Your aerial journey from Delhi or Kathmandu to Paro offers mesmerizing views of the Himalayan range. The route from Kathmandu is particularly notable for its panoramic Himalayan vistas. During the 82-kilometer flight from Kathmandu, the majestic sights of the world’s highest peaks, including Mount Everest at 8849m, Lhotse at 8515m, Makalu at 8481m, and Kanchenjunga at 8586m, unfold before you. Moments before touching down at Paro International Airport, the revered peaks of Mount Jumolhari at 7326m and Jichu Drake at 6662m introduce the northern edge of the valley. Upon arrival, a warm welcome by your guide leads to a local dining spot for lunch. Post-lunch, time allowing, delve into Paro’s rich history with visits to the Rinpung Dzong, a traditional bridge, the ancient Kichu Monastery, and the historic Drukgyal Dzong ruins. The day concludes with an exploratory walk through Paro town, culminating in an overnight stay at a Paro hotel.

Following breakfast, gear up for an acclimatization trek to the iconic Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. This monastery, perched at 3100m, is accessed by a 20-minute drive to the base followed by a trek through a lush forest offering sweeping views of the valley below. The path leads to a stretch adorned with prayer wheels, before veering right towards a lookout point ideal for capturing the monastery’s beauty. The descent involves navigating stony steps to a waterfall, culminating at the monastery. Post-visit, lunch at a nearby cafeteria refuels you for the return trek to your vehicle, which awaits to take you back to the hotel. A retrospective view of the monastery en route and a stroll through Paro town enrich the day’s experiences, leading to another night’s stay in Paro.

Embarking from your hotel, a 12km drive north of Paro Valley brings you to the starting point at the Drugyel Dzong ruins (2580m). Here, you meet your trekking crew. The journey kicks off with a descent following the Paro River, then ascends gently through rice terraces and millet fields. The path then leads through orchards and past traditional homes to reach the Gunitsawa army post at 2810m, where permits are verified. A wooden bridge crossing over the Paro River precedes the climb to Sharna Zampa at 2870m, setting the stage for an overnight camp amidst tranquil meadows.

Traversing 20km over 8-9 hours, you ascend 900m to reach the camp at Soi Thangkha, 3750m above sea level. Following the Paro River, the trek weaves through forests to Shingkharap at 3110m, a favored rest stop. Post-lunch, the journey veers right, leading through rhododendron forests and across a bridge to the day’s campsite in picturesque meadows.

Covering 17km in 4-5 hours with a 290m ascent brings you to Jangothang Base Camp at 4040m. Ascending from the treeline, the path skirts an army camp and continues past yak herds to a yak herder’s camp for lunch. The trek concludes across a plateau to Jangothang, offering stunning vistas of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake.

Traverse 18km over 6-7 hours, climbing 800m and descending 730m to reach a campsite at an altitude of 4010m. The journey commences alongside a stream, leading to a climb up the first ridge where you're rewarded with stunning vistas of Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m), and Tsherim Gang (6789m). The path then levels in the valley before ascending to Ngye La pass at 4830m. Descending from the pass, enjoy panoramic views of peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Time allowing, a visit to this fortress offers insights into its historical significance as a pilgrim rest stop and a defensive bulwark. The day ends at a camp overlooking Lingzhi village.

Covering 19km in 7-8 hours involves a 940m ascent and a 920m descent, ending at a campsite at 4100m. Departing from Jumolhari trek, the path heads towards a Chorten and ascends the Mo Chhu valley. The trek, maintaining its course along the west of the valley, crosses Mo Chhu before climbing steeply to Yeli La pass at 4942m, where, on clear days, views extend to Jumolhari and other significant peaks. The descent leads to a shelter and further down to Shodu, set in a meadow adorned with a Chorten.

The trek reenters the forest, following the Thimphu River for 16km over 5-6 hours, with a 250m ascent and a 670m descent to camp at 3600m. The scenic path through rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine woods showcases cliffs and waterfalls. A riverside hot lunch precedes a gentle climb to Barshong Dzong ruins, reflecting its historical role in supporting Lingzhi Dzong.

The final trekking day covers 17km over 4-5 hours, ascending 200m and descending 280m. Starting with a gradual climb to a farm road, the trail then descends through dense rhododendron, birch, and conifer forests to meet Thimphu Chhu river. Following the river south to Dodena (2600m), transportation awaits for a drive to Thimphu.

After breakfast, the journey to Punakha begins with a scenic drive over Dochu La pass (3100m), marked by 108 chortens and offering panoramic Himalayan views. The drive descends through forests to Metsina for a hike to Chimi Lhakhang Temple, dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley. After exploring Punakha, including the majestic Punakha Dzong, the evening offers a chance to capture the dzong’s beauty from a strategic vantage point. Overnight in Punakha.

Returning to Paro involves driving back over Dochu La pass, with a stop at Druk Wangyel Monastery for its unique artwork. The journey includes a visit to Thimphu, possibly exploring the Centenary Farmers Market if it coincides with the weekend, before continuing to Paro. The evening is free for exploring Paro town. Overnight in Paro.