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Embark on an epic 25-day adventure through Bhutan’s most breathtaking landscapes, cultural landmarks, and remote villages. This challenging trek begins at Gunitsawa Village and takes you through high mountain passes, alpine meadows, and lush forests. Along the way, experience the awe-inspiring views of Bhutan’s iconic peaks like Mount Jomolhari and Gangkhar Puensum. Explore ancient monasteries, encounter local wildlife, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of remote villages like Laya and Thanza. With a mix of strenuous climbs and tranquil rest days, this journey offers a deep connection to Bhutan’s pristine natural beauty and rich cultural heritage.
Included/Excluded
- The Bhutan SDF
- All accommodations
- Meals and mineral water
- A licensed English-speaking guide
- A driver and vehicle
- Air fare
- A visa fee of US $40
- Alcohol
- Gifts/Souvenirs
- Travel insurance and personal bills
- Museums & Monument Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Gunitsawa Village – Sharna Zampa
Your trek kicks off at Gunitsawa Village, where you'll pass an army post. At the checkpoint, your trek permit (provided by your tour operator) will be verified and endorsed. The campsite is across the river, close to Gunitsawa.
Day 2: Sharna Zampa - Thangthangkha
On this extended day, the trail involves numerous small ascents and descents. After following the river valley uphill, the path narrows and eventually descends into a meadow, where you'll set up camp.
Day 3: Thangthangkha – Jangothang
If you missed seeing Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you’ll have another opportunity this morning. The trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley, expanding into alpine meadows along the way.
Day 4: Jangothang Halt
A rest day in Jangothang allows for various day hikes with breathtaking views of lakes and snow-capped peaks like Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances of spotting blue sheep on the upper slopes.
Day 5: Jangothang – Lingshi
One of the trek’s longest days, the trail starts with a steep climb for about half an hour, followed by a gradual ascent to the Nyilila Pass at 4,870 meters.
Day 6: Lingshi – Chebisa
Today is the shortest walking day, giving you time to relax. Shortly after starting, you'll reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. You can choose to stay on the main trail or take a scenic detour.
Day 7: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Your morning begins with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village, passing through wide pasturelands toward Gobu La (pass). Along the way, you might encounter yak herders.
Day 8: Shomuthang – Robluthang
Start by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 meters) and some edelweiss flowers. After two hours, you’ll reach Jhari La (4,750 meters), where you’ll get your first glimpse of Sinche La.
Day 9: Robluthang – Limithang
The day begins with a 40-60 minute ascent before gradually climbing for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field. A steep one-hour climb follows, leading to Sinche La (5,005 meters).
Day 10: Rest Day at Laya
After trekking from Paro Valley, take a day to recuperate in Laya and prepare for the remaining challenging but spectacular trek. Those starting from Gasa (Punakha) should also hike up to Laya.
Day 11: Laya – Rhoduphu
From Laya, descend to an army camp and follow the river until the trail turns towards Rhoduphu. After lunch, continue climbing through rhododendron bushes until you reach the campsite at Rhoduphu.
Day 12: Rhoduphu – Narethang
After following the river for about half an hour, begin a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600 meters, then continue upwards to Tsomo La (4,900 meters) with stunning views of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari, and Jichu Drake.
Day 13: Narethang – Tarina
From the camp, you’ll climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120 meters). The view from the pass is breathtaking, with the entire range of mountains, including Jekangphu Gang (7,100 meters), visible.
Day 14: Tarina – Woche
Descend through conifer forests, following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, and pass by some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge before dropping into the village of Woche.
Day 15: Woche – Lhedi
The trek takes you through juniper and fir forests, followed by rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650 meters), offering yet another spectacular view of the surrounding mountains.
Day 16: Lhedi – Thanza
In clear weather, enjoy magnificent views of Table Mountain (7,100 meters). Around midday, you'll pass the small village of Chozo (4,090 meters), where a dzong still in use can be seen.
Day 17: Rest Day at Thanza
Spend the day exploring village life in Thanza or climb up a ridge for fascinating views of lakes and mountains. As it takes time to arrange new yaks, you may need to rest in Thanza for the day.
Day 18: Thanza – Danji
The trail ascends from Thoencha to a large boulder, offering excellent views of Thanza, Toencha, Choso village, and the surrounding mountains.
Day 19: Danji – Tshochena
Choosing the route to Sephu, cross a creek and embark on a long climb to Jaze La (5,150 meters), where you’ll be rewarded with panoramic mountain views. The path then descends between snow-covered peaks.
Day 20: Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
Follow the bank of the blue-green lake before reaching a ridge at 5,100 meters, offering another spectacular view. The trail then navigates up and down over small hills, arriving at glacial lakes.
Day 21: Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo
Start the day with a climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320 meters). Spectacular mountain scenery, including Gangkhar Puensum, rewards your effort in climbing the highest peaks.
Day 22: Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho
Descend along the river until reaching yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4,010 meters). The trail then climbs steeply toward Thampe Tsho, a beautiful turquoise lake where you’ll set up camp.
