Day 01: Arrive Paro- Transfer to Thimphu

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Meet your guide and driver at Paro International Airport and travel through the scenic river valleys to Thimphu. Check into your hotel. Depending on your flight arrival time, visit the National Memorial Chorten, where residents gather for prayers, then enjoy a relaxed walk through Thimphu’s lively streets and shops.

Day 02: Thimphu Cultural Sightseeing

Overnight: Hotel, Thimphu

Visit Buddha Dordenma, overlooking the valley, followed by the Royal Takin Preserve. At Zilukha Nunnery, participate in a 108-butter-lamp offering, seeking blessings for good fortune and safe passage during the expedition. Continue to the Traditional Painting School to observe Bhutan’s traditional arts, then explore the Postal Museum. Conclude at Tashichho Dzong, subject to visitor opening hours and official functions.

Day 03: Thimphu – Dochula – Punakha

Overnight: Hotel, Punakha

Drive across Dochula Pass (approximately 3,100 m), with its 108 chortens and, in clear weather, views of Himalayan peaks. Descend to Punakha and walk through fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the Fertility Temple. Explore magnificent Punakha Dzong at the confluence of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers, then visit the long suspension bridge. After lunch, enjoy white-water rafting on the Mo Chu, subject to water and safety conditions.

Day 04: Punakha – Gasa

Altitude: approx. 2,900 m | Overnight: Homestay, Gasa

Travel on winding mountain roads through subtropical forests, scattered villages and steep river valleys towards Gasa. Visit Gasa Tashi Thongmon Dzong and continue to Gasa Tsachu, natural hot springs traditionally valued for their therapeutic qualities. Enjoy an optional soak if access permits. Spend a quiet evening in this remote mountain community, preparing for the trek.

Day 05: Gasa – Taktsemakhang – Chamsa

Camp: approx. 3,650 m | Trek: 6–7 hours

Drive for approximately two hours to Taktsemakhang and begin trekking. Climb steadily through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forest towards Bele La Pass (approximately 3,700 m). The ascent takes around five hours, followed by a short, gradual descent to Chamsa. Settle into your first tented campsite.

Day 06: Chamsa – Laya

Camp: approx. 3,800 m | Trek: 8–9 hours

Descend towards the Mo Chu River, then traverse undulating mountainside paths that avoid the steepest slopes. Stop for lunch near a river bridge. Continue on a gradual climb, passing a military outpost before reaching Laya, a distinctive highland village known for its traditional lifestyle and dramatic mountain setting.

Day 07: Laya Acclimatisation & Cultural Day

Altitude: approx. 3,800 m | Overnight: Camping

Take a rest and acclimatisation day in Laya. Explore village lanes and traditional homes, meet Layap residents and learn about the customs, dress and livelihoods of this Himalayan community. Your guide can facilitate respectful interactions and photography with permission. Enjoy an arranged local cultural programme in the evening.

Day 08: Laya – Rhodophu

Camp: approx. 4,350 m | Trek: 8–9 hours

Descend past the military outpost and follow the river to the Rhodophu junction, where lunch is served. The afternoon trail climbs steadily through rhododendron bushes and increasingly open alpine terrain. Reach the remote campsite at Rhodophu, surrounded by rugged mountain scenery.

Day 09: Rhodophu – Tarina

Camp: approx. 3,980 m | Trek: 10–11 hours

Start very early, around 5 am, for one of the expedition’s longest days. Climb Tsimola Pass (approximately 4,700 m), with views towards Lunana, Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake. Continue over high terrain to Gangla Karchung La (approximately 5,080 m), where the panorama includes Masagang, Tsende Gang and Teri Gang. Make the long descent to the Tarina Valley campsite.

Day 10: Tarina – Wache

Camp: approx. 3,800 m | Trek: 6–7 hours

Enjoy a comparatively easier day following the river downstream through a scenic valley. Stop for lunch near the day’s low point, approximately 3,500 m, before ascending about 300 m towards Wache village. Camp in the peaceful highland surroundings.

Day 11: Wache – Lhedi

Camp: approx. 3,650 m | Overnight: Camping

Ascend through juniper and fir forest into rhododendron scrub towards Keche La Pass (approximately 4,480 m). Enjoy mountain views before descending to the riverside and passing a small settlement. Continue beside a river feeding the Pho Chu system, with views of Table Mountain, to Lhedi village.

