The most popular trek in Bhutan, this adventure takes you through dramatic altitude changes, from 2,500m to nearly 5,000m, offering a diverse range of landscapes, flora, and fauna. The highlight of the journey is the breathtaking view of Mount Jomolhari from the Jangothang Basecamp. Along the way, the trail passes through a remote section of Jigme Singye Wangchuck National Park, where you’ll encounter yak herder settlements and explore the untouched region of Lingshi. This trek offers an immersive experience into Bhutan’s wild and spiritual heart.
Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Overnight: Stay in Paro.
Start your day with an early morning drive from your hotel to Shana, the starting point of your trek. The drive sets the tone for the adventure, offering scenic views as you head toward the trailhead. The journey itself is a prelude to the natural beauty you’ll encounter throughout the day.
The trek begins with a steady climb, following the river through dense forests and passing isolated farmhouses along the way. As you venture deeper into the valley, the surroundings become more remote, and the forest grows thicker, offering glimpses of rural Bhutanese life.
As you ascend, the valley narrows and the terrain becomes more rugged and steep. The environment shifts from lush forest to a more wild and untamed landscape, with the trail winding up and down along the river’s edge. The increasing elevation adds to the adventure, offering more challenging yet rewarding views.
Along the route, you’ll come across a junction where another trail leads over Tremo La to Tibet. This path was once a key trade route used by Bhutanese people to travel to Tibet, highlighting the historical significance of this remote area. The region’s cultural and trade history is still visible in the remnants of these old routes.
As you continue, you’ll cross several traditional wooden bridges that add a sense of charm and authenticity to the trek. These sturdy bridges connect different sections of the trail, offering stunning views of the river and the surrounding wilderness.
After a full day of trekking, you’ll finally arrive at Thanthangka, a picturesque campsite located in a meadow. The area is peaceful and serene, with a traditional stone shelter offering some refuge. Set up camp in this beautiful location, surrounded by nature’s untouched beauty.
If the weather is clear, you may catch your first glimpse of Mount Jomolhari from the campsite. This iconic peak, towering at 7,314 meters, serves as a stunning backdrop and a preview of the majestic mountains you’ll encounter in the coming days.
Distance: 13.6 miles / 22 km
Duration: 6-8 hours
The trail begins with a gradual ascent leading to an army outpost, after which it continues along the river, rising above the tree line. As you hike higher, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A hot lunch is served at a traditional yak herder’s camp, offering a warm and authentic mid-day break. From there, a short walk through the open valley brings you to your campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). This stunning location offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, making it one of the most scenic campsites of the trek.
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Duration: 4–6 hours
The trail begins with a gradual ascent leading to an army outpost, after which it continues along the river, rising above the tree line. As you hike higher, you’re rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding snow-capped peaks. A hot lunch is served at a traditional yak herder’s camp, offering a warm and authentic mid-day break. From there, a short walk through the open valley brings you to your campsite at Jangothang (4,040m). This stunning location offers uninterrupted, panoramic views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, making it one of the most scenic campsites of the trek.
Distance: 17 km / 10.5 miles
Duration: 4–6 hours
The trail begins by following the stream for about half an hour before crossing a bridge to the right bank. From there, the ascent to the first ridge begins, offering spectacular views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang along the way. The path then levels out as it crosses a broad valley floor, leading to a steady climb toward the Nyele-La Pass (4,700m). After reaching the pass, the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Lingshi (4,000m). As you walk, enjoy sweeping vistas of the distant peaks and the majestic Lingshi Dzong, perched dramatically on a hilltop.
The first half of the trek leads through a wide, treeless valley, offering an open landscape before the trail begins to climb toward Yale-La Pass (4,950m). On a clear day, the pass rewards trekkers with stunning views of Mount Jomolhari, Tsherimgang, and Masagang. As a traditional route used by nomads traveling between Lingshi and Thimphu, the path is well-defined and easy to follow. The descent from the pass gradually meets the Jaradinthang Chhu, which eventually becomes the Thimphu Chhu. At an altitude of 4,150m, you’ll pass a chorten (stupa), where the trail veers east, continuing along the river. The day ends at the Shodu campsite, located just beyond a sandy slope.
Today’s trail meanders through a limestone valley, following the Thimphu Chhu as it gently rises and falls along the way. The area is rich in spiritual history, with meditation caves used by monks for centuries—legend even says that Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal meditated in these very rocks during his escape from Tibet in the 17th century. As you hike, you’ll be treated to dramatic rock cliffs, cascading waterfalls, and peaceful forested surroundings. The trail eventually ascends around 130 meters to reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong, a once-important fortress. Nearby lies the small, quiet village of Barshong, home to just a few traditional Bhutanese households.
Distance: 8.7 miles / 14 km
Duration: 4-5 hours
The trail features a series of gentle ascents and descents, with several small stream crossings along the way. Eventually, you’ll reach a fork in the path—taking the right-hand trail leads you down to tonight’s campsite.
Today’s trek is relatively easy, with gentle ups and downs, followed by a few short but steep switchbacks that descend a dramatic cliffside. The trail gradually winds down through beautiful bamboo forests, tracing a traditional mule path high above the river. Eventually, you’ll reach Dodina, where your vehicle will be waiting to take you on a short 30-minute drive to Thimphu, Bhutan’s modern capital. Home to around 98,500 people, Thimphu is a charming city with just a few rows of shops and the unique distinction of being the only capital in the world without traffic lights.
Distance: 7 km / 4.3 miles
Duration: Approximately 3 hours
After breakfast, we begin our journey back to Paro. Enjoy the scenic drive through Bhutan’s stunning landscapes one last time. Upon arrival, check-in and relax or take a leisurely stroll around Paro town.
