Day 4. TREK DAY 1. Paro to Shana. Drive to the end of the road at Drukgyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path follows the river uphill through a cultivated valley. We camp in a stone shelter in a meadow at about 2800 m. (17 kms, 6 hours)
Day 5. TREK DAY 2. Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. We ascend through the river valley and beautiful pine and rhododendron forests. MountJomolhari can be seen en route. Our camp will be at 3860 m. (19 kms, 7 hours)
Day 6. TREK DAY 3. Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang. The path passes a small, border army post where the valley begins to widen again. Enjoy views of snow-capped peaks, high mountain ridges, and, hopefully, yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of MountJomolhari at an altitude of 4040 m. (19 km, 6 hours)
Day 7. TREK DAY 4. Rest day at Jomolhari base camp. An opportunity to explore the glacier, do some washing in the stream (icy cold!) or just take it easy.
Day 8. TREK DAY 5. Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 m). If the weather is clear, Lingshi Dzong can be clearly seen as we descend into the Lingshi basin, and Tserim Kang with its glaciers can be seen to the north. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m. (19 kms, 6 hours)
Day 9. TREK DAY 6. Lingshi to Chebisa. This is the shortest trekking day. Once we have reached our camp at Chebisa (3910 m) it is possible to visit some village houses and a waterfall just behind the village. (10 kms, 5 hours)
Day 10. TREK DAY 7. Chebisa to Shomuthang. The trail goes through wild pastures where yaks graze. We cross the Gobu La Pass (4350 m) before reaching Shomuthang. The camp is near a tributary to the Mo Chu which emerges below the Gasa Tsachu (Hot Spring). From here you can see the helipad which is sometimes used if the passes get snowed in.
Day 11. TREK DAY 8. Shomuthang to Robluthang. After crossing the Jare La Pass (4600 m) we arrive at Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of takin can normally be seen.
Day 12. TREK DAY 9. Robluthang to Lemithang. After reaching the Shinge La Pass (4870 m), the path descends and goes through the valley. Lemithang is in the Laya district where the locals will be seen wearing unique regional dress. Our camp is at Kang Che Da beneath Gang Chen Ta, the GreatTigerMountain, at an altitude of 4090 m.
Day 13. TREK DAY 10. Lemithang to Laya. The path goes downhill through a winding river valley and enters the eastern end of Laya village. (Altitude 3820 m, 10 kms, 4 to 5 hours)
Day 14. TREK DAY 11. Rest day at Laya. Explore the village and meet local people.
Day 15. TREK DAY 12. Laya to Koena. The trail follows the river valley and there is a breathtaking view of vibrant rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls. (Altitude 3510 m, 19 kms)
Day 16. TREK DAY 13. Koena to Gasa. We cross the Bale La Pass (3740 m), after which the trail descends to the camp near Gasa Dzong (2900 m). (14 kms, 6 to 7 hours)
Day 17. TREK DAY 14. Gasa to Gasa Tsachu. After a late breakfast, we carry on to the Gasa hot spring, or tsachu, taking some time to relax here after lunch. The spring is believed to be effective in curing various ailments including aching joints, and many Bhutanese families visit every winter.
Day 18. TREK DAY 15. Gasa Tsachu to Geon Damji and back to Punakha. Walk through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and oak and pine forests. The descent leads to the roadhead where we will be met by a vehicle to drive to Punakha. (15 kms, 6 hours).
Day 19. Sightseeing in Punakha.
Day 20. Sightseeing in Wangdi and drive to Thimphu.
Day 21. Sightseeing in Thimphu and return to Paro.
