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A 16-day high-altitude circuit that links Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro treks from Paro to Thimphu. Expect alpine passes near 5,000 m, mixed camping and village stays, and rich Buddhist cultural sites along the route.
A 16-day high-altitude circuit that links Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro treks from Paro to Thimphu. Expect alpine passes near 5,000 m, mixed camping and village stays, and rich Buddhist cultural sites along the route.
A thin, cold light slides across the black roofs of Paro as the party piles into jeeps and heads for the trailhead — the valley shrinking behind them, the mountains ahead growing teeth. Over 16 days walkers move from cultivated fields into pine-scented ridges, across high passes and turquoise lakes, eventually dropping into Thimphu. The route stitches together four classic Bhutan treks — Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro — so the landscape shifts from terraced farmland to alpine meadows and glacial cirques.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by Bhutan Swallowtail Tours & Travels · Paro, Paro District
A thin, cold light slides across the black roofs of Paro as the party piles into jeeps and heads for the trailhead — the valley shrinking behind them, the mountains ahead growing teeth. Over 16 days walkers move from cultivated fields into pine-scented ridges, across high passes and turquoise lakes, eventually dropping into Thimphu. The route stitches together four classic Bhutan treks — Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro — so the landscape shifts from terraced farmland to alpine meadows and glacial cirques.
The high points are as much cultural as geological: sheer cliffs hosting cliffside temples, remote yak camps, and Dzongs that once guarded ancient trade routes. Jumolhari (over 7,000 m) and Jichu Drake loom as glaciated backdrops while forests of blue pine and dwarf rhododendron frame the valleys. The people here are as visible as the geology — prayer flags marking passes, mani walls guiding routes, and shepherds moving with seasonal rhythm.
Practically, expect sustained days of trekking (4–7 hours typical), camps and simple teahouse-style support, and a highest trekking altitude near 4,800–5,000 m on some passes. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary; horses and local crews carry equipment. Weather changes fast: clear mornings can turn to snow at higher passes.
Come prepared: break in boots, layer for freezing nights, and practice altitude-aware pacing. Permit and park fees are included in organized trips; independent travel requires permits and coordination with a licensed guide. For hikers who want wide Himalayan panoramas, remote cultural encounters, and serious high-altitude trekking, this combo circuit delivers a sustained, varied Himalayan experience.
difficult.
16 days.
Require high cardiovascular fitness, experience with multi-day backpacking, and ability to hike 4–7 hours a day at altitude
Yes — foreign visitors must travel with a licensed operator who arranges permits and park fees; independent trekking is not permitted without authorization.
Several passes reach around 4,800–5,000 m; individual high points depend on the exact route variations used by the operator.
The itinerary includes organized camping with cook and crew; some nights may use simple guesthouses depending on sections of the combo route.
Terrain varies from packed dirt and alpine meadows to rocky moraines and occasional snow; expect steep ascents and long descents.
The trek links ancient trade and pilgrimage routes between Paro and Thimphu; many passes were historic conduits for yak caravans and seasonal herders.
Trekking passes through protected areas where waste management and campsite impact are monitored; travelers should follow leave-no-trace practices and respect local grazing patterns.
Bhutan Swallowtail Tours & Travels operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
A thin, cold light slides across the black roofs of Paro as the party piles into jeeps and heads for the trailhead — the valley shrinking behind them, the mountains ahead growing teeth. Over 16 days walkers move from cultivated fields into pine-scented ridges, across high passes and turquoise lakes, eventually dropping into Thimphu. The route stitches together four classic Bhutan treks — Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro — so the landscape shifts from terraced farmland to alpine meadows and glacial cirques.
A thin, cold light slides across the black roofs of Paro as the party piles into jeeps and heads for the trailhead — the valley shrinking behind them, the mountains ahead growing teeth. Over 16 days walkers move from cultivated fields into pine-scented ridges, across high passes and turquoise lakes, eventually dropping into Thimphu. The route stitches together four classic Bhutan treks — Jumolhari, Laya-Gasa, Druk Path and Naro — so the landscape shifts from terraced farmland to alpine meadows and glacial cirques.
The high points are as much cultural as geological: sheer cliffs hosting cliffside temples, remote yak camps, and Dzongs that once guarded ancient trade routes. Jumolhari (over 7,000 m) and Jichu Drake loom as glaciated backdrops while forests of blue pine and dwarf rhododendron frame the valleys. The people here are as visible as the geology — prayer flags marking passes, mani walls guiding routes, and shepherds moving with seasonal rhythm.
Practically, expect sustained days of trekking (4–7 hours typical), camps and simple teahouse-style support, and a highest trekking altitude near 4,800–5,000 m on some passes. Acclimatization days are built into the itinerary; horses and local crews carry equipment. Weather changes fast: clear mornings can turn to snow at higher passes.
Come prepared: break in boots, layer for freezing nights, and practice altitude-aware pacing. Permit and park fees are included in organized trips; independent travel requires permits and coordination with a licensed guide. For hikers who want wide Himalayan panoramas, remote cultural encounters, and serious high-altitude trekking, this combo circuit delivers a sustained, varied Himalayan experience.