Paro and Jomolhari trek

Whether flying over the Himalayas from Kathmandu or over its foothills from Kolkata, the flight into Paro is utterly spectacular. Bhutan’s next gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you're met by your guide who whisks you to the nearby hotel. If you arrive early enough and aren't too tired, we suggest you enjoy exploring the beautiful valley city of Paro on foot.

The Jomolhari trek starts at the picturesque ruined fortress of Drukgyel Dzong (2,580 m). After a short, downhill walk, the path then climbs gently through well-maintained millet fields and rice terraces before leading to apple orchards and forests. Next the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunyitsawa (2,810 m). You continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (2,870 m), and this is where you camp, in a pretty meadow surrounded by trees! You can expect to hike for five to six hours today.

Today's trail continues following Paro River upstream, undulating as it does through very pretty pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch is a hot meal served on the river bank, so you can look forward to this pick-me-up on what's a challenging day of trekking! After lunch, the trail leads upwards through rhododendron forest before depositing you at that night's campsite (3,750 m). The day's hike takes seven to eight hours and involves an elevation gain of about a kilometre. You should expect to feel the impact of the high altitude today.

The path this morning ascends until you reach an army camp. From there the trail follows the river above the tree line, offering truly sublime views of the surrounding peaks. You can look forward to a hot lunch served at a yak herders’ campsite. After lunch, there's a short walk into the valley, which in due course leads to the famous campsite of Jangothang (4,040 m). This renowned campsite offers iconic views of sacred Mt Chomolhari as well as the striking Mt Jichu Drake. You hike for five to six hours today.

It's a big day of trekking today, as you hike for up to eight hours. The trail starts by following the stream before climbing up to a ridge. From here, you're rewarded with breathtaking views of the peaks of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then crosses a fairly level valley floor before you must tackle the big climb to Nyele Pass (4,700 m). After enjoying the views atop the pass to the soundtrack of prayer flags whipping about in the wind, you descend gradually to the campsite at Lingshi (4,000 m), enjoying panoramic views as well as your first sighting of Lingshi Dzong en route.

This morning the trail leads up to a chorten (shrine) on a ridge, then turns south up the deep and largely treeless Mo Chhu valley. The path climbs steeply before crossing the river, and then from there it's another steep ascent of two hours to reach the mountain pass of Yeli (4,820 m). On a clear day, you can see the peaks of Chomolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang! Next, you descend alongside a stream to a shelter in the cliff face, then continue downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100 m), where you camp in a meadow. Today's a tough day requiring eight to nine hours of hiking.

This morning you trek in the forest while following the course of Thimphu River. It's an incredibly scenic day of hiking that includes stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls. At lunchtime you enjoy a hot meal alongside the river. From there, the trail gradually climbs upwards to the mysterious ruins of Barshong Dzong (3,600 m). You camp near to Barshong, all the better to imagine what the story behind it might have been, since nobody can say for sure! You can expect to hike for six to seven hours today.

Today's trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendrons, birches and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu River. From here you hike along the riverbank, which involves climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams meet the river. The final stage of the day's trail sees you take a contour path etched into a cliff face high above the Thimphu River, after which you emerge into a pasture and this is where you camp for the night (at 3,600 m). You hike for five to six hours today.

This is the final day of the trek and you hike for just three hours. The trail takes you in and out of side valleys above Thimphu Chhu, making a long ascent through conifers and broadleaf trees to a mountain pass 3,510 m above sea level. The trail then drops steeply to the river and follows it south to Dodena (2,600 m). Here you're met and driven to the hotel in Paro, where a cold beer and hot bath await you! If you're up for it later in the day, we recommend visiting the sublime Rinpung Dzong monastery.

Today you hike up to the world-renowned Taktshang Monastery, known to foreigners as Tiger’s Nest. The monastic complex sits perched on a cliff ledge 900 m above the valley floor. It's said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence the moniker Tiger’s Nest. The hike to reach the monastery is very beautiful, taking you through forest as well as open spots that offer fantastic views of the valley below.

After breakfast at the hotel, your guide takes you to the airport and bids you farewell as you leave the Land of the Thunder Dragon with a backpack stuffed with incredible memories!