27 Nights - 28 Days Tour & Trek

Enthusiasts recognize this trek as the toughest trek in the world because of its altitude, distance, climate and remoteness. At the same time, the Lunana region of Bhutan is one of the most beautiful areas of the world and the least visited. Though many do not finish the entire trek, we have a solution that will help anyone complete the entire distance in 18 days. We have included acclimatization (first 3 days in Bhutan ), rest days, and cultural experiences that will refresh and encourage you along the way. You do not have to be brave; you just have to be determined. Your experienced guide will help you set the needed pace for each day of the trek. Careful planning for each trek to the Lunana region includes our expert local guide, packhorses, cold weather equipment, and a cook. From the time you arrive you will be cared for and know exactly what to expect. Your guides are also prepared for any emergency that could happen.

Day - 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

You will be on board Druk Air , Bhutan ’s only National Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom).  The journey offers you the most magnificent and breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas , including the towering Mt Everest. 

While en route, complete immigration and custom form formalities for later declaration. Put your address in Bhutan as c/o Himalayan Kingdom Tours. Keep your custom forms safe, as you need to produce the same on departure. Put the forms in the passport along with $20 visa fee and two passport sized photos.

On arrival, the group will be accorded a very warm reception by a representative of Himalayan Kingdom Tours and driven to your hotel. 

Day –02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, sightseeing to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas. Although gutted by a fire, this fort is renowned as the stand from which several Tibetan invasions were repulsed.  To the north can be seen in all its majesty, the dome of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess.”

En route, see one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan . The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. It was later converted into the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts a wide range of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and natural and historic artifacts.

Walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints.  Walk down to the cantilever bridge below the dzong where your car awaits. After an evening tea, drive to Thimphu .

Ovenight at hotel.

Day –03 Paro- Shana (Trek start)

Drive up to Drugyal Dzong where the road ends and the trek begin. The trail follows the Paro Chu and is a gentle walk through terraced fields and a narrowing valley. There are a few quaint farm hamlets en route. The campsite is just beyond an army outpost. Alt. 2800m, distance - 17 km and time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 04 Shana - Soe Thangthangkha

Continue uphill through the river valley which closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the river bank. After the initial climb, most o the way is downhill. The campsite is located in a meadow with a stone shelter. Alt. Approx.3400m, distance 15 km, time 4-5 Hr.

Day – 05 Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang

Walk up along the Pachu (Paro river), pass a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see yaks and herders settlements. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of the Jomulhari Mountain . Alt. 4040m. , Distance 19 km and time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 06 Jangothang - Lingshi

Walk up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. Depending on the season, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers. Camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent. Alt. 4150m. Distance 19 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 07 Lingshi - Chebisa

Today is the shortest walking day and you can realx. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses if you feel up to it. Alt. 3850m. Distance 12 km. Time 3-4 Hr.

Day – 08 Chebisa - Shomuthang

You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding yaks. After crossing the Gobu -la (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River . Alt. 4260. Distance 17 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day – 09 Shomuthang - Robluthang

As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start a little early. After crossing the Jarela (pass) Alt. 4600m you come down to Tsarijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Camp at Tsarijathang. Alt.4390m. Distance 15 km. Time 6-7 Hr.

Day – 10 Robluthang - Lemithang

After crossing the Shingela pass, alt. 4900m., you come down and follow the valley. Lemithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats. Camp at Lemithang. Alt. 4140m. Distance 19 km. Time 6-7 Hr. If you have time, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have their own unique culture.

Day – 11 Lemithang - Laya

Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village. Alt. 3850m. Distance 10 km. Time 3-4 Hr.

Day – 12 Halt in Laya for rest and to explore Laya village.

Day - 13 Laya - Rodophu

 Distance - 19 kms about 6-7 hours. Alt. 4160m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 14 Robophu - Narithang

 Distance - 17 kms about 5-6 hours. Alt, cross Tsimola pass 4220m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 15 Narithang - Tarina

 Distance -18 Kms about 6-7 hours. Cross Gangla Karchun 5100m. Overnight in camp,

Day - 16 Tarina - Woche

 Distance 15 kms about 5 hours. On arrival at camp, visit a village house of Woche. From here the Lunana area begins. Overnight in camp.

Day -17 Woche - Lhedi

Distance 19 kms about 6-7 hours. Cross Kachela pass 4550m, stop at Thega Village enroute. Overnight in camp.

Day - 18 Ledi - Thanza

Distance ~ 19 kms about 5-6 hours. Alt. 4050m. Enroute visit Chenzo Dzong. Overnight in camp.

Day - 19 Thanza - Halt

 Visit village houses and mix with the people of Thanza or hike in and around the camp. Overnight in camp.

Day - 20 Thanza - Tshochena

 Distance 18 kms about 6-7 hours. Alt. 4800m. Cross Jazela pass alt. 5050m. Overnight in camp.

Day- 21 Tshochena - Jichu Dramo

 Distance - 14 kms about 4-5 hours. Alt. 4880m. Cross Lojula pass alt.4940m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 22 Jcichu Dramo - Chukarop

Distance -15 kms about 3-6 hours. Cross Rinchenzoe pass, alt. 5140m. Overnight in camp.

Day - 23 Chukarpo - Tampetso

Distance -20 kms about 7-8 hours. Cross Tampela pass alt. 4550m. Pass the Umtsho lake on which religious treasures were found by T erton Pemalingpa. Overnight in camp. religious treasures were found by Terton Pemalingpa. Overnight in camp.

Day - 24 Tampetso - Maorothang

 Today is the trek which goes all the way downhill through Rhododendrons shrubs till you reach the camp. The camp is near the Nikka chu river. Overnight in camp. Alt. 11844aft. Distance - 14 kms, about 5 hours.

Day - 25 Maorothang - Nikkachu Chazam (End of trek)

 Distance – 23km takes about 6-7hours. Alt. 2650m. Today is your last day walk the fields and villages of Sephu. Overnight in camp.

Day 26 Nikachu (Chazam)- Thimphu

 Early morning drive to Thimphu . Lunch at the Wangdi. Overnight in hotel, Thimphu .

Day - 27 Thimphu Sightseeing -Paro

 Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” initiated this temple to protect the nation against negative elements. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum , where life in medieval Bhutan is still showcased; the National Library, the repository of all ancient books and manuscripts; the Textile Museum for antique textile collections; and the Zilukha Nunnery and the 12^th century Changgangkha temple. Drive up to the highest viewpoint overlooking Thimphu valley and while returning, the Takin research center. Should time permit, visit Tashicho Dzong, the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. After an evening tea, drive to Paro along a winding road for about 2 hrs. Ovenight at HOTEL.

Day - 28 Departure

  Representative of Himalayan Kingdom Tours will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK

SEASON: March, May, June , July, August & September

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter sometimes comes below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlight etc.