Overview
This classic 6-day trek follows the ancient trade route between Paro and Thimphu, crossing alpine ridges, high-altitude lakes, and yak herder camps. The trail offers spectacular views of the eastern Himalayas, including Mt. Gangkar Puensum. Combined with cultural sightseeing in Paro, Thimphu, and Punakha, this itinerary blends natural beauty and Bhutanese heritage in a seamless journey.
Trip Highlights
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Taktsang)
- Camp by stunning glacial lakes like Jimilangtsho and Simkota
- Trek through high-altitude rhododendron forests and yak pastures
- Explore Paro’s ancient fortresses and museums
- Visit Thimphu’s modern capital, Punakha Dzong, and Chimi Lhakhang
Itinerary
As you fly into Bhutan, enjoy breathtaking aerial views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Bhutan’s revered peaks—Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Upon landing at Paro International Airport, our representative will greet you and escort you to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to settle in and acclimate to the altitude.
Overnight in Paro.
Start your day with a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century to subdue a Himalayan demoness. Then continue to the newly rebuilt Drukgyal Dzong, a historic fortress originally constructed to mark Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders.
After lunch, explore the National Museum (Ta Dzong), once a 17th-century watchtower, and walk down to Rinchenpung Dzong—a fortress of “the heap of jewels.” Cross the traditional cantilever bridge below and return to your hotel for the night.
Overnight in Paro.
This morning, set out on a memorable hike to Taktsang Monastery, Bhutan’s iconic “Tiger’s Nest.” Clinging to a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor, this sacred site is said to be where Guru Padmasambhava meditated after flying here on the back of a tigress.
Enjoy a picnic lunch at the viewpoint café. The roundtrip hike takes about 4–5 hours. Return to Paro for a restful evening before your trek begins.
Overnight in Paro.
Your trek starts with a steady climb through pine and fir forests. As you ascend, panoramic views of Paro valley unfold behind you. Reach the ridge-top campsite near Jele Dzong, a 16th-century fortress overlooking the valley. If accessible, visit the small temple inside the dzong.
Overnight camping at Jele Dzong.
Camp Altitude: 3,490 m | Distance: 7 km | Time: 3–4 hours
After a gentle descent and a gradual climb through dense rhododendron forests, you’ll emerge onto open hills dotted with yak herder camps. On a clear day, the route rewards you with views of snow-capped peaks. Set camp amid the wide pastures above the tree line.
Overnight camping at Jangchulakha.
Camp Altitude: 3,770 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours
Continue along the ridge trail offering sweeping vistas of mountain ranges and deep valleys. You’ll camp beside the serene Jimilangtsho Lake, known for its giant trout and tranquil alpine setting. The crisp air and starlit night make this one of the trek’s most magical stops.
Overnight camping at Jimilangtsho
Camp Altitude: 3,870 m | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hours
Trek past dwarf rhododendron shrubs and glacial tarns, including the sacred Janetso Lake. You may encounter yak herders tending their livestock, offering a glimpse into Bhutan’s high-altitude pastoral life. Camp by the clear waters of Simkota Lake.
Overnight camping at Simkota
Camp Altitude: 4,110 m | Distance: 11 km | Time: 5–6 hours
Climb to the highest point of the trek—just over 4,000 m—where you’ll be rewarded with views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the tallest unclimbed mountain in the world. Descend gradually through juniper forests to the monastery complex of Phajoding, perched above Thimphu valley.
Overnight camping at Phajoding
Camp Altitude: 3,600 m | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4–5 hours
Descend through pine and fir forests into the capital city of Thimphu. After checking into your hotel, enjoy a hot shower and lunch. In the evening, unwind at a modern health club or enjoy an herbal massage treatment—perfect after several days of mountain trekking.
Overnight in Thimphu
After breakfast, begin your day at the impressive Tashichho Dzong—the heart of Bhutanese governance and monastic life, originally built in 1641 and reconstructed in 1961 using traditional methods. Continue your cultural journey with visits to the National Library, where ancient manuscripts are preserved, and the Institute for Traditional Medicine, where age-old healing practices flourish.
Next, explore Bhutan’s vibrant arts scene at the Wood Craft & Painting School and the Textile Museum. Delve into local craftsmanship at mask-making workshops and studios for fine metalwork, weaving, ceramics, and paper crafts. If your visit coincides with the weekend, enjoy the lively Thimphu market and visit notable spots such as the Dechenphodrang Monastic School, BBS Tower (Sangay Gang) viewpoint, and even a small zoo.
Overnight in Thimphu.
After a hearty breakfast, depart for Punakha. En route, stop at the Dochula Pass (3,050 m), where 108 striking stupas grace the hilltop and offer expansive views of the Greater Himalayas. Continue your journey to Punakha and visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong—a grand fortress built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, gracefully set between the Phochu (male) and Mochu (female) rivers. This dzong, steeped in legend and history, continues to serve as the winter residence for Bhutan’s monastic body.