Day 12: Lhedi – Thanza

Trek: 7–8 hours | Overnight: Camping

Follow the river on a gradual ascent towards Choejong village. After lunch, visit Choejong Dzong, subject to access. Continue into a widening valley framed by high mountains. Cross a bridge and arrive at Thanza, an important settlement in the remote Lunana region.

Day 13: Thanza Rest & Acclimatisation

Overnight: Camping

Rest and acclimatise before the highest section of the route. Enjoy the extraordinary setting of Thanza, with views of ridges, lakes and distant snow-covered mountains. An optional short guided walk to nearby viewpoints may be possible according to weather, energy and acclimatisation.

Day 14: Thanza – Tsorim

Camp: approx. 5,125 m | Trek: 8–9 hours

Climb to a ridge around 4,500 m overlooking Thanza Valley and Table Mountain, then gradually rise towards a footbridge near 4,650 m. After lunch, continue across successive ridges with views of snow peaks and alpine terrain. Reach high ground near 5,150 m and descend slightly to the Tsorim campsite around 5,125 m.

Day 15: Tsorim – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp

Gophu La: approx. 5,230 m | Trek: 6–7 hours | Overnight: Camping

The expedition’s defining day begins with a climb towards the beautiful Tsorim Lakes and panoramic views of the Gophu La ranges. Cross Gophu La Pass (approximately 5,230 m), then descend along the ridge towards the base camp area. Ahead rises Gangkar Puensum, approximately 7,570 m high and widely recognised as the world’s highest unclimbed mountain. Celebrate reaching the foot of this magnificent Himalayan giant.

Day 16: Gangkar Puensum Base Camp Exploration

Lower base camp area: approx. 4,970 m | Overnight: Camping

Spend a full day appreciating the mountain, surrounding glaciers and immense alpine landscape. Relax, photograph the scenery or join an optional guided viewpoint walk if conditions allow. A route towards a Pyramid Peak viewpoint or the lower camp near Sha Chu may be considered only after guide and safety assessment.

Day 17: Base Camp – Geshe Woma

Camp: approx. 4,200 m | Trek: 6–8 hours

Bid farewell to Gangkar Puensum and begin the return through remote wilderness. Follow the Sha Chu River on a gradual descent, passing glacial streams and open mountain slopes as the vegetation slowly changes. Camp at Geshe Woma.

Day 18: Geshe Woma – Warathang

Camp: approx. 4,000 m | Trek: 8–9 hours

Follow the Sha Chu for about two and a half hours before beginning a steep ascent towards Saka La. Stop for lunch near a yak herder’s camp, then continue to the pass (approximately 4,800 m). Descend to an area of alpine lakes and climb again towards Warathang La (approximately 4,590 m) for sweeping views. Continue to Warathang camp. Navigation can be difficult in poor visibility.

Day 19: Warathang – Dur Tsachu

Trek: approx. 5 hours | Overnight: Camping

Climb to Jue La Pass (approximately 4,400 m), then descend towards a river and continue through rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest. Cross a bridge and ascend to Dur Tsachu, remote hot springs associated in local tradition with Guru Padmasambhava. If conditions and access permit, enjoy a soak before camping nearby.

Day 20: Dur Tsachu – Tshochenchen

Camp: approx. 3,850 m | Trek: 8–9 hours

Climb steadily from the hot springs through ridges and alpine terrain with views towards the mountains of Lunana. Pass clear mountain lakes and seasonal yak herders’ camps before reaching Tshochenchen. Enjoy the final night of camping. The exact pass sequence must be confirmed by the operating trekking team.

Day 21: Tshochenchen – Dur Village – Bumthang

Overnight: Hotel, Bumthang

Complete the final trekking stage along the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually with occasional climbs. Where required, pack loads transfer from yaks to ponies on the lower trail. Reach Dur Village and meet your vehicle for the drive to Bumthang. Check into your hotel for a hot shower and a well-earned rest.

Day 22: Bumthang – Flight to Paro

Overnight: Hotel, Paro

Transfer for the proposed domestic flight to Paro, subject to schedule and operations. On arrival, enjoy a coloured sand mandala creation session guided by a local expert, learning about its symbolism and Buddhist teachings of impermanence. Later, try Bhutanese national dress, the gho or kira, for a photography experience with Paro Dzong as the backdrop.

