Itinerary
Day 01: Paro
Arrival & Welcome – Paro
Upon your arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed by your local tour guide, who will be waiting just outside the exit doors, holding a sign with your surname for easy identification.
You will then be transferred to your hotel, where you can take some time to unpack, freshen up, and enjoy a cup of tea. Depending on your arrival time, you may embark on a short sightseeing tour of Paro valley. Please note that afternoon arrivals may result in a slightly adjusted itinerary, which will be discussed with you during the booking process.
If time permits, your first stop will be Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress of the Victorious Drukpas). This historic site was built in 1649 to commemorate the Bhutanese victory over Tibetan-Mongol forces. Although partially in ruins due to a fire in the 1950s, the dzong remains an atmospheric site surrounded by majestic mountain and forest views.
Next, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples, believed to have been built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. A key highlight is the orange tree within the temple grounds, said to bear fruit year-round, regardless of the season—a symbol of the temple’s mystical heritage.
After an early lunch, we explore the National Museum of Bhutan, located in the circular Ta Dzong watchtower above Paro Rinpung Dzong. The museum houses a remarkable collection of ancient thangka paintings, religious relics, traditional textiles, armor, and artifacts that offer insights into Bhutan’s rich spiritual and cultural history.
You will then have free time to stroll the quaint streets of Paro, a great way to acclimatize to the altitude and take in the charm of this serene Himalayan town.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 02: Hike to paro Taktshang
After breakfast, we begin one of Bhutan’s most iconic and spiritually significant experiences—a hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery, widely known as the Tiger’s Nest. Perched dramatically on the face of a sheer cliff at an elevation of 3,100 meters, the monastery is a symbol of Bhutan’s cultural and religious heritage.
The first leg of the hike takes approximately 1.5 hours, ascending through a pine forest adorned with moss and fluttering prayer flags. Upon reaching the Viewpoint Cafeteria, you will be rewarded with an awe-inspiring view of the monastery nestled on the cliff face—an image that has captivated travelers and pilgrims alike.
Take a short break here to rest, hydrate, and absorb the panoramic beauty of the valley and the sacred structure before continuing on. The next section is a steeper, more rugged 1-hour trek leading directly to the monastery.
According to Bhutanese legend, Guru Padmasambhava (Guru Rinpoche) flew to this site from Tibet on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave here for three months in the 8th century, subduing evil spirits and blessing the land. The monastery complex was later constructed in 1692, enveloping the sacred cave. Though heavily damaged by fire in 1998, Taktsang has since been restored with great reverence, preserving its spiritual integrity and architectural grandeur.
After exploring the monastery’s inner sanctums and soaking in its profound tranquility, we retrace our path back to the Viewpoint Cafeteria, where a hot lunch will be served amid the serene alpine atmosphere. We then make our gradual descent to the base of the trail.
Overnight stay in Paro.
Day 03: Genakha - Gur
Distance: 7 km | Duration: ~5 hours | Ascent: 550 m | Descent: 60 m | Camp Altitude: 3,700 m
After breakfast, we set off from Paro with a short scenic drive to the trailhead, marking the beginning of our trek. The path winds through terraced fields and tranquil coniferous forests, eventually leading to the quaint village of Genekha—known for its traditional houses and vibrant rural life.
From Genekha, the trail descends briefly to cross a river, after which a steep uphill climb begins. Midway through the ascent, we’ll reach a rocky platform offering sweeping panoramic views of the valley below—a perfect spot to catch your breath and take in the scenery.
The trail then leads us into a serene oak forest, which is rich in seasonal wild mushrooms, and continues across a suspension bridge before opening into alpine meadows.
After a two-hour hike through these pastures, we arrive at Gur, a peaceful campsite surrounded by yak grazing fields and rolling hills. This remote and tranquil setting, at an altitude of 3,700 meters, provides the perfect environment to rest and acclimatize for the journey ahead.
Overnight at campsite in Gur.
