Trek Distance: Approx. 54 km over 5 trekking days
Maximum Altitude: ~3,980 m (ridge above Simkotra)
Elevation Gain (cumulative): ~3,600 m
Elevation Loss (cumulative): ~3,750 m
Group Size: Min 2 – Max 8
Trek Style: Fully supported (crew, gear, meals)
Arrive at Paro International Airport, where your guide and driver will greet you with ceremonial white scarves and drive you to a charming local lodge. Take it easy today as you settle in and adjust to the altitude at approximately 2,250 meters. Optional visits include the historic Kyichu Lhakhang and a walk through Paro town.
Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktshang Goemba)
After breakfast, drive 30 minutes to the trailhead at the foot of the Taktshang cliffs. Begin your half-day acclimatization hike (~5 km round trip) to the revered Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched at about 3,120 meters. Elevation gain is approximately 870 meters over 2–3 hours. The trail is well-marked and steep in sections, winding through pine forest draped in prayer flags, with panoramic rest stops and a teahouse midway.
Reach the monastery by midday, explore its mystic halls (entry permitted with permit), and descend after lunch. This hike not only offers spiritual awakening and incredible views—it’s ideal for adjusting to higher elevations before the main trek begins.
In the late afternoon, return to Paro, freshen up, and attend the trek orientation and gear check. Evening at leisure.
Meet your trek crew at the basecamp and begin ascending through pine forest. Cover around 8 km over 5–6 hours, climbing approximately 1,050 meters to a campsite near Tshokam (max elevation ~3,450 meters). Terrain includes steep forest trails and scattered rural hamlets.
Trek along high ridges with mountain views to your east and glimpses of distant monasteries. Distance covered is about 10 km, with an elevation gain of 720 meters and descent of 430 meters. Walking time is 4–5 hours. Camp beside the lake Jimilang Tsho, said to be blessed by deities.
Climb through rhododendron groves and traverse past several glacial lakes. Expect a trail of 11 km, rising about 500 meters and dropping 350 meters. Altitude reaches close to 3,900 meters. Trek time ranges from 5–6 hours. Camp beside Simkotra Tsho, surrounded by windswept ridges.
Begin with gentle ridgeline walking, then descend 950 meters to reach Phajoding Monastery overlooking Thimphu. Distance is around 10 km and trekking time is 5 hours. On clear days, peaks toward Tibet are visible from the route.
Hike 5 km downhill through blue pine and juniper forest, dropping nearly 900 meters over 2–3 hours. Emerge above the Takin Reserve where your vehicle awaits. Transfer to a hotel in Thimphu and enjoy a well-earned shower and city comforts.
Spend the day exploring Bhutan’s serene capital. Visit local temples, markets, and the National Textile Museum. Optional activities include a traditional hot stone bath or archery demonstration. It’s a relaxing conclusion to your trekking journey.
After breakfast, transfer back to Paro for your departure flight. Bid farewell to the mountains and carry home memories of a trail woven through both legend and landscape.
– Airport transfers and all local transportation
– Two nights in Paro and one in Thimphu (quality boutique hotels)
– Five nights in wilderness camps with tents, kitchen crew, and gear
– All meals during trek; breakfast and dinner in hotels
– English-speaking cultural guide and certified trek leader
– Support staff, pack horses, and full trail logistics
– Monument and park entry fees
– Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) & visa fee
– International airfare
– Personal insurance (required)
– Gratuities for trek crew and guide
– Alcoholic beverages, laundry, and personal expenses
– Optional spa or cultural programs beyond itinerary