Day 23: Thampe Tsho – Maurothang
Begin the day with a steep climb to the last pass on your trek, Thampe La (4,600 meters), with a good chance of spotting blue sheep along the way. The path descends to the sacred lake Om Tsho.
Day 24: Maurothang – Sephu
On the final day of this extraordinary trek, yaks will be replaced by horses as the trail descends, following the Nikka Chhu to a large grassy area overlooking the road and village.
Tour Map
Frequently Asked Questions
Bhutan is a year-round destination. There are four seasons: summer (June to August), autumn (September to November), winter (December to February) and spring (March to May). But because of the range of altitudes in the country, and the influence of the north Indian monsoons, the climate is incredibly varied.
In the south, the humid, subtropical climate is fairly consistent year-round, with temperatures between 15oC and 30oC. Central Bhutan, with its temperate forests, has a more seasonal climate, with warm summers and cool, dry winters. The northern regions are much colder during winter. Because of the high altitude, mountain peaks are snowy year-round and the lower reaches remain cool in summer.
In summer, the Indian monsoon season runs from late June or July to late September, mostly affecting the southern regions. Most farming activities take place in the summer, when crops thrive in verdant landscapes.
Autumn, from late September or early October to late November, follows the rainy season. It is characterised by bright, sunny days and some early snowfall at higher elevations. It’s the season of feasts and festivals as farmers reap the fruits of their work.
From late November until March, the crisp, clear and sunny winter sets in, with frost throughout much of the country and snowfall common above elevations of 3,000 metres. The winter northeast monsoon brings gale-force winds at the highest altitudes through high mountain passes, giving Bhutan the name Drukyul, which means Land of the Thunder Dragon in Dzongkha (Bhutan’s national language).
Bhutan’s generally dry spring starts in early March and lasts until mid-April. It is a botanist’s delight, with nature in full bloom. Summer weather commences in mid-April with occasional showers and continues to late June.
Visitors of all nationalities, except those from India, require a visa before entering Bhutan. For all visitors, except those from Bangladesh and the Maldives, this visa must be applied for and approved in advance of travel. Visitors from Bangladesh and the Maldives also require a visa, but this can be applied for and approved either in advance of travel or upon arrival in Bhutan.
Visitors from India are able to apply for a permit but are required to hold an Indian passport or an Indian voter ID card. For Indian nationals under the age of 18, a passport or a birth certificate can be used to enter and they must be accompanied by a legal guardian.
Nationals from Switzerland and Thailand holding diplomatic or government-official passports are eligible for a visa at their port of entry.
A correctly input visa application can take up to five days to process.
There is a one-off fee of US$40 for the processing of your application. This is payable at the same time as your Sustainable Development Fee (SDF), as part of the process of submitting your visa application.
All treks must be undertaken with an accredited tour operator or guide. Your tour operator will assist you with all the necessary logistics and safety precautions.
Please contact our hosts for the Department of Tourism’s list of approved tourism services.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily levy paid by visitors to support Bhutan’s development. Since the kingdom first opened its doors in 1974, guests have played a critical role in our country’s growth.
The SDF is collected by the national exchequer and funds are allocated to various projects that create long-term, sustainable opportunities for the Bhutanese people, through free healthcare, education and training, upskilling the tourism and hospitality industry, improved infrastructure, environmental preservation and conservation, cultural preservation programmes and initiatives that support local businesses and economies. The SDF is also a vital means of maintaining the exceptional forest cover and carbon-neutrality for which our small nation is world-renowned and globally critical. The SDF also helps us to ensure that we can continue to offer guests tranquillity and an intimate experience.
The SDF is USD 100 per night for adults from all countries except for India. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay USD 50 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
The SDF for Indian nationals (showing a valid Indian passport or Voter ID card) is Nu. 1,200 (or the equivalent amount in Indian rupees) per person, per night. Children aged between 6 years and who have not yet turned 12 are eligible to pay Nu./INR 600 per night. Children who have not yet turned 6 years old do not have to pay any SDF.
SIM cards can be purchased from the Paro International Airport’s visitor information centre on arrival, or from branch offices of Bhutan Telecom and TashiCell, or from authorised agents in towns.
There are no rules about what visitors should wear. However if you are planning to visit places of religious significance, respectful smart-casual clothing that covers your body from shoulders to knees is appropriate and appreciated.
Yes, permits are required to enter National Parks in Bhutan. However the process can be done online and the permit should be issued quickly. Please visit this link for more information: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScM4k5SPaGI_GnV6NJuQHstpS5ai9G4wOlpLSq0fsy73EZK7A/viewform
While most monuments in Bhutan are free, some are chargeable. For the full list of monument fees, please click here for more information. Children below 18 years will have a 50% concession and children aged five years and below will be exempted. Most monuments are open from 9am – 5pm each day. In June 2023 it was announced that foreign visitors can now visit monuments whenever they are open to the general public, without any restrictions.
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