Overview
Hailed as the country's most scenic trek, this 17-day, 217-kilometre adventure is a symphony of rugged peaks, vibrant cultures and spiritual serenity. From the snow-draped majesty of Mt. Jumolhari (7,314 m) to the remote village of Laya — where semi-nomadic Layaps weave their unique traditions into the fabric of the mountains — every step is an invitation to lose yourself in Bhutan's soul.
Picture yourself crossing high passes like Sinche La (5,005 m), sipping butter tea with yak herders, or soaking in the rejuvenating Gasa Tsachu hot springs as waterfalls cascade nearby. This trek is a profound blend of adventure, nature and spirituality, where the sacred and the wild converge — elevated by our unparalleled luxury and expertise. Gourmet Bhutanese cuisine, from ema datshi (chili-cheese stew) to thukpa (noodle soup), is prepared fresh and tailored to your dietary needs.
Trip Highlights
- Unmatched scenery: traverse alpine meadows, high passes and jungles, with views of Mt. Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and Gangchhenta.
- Layap culture: immerse in the traditions of Laya's semi-nomadic herders, known for their unique attire and lifestyle.
- Gasa Tsachu hot springs: rejuvenate in mineral-rich springs — a rare treat after high-altitude trekking.
- Biodiversity: encounter takins, blue sheep, snow pigeons and blue poppies in Jigme Dorji National Park.
- Luxury camping: North Face tents, hot showers and gourmet Bhutanese meals.
- Spiritual depth: the Tiger's Nest hike and ancient dzongs connect you to Bhutan's Buddhist heritage.
Cultural Landmarks
- Paro Rinpung Dzong — a 17th-century fortress hosting the Paro Tshechu.
- Tiger's Nest Monastery — a sacred 8th-century site at 3,120 m.
- Kyichu Lhakhang — a 7th-century temple with ancient relics.
- Lingzhi Dzong — a remote fortress with mystic tranquillity.
- Punakha Dzong — Bhutan's most beautiful fortress.
- Tashichho Dzong — Bhutan's government seat in Thimphu.
- National Memorial Chorten & Buddha Dordenma — Thimphu's spiritual landmarks.
Flora & Fauna
Jigme Dorji National Park hosts an extraordinary range of life. Flora: blue poppies, rhododendrons, Himalayan rhubarb, oak, pine and juniper. Fauna: takins, blue sheep, snow leopards, snow pigeons, Himalayan black bears, langurs, and birds like the Himalayan Monal and griffon vulture.
Cost Information
Tours start from USD 7,500 per person. The final cost depends on the properties you opt for on the culture days — premium 3-star, contemporary 4-star, or high-end 5-star boutique lodges — with luxury camping throughout the trek.
What's Included
- Accommodation in listed hotels on culture days & luxury camping during the trek
- All meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
- All land transfers by private luxury Japanese Toyota SUV
- Sightseeing with entrance fees
- English-speaking professional trekking guide
- Bhutan visa processing fees
- Bottled water throughout the trip
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), listed separately
What's Not Included
- Flights (can be quoted separately)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses — souvenirs, extra meals, snacks, alcoholic beverages, laundry
- Tips & gratuities to guides and staff
Our Trekking Equipment & Services
- Tents: North Face Summit Series sleeping and dining tents.
- Sleeping gear: Therm-a-Rest pads and high-altitude sleeping bags.
- Support: portable toilets, hot showers, folding chairs and tables.
- Transport: yaks and horses carry the gear for a light-daypack experience.
- Safety: professional trekking guides with wilderness first-aid training, Diamox and oxygen canisters.
- Cuisine: fresh Bhutanese dishes (ema datshi, thukpa, shakam paa) and international options, with dietary accommodations.
- Logistics: permits, hotels and SUV transfers all included.
Detailed Day-by-Day Itinerary
Activities: A thrilling flight into Paro International Airport with glimpses of Himalayan giants like Mt. Jumolhari. A Drukyul ambassador greets you with a khadar (white scarf) symbolizing purity and welcome; check into your hotel and enjoy Himalayan herbal tea. Visit the National Museum of Bhutan and stroll to the 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong (featured in "Little Buddha"). During the Paro Tshechu (March/April), witness vibrant mask dances. Dinner features phaksha paa (pork with red chillies) and suja (butter tea).
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Paro.
Activities: A 4–5 hr acclimatization hike to Paro Taktsang (Tiger's Nest, 3,120 m), where Guru Rinpoche meditated in the 8th century. The trail winds through prayer-flag-draped pine forest (horses available to the halfway cafeteria); enjoy coffee with a direct view of the monastery before continuing to its golden spires, with a cafeteria lunch of jasha maroo (spicy chicken stew). Afterward, visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, then unwind with a traditional hot-stone bath.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Paro.
