Your flight should afford breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks before you land in Paro, to be met and escorted to your hotel by our local representatives. After lunch you will visit the National Museum housed in an old watchtower on a hill overlooking the Paro Valley. Then visit the Rinpung Dzong, a massive fortress dating from 1645, and take some time to wander through the town and along the riverside.

Today you will take a four-hour round-trip trek to Taktsang or ‘Tiger’s Nest’ Monastery, perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 800m. It is believed that during the second half of the 8th century Guru Padma Sambhava, the second Buddha, meditated at this spot after travelling there on the back of a flying tigress. Later in the day you will drive over the Chelila Pass (3810m) to the Haa Valley about two hours away, where you will camp near Bangana.

The trek begins with a gentle climb up the Talela Pass (3780m) through a thick forest of rhododendron and conifer. The gradual ascent continues to the yak herders’ camp at Tshojo before climbing further to the Gochula pass (4200m). After this pass the trail follows a ridge and then descends gradually to your camp at Womji near a nomadic settlement. (3750m)

Today’s walk starts with a steep climb through juniper and rhododendron forest to the Gochhila pass (4350m), providing spectacular views of the whole Tshejala range. Continuing on to Tshejalum, you will pass several yak herders’ camps and in spring the trail is carpeted with flowers. You will then aim for the Tshejala (meaning ‘difficult’: no elaboration required!) pass, the crossing on the ancient trade route from Haa to Tibet. From here you will descend to your overnight halt at the nomadic camp near Lake Tshonapata (4150m).

You have the opportunity today to enjoy the area around this sacred lake, visiting the yak herders’ camp, fishing for golden trout or walking on the surrounding hillsides.

This morning you will retrace your steps as far as Gochhila Pass before branching off on a different route over a ridge to Lake Tsojo (3780m). There will be time for a picnic lunch on the lake shore before a descent to the camp in a yak meadow in Tsojo.

Your trail descends gradually today through juniper and rhododendron forest until you reach the Talila Pass, which you will cross to re-enter the Haa Valley. Your trek finishes here and your transport will be waiting to drive you to Thimpu.

Tashichho Dzong, a huge fortress housing government Ministries, and the office and Throne Room of the King. After lunch you will drive back to Paro in time to stroll in the town or enjoy a traditional hot stone bath