JUMOLHARI TREK

Activities: A breathtaking flight into Paro International Airport with panoramic views of Himalayan giants like Everest and Jumolhari. A Drukyul ambassador welcomes you with a traditional khadar (white scarf) symbolizing purity and good fortune; check into your hotel and enjoy Himalayan herbal tea. In the afternoon, visit the National Museum of Bhutan and stroll to the 17th-century Paro Rinpung Dzong (featured in "Little Buddha"). If your visit aligns with the Paro Tshechu (March), witness vibrant mask dances in the courtyard. Dinner features suja (butter tea) and phaksha paa (pork with red chillies).

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 Therma-Rest pads keep camp comfortable; dinner is shamu datshi (mushroom cheese curry) and red rice, paired 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: 22 km · 8–9 hrs · Ascent 940 m · Descent 920 m · Camp 4,100 m.

Activities: Trek south along the Mo Chhu valley, climbing steeply to the Yeli La Pass (4,930 m) for views of Tserimgang and Masanggang, then descend to Shodu's meadow campsite past yak-herder settlements. Dinner is thukpa (noodle soup) and zow (roasted rice) in heated tents. Spot langur monkeys in the treeless valley.

Accommodation: Camp, Shodu.

Trek: 16 km · 5–6 hrs · Ascent 250 m · Descent 670 m · Camp 3,600 m.

Activities: Return to the tree line, following the Wang Chhu through rhododendron forest past waterfalls, ascending to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The meadow camp features portable showers and a dinner of goep (tripe curry) and jasha tshoem (chicken curry). Watch for Himalayan black bears.

Accommodation: Camp, Barshong.

Trek: 15 km · 5–6 hrs · Descent 250 m · Camp 3,320 m.

Activities: Descend through dense rhododendron, birch and conifer forest, traversing cliffs to Dolam Kencho's pastureland camp. Dinner is sikam paa (dried pork) and khur-le (buckwheat pancakes). The serene setting invites reflection, with luxury tents ensuring comfort.

Accommodation: Camp, Dolam Kencho.

Trek: 8 km · 3–4 hrs · Descent 680 m.

Activities: Wind through forest, spotting langurs, to exit Jigme Dorji National Park at Dodena. Cross a cantilever bridge and drive ~30 minutes to Thimphu. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan's government, and stroll Thimphu's vibrant streets, with dinner at the hotel.

Accommodation: 3-Star, 4-Star or 5-Star property in Thimphu.

Activities: After breakfast, time permitting, visit the National Memorial Chorten and the 51.5 m Buddha Dordenma bronze statue. Drive to Paro airport (~1.5 hrs) for your departure, carrying memories of Bhutan's sacred peaks and warm hospitality. Safe travels!