Six days across the three great passes between Thimphu and Punakha — Bhutan's most beautiful short trek.
Highlights
Druk Wangyal chortens at Dochula
Jangthang and Yaks Arang La passes
Laya village at 3,150 metres
Descent to the Mo Chhu river valley
What is included
Licensed trekking guide and full porter support
Five nights in teahouses and one in a Punakha hotel
All meals on the trek with vegetarian options
All permits, SDF and Thimphu/Punakha entry fees
Private vehicle transfers at both ends of the trail
Emergency evacuation contingency
Day-by-day itinerary
Day 01 — Thimphu to Dochula & the Jangthang ascent Depart Thimphu early and climb to the Dochula Pass at 3,100 metres, where 108 white chortens face Gangkar Puensum. Continue past the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to the Jangthang teahouse, a steady five-hour ascent that is the hardest of the trek in terms of altitude rather than distance. Sleep here to be…
Day 02 — Jangthang to Shitchena, over two passes Leave Jangthang at first light for Shitchena, climbing the Charkhar La and then descending steeply into the Chigviji valley. The descent runs through open moorland that turns to pine and finally to a dense conifer forest, and it is the longest walking day of the trek. Camp or take a bed at the Shit…
Day 03 — Shitchena to Laya through the pine forest A shorter, easier day south through thick pine forest, following the water upstream. This is the quiet heart of the route: no road, no village, and only the sound of the stream. Arrive in Laya at 3,150 metres in the early afternoon, with time to walk to the viewpoint and watch the sun drop behind t…
Day 04 — Laya to Jongsho La, the high point of the trek The hardest stage: a full morning climb out of Laya to Jongsho La at 3,890 metres, the highest point on the route. The trail runs above the treeline with Gangkar Puensum's flanks filling the northern horizon, and snow survives in the shaded gullies into late May. Descend a long, steep kilometre to…
Day 05 — Choejung and the Mo Chhu descent A spectacular drop from the high meadows down through rhododendron and oak into the Mo Chhu valley, losing well over a thousand metres in a single day. Lunch beside the river, then a final walk to a riverside lodge where hot water and a proper dinner are waiting.
Day 06 — Mo Chhu to Punakha & farewell dinner A final short walk down the Mo Chhu to the road at Punakha, where your vehicle meets you. Afternoon free to walk the riverside, the orchards and the Zhabdrung's ruins; evening is a traditional Bhutanese dinner with folk music in a Punakha lodge.