Trek: 17 km · 4–5 hrs · Ascent 360 m · Camp 2,850 m.
Activities: Drive to the historic Drukgyel Dzong ruins to begin your trek. The trail descends gently through rice terraces, millet fields and apple orchards into Jigme Dorji National Park, passing the Gunitsawa army post (permit check), and camps by the Paro Chhu. Your luxury camp has spacious sleeping tents, portable toilets and a dining tent serving ema datshi and kewa datshi (potato and cheese curry). Spot fire-tailed sunbirds and Himalayan Monals as dusk settles.
Accommodation: Luxury camp, Sharna Zampa.
Trek: 22 km · 7–8 hrs · Ascent 770 m · Descent 10 m · Camp 3,610 m.
Activities: The trail meanders along the Paro Chhu through oak, pine and juniper forest into a narrowing valley, descending to a meadow campsite with your first glimpse of Mt. Jumolhari (weather permitting). Heated dining tents and Therm-a-Rest pads keep camp comfortable; dinner is shamu datshi (mushroom cheese curry) and red rice, with your guide's stories of the sacred Jomo deity.
Accommodation: Camp, Thangthangkha.
Trek: 19 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 480 m · Camp 4,080 m.
Activities: Trek through alpine meadows and sparse forest, passing yak-herder settlements at Soe, Takethang and Dangochang, crossing an army checkpoint beneath snow-capped ridges. Jangothang Base Camp, nestled beneath Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey, is a breathtaking highlight. Your camp includes hot showers and a gourmet meal of lom (dried turnip stew) and nakey (fern curry). Watch for blue sheep grazing on the slopes.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang.
Activities: A rest day at one of the Himalayas' most stunning campsites. Choose from three short hikes: to the trout-filled Tshophu Lakes (4,380 m), along ridges with views of unclimbed eastern peaks, or toward the base of Mt. Jichu Drakey. Spot Himalayan rhubarb, blue poppies and griffon vultures, and visit a yak-herder's tent for suja and tsampa (roasted barley). Dinner is puta (buckwheat noodles) and hoentey (dumplings) in heated tents.
Accommodation: Camp, Jangothang.
Trek: 19 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 800 m · Descent 730 m · Camp 4,100 m.
Activities: Cross a bridge over the Paro Chhu and ascend the Nyile La Pass (4,870 m), with panoramic views of Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tserimgang. Descend gradually to Lingzhi, passing yak-herder tents and the 17th-century Lingzhi Dzong. The streamside camp offers hot-stone baths and a meal of jaju (spinach soup) and kewa phaksha (potato and pork curry).
Accommodation: Camp, Lingzhi.
Trek: 10 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 280 m · Descent 410 m · Camp 3,880 m.
Activities: A short trek to Chebisa, a village with a crystal-clear waterfall. Optionally detour to Lingzhi Dzong (4,220 m) for mystic tranquillity, and visit Goyul's clustered stone houses. Camp dinner of thukpa and zow (roasted rice).
Accommodation: Camp, Chebisa.
Trek: 17 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 890 m · Descent 540 m · Camp 4,220 m.
Activities: Climb through pasturelands to the Gobu La Pass (4,410 m), spotting blue sheep, descend to Shakshepasa's U-shaped valley, then ascend to Shomuthang's riverside camp. Dinner is sikam paa (dried pork) and khur-le (buckwheat pancakes).
Accommodation: Camp, Shomuthang.
Trek: 18 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 700 m · Descent 760 m · Camp 4,160 m.
Activities: Climb to the Jhari La Pass (4,750 m) for views of Gangchhenta and Sinche La. Reach Tsheri Jathang, a takin sanctuary, and camp in a rocky meadow at Robluthang. Dinner of goep (tripe curry) and jasha tshoem (chicken curry).
Accommodation: Camp, Robluthang.
Trek: 19 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 850 m · Descent 870 m · Camp 4,140 m.
Activities: Ascend to the Sinche La Pass (5,005 m), the trek's highest point, revealing glacial lakes and moraines. Descend to Lingmithang, with Gangchhenta towering above. Dinner features shakam paa (dried beef curry).
Accommodation: Camp, Lingmithang.
Trek: 10 km · 4–5 hrs · Ascent 60 m · Descent 340 m · Camp 3,840 m.