Day 23: Tiger’s Nest Hike & Farewell Dinner

Hike: approx. 4–6 hours | Overnight: Hotel, Paro

Hike through pine forest to the iconic Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) Monastery, perched dramatically above Paro Valley. Explore the sacred site before descending. In the evening, visit a local farmhouse for a traditional hot-stone bath to relax after the expedition, followed by a special Bhutanese farewell dinner. Return to your hotel in Paro.

Day 24: Departure from Paro

Departure transfer

After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Depart with unforgettable memories of remote Lunana, the Layap community and the remarkable journey to the base of Gangkar Puensum.

Package Inclusions

• Airport transfers and standard transportation throughout the tour.
• Accommodation in comfortable 3-star hotels.
• All meals as specified in the itinerary.
• Bottled drinking water during sightseeing and transfers.
• An experienced English-speaking (trekking specialist) guide throughout the journey.
• Bhutan visa and visa processing fees.
• Bhutan’s Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) and applicable government taxes.
• Park/trek permits
• Sightseeing and entrance fees for monuments and attractions mentioned in the itinerary.

Trekking Inclusions

• Trekking Tents: Sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet and shower tents.
• Camping Equipment: Sleeping bags (if required and clean), sleeping mats, rugs and pillows.
• Comfort Essentials: Inner blankets and hot water bags.
• Lighting: Solar lamps in the dining and kitchen tents.
• Drinking Water: Mineral or boiled drinking water throughout the trek.
• Refreshments: Bottled/packaged fruit juice during the trek and breakfast, along with tea and snacks during the day and at campsites.
• All Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner throughout the trek.
• Trekking Staff: Experienced trekking cooks and assistants.
• Pack Animals: Porters and ponies for carrying equipment and luggage.
• Duffle Bags: Duffle bags provided where required.
• Camp Furniture: Chairs and tables provided at the campsites.

Package Exclusions

• International and domestic airfares.
• Accommodation upgrades to 4-star or 5-star hotels.
• Vehicle upgrades.
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Sleeping Bag
• Beverages and bottled water consumed at hotels or outside the included meals.
• Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers and other service providers. These are entirely at the guest’s discretion and may be given based on the quality of service received.
• Personal expenses and any services not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions.
• Bank/wire transfer fees and credit card transaction or processing fees.
• Anything that not mentioned in the inclusions.

Cancellation Policy

To confirm your Bhutan tour booking with Rustic Frontiers, a minimum of 50% of the total tour cost must be paid upon confirmation and prior to your arrival in Bhutan.

In the event of cancellation, refunds will be processed after deducting the applicable cancellation charges outlined below. Bhutan Airlines, Drukair and luxury hotels may have separate reservation, cancellation and refund policies, which will apply in addition to the tour cancellation policy. Any bank or wire transfer charges associated with a refund will be deducted from the refundable amount.

Cancellation Charges

Cancellation Notice	Cancellation Charges
More than 60 days before arrival	No cancellation fee on the land cost. Airline and hotel cancellation charges, where applicable, will be deducted according to their respective policies.
45–60 days before arrival	25% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
30–44 days before arrival	50% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
14–29 days before arrival	75% of the total tour cost will be deducted.
Within 7 days of arrival or No-Show	100% of the total tour cost will be deducted.

Important: All cancellation requests must be submitted to Rustic Frontiers in writing by email and are subject to confirmation and approval by Rustic Frontiers. The applicable cancellation period will be determined by the date the cancellation request is received and approved.

Airline tickets, luxury hotel reservations and other services with separate cancellation policies will be subject to the respective supplier’s terms and conditions.

Packing list for the trek

Technical Clothing:

• Down parka.
• Warm fleece jacket.
• Comfortable trekking boot.
• Lightweight shoes, flip flop (or similar shoes).
• Rain gears.
• 4 pair trekking socks.
• 2 long sleeve capilene shirts, capilene bottoms (mid and heavy weight).
• 2 trekking shirts (non-cotton is best).
• Trekking pants (zip off shorts are better).
• 1 pair shorts.
• Warm gloves.
• Warm hat.
• Sun hat.
• 2 pair sunglasses.

Equipment:

• Small daypack.
• Waterproof duffel for gear.
• Warm sleeping bag (-30°C).
• Mud guard.
• Headlamp and a normal torch.
• Camera and extra batteries.
• Earplugs.
• 2-liter water bottles (if camelback, bring nalgene as well).
• Small towel.
• Various size plastic bags to keep gear dry and separate.