Bhutan’s sacred trail

Most itineraries begin upon arrival at the destination airport. Bhutan is an exception, since the flight to Paro is a highlight on its own, as the plane crosses the Himalayan Mountains, offering spectacular views of renowned peaks, including Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

Once you reach the picturesque and unusually small airport of Paro, you will be welcomed by a Rahhalah representative, and you will be transferred to the hotel.

In the afternoon, you will head to Paro Dzong, built in 1646 for fortification purposes. Today, it houses government offices and religious institutions, as is the fate of all old Dzong (forts).

You will also visit the National Museum, formerly the watchtower of the Dzong, which hosts a beautiful collection of artifacts, paintings, thankas, statues, and antiques that will shed some light into the Bhutanese culture. Your day will finish at Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country, and Drukgyel Dzong, before returning to Paro to stroll through its streets. Paro is a small, provincial town with colorful buildings, limited traffic, singular stores, and a relaxing ambience; and, yet, it is the second most important city of the country, home to the only international airport of Bhutan.

Accommodation: Haven resort https://www.havenbhutan.com/   or similar.

The first day is a tough day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite.

Hiking details:
Distance: 7 km
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hrs.
Altitude change: 1,090m ascent; 100m descent.

Overnight: in camp (3,480m altitude).

You will start the day with a steep climb for about 1.5 hours, and then you will continue to ascend on a milder slope. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees, while you may encounter yaks and yak herders around the campsite.

Hiking details:
Distance: 10 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5hours.
Altitude change: 310m ascent; 50m descent.

Overnight: in camp (3,770 m altitude).

The trail follows the ridge, offering, on a clear day, beautiful views of the mountains and the valley. Early in the afternoon, you will reach the campsite close to Jimilang Tsho Lake, known for its giant-sized trout.

Distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Altitude change: 230m descent; 330m ascent.

Overnight: in camp (3,870 m altitude).

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the Janetso Lake. On the way, you may come across some yak herders’ camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic life on the Bhutanese mountains. Early in the afternoon, you will reach the campsite, pitched close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Hiking details:
Distance: 11 km.
Hiking time: approx. 4-5 hours.
Altitude change: 820m ascent; 400 m descent.

Overnight: in camp (4.110 m altitude)

Today’s trek begins with a gradual climb. Weather permitting, you will enjoy spectacular views of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and other Himalayan peaks. Once you pass, though, the Phajoding monastery, the remaining path to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill, walking through a forested area of blue pine. At a leisurely pace, this last part of the route takes around three hours until the end of the trail, where you will meet your driver to head to the hotel.

Transfer to Paro.
Afternoon at leisure.

Hiking details:
Distance: 14 km.
Hiking time: approx. 6-8 hours.

Accommodation: Haven resort https://www.havenbhutan.com/ or similar.

This morning, you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight or you can choose to extend your journey with Land of Thunder Dragon- A Bhutan exploration (4 days) and Optional Punakha extension (4 days).