Bhutan, on Bhutan Airlines or Druk Air, the national airlines of Bhutan. If the weather cooperates, you might have spectacular views of four of the ten highest peaks in the world—Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—plus peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. After meeting your trip leader or local guide at the Paro airport, we drive to our hotel overlooking the beautiful Paro Valley. We’ll have a late afternoon visit to the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery). The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. We will also visit the Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong, meaning “fortress on a heap of jewels”), built in 1644. B,L,D…Zhiwaling Hotel

We drive a few miles north from the hotel to the trailhead where we start a wonderful two-hour hike up to Taktsang Monastery (its name means “tiger’s nest”), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. Our hike follows a steep switchback trail and serves as a great warm-up for our trek. Lunch in Paro. In the afternoon you will be free to relax. B,L,D…Zhiwaling Hotel

Today we start our trek to Mount Chomolhari. Drive about 2 hours to the trailhead at Sharna Zampa (8,500’), where we’ll meet our local support staff and pack animals that will carry most of the gear. On the way we can visit the Drukyel Dzong and catch our first glimpse of Chomolhari. Upon arrival we begin our trek along the Paro River, passing traditional farming communities. We arrive at our first campsite alongside the Paro River near Shingkarab beyond Sharna Zampa after 2 hours of hiking. (~4 miles, 2 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

Today is a strenuous day of hiking with lots of elevation gain and loss, but it is a real confidence booster for the days ahead. We continue along the Paro River through some spectacular lush forests of oak, rhododendron, spruce, red birch, and larch. As the valley narrows the trail ascends and descends across very rocky and muddy terrain while gradually gaining altitude. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to catch a glimpse of the sacred snow-capped summit of Chomolhari (if the weather is clear). After a long hard day, we camp in an old growth juniper forest at Soi Thangthangkha (11,840′). (~10.5 miles, 6-7 hours hiking.)

We continue following the Paro River on a demanding, rocky trail, and then the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high snow-capped ridges. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be lucky to pay them a visit and try some of their dried yak cheese. Camp at Jangothang (13,382′) below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari (23,997’). (11.5 miles, 5.5-6 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

Today is a free day to rest and explore. You can take a beautiful optional hike to Tsophu (lake) for spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drakye (you’ll gain altitude quickly, which is good for acclimatization). You can also opt to stay at camp, take in the views, and rest for the challenging day ahead. (3 -4 hours hiking.)

B,L,D…Camp

Climb steeply up to 14,661 feet and head into a glacial valley with many moraines. As we near the ridge we can see the snowy peaks of Tsering Kang (22,268′) and Jichu Drakye (22,924′). Continue up to the Nyile La at 15,980 feet (“la” means “pass”), about four hours from camp. From here the views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang are spectacular (weather permitting!). We may also see Ganchey Ta (22,285′) and Masang Gang (23,500′). Descend along scree slopes to a side valley at 14,596 feet, traverse a hillside, then descend on switchbacks to another side valley. Camp at Lingzhi (13,152′), at the base of Tsering Kang and Jichu Drakye. (11 miles, 7-7.5 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

Today’s hike to Chebisa is very pleasant and easy along a rather flat and trail (no rock hopping and not much climbing). We’ll have some time to visit some homes in the village. (12 miles, 5-6 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

The trail leads through wild high pastures and across the Gobula (14,268′). Continue to Shomuthang and camp on a bench above the river, a tributary to the Mo Chu, which flows just below Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). (11 miles, 6 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

We get an early start and cross the Jarela pass (15,088′), then descend to Tsharijathang, the valley where Takin are often seen. Camp at Robluthang. (9 miles, 5 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

After crossing Shinche La pass (16,072’), we descend to Lemithang. We have now entered the Laya district, and we’ll pass some Laya villages. Camp beneath Ganchey Ta (22,285′), the Great Tiger Mountain. (12 miles, 7-8 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

The trail descends along a closed-in winding river valley. The trail forks, one branch going down to the river, while we’ll take the other, which stays high and leads to the west side of Laya village. Camp on a high flat bench above the east end of Laya, one of the highest villages in Bhutan. (7 miles, 3-4 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

Layap women wear a traditional conical bamboo hat with a spike on top. They also keep their hair long, unlike other women in Bhutan who favour close-cropped hair. Traditional dress includes black yak wool jacket and skirt. Today we’ll enjoy a day to meet and visit with the Layap in their homes or hike above our camp. B,L,D…Camp

We leave Laya and head for Koena, following the trail as it winds up and down along the river valley. Along the way we enjoy views of the crashing river, feeder streams, and waterfalls. (12 miles, 7 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

Cross Balala pass (12,267′), and continue on a roller coaster trail up and down to our campsite near Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). We’ll have some time to visit the natural hot springs, where we can relax and take a longdeserved bath. The Tsachu is a famous place where people from all over the country come to bathe in its curative waters. There are four ponds and all have different healings powers. (9 miles, 6-7 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

We leave the hot springs and drive to Punakha (4-5 hours drive). Lunch in Punakha and we will visit the ancient 17th century Punakha Dzong, which is spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Phu Rivers. B,L,D…Dhensa Hotel

On our drive to Thimphu, we will stop for a short hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple), built by Lama Drukpa Kinley. Legend has it he subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his “Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom.” A wood effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint. We’ll then drive across the Dacha La (10,000′), marked by hundreds of colorful fluttering prayer flags, to the capital city of Thimphu. We’ll arrive around 3:30 pm and the remainder of the day is free to shop or explore on your own. B,L,D…Dusit Hotel

Our sightseeing in Thimphu includes the Traditional Hospital of Herbal Medicine, Folk Heritage Museum, and the School of Arts and Crafts (or “painting school”), where Bhutanese children can follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. In the late afternoon we’ll drive two hours to Paro and enjoy a festive Farewell Dinner. B,L,D…Zhiwaling Hotel

Morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure on your flight to Delhi. B