ParoThimphu
Jomolhari Base Camp Trek
Walk to the foot of 7,326 m Jomolhari, the sacred mountain on the Tibetan border, and loop back via Soi Yaksa.
Laya Highlands Trek
Cross from Jomolhari to the remote village of Laya, whose women wear distinctive conical bamboo hats.
- Duration20 days · 19 nights
- ActivityStrenuous
- Best timeApr – Jun, Sep – Oct
- GroupPrivate trip, any group size
This 20-day journey takes in Paro, Gasa, Punakha and Thimphu. Every day is planned so you have time to look properly, eat well and talk to people — not just tick off sights.
Like all our trips it is private and fully flexible: change the hotels, add a night, swap a sight or combine it with a festival. Ask for a quote and a planner will tailor it to your dates and group.
Highlights
- Rinpung Dzong
- Ta Dzong (National Museum)
- Gasa Tshachu
- Gasa Dzong
- Starts
- Paro International Airport
- Ends
- Paro International Airport
Day by day
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Fly into Paro. The descent between forested ridges is one of the most memorable landings anywhere, and on a clear day flights from Delhi or Kathmandu pass close to Everest and Kanchenjunga. Your Jash guide and driver meet you outside arrivals with a traditional white scarf.
Walk up through the covered cantilever bridge to Rinpung Dzong, the “fortress on a heap of jewels”, whose courtyards still hold the district monk body and offices. Climb to Ta Dzong, a round watchtower turned National Museum, for masks, thangka paintings and an excellent view over the whole valley.
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After breakfast drive to the trailhead, where the horsemen load the gear and the trekking crew joins you. The first stage follows the river through mixed forest and farmland before reaching camp at Shana.
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A varied day along a valley floor and over a ridge, passing yak herders’ stone huts. Look out for blue sheep and Himalayan griffons as you approach Thangthangkha.
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Follow the trail along the hillside with long views back down the valley; lunch is a packed meal by a stream. Camp tonight is at Jangothang.
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A day at Jangothang to rest and acclimatise. Take a short hike higher for views and come back down to sleep — the best way to adjust to the altitude — or simply relax, wash clothes and visit the herders nearby.
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Today’s stage climbs steadily towards a pass marked by prayer flags and cairns, with wide views of snow peaks, before descending to camp at Lingzhi.
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A varied day along a valley floor and over a ridge, passing yak herders’ stone huts. Look out for blue sheep and Himalayan griffons as you approach Chebisa.
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Follow the trail along the hillside with long views back down the valley; lunch is a packed meal by a stream. Camp tonight is at Shomuthang.
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Break camp after a hot breakfast and walk on through high pasture and rhododendron scrub, crossing streams on log bridges. The crew goes ahead to set up camp at Robluthang, so tea is usually waiting when you arrive.
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Today’s stage climbs steadily towards a pass marked by prayer flags and cairns, with wide views of snow peaks, before descending to camp at Limithang.
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A varied day along a valley floor and over a ridge, passing yak herders’ stone huts. Look out for blue sheep and Himalayan griffons as you approach Laya.
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A day at Laya to rest and acclimatise. Take a short hike higher for views and come back down to sleep — the best way to adjust to the altitude — or simply relax, wash clothes and visit the herders nearby.
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Break camp after a hot breakfast and walk on through high pasture and rhododendron scrub, crossing streams on log bridges. The crew goes ahead to set up camp at Koina, so tea is usually waiting when you arrive.
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Today’s stage climbs steadily towards a pass marked by prayer flags and cairns, with wide views of snow peaks, before descending to camp at Gasa.
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Walk the last stretch down to the road head, where the vehicle is waiting. Say goodbye to the trekking crew and drive on to Gasa for a hot shower and a comfortable bed.
Soak in the riverside pools of Gasa Tshachu, believed to ease aching joints after a long trek. See Gasa Dzong, a round fortress built to defend against northern invasions.
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Follow the Mo Chhu north past Tashithang to the Gasa road head.
Explore Punakha Dzong, set at the meeting of the Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu; its courtyards, carved woodwork and murals are among the finest in the country.
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Climb to Dochula pass (3,100 m), crowned with 108 memorial chortens; on clear days from October to February the high Himalaya lines the northern skyline. Then drop through rhododendron forest into the warm Punakha valley.
Drive up to Buddha Dordenma at Kuensel Phodrang, a gilded bronze Buddha over 50 metres tall that looks down the length of the valley.
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The road follows the Paro Chhu to Chuzom, where three chortens in Bhutanese, Tibetan and Nepali style mark the river confluence, then climbs gently into the Thimphu valley.
Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the two oldest temples in the kingdom, where an orange tree in the courtyard is said to fruit all year.
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Today is the hike to Taktsang Lhakhang, the Tiger’s Nest, clinging to a cliff 900 metres above the valley. The trail climbs through pine forest hung with prayer flags to a teahouse with the first full view, then down and up a stairway beside a waterfall to the temple gate. Allow 4–6 hours round trip; ponies can carry you to the halfway point.
In the evening, a farewell dinner — and if you like, a hot-stone bath in a farmhouse to soothe tired legs.
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After breakfast your guide drives you to Paro airport for your onward flight. Tashi delek — until next time.
Where you could stay
Choose a hotel category when you ask for a quote — we can also mix categories or suggest alternatives.
| Place | Standard ★★★ | Deluxe ★★★★ | Luxury ★★★★★ |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paro | Hotel Gangtey Palace | Naksel Boutique Hotel & Spa | Amankora Paro |
| Gasa | On request | On request | On request |
| Punakha | Zhingkham Resort | RKPO Green Resort | Amankora Punakha |
| Thimphu | Hotel Thimphu Tower | Terma Linca Resort & Spa | Amankora Thimphu |
Included
- Bhutan visa processing (visa fee included)
- Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) for each night in Bhutan
- All route and entry permits
- Accommodation on twin or double sharing in your chosen hotel category
- All meals while in Bhutan
- Private licensed English-speaking guide
- Private vehicle with driver for all transfers and sightseeing
- Entrance fees to monuments in the itinerary
- Bottled drinking water during drives
- Airport or border pick-up and drop
Not included
- International or domestic flights (we can book these for you)
- Travel insurance
- Drinks, laundry, phone and other personal expenses
- Single-room supplement and hotel upgrades
- Optional activities (rafting, cycling, helicopter flights) unless stated
- Tips for guide and driver
- Anything not listed under Included
Booking terms
- Rates depend on travel dates, hotel category and group size; your quote is valid for 14 days.
- Full payment is required before the visa or entry permit is lodged.
- Festival periods may carry a hotel surcharge.
- Hotel rooms are subject to availability at the time of confirmation.
- Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your departure from Bhutan.
- Cancellation charges follow our booking conditions, shared with your quote.
Questions
Why is there no price on this page?
Costs in Bhutan depend on season, hotel category, group size and the daily Sustainable Development Fee, so we prepare every quote for your actual dates. Send your details and we will reply within one working day.
Can I change this itinerary?
Yes. Every trip is private, so you can add or remove days, change hotels, include a festival or combine it with another region.
Do you arrange the visa?
Yes. Once the trip is confirmed and paid, we apply for your Bhutan visa online; you receive the approval letter by email before you fly.
What is included on the trek?
A licensed trekking guide, cook and camp crew, pack animals, tents, sleeping mats, dining and toilet tents and all meals on the trail. Bring your own sleeping bag or rent one from us.
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