day hikes:
Enjoy the day exploring these magnificent surroundings.
Altitude: 4000 meters; Distance: 17 km; Time: 6 – 7 hours
Today’s trek offers a rewarding day of walking with spectacular views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserim Gang. We begin climbing immediately and after 3 to 4 hours, we reach the Nyelela pass at 4700 meters. From the pass, we descend to a circular hut just below Lingshi, where our camp is set up.
As we descend from Lingshi, we are treated to our first views of the mystical Lingshi Dzong, perched atop a high hill.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Camp site at an altitude of 3880 meters; Distance: 10 km; Time: 5 – 6 hours; Ascent: 280 meters, Descent: 410 meters
Today is a magical day on our trek. Leaving Lingshi, we gently climb towards another charming village, Gom Yu, nestled below a towering 300-meter cliff. Continuing for another hour, we arrive at a picturesque little valley adorned with a magnificent waterfall at one end—the idyllic Shangri La village of Chebisa, where we will camp by the side of the river.
The walk today is relatively easy.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp.
Camp at Altitude: 4220 meters; Distance: 17 km; Time: 6-7 hours; Ascent: 890 meters, Descent: 540 meters
Today’s trek begins with a challenging ascent through high pastures to reach the Gokula pass at 4320 meters. From there, we descend through forests of dwarf rhododendron. The trail then gradually climbs again before descending to our campsite near a riverbed.
Enjoy the changing landscapes and natural beauty along the way.
Camp at Altitude: 4160 meters; Distance: 18 km; Time: 6 – 7 hours; Ascent: 700 meters, Descent: 760 meters
Today’s trek is a challenging one as we embark on a long journey over the Jarela pass at 4640 meters, offering stunning views of the Himalayan Mountains. We then descend steeply along a forest trail into the Tsarigathang valley, known for its herds of Takin. Crossing a knee-deep river, we continue our ascent to Robluthang, where we will camp for the night.
Enjoy the dramatic landscapes and wildlife encounters along the way.
Camp at Altitude: 4140 meters; Distance: 19 km; Time: 6-7 hours; Ascent: 850 meters, Descent: 870 meters
Today marks one of the most challenging days of the trek. We begin with a slow ascent to Shinchela pass at 4870 meters, where we are rewarded with breathtaking views of the mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. On clear days, the entire northern border mountainscape becomes visible.
This area is rich in wildlife, with sightings of eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep, and yaks common. Descending from the pass, we reach our campsite in a picturesque spot by the riverbank.
Camp at Altitude: 3840 meters; Distance: 10 km; Time: 4-5 hours; Ascent: 60 meters, Descent: 340 meters
Today’s trek takes us alongside a tributary of the Mochu river, through forests of rhododendron and silver fir, before arriving at the village of Laya. The people of Laya are renowned for their distinctive clothing made from vertical stripes of yak hair and their unique conical bamboo hats. Women traditionally wear their hair long, adorned with turquoise and jade jewelry. The facial features of the Layap people exhibit more Tibetan and Mongolian influences compared to those living in Bhutan’s central valleys.
The remainder of the day is spent at leisure, exploring the village, visiting local houses, and interacting with the villagers. Enjoy stunning views of Masagang and other peaks in the area.
Today is a rest day in Laya, offering an opportunity to interact with the local people and immerse in their culture.
Camp at Altitude: 3050 meters; Distance: 19 km; Time: 6-7 hours; Ascent: 260 meters, Descent: 1070 meters
Today’s trek winds along the river valley, providing breathtaking views of the crashing river, feeder streams, and waterfalls. The trail offers a scenic journey through the rugged terrain.
Overnight stay in camp.
Camp at Altitude: 2638 meters; Distance: 14 km; Time: 6-7 hours; Ascent: 900 meters, Descent: 1710 meters
Today’s trek begins with a gradual ascent to Balela pass at 3740 meters, offering stunning views along the way. Descending from the pass, we arrive at Gasa village, where the sight of Gasa Dzong perched on the hillside above the village is a highlight of the journey.
Continuing our descent, we drop steeply down to the river for about an hour, reaching the campsite near the Gasa Hot Spring, offering a perfect opportunity for a relaxing hot bath.
Gasa to Damji: Distance: 18 km; Time: 5-6 hours; Ascent: 470 meters, Descent: 280 meters
After leaving Gasa Tsachu, the trail ascends initially before winding through rolling hillsides. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of fields, villages, and forests of oak and pine. Gasa Dzong will remain visible behind you, perched on the valley wall, seemingly floating in space.
Descending from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu River, the trail leads into a lush semi-tropical gorge adorned with banana trees, creepers, and occasionally sighted monkeys.
At Damji, a vehicle will pick you up for the 2-hour drive to Punakha.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is strategically located between the Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river) and served as the seat of the Government until the time of the second king. According to legend, Guru Rimpoche predicted its construction, envisioning a hill resembling an elephant where a person named Namgyal would arrive. Adjacent to the Dzong was Dzong Chu (Small Dzong), housing a sacred Buddha statue. It is said that Shabdrung guided the architect, Zowe Palep, through a dream visit to Zangtopelri palace, inspiring the Dzong’s design, never recorded on paper. Named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness), it houses preserved war materials from battles with Tibetans. Punakha remains the winter residence of Je-Khenpo, hosting the 1952 new national Assembly convened by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk.
After lunch, drive to Thimphu, stopping en route to visit Chimi Lhakhang, also known as the Temple of Fertility, established by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 17th century.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974), a revered monument built in honour of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Nearby, we visit the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries, offering a glimpse into Bhutanese religious life.
Next, we proceed to the National Library, renowned for its collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, followed by the Painting School where traditional Thangka painting is taught, preserving Bhutanese artistic heritage.
After lunch, we head to witness the Tallest Statue of Buddha in the world, offering panoramic views of the Thimphu valley.
In the afternoon, we’ll have the opportunity to observe an Archery Match, Bhutan’s national sport.
Later, we visit the Tashichho Dzong, seat of Bhutan’s national government and the Central Monastic Body. During winter, it serves as the temporary residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot), as the monk body moves to Punakha, the ancient winter capital.
The day concludes with a visit to the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese craftsmanship is showcased, and an opportunity for souvenir shopping in Thimphu’s vibrant shops.
Dinner and overnight stay in Hotel.
Early Morning, drive to the airport and farewell
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