Activities: Descend through dense forest to Laya, home of the Layaps, known for their conical bamboo hats. Visit the community school and enjoy views of Gangchhenta and Masagang. Savour ema datshi and suja.
Accommodation: Camp, Laya.
Trek: 19 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 260 m · Descent 1,070 m · Camp 3,050 m.
Activities: Trek along the Mo Chhu river, passing waterfalls and climbing to Kohi Lapcha (3,300 m). Camp by the Koina Chhu stream, enjoying thukpa and nakey.
Accommodation: Camp, Koina.
Trek: 14 km · 6–7 hrs · Ascent 740 m · Descent 1,500 m · Camp 2,230 m.
Activities: Climb to the Bari La Pass (3,740 m), descend to Gasa village, and relax at the rejuvenating Gasa Tsachu hot springs — a mineral-rich highlight after the high passes. Enjoy puta and hoentey in a dining tent.
Accommodation: Camp, Gasa.
Activities: Drive through scenic valleys to Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong — Bhutan's most beautiful fortress — at the confluence of the Mo and Pho Chhu rivers. Lunch includes jasha maroo and kewa datshi.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Punakha.
Activities: Drive to Thimphu, stopping at Dochula Pass (3,140 m) for Himalayan views. Visit Tashichho Dzong and stroll Thimphu's vibrant streets. Dinner features phaksha paa and ema datshi.
Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Thimphu.
Activities: Time permitting, visit the National Memorial Chorten and the 51.5 m Buddha Dordenma bronze statue. Drive to Paro airport (~1.5 hrs) for departure, carrying memories of Bhutan's sacred landscapes. Safe travels!
Festival Integration — 2026
Bhutan's tshechus feature mask dances (cham) and the unveiling of giant thongdrels. As this trek opens with two days in Paro and closes in Thimphu, we can time your itinerary to catch one of these unforgettable festivals.
| Festival & venue | Start | End | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro Tshechu — beside Rinpung Dzong, Paro | 29 Mar 2026 | 02 Apr 2026 | Colourful dances & thongdrel unfurling — align your Paro days (Day 1–2) to attend. |
| Punakha Dromchoe — Punakha Dzong courtyard | 24 Feb 2026 | 26 Feb 2026 | Dramatic reenactments & rituals; can be added as a pre-trek extension. |
| Thimphu Tshechu — Tendrel Thang, Thimphu | 21 Sep 2026 | 23 Sep 2026 | The biggest festival in the country — pairs well with the autumn trekking season and your Thimphu day. |
Traveller Reviews
"Seventeen days, seven high passes, and the warmest welcome in Laya. Soaking in the Gasa hot springs after Sinche La was pure bliss. Drukyul Delights ran a flawless camp."
— Sample review · replace with a real client"The most scenic trek of my life — glacial lakes, takin sanctuaries, and nights under North Face tents with gourmet Bhutanese dinners. The guides made a hard route feel safe and joyful."
— Sample review · replace with a real clientTrip Photos
Route Map
Paro → Sharna Zampa → Thangthangkha → Jangothang → Lingzhi → Chebisa → Shomuthang → Robluthang → Lingmithang → Laya → Koina → Gasa → Punakha → Thimphu → Paro
Frequently Asked Questions
The trek is hard, involving 5–8 hour daily hikes, high passes (up to 5,005 m), and steep ascents and descents. Good fitness and some high-altitude experience are recommended. The Day 2 acclimatization hike aids preparation.
Spring (March, April, May) and Fall/Autumn (September, October, November) offer clear skies and mild weather.
Drukyul Delights provides tents, sleeping bags and pads. Bring sturdy hiking boots, layered clothing (for 0–20°C), a daypack, water bottle, sunscreen and sunglasses. A detailed gear list is provided upon booking.
Yes — at altitudes above 4,000 m, symptoms may occur. Our guides carry Diamox and oxygen, and the itinerary includes acclimatization days. Stay hydrated and report symptoms immediately.
Expect authentic Bhutanese dishes like ema datshi, thukpa and shakam paa, alongside international options. Meals are freshly prepared, with vegetarian and dietary options available.
Yes — solo travellers receive VIP treatment with dedicated guides and support staff, ensuring a personalized experience.
Luxury camps feature spacious tents, portable toilets, hot showers, and dining tents with tables and chairs. Yaks carry the gear, ensuring comfort at remote sites.
Interact with yak herders and the Layap community, visit ancient monasteries and dzongs, and explore Thimphu's markets.
Our blend of luxury, cultural expertise and sustainable practices ensures an unforgettable adventure. From gourmet meals to expert guides, we craft a transformative experience.