This beautiful trek takes you along the high mountain trails, pine and rhododendron forests, highland meadows and lakes above Thimphu and Paro districts.

Trek Details : 

Duration – 5 days 

Difficulty: Moderate to hard 

Best seasons:  March – June and September – October

Trail Itinerary 

Day 1  (10 km) 

Time: 4-5 hours 

Ascent 1003 m  Descent 10 m 

Camp Alt: 3480

Highlights:

  • Visit Jele Dzong 
  • On a clear day the views of Paro and mt. Jomolhari are breathtaking 

Day 2  Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha (10 km)  

Time: 4 hours 

Ascent 300 m  

Camp Alt: 3780 m 

Highlight: 

  • Walk through a thick alpine forest and rhododendron 
  • Stunning views of snow capped mountains and you can also hear monal pheasants during the day 
  • Visit Drela Samten Chokhor Monastery 

Day 3  Jangchulakha to Jimilamgtsho Lake (11km)

Time: 4-5 hours 

Ascent 400  m  Descent 300 m 

Camp Alt: 3880

Highlights: 

  • Tread through ridges, juniper and dwarf rhododendron forests
  • Scenic views of Paro and Thimphu valley 
  • Arrive at Jimilang Tsho lake, famous for giant sized trout. 
  • From Chemela, the views of mt. Jomolhari is excellent, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro 

Day 4  Jimilangtsho via Janetsho to Simtokha (11KM) 

Time: 4 hours 

Ascent 270 m  

Camp Alt: 4110 m

Highlight: 

  • Takes you through forests of fir, alpine willows and the lake of Janetsho
  • Spot Lake Simkotatsho after crossing one final spur 
  • Camp on a yak pasture

Day 5 Simtokha via Phojodhing (3750 m) to Thimphu city (14 km) 

Time: 6-7 hours 

Ascent 100 m  Descent 1800 m 

Highlights: 

  • Majestic views of Gangkar Phuensum and other Himalayan peaks
  • Cross a lake to reach Phume la, adorned with prayer flags 
  • Slowly descend down to Juniper trees