Drive 12 km north of Paro Valley to the historic Drugyel Dzong ruins (2580m), where your trek begins. After meeting your trekking crew, walk downhill along a wide trail following the Pachhu River, then gently climb through rice terraces and millet fields. The valley widens, leading to apple orchards, traditional farmhouses, and small settlements like Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan. Continue through blue pine forest to reach the army post of Gunitsawa (2810m), where your trekking permit will be checked. After crossing a wooden bridge over the Pachhu River, climb to Sharna Zampa (2870m), where you’ll camp in a meadow surrounded by trees.

Overnight at campsite.

The trail follows the Pachhu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After about 2 hours of hiking and crossing several streams, you will reach Shingkharap, a stone house at 3110m. Enjoy a hot lunch after crossing the bridge to the left side of the river  Just ahead, the trail splits: left leads to an old trade route and a Tibetan invasion site, while right leads to a wooden bridge (we take the right). After climbing through rhododendron forests and crossing the bridge again, we reach our camp at 3750m, set amidst beautiful meadows.

Overnight at campsite.

Altitudehough today’s trek is not long, you will gain significant Altitudeitude as the trail rises above the tree line. From camp, the path ascends towards the army camp, then follows the river, offering stunning views of the surrounding peaks. After crossing a muddy section, passing a mani wall, and entering yak country, we stop for a hot lunch at a yak herder’s camp. Afterward, continue past the yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang, where barley, potatoes, and turnips are grown. The final stretch takes us across a plateau, up a stream bed, and to Dangochang village before reaching our campsite at Jangothang (4040m), where the views of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are spectacular.

Overnight at campsite

Today, you will embark on a four-hour acclimatization hike north of camp. While there is no defined trail, you'll ascend an open, endless slope to catch a stunning view of Mt. Jichu Drakye (6989m). You can continue scrambling up to 4895m (higher than Mont Blanc) for an even more spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari. Along the way, you might spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and the iconic blue poppy. Jangothang base is a flat, grassy area with an old ruined fortress on a hillock beneath the towering Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Most trekkers begin to show signs of Altitudeitude sickness here, so it's advisable to rest for the day. Whether you choose to hike or relax at camp, it will be a memorable day.

Overnight at campsite

The trail follows the stream for half an hour, crossing a bridge to the right side. Then, start the climb up to the first ridge, offering breathtaking views of Jomolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m), and Tsherim Gang (6789m). The trail continues almost flat for a while before ascending to the Ngye La pass at 4870m. After the pass, enjoy a gradual descent to camp, with panoramic views of surrounding peaks and Lingshi Dzong. If time permits, you can visit this small fortress, perched on a hilltop overlooking Lingzhi village. For centuries, it served as a stop for Buddhist pilgrims and a defense against invaders.

Overnight at campsite.

Visit Lingshi Dzong, perched atop a hill with stunning views of green hills, the winding river, and majestic peaks. For centuries, it served as a rest stop for Buddhist pilgrims and a defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. The day is a pleasant walk-through villages and yak herder camps. After lunch, a short walk leads to Chebisa, a charming village with a crystal-clear waterfall. Camp beside the stream at an altitude of 3,850m.

Overnight at campsite.

Begin your trek with a steep climb up to Gogu La Pass (4500m), taking nearly four hours. Rare blue sheep are often seen on the rocks near the top. After the pass, descend through rhododendron bushes to a lunch stop. In the afternoon, continue along the trail with occasional ascents and descents. After crossing a stream, pass through rhododendron forests and yak herder camps before reaching Shakepasa at 3980m. From there, descend through a thick rhododendron forest to camp beside a stream at 4,250m.

Overnight at campsite.

The trek begins on a trail adorned with edelweiss, climbing to Jari La Pass at 4750m. To the southeast, the snow-capped peak of Kangbum (6526m) is visible. Then, descend into Tsarijathang Valley, the summer home of the rare Himalayan takins, Bhutan's national animal. You may need to cross a stream, as the footbridge is often washed away. After crossing, the trail ascends to Robluthang, a rocky meadow camp at 4160m.

Overnight at campsite.

Today, you will cross the highest pass of the trek, Shingchen La (5005m). The climb takes you through boggy patches, stream crossings, marmot holes, and moraine before reaching the top. The view of snow-capped Gangchenta (6,840m), also known as Tiger Mountain, dominates the northern horizon. After the pass, descend along a rocky trail through the moraine river valley towards Kango Chhu River. The path is narrow, and you may need to cross a stream, getting wet. After walking through cedar forests, you will arrive at Lingmithang (4140m), a scenic meadow by the river with Tiger Mountain towering behind your campsite.

Overnight at campsite.

In the morning, wake up to a stunning view of Gangchenta peak. The walk to Laya is enjoyable, offering beautiful vistas along the way. You'll pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and the melodies of singing birds. Finally, arrive at Laya village, the second-highest settlement in Bhutan, located at an Altitude of 3850m.

Overnight at campsite.

Explore Laya village and visit the local houses, where traditional Bhutanese hospitality is always extended. Even to strangers, you'll be offered a cup of tea and Chang (local wine). The people in the valley are fascinating, particularly the women, who wear conical bamboo hats adorned with turquoise and silver ornaments.