Time: 7 hours

Trail: 50 m descent

Capsite altitude: 3,770 m

After a 45-minute drive, begin a steep climb through forests of blue pine and fir. Reach Damche Gom and continue to Jili Dzong for lunch. In the afternoon, ascend gradually through alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron to Jangchulakha, where yak herders and grazing yaks are often seen near camp.

Time: 4- 5 hours

Distance: ~11 km

Trail: ~330 m ascent, 230 m descent

Capsite altitude: 3,870 m

Follow a scenic ridge trail with broad views of surrounding mountains and valleys when the weather is clear. Descend toward Jimilang Tsho, a beautiful alpine lake known for its large trout, and camp near the lakeshore.

Time: 4-5 hours

Distance: ~11 km

Trail: 820 m ascent, 400 m descent

Capsite altitude: 4,110 m

Continue through dwarf rhododendron forest to Janetso Lake. Yak herder camps are often found along this section, providing an opportunity to observe Bhutan’s traditional highland lifestyle. The day ends at Simkotra Tsho, another peaceful alpine lake and the trek’s highest campsite.

Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: ~10 km

Trail: ~130 m ascent, 680 m descent

Capsite altitude: 3,700 m

Begin with a gradual climb to a high pass. In clear conditions, enjoy magnificent views of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain, together with other Himalayan peaks. Cross the pass and descend toward Phajoding, an important monastic area above Thimphu.

Time: 3-4 hours

Distance: ~4 -5 km

Trail: ~0 m ascent, 1130 m descent

Capsite altitude: 2, 700 m

The final trekking stage is a steady downhill walk from Phajoding Monastery through a serene blue-pine forest to Motithang in Thimphu. Even at a leisurely pace, the descent takes about three hours. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy a well-earned rest.

Explore Bhutan’s capital, beginning with Buddha Dordenma at Buddha Point and Changangkha Lhakhang, a historic temple overlooking the valley. Visit the Motithang Takin Preserve and continue to Sangaygang for panoramic views of Thimphu.

After lunch, visit a nunnery and Tashichho Dzong, which houses the King’s office, the Throne Room, government offices and the central monastic body. Where available, watch Bhutan’s national sport at a local archery ground before enjoying free time in town.

Drive across Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres, where 108 chortens frame expansive views of the eastern Himalayas on a clear day. Descend through changing vegetation into the subtropical Punakha valley.

Take a gentle hike to Chimi Lhakhang, the temple associated with the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kunley. Continue to Punakha Dzong, an architectural masterpiece built in 1637 at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers. Later, visit Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before checking into your hotel.

Begin the return journey to Paro with a visit to Wangdue town and the site of Wangduephodrang Dzong, originally founded in 1638 and later reconstructed after the 2012 fire.

Continue to Paro, where lunch will be arranged. Depending on timing and interests, revisit Paro Rinpung Dzong, explore Paro town or spend quiet time at Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel.

After a short drive to the trailhead, begin the approximately five-hour return hike to Taktsang Monastery, famously known as Tiger’s Nest. The monastery is dramatically perched on a cliff about 900 metres above the Paro valley floor.

According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava flew to this site on the back of a tigress and meditated here after subduing forces opposing Buddhism. On the return journey, visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.

After breakfast, your guide and driver will transfer you to Paro International Airport for your onward flight to Bangkok, Delhi, Kathmandu or your next destination. Your representative will assist with departure arrangements and bid you farewell.