After tea, we will begin acclimatizing adventure with the hike to Taktsang Monastery. This is one of the most revered religious sites in Bhutan and a checkpoint for pilgrimages. The monastery is perched some 1000 meters on a cliff, overlooking the Paro valley. It is believed that the great Buddhist Saint known as Guru Padmasambhava rode on a tigress in a fiery and wrathful form into cave within this temple and subdued the evils who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism. Since then, several Buddhist masters have meditated in and around the monastery. Some have even discovered hidden religious relics. The hike takes about five hours for the round trip and follows an ancient path marked by river powered prayer wheels. If you can make back to hotel early, we will visit some of the temples in nearby locality. Accommodation: Hotel

10KM | 4-5 HOURS | 1003M ASCENT | 10M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3480M

Although today’s trekking day is short, we keep slow and steady pace as altitude gain is significant. After breakfast, you will drive to the road head at the National Museum (2487m) above Paro from where you will start your trek. We will walk from the Museum heading up hill through apple orchards, smallholdings of Damchena village and pine forests. Visit Jele Dzong (3490m), perched on a whaleback ridge. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. On a clear day, the views of Paro town far below and of Mount Jumolhari (7315m) are breathtaking. Overnight camp at 3480m.

10KM | 4 HOURS | 300M ASCENT CAMP ALT 3780M

Begin with gradually ascent and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders in the area. There are fascinating views of Jumolhari and other snow capped mountains and you can also hear some monal peasants during the day. We continue our up hill walk to reach a yak herders’ pasture at Jangchulakha (3780m) with outstanding views of the Himalayan range. We camp in a yak pasture near the hillside.

11KM | 4-5 HOURS | 400M ASCENT | 300M DESCENT | CAMP ALT 3880M

The trail follows the ridge and at times through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons. The views of the mountain valleys of Thimphu and Paro are sensational. After making an ascent and then a steep descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3880m). The lake is famous for their giant sized trouts. Near the camp, you can have great views of 6989m Jichu Drake, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Overnight camp close to Jimilangtsho Lake.

12KM | 5-6 HOURS | 270M ASCENT | CAMP ALT 4110M

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. You may come across some yak herder’s camp and get an idea how these people live. Trail winds and undulates with magnificent view of the Himalaya across deep valleys. Simkota tsho Lake (4110m) can be seen below after crossing one final spur. We continue our trek until we reach the yak pasture where we camp for tonight.

12KM | 6 HOURS | 50M ASCENT | 1800M DESCENT

Today you will begin with a gradual climb to a small saddle at 4150m from where you enjoy majestic view of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other himalayan peaks on clear weather. You will then descend to another small lake and then climb to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with beautiful prayer flags. From here, you will enjoy great view of Thimphu city far below. The trail slowly descends through junipers trees to a community hall near Phajoding (3870m). Walk way down hill to Thimphu through a forests of blue pine and juniper until you arrive the road head of Sangaygang on the outskirts of Thimphu valley.

Depart from Paro International Airport