Later in the afternoon, embark on a scenic hike to the Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten, perched high above the Punakha Valley. This chorten was built by Her Royal Queen Mother Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck to promote peace and prosperity.
Overnight in Paro.
Hotel Stay
After breakfast, bid farewell to Bhutan as you’re transferred by our representative to Paro International Airport, carrying with you memories of a land steeped in history, spirituality, and natural beauty.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- Accommodation at 3-star hotels/resorts (upgrade options available for an additional fee)
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide (limited other language guides available upon request for an additional fee)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
- Entry fees to museums, monasteries, and cultural sites
- All government taxes and service charges
- Driver and road transport for the entire tour
- Bhutan Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) – USD $100 per person per night (valid until December 2027)
- Bhutan visa fee (USD $40 per person)
Cost Excludes
- Flight fares
- Travel insurance (must be arranged by the traveler)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal expenses (e.g., shopping, souvenirs)
- Tips for guides and drivers
- Optional activities or excursions not mentioned in the itinerary
- Single room supplement charges (if applicable)
- Cost for any services or activities not mentioned in the "Cost Includes"
FAQs
All our tour packages include accommodation, meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner), a licensed English-speaking guide, transport within Bhutan, entry fees to museums and monasteries, and all government taxes and service charges. For some packages, additional activities or upgrades may be available at extra costs.
Our packages do not include visa fees, international flights, travel insurance, alcohol, personal expenses, and any activities or services not mentioned in the itinerary.
Visa applications for Bhutan are processed through licensed tour operators. Once you book your tour, we will assist you with the visa application process. The visa will be granted once your payment is processed.
Yes, you can upgrade your accommodation for an additional fee. We offer a range of accommodations, including 3-star hotels and resorts. Please contact us for more details on accommodation upgrades.
We offer customizable options for most of our tours. If you have specific requests or would like to tailor your itinerary, please contact us, and we will work with you to create a personalized experience.
he hikes included in our tours, such as the hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery, are moderate in difficulty. They require a reasonable level of fitness, but our guides are experienced and can pace the hike to suit the group’s comfort level. If you have concerns, please consult with us before booking.
Travel insurance is not mandatory for our tours; however, we strongly recommend that all guests arrange their own comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and lost luggage. Please note that we do not provide travel insurance services.
We arrange flights to and from Paro International Airport. For flights beyond Paro, either before or after your tour, guests are responsible for making their own arrangements.
There are no age restrictions for our tours; however, at least one adult must be part of the group. While we welcome travelers of all ages, certain activities may have updated guidelines or recommendations. We advise checking with us regarding specific activities to ensure suitability for all participants.
Yes, visiting Bhutan during its vibrant festivals is highly recommended. You can explore our festival packages on our website or contact us directly for more information on festival dates and arrangements.
While Bhutan is gradually expanding its acceptance of credit and debit cards, cash is still recommended for smaller establishments and rural areas where card payments may not be feasible. Having some local currency (Ngultrum) on hand will ensure convenience for such transactions.
Bhutan has strict regulations regarding tobacco use and sales. The Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 prohibits the cultivation, manufacture, sale, and distribution of tobacco products within the country. However, individuals are allowed to import tobacco products for personal consumption, subject to payment of taxes and duties. It’s important to declare any tobacco products upon arrival and retain proof of payment for applicable taxes and duties. Smoking is prohibited in public places, including commercial centers, recreational areas, institutions, public transportation, and other designated non-smoking areas. Designated smoking areas are available in certain establishments. Please note that expenses related to tobacco consumption are not covered under our tour packages.
Meals will be traditional Bhutanese dishes, as well as international cuisine. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, please inform us in advance so we can accommodate your needs.
Travel times vary depending on the destinations. On average, it can take between 3 to 6 hours by car for intercity transfers. Our tours are designed to ensure comfort during travel, with breaks along the way for scenic stops and refreshments.
Payments for tours are typically made through wire transfers. Once you book your tour, we will send you the payment details. Bookings are confirmed once the payment is received.
Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and accommodations, though it may be limited or slower in more remote areas. We recommend preparing for limited connectivity in certain regions.
We recommend comfortable clothing for sightseeing and hiking, sturdy shoes for walks, a hat and sunscreen for sun protection, and light layers for varying temperatures. A camera to capture the stunning landscapes is also a must!
Cancellations must be made in writing via email. Refunds will be processed based on the following schedule:
- 30 days or more before arrival: No charges.
- 21-29 days before arrival: 10% of the total tariff.
- 16-20 days before arrival: 15% of the total tariff.
- 15 days or less before arrival: No refund.
- After arrival in Bhutan: 100% of the total tariff.
No refunds will be provided for no-shows or unused services.
Yes, rescheduling is possible based on availability. Requests must be made at least 30 days before arrival to avoid cancellation fees. Additional charges may apply.
To cancel, please email us at info@phuentshok.com with your booking details. Cancellations are processed based on the date we receive your written request.
Eligible refunds are processed within 7-14 business days after confirmation. Refunds will be issued via the same method used for payment. It can take up to 30 days before you can see the amount in your bank account.
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