Uma Paro staff will welcome you at the airport for the 10-minute transfer to the property. We invite you for a short guided walk in the afternoon in and around Uma Paro for orientation and acclimatisation.

Stay:Uma Paro

Wind through pine forests high above Uma Paro to the pretty grounds of the fortress-like monastery of Zuri Dzong. Traverse across to Ta Dzong, housing Bhutan’s National Museum (open Tuesday to Saturday) with magnificent views over Paro, and on down to visit Rinpung Dzong (‘Fortress on a Heap of Jewels’). The trail then leads across Paro Chhu (river) via a traditional covered bridge (Nyamai Zam) and then past the main archery ground, Ugyen Pelri Palace and into Paro Town.
Duration: 5-7 hours (depending on time spent in National Museum and Paro)
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Guided with picnic Stay: Uma Paro

Day 1 Trek. The trek starts from the lobby at Uma Paro, heading up past Gemjola Monastery and Chhubjakhar Monastery then winding gradually uphill through apple orchards, smallholdings and ancient pine forest to a whaleback ridge. The altitude gain is significant, so it is recommended that you walk at a slow and steady pace. Tonight’s camp is in a yak pasture below Jele Dzong which is perched on the ridge itself and whose monks welcome visitors. The dzong was the former residence of Ngawang Chhogyel (1465-1540), cousin of the famous saint Lama Drukpa Kinley with the colourful moniker, the Divine Madman. The views of Paro town far below and of mount Jhomalhari (7314m) are breathtaking.
Duration: 4 - 6 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with picnic Stay: Camp

Day 2 Trek Cross the Jele La (3490m) and descend below the ridgeline to walk through forest of pine and rhododendron before climbing to reach a yak herders’ pasture and possible picnic spot at Jangchu Lakha (3780m) with great views of the Himalayan range. In the afternoon follow the undulating ridgeline to a saddle at 4,020 metres and then continue to the Jangchu La pass (4180m). From here it is a steep descent to camp at Jimilang Tsho Lake (3880m). The lake is known to house a large number of trout, believed to have been introduced by the British in the last century. From near the camp there are good mountain views including the sacred peak of Jichu Drake (6989m).
Duration: 6 - 8 hours
Difficulty: Hard
Guided with picnic Stay: Camp

Day 3 Trek. Today is much shorter so enjoy a leisurely breakfast by the lake and relax for a while. The ascent from the lake is steep at times, through dwarf rhododendron and over a spur to the lake of Janye Tsho. As the trail winds and undulates, trekkers are rewarded with views across the deep valley to the route from two days ago and to Jele Dzong, now a tiny white dot in the distance. Crossing one final spur, the Simkotra Tsho (4110m) can be seen below. The camp for tonight is by this lake.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Guided with picnic
Stay: Camp

Day 4 Trek. This morning begins with an ascent to a small saddle at 4150 metres before descending to another small lake then climbing to the Phume La pass (4210m) which is adorned with prayer flags. There are fine views of the Himalaya from here plus the first view of Thimphu far below. The trail now descends all the way to the pilgrim site at Phajoding (3870m) then into pine and juniper forest to the road head at Motithang on the outskirts of Thimphu. The rest of the afternoon can be spent sightseeing in Thimphu before returning to Uma Paro.
Duration: 5 - 7 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with picnic
Stay: Uma Paro

Taktsang Walk, Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
One of the most amazing and important pieces of architecture in Bhutan, Taktsang Goemba defies logic, gravity and reason. Legend has it that this cliffside was where Guru Rinpoche (Padmasambhava) landed on the back of a flying tigress, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan from Tibet. To avoid the hot sun, an early start is advisable for the two-hour climb, via the cafeteria, to the Tiger’s Nest viewpoint. Descend steeply, then climb up to the monastery, passing a waterfall (visit the monastery if it is open; with sufficient notice Uma Paro can arrange a permit). We retrace our steps or alternatively (time permitting) head further up to several remote temples and monasteries. We then drive further up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to control the northern route to Tibet. The route is picturesque, and the site of the dzong magnificent (from here, it’s only two-day hike to the border with Tibet, dominated by Mt Jhomalhari). On the 17km drive back to Paro, we pay our respects at Kyichu Lhakhang -- one of the oldest temples in Bhutan with its magic orange tree which bears fruit all year round.
Duration: 7 – 8 hours
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Guided with picnic
Stay: Uma Paro

Depart Druk Air departs in the early morning. Your transfer to the airport will be arranged for between 5am and 9am depending on the flight schedule and your destination.

For a trek at this level, fitness is most important. The Druk Path is equivalent to extended walking in mountainous terrain at home but at significantly higher altitudes. Previous trekking experience is desirable but not essential if you are confident of your physical condition. A detailed pre-departure information sheet, designed to help you prepare for your adventure, will be sent out with your booking confirmation.

Packing Essentials: warm jacket; good leather or waterproof fabric boots or shoes with good soles; waterproof jacket; sunglasses; warm hat; sunhat; sunscreen; four-season sleeping bag; torch; backpack; towel; thermal underwear.

Packing Recommended: trekking pole; gloves; tracksuit or thermal underwear; small backpack; torch; lip balm; a sufficient supply of any medication you are taking.

NB. Camera film is a rarity in Bhutan so bring your own supply which should be in your carry-on luggage.

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described. Be aware that all times stated are approximate, and may vary with individual and group fitness.
Uma Paro provides complimentary drinking water for all guided itineraries. If you have any special dietary requests, please let us know in advance. Where stated, trips include lunchtime picnics prepared by Uma Paro’s chefs. Please place your picnic order the day before departure via your Guide or the Activity Desk.

Throughout your stay you have the option to participate in a range of extra Outdoor Activities at an additional charge.

Private airport transfers are available at an additional charge
Please read this document in conjunction with your confirmation letter and pre-departure information