Detailed Day Wise Itinerary (12 Days 11 Nights)

Day 01: Arrive Paro by Druk Air & transfer to Thimphu (55km, approx. 1.1/2 hour drive)

Arrive at Paro International airport and drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan. On arriving to Thimphu, check into the hotel and later in the day visit Buddha Point (Kuensel Phodrang). The largest seated Buddha statue(169ft) in the country Located at a short drive from Thimphu city. Then, visit King’s Memorial Chorten and towards evening go for a walk in Coronation Park.

Day 02: Local sightseeing in Thimphu

After breakfast drive to visit National Library and Institute for Zorig Chusum (Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School) then drive to Takin Preserve – Takin is national animal of Bhutan. Later in the afternoon visit Trashichhoedzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion. The Folk Heritage Museum (Phelchey Toenkhyim), simply Bhutan museums and to National Textile Museum..  Evening time can be spent strolling through the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts bazaar…

Day 03: Gynekha – Gur. (Distance 7km, 5hrs, 550m ascent, 210m descent, camp altitude 3,290m)

The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.

Day 04: Gur – Labatama. (Distance 12km, 5hrs, 1,220m ascent, 110m descent, camp altitude 4,300m)

On the second day, the trail takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path winds through refreshing meadows adorned with wild flowers and asparagus (in spring). The first mountain pass you cross is marked by a huge cairn and gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and a number of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. As you descend the pass you will be able to see the entirety of the Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herder camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley you begin climbing gradually through the valley, passing several yak herder huts before you arrive at Uthso Tsho. The campsite is right next to the lake.

Day 05: Labatama halt.

This day will be dedicated to relaxing and recuperating at Labatama. It is an ideal to take an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho. Hikers are encouraged to take the opportunity to engage in some trout fishing as the location is ideal. Permits are required for fishing so you should request your tour operator to make the necessary arrangements beforehand.

Day 06: Labatama – Panka. (Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m)

The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with ascents and descents along the way.

Day 07: Panka – Talakha. (Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours, 180 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 3,080 m)

This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Goempa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.

Day 08: Talakha – Chamgang. (Distance 6 km, 3 hours, 440 m descent)

From the monastery, it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang. Then you are being transferred to Thimphu again.

Night halt will be at Thimphu.

Day 09: Drive to Punakha (75km, approx 2 ½ hr drive.)

After breakfast, drive to Punakha across Dochu La pass located at a height of 3,088m/ 10,130 ft, Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or (Palace of Great Happiness), built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. Later in the day go for excursion to Chimi Lhakhang (the temple of fertility).

Day 10: Punakha to Paro (125km, approx 4 ½ hrs drive)

After breakfast drive back to Paro across Dochu la pass via Thimphu. On your way visit Tachog lhakang & Suspension Bridge which was built around 1420 by Thangtong Gyalpo who was great architect and saint of Bhutan. Then drive further to paro and after checking into hotel, proceed to visit Ta Dzong, then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (“fortress of the heap of jewels”)

Day 11: Hike to Tiger Nest (approx 6 hours hike).

After breakfast hike to Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s next) approx 6 hours round trip hike. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. After Hike drive back to the hotel to refresh and relax. Then visit Drukgyel Dzong, along the way, visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songten Gampo.

Evening an exploratory walk around Main Street and market area.

Day 12: Departure

After early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with all the exit formalities and then bid you farewell. Have a safe Flight!!