Day 04: Gur - labatama
Trek Day 2: Gur to Labatama via Pagalabtsa Pass
Distance: 12 km | Duration: ~4 hours | Ascent: 1,040 m | Descent: 110 m | Camp Altitude: 4,150 m
Today’s trek takes us along open ridgelines, offering ever-expanding views of rugged alpine meadows adorned with wild mountain flowers. The trail ascends gently through scattered birch and rhododendron forests, gradually opening up as we climb toward the Pagalabtsa Pass at 4,240 meters.
From the top of the pass, we are rewarded with breathtaking views of Mt. Kanchenjunga in neighboring Sikkim, along with sweeping vistas of the Bhutanese Himalayan range.
Descending from the pass, the trail reveals the entirety of the Dagala mountain range. We’ll pass by a traditional yak herders’ camp, where we will break for a packed lunch amid scenic surroundings.
The trail then gently descends into the serene Labatama Valley, leading us to the crystal-clear U Tsho (lake)—revered for its golden trout and tranquil alpine beauty. We will set up camp alongside the lake, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and grazing yaks.
Overnight at campsite near U Tsho Lake.
Day 05: Labatama
Overnight Altitude: 4,150 m | Optional Peak Ascent: Jomo Peak (5,050 m)
Today is set aside for rest, exploration, and acclimatization amidst the breathtaking alpine landscape of Labatama. There are several options for how you can spend your day, depending on your energy and interests:
Lake Exploration Hike: Embark on a gentle hike to visit the nearby high-altitude lakes—Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho, Se Tsho, and Jage Tsho—all teeming with trout and surrounded by scenic natural beauty. These glacial lakes shimmer in shades of turquoise and are revered for their tranquility.
Short Hike to Vulture Lake Viewpoint: For a more relaxed experience, take a short hike to the Vulture Lake viewpoint, offering panoramic views over the surrounding lakes and valleys. It’s a perfect spot to soak in the sunrise, sunset, or simply relax while enjoying the untouched serenity of the Himalayas.
Optional Adventure: Jomo Peak Ascent: For the adventurous and well-acclimatized, there is an optional ascent to Jomo Peak, rising to an elevation of 5,050 meters. Though demanding, this hike rewards you with stunning 360-degree vistas of snow-capped peaks and alpine wilderness.
A lakeside lunch will be arranged for all trekkers, regardless of which option you choose.
Overnight at campsite beside U Tsho Lake in Labatama.
Day 06: Labatama - Panka
Day 4: Labatama – Panka
Distance: 13 km | Time: 6–7 hours | Ascent: 220 m | Descent: 520 m | Camp Altitude: 4,100 m
Today’s journey leads you along the western banks of Dala Tsho, gradually climbing towards the highest point of the trek at 4,500 meters—unless you took the optional Jomo Peak ascent the previous day.
The trail ascends steadily until you reach a mountain saddle, a perfect vantage point for soaking in magnificent Himalayan panoramas. On a clear day, you’ll witness a spectacular sweep of some of the region’s most iconic peaks, including:
Mount Everest (Nepal)
Kanchenjunga (Sikkim)
Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang, and Gangche Ta (Bhutan)
For the more adventurous, a short detour to a nearby summit near the saddle offers an even more breathtaking perspective of the towering snow-covered range.
From the saddle, the trail descends through scattered yak herder huts, eventually joining the Docha Chu (river). Continue downstream, immersed in the tranquility of remote alpine landscapes, until you reach the Panka campsite, tucked in a quiet meadow at 4,100 meters.
Overnight at Panka campsite.
Day 07: Panka - Chamgang
Distance: 14 km | Duration: ~8 hours | Ascent: 180 m | Descent: 1,540 m
On our last day of trekking, we will cross several mountain passes, each showcasing unique and stunning landscapes. Along the way, keep an eye out for the vibrant blue poppy—Bhutan’s national flower—especially blooming between June and July. You may also spot a variety of colorful mountain birds that inhabit this pristine environment.
The final pass on today’s route is Tale La, sitting at an elevation of 4,180 meters. After crossing Tale La, we begin a long descent towards Chamgang Lhakhang, a serene valley shrine that provides a peaceful stop before concluding our trek.
From Chamgang, we will be transferred by vehicle back to Thimphu, where the comforts of the city await.
Overnight stay in Thimphu.