Day 1: Arrive Paro.
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Jhomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. You will be received by our representative and escorted to the hotel.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing.
Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tigerís nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, and meditated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After tea in the cafÈ walk back to the road point and drive to hotel for lunch. Afternoon visit the Ta-dzong built in the 17th century, as watchtower to defend Paro dzong below. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Driver to the Rinpung dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. Overnight at Paro.

Day 3: Paro/Shana.
Drive to Drugyal dzong (15 km), at the end of the valley and the trek begins here. It goes upstream of the Paro river, through villages, gradually ascending to 2,580 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5-6 hours.

Day 4: Shana/Soi Thangthangkha.
The trail again follows Pa-chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, and reaching camp at an altitude of 3,750 meters. Walking time 9 ñ10 hours.

Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha/ Jangothang.
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herderís camp. A short walk in the valley reaches you to the camp at Jangothang at altitude of 4,040 meters. The view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey is superb. Overnight at camp. Walking time 5 hours.

Day 6: Rest day at Jangothang.
Enjoy the superb view all around.

Day 7: Jangothang/Lingshi.
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day 8: Lingshi/Shodu.
The path follows the stream up towards the valley opposite the dzong, gradually ascending through the valley for 4 hours, until the stiff climb to the Nyelela pass (4800 meters), the highest on this trip. After the pass itís a long and gradual descent to the Sodu camp, at an altitude of 3,750 meters. Walking time 6-7 hours.

Day 9: Shodu/Barshong.
This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. At the riverside you will be served hot lunch. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude 3600 meters. Walking time 6-7 hours.

Day 10: Barshong/Dolamkencho.
The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu river for a while. Rest for lunch then climb up to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3600 meters. Walking time 5-6 hours.

Day 11: Dolamkencho/Dodena/Thimphu.
The path descends through bamboo forest all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu river again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu (15km). Overnight stay at the hotel.

Day 12: Thimphu sightseeing.
Visit the Memorial Chorine, built in 1974 in memory of the late King of Bhutan; the Indigenous hospital where traditional medicine is still practiced; the National Library where ancient texts and manuscripts are stored, and the painting school where children learn the traditional technique of painting and arts.

Day 13: Day excursion to Punakha.
Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (altitude 3050 meters). From here on a clear day one can see superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan, such as Gangkar Puensum, Table Mountain, Jeje Khang, Masakhang and Gangchey Ta. Drive on to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan and presently the winter residence of the central monk body. Visit the dzong when the monks are in Thimphu. After lunch drive back to Thimphu for over night stay.

Day 14: Thimphu/Paro.
Morning visit the Handicraft Emporium and spend time for shopping. Afternoon drive to Paro (2 hours) for stay overnight at the hotel.

Day 15: Early morning drive to the airport to catch Druk Air Flight. Our YARKAY representative will escort you to Paro Airport to catch Druk Air Flight and bid you farewell.