Day 2: Acclimatization Hike to Paro Taksang:  

We hike up to Taksang, following an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels to the site of the famous Tiger's nest, the Taksang Monastery, tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998, rebuilt, it is perched some 2,600m up on a cliff overlooking the valley. It was said to be where the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tiger to defeat five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan.  Overnight Hotel Olathang

Day 3: Paro Shana:  (distance 17km, time 5-6 hours)

We begin the day by driving up to Drukgyal Dzong (Bhutan Victory Fort), where the road ends. View the Dzong, which was built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan's victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. The trek begins, following the Paro river gently uphill through rice paddy terraces, apple orchards, and forest, passing the village houses. Overnight at camp. Altitude 2,800m.

Day 4: Shana to Thangthangkha: (distance 22km, time 8 hours)

The trail continues to gradually climb along the side of the Paro river. The valley narrows and closes, and the path then winds along the stream. This day's trek is not difficult, but it is long, and there are many short ups and downs. Nearby the lunch stop we can see the route to Tremo La, which is paved in stone and served as the main trade route to the Phari Dzong in Tibet. It was also the main invasion route of the Tibetans ages ago. The camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. On a clear day the Jumolhari Mountain looks magnificent. Overnight at camp. Altitude 3,630m.

Day 5: Thangthangkha to Jangothang :( distance 19km, time 5-6 hours)

8-hours trek starting at Pa Chhu. Your climb today gains elevation and you will be comfortably worn out at day’s end. You are now entering “yak” country. Yaks are utilized for pack animals as well as supply cheese, milk, tea, meat and Yak hair for weaving of huts, blankets, clothes, backpacks and hats. Burley and huge, the yak plays an important role in Bhutan history, yesterday and today. Remote villages are dotted throughout this area. A stone and log bridge provides access to Jangothang.

Unparalleled views of snow peak mountain form the eastern side of the valley. You are in the most spectacular camp spot in the entire Himalayan range. You are truly in the High Himalayas! Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari. Altitude 4,090m.

Day 6: Jangothang Halt.

Rise early this morning to view Jumolhari Mountain. Today is for exploration and relax and acclimate. A hike up to the head of the valley, toward Jumolhari; a trek up the main valley toward Jichu Drake; or a hike to Tsophu for fishing. Or you can relax at the camp. Altitude 4,090m.           

Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi (distance 18km, time 6-7 hours)

This day's trek will take you over Nyile La (pass), which is at 4,890m. Our highest point of the trek. Feelings of great accomplishments will arise as you sip your tea under the prayer flags aflutter at Nyile La. It tends to be windy at the pass. You can see yak pastures on the way. Depending on the time of year, you may encounter some nomads. You will have a great view of Lingshi Dzong further along the trail. It's also possible to see blue sheep and musk deer. Tserim Gang Mountain and glaciers are at the north end of the Lingshi valley. Overnight at camp. Altitude 4,010m.

The Jumolhari Trek will give you unsurpassed beauty and memories for a lifetime.

Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu (distance 22km, time 8-9 hours)

The trail ascends up to Yeli La (pass) at 4,820m, where, Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Gang, and Masagang can be viewed. The trail descends, following a stream. Overnight at camp. Altitude 4110m.

Day 9: Shodu to Barshong (distance 16km, time 5-6 hours)

The trail crosses the Thimphu River several times and winds gently up and down alongside the river. At one section of the trail you will notice a massive steep canyon on one side and a cypress forest on the other. You will then ascend up to the ruins of the Barshong Dzong. The camp is just below the ruins. Overnight at camp. Altitude 3,680m

Day 10: Barshong to Thimphu: (distance 23 km, time 8-8 hours)

The trail descends gradually through a forest of conifers and rhododendron and then begins a steep descent to the Thimphu River. You will ascend again into a meadow, at Altitude 3,430m. The trail winds in and out of valleys above the Thimphu river and then makes a long climb through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species up to a 3,510m pass. The trail then begins a steep descent to the river, following it southward to the road head in the village of Dodina.  From Dodina, drive to your Thimphu. Overnight at hotel Druk in Thimphu.

Day 11: Thimphu to Paro (distance 65 km, 2 hours drive)

Sight seeing in Thimphu.  Sightseeing includes visits to the late king's memorial chorten, the Textile Museum, the Heritage Museum, the silversmiths and pottery workshops, and possibly the National Library. 

Day 12: Paro to Bangkok