Day 1: Arrival in Paro (Altitude: 2,200m)
Arrive at Paro International Airport (PBH), be greeted by your Manifest Bhutan team, and transfer to your luxurious hotel. Spend the day acclimatizing. Perhaps take a gentle walk around Paro town or visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong) for an introduction to Bhutanese culture.
Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Paro
Day 2: Paro - Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Altitude: 3,120m)
Prepare for your trek with an essential acclimatization hike to the iconic Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest). The 4-5 hour round trip hike not only offers stunning views but helps your body adjust to the altitude. Visit this sacred monastery perched dramatically on a cliffside. Return to your hotel for rest and final trek preparations.
Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Paro
Day 3: Paro - Shana (Trek Start) - Soi Thangthangkha (Altitude: 3,610m)
Drive to the historic Drugyel Dzong ruins (2,580m), the starting point of your trek. Meet your dedicated trekking crew (guide, cook, assistants, horsemen) and begin walking. The trail follows the Paro Chhu river gently uphill through forests and villages. After passing the army post at Shana Zampa, the valley narrows. Continue through pine and rhododendron forests to reach your first campsite.
Trekking Time: Approx. 7-8 hours
Overnight: Tented Camp at Soi Thangthangkha
Day 4: Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang (Jomolhari Base Camp) (Altitude: 4,080m)
A challenging but rewarding day. The trail continues along the river, gradually ascending above the tree line. Pass an army camp and enter yak herder territory. Enjoy increasingly spectacular views as you approach Jangothang. The magnificent Mount Jomolhari (7,326m) reveals itself in its full glory. Set up camp at this stunning base camp location.
Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Overnight: Tented Camp at Jangothang
Day 5: Jangothang - Acclimatization & Exploration Day
Spend a crucial day acclimatizing at Jangothang. Several day-hike options exist: hike towards Jomolhari glacier, climb the ridge for panoramic views of Jomolhari and Jichu Drake (6,989m), or visit the nearby Tshophu lakes known for trout. These hikes help prepare you for the high passes ahead while offering incredible photographic opportunities.
Overnight: Tented Camp at Jangothang
Day 6: Jangothang - Lingzhi (Altitude: 4,010m) via Nyele La Pass (4,870m)
Today involves crossing the first major pass. The trail climbs steeply out of Jangothang towards the Nyele La pass. The ascent is challenging but rewards with breathtaking panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks. Descend from the pass into the picturesque Lingzhi basin. Visit the Lingzhi Dzong (if permits allow) perched on a hilltop. Camp near the village.
Trekking Time: Approx. 6-7 hours
Overnight: Tented Camp at Lingzhi
Day 7: Lingzhi - Shodu (Altitude: 4,080m) via Yale La Pass (4,950m)
Another demanding day crossing the highest pass of the trek, Yale La. The trail ascends gradually through rhododendron forests and yak pastures. The final climb to the pass is steep. From the summit, enjoy stunning views of Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tserimgang, and the surrounding peaks. Descend steeply to the campsite near Shodu village.
Trekking Time: Approx. 8-9 hours
Overnight: Tented Camp at Shodu
Day 8: Shodu - Barshong (Altitude: 3,710m)
The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu river, descending through lush forests of rhododendron, juniper, and pine. Pass waterfalls and cross the river several times on wooden bridges. The trail involves some short, steep climbs and descents. Reach the ruins of Barshong Dzong and set up camp in a meadow below.
Trekking Time: Approx. 5-6 hours
Overnight: Tented Camp at Barshong
Day 9: Barshong - Dolam Kencho (Altitude: 3,320m) (Trek End) & Transfer to Thimphu
The final day of trekking involves a gradual descent through forests, following the river downstream. Reach the road head at Dolam Kencho. Bid farewell to your dedicated trekking crew. Your vehicle will be waiting to transfer you comfortably back to Thimphu (approx. 1-2 hour drive). Check into your luxurious hotel and enjoy a well-deserved hot shower and rest.
Trekking Time: Approx. 4-5 hours
Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Thimphu
Day 10: Thimphu - Leisure & Recovery
Enjoy a full day at leisure in Thimphu to rest and recover after your trek. You might choose to revisit favourite sites, explore local markets for souvenirs, indulge in a spa treatment, or simply relax at your hotel. Enjoy a celebratory dinner reflecting on your incredible trekking achievement.
Overnight: Luxury Hotel in Thimphu
Day 11: Thimphu - Punakha (Altitude: 1,250m)
Drive to the beautiful Punakha Valley via the Dochula Pass (3,100m). Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong and take a short walk to Chimi Lhakhang. Check into your luxury lodge and enjoy the warmer climate and serene atmosphere of this valley.
Overnight: Luxury Lodge in Punakha
Day 12: Punakha - Paro (Altitude: 2,200m)
Enjoy the morning in Punakha before driving back to Paro. Check into your luxury lodge. Perhaps enjoy a relaxing traditional hot stone bath (Dotsho) to soothe any lingering muscle aches.
Overnight: Luxury Lodge in Paro
Day 13: Paro - Leisure & Farewell Dinner
Enjoy a final day at leisure in Paro. Revisit Kyichu Lhakhang, explore the town, or simply relax. In the evening, enjoy a special farewell dinner hosted by Manifest Bhutan.
Overnight: Luxury Lodge in Paro
Day 14: Departure from Paro
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight, filled with memories of your challenging and rewarding Himalayan adventure.
(Inclusions & Exclusions - General Outline)
Includes: Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), visa processing, luxury hotel accommodation (pre/post trek), high-quality tented camp accommodation (during trek), all meals, licensed trekking guide, cook & support crew, ponies/yaks for luggage transport, trekking permits, entrance fees, private vehicle (pre/post trek), bottled water, internal taxes.
Excludes: International flights, travel insurance (mandatory with high-altitude coverage), personal trekking gear (sleeping bag can be rented), personal expenses, tips, optional activities.
(Pricing Philosophy)
Pricing is available upon request. Reflects the comprehensive support, expert crew, quality equipment, safety standards, and luxury accommodations provided for this demanding high-altitude trek.
