This is a short five days trek which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separate the two valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forest which blooms in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.

Season: – This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September to December.

Day 01: Arrive Paro.
Meeting & assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa chu to Drugyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Jhomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong.
Below the Dzong, visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House. Then visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower now the National museum. Then walk down the trail to visit the Rinpung Dzong meaning “fortress on the heap of jewels”. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro Jele Dzong, 10km, 4/5 hours
Today is a short trekking day. The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if, the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele la (3,400m) and Jele Dzong which is mostly in ruins and have few monks, there is a Lhakhang with the statue of Sakyamuni. Overnight camp.

Day 04: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha, 10km 3-4 hours
Begin with an hour and a half climb the ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite. There are fascinating views of Jhomolhari and other snow capped peaks. Over night in the camp.

Day 05: Jangchulakha – jimilangtsho, 11km 4 hours
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. Camp is close to lakes of Jimilangtsho. These lakes are famous for their giant size trout also there are great views of 6989m Jichu darke, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Over night in the camp.

Day 06: Jimilangtsho – Simkota, 11km, 4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders’ camp and get an idea how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake and over night at the camp.

Day 07: Simkota – Phajoding, 10km, 3-4 hours
Today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mount. Gangkhar Puensum and also the other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to camp site beside a community hall near Phajoding Cafereria. Overnight in camp.

Day 08: Phajoding – Thimphu, 5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure.
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 09: excursion to Punakha / Wangdiphodrang
After breakfast full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi valley. The drive from Thimphu crosses 3,100m Dochula pass that heralds the most enchanting view of 108 chorten built in one place with the breathtaking view of the eastern Himalayas at the background. In Punakha, visit the Dzond situated at the junction of Pho chui and Mo chu rivers. Built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, this Dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangdiphodrang visiting Dzong, the 17th century monument followed by visit to local market. Evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 10: Thimphu Paro.
Full day sightseeing in Thimphu includes visit to the King’s memorial chorten built in 1972, the Tashichhodzong, beautiful medieval fortress/ monastery and handicraft emporium. Afternoon visit National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts, Painting School and Traditional Medicine Institute, here the centuries old herbal medicine is still practiced
Evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Paro depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to airport for the flight to onward destination.