Highlight: 9 days high altitude trekking; 4 days cultural touring and sightseeing in 3 different districts of Bhutan; visit ancient monasteries, Dzongs (fortress-monasteries), more.. Trip Duration 13days Trekking Grade Rigorous Trekking Days 9 days Min. Group Size 4 Participants Season April to June; Sept. to Nov. Experience the Bhutan that only Few Travelers Get to See! From the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong (fortress of the Victorous Drukpas), below such beautiful peaks as Chomolhari and Jichu Drakay, you will hike through the wildlife-rich Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park, visiting the picture postcard valley of Lingshi. The sky-piercing peaks, thunderous waterfalls, turquoise lakes and streams, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers, remote yak herders villages and, dense forests of rodhodendron, pine, juniper and fir provide the backdrop for this inspiring and challenging adventure. You will be rewarded with up-close views of Bhutan’s two most beautiful peaks - Chomolhari and Jichu Drakay - and have the opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the people of Lingshi (Bjobs). The unhurried pace of life and the tradition of hospitality of the Bjobs ensures you a warm welcome. Lives of the Bjobs are centered around their yaks. The yak butter, cheese and meat are exchanged for food and provisions. The yak hair is spun into the fabric for tents, ropes, clothes and blankets. The yak dung is collected to be burned for warmth and cooking. We begin trekking from Drukgyal Dzong in Paro through small villages, old forests and wildflower-filled meadows into a true wilderness. Stunning views greet us, revealing incredible vistas of Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park, as we gradually ascend towards the Bhutan/Tibet border and Chomolhari Base Camp. After resting a day at Chomolhari Base Camp, we hike to the 600-year old Lingshi Dzong, one of the remotest and most beautiful fotress-monasteries in the country. From Lingshi, after a steep climb to Yelila Pass (4,820m), the trail winds up and down through forest of juniper, fir, rodhodendron and pine. It continues past the ruins of Barshong fortress, and eventually drops steeply to the Wangchu River and the roadhead at Dhodina, the upper part of the Thimphu Valley. Important Note Most of our trips take place during the busy season and it is difficult to secure reservations on Druk Air and in Hotels in Paro, Thimphu, Wangdi Phodrang, Tongsa and Bumthang. The farther in advance that you book, the more likely it is that we can confirm the resrvation you choose. The rule of thumb is: Book as far in advance as possible, but don't hesitate to contact us at the last minute if free time suddenly comes your way. 13 Day Moderate Touring & Rigorous Trekking Day 1: Arrival in Paro by Druk Air Day 2: Paro Trek Begins Day 3: Drukgyal Dzong to Shana (Distance: 17 km; Time: 5 -6 hours) Day 4: Shana to Thangthangkha (Distance: 22 km; Time: 6 - 7 hours Day 5: Thangthangkha to Jangothang - Base Camp (Distance: 19 km; Time: 5-6 hours) Day 6: Rest day at the Base Camp with optional day hikes Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi (Distance: 18 km; 5-6 hours) Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu (Distance: 22 km; 8-9 hours) Day 9: Shodu to Barshong (Distance: 16 km; 5-6 hours) Day 10: Barshong to Dolam Kencho (Distance: 15 km; 5-6 hours) Day 11: Dolam Kencho to Thimphu (Distance: 8 km; 3 hours) Ends of the Trek Day 12: Thimphu Day 13: Paro Day 14: Depart by Druk Air Choosing a Trek by Trip Rating A Rule of Thumb: Anyone who has no problem with an all-day hike should find our easy treks manageable. And anyone with backpacking experience and who is in good shape generally should have no trouble with a rigorous trek. Trekking Grade: Rigorous Physically more challenging and more suited to regular hill-walkers who are used to extended days and who are competent over difficult terrain. The trek involves several days of camping at high altitudes. Trip Overview: Moderate Touring with Rigorous Trekking Adventure Trekking (with only a light daypack) 4-10 hours per day over varying terrain. Lodging Overview: 8 nights tent camping during trek and 5 nights in best available hotels and resorts on double occupancy basis with private bath   Meals You will eat well. We provide superb meals even in the most remote areas. Our selected hotels and restaurants offer delicious Chinese, continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. On trek, well trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.