Juniper Trail was discovered by Bhutan Excursion and reserves the sole access to this wonderful short trek as it is not known to others yet. On this trek, you can expect total communication with nature and experience her capacity to capture your attention and mesmerize with her awesome beauty that no other experience could equal.  This three day trek follows the ancient yak herder’s route taking you in and out of the tree line, along the ridge that divides Paro and Haa valley – ending at the highest motor able pass in the country, the Chele La Pass. Besides all the wonderful personal experiences, it also offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan peaks, particularly that of the border with Tibet including Kanchenjunga the world’s third highest mountain and of the valleys underneath. In the summer it is a botanist’s paradise with many species of alpine flowers in blossom, and not to forget different species of pheasants.

We can guarantee that no other treks in Bhutan will gift the trekkers with such lasting experiences. We love taking our guests on this trek as we feel that this is one place that we could show and share with them to provide an enriching experience and a never satiating desire to visit again.

Day 01: Arrive Paro
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression.

Your guide who is going to be with you throughout your trip from Bhutan Excursion will meet you at the airport. A fifteen minute drive follows the narrow winding road to our hotel which is a traditional Bhutanese building with attractive gardens and an exceptionally peaceful atmosphere. In the afternoon, we will visit the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1651 as a watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong. Since 1967, the watch tower has served as the home of the National Museum and holds a fascinating collection of art, ancient relics and religious artifacts. Next in line is Rinpung Dzong built in 1646 by Shabdrung, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro and its district administration. If there is time, we will walk along the small main street of Paro in the evening with its typically Bhutanese shops and small lodges. Altitude at Paro – 2250 meters.

Overnight – hotel in Paro

Day 02: Taktsang Excursion

Today as the part of acclimatization trip, we will hike up to the famous 17th century temple called Taktsang or the Tiger’s Nest perched high on a rock face 900 meters above Paro valley. In 8th century, Guru Rinpoche; the great Indian saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here flying on the back of a tigress and have meditated here for about three months. It is revered as one of the most sacred places, where every Bhutanese wish to visit at least once in their lifetime. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We will have lunch at the cafeteria on our way back from the monastery, and then continue our hike down to the bottom.
Overnight – hotel in Paro

Day 03: Chuzomtoe/ Tsendu La(05-06 hours)
It’s about 02 hour drive to the trail head at Chuzomtoe (3310m) to begin your trek from where there is a superb view of Bhutan’s Himalaya on a clear day.

The trail runs gradually up along the ridge for over two hours till the base of treeless peak, occasionally passing by beautiful meadows that are being used by the yak herders to keep their yaks in winter. The trail then traverses for sometime before you make your way up through the thick alpine forest of firs, rhododendrons and junipers to Tsendu La,  a beautiful meadow on top of the ridge with breath taking views, be it of mountains or of valleys underneath.
Overnight: Camp at Tsendu La (3775m)

Day 04: Tsendu La / Pangka La (04-05 hours)
After the late breakfast, we will trek down the hill till we get to Dongle La pass (3565m) which is marked by an old two legged Chorten. This pass is along the forsaken ancient trade route between Paro and Ha valley. This route was like the present day highway not so long ago, with traffic of mules and people being the beast of burden in the same way. From here, the trail goes gradually up through the alpine forest till you get above the tree line in the vicinity of huge meadow of Pangka La.

Overnight: Camp at Pangka La (4150m)

Day  05: Pangka La / Chele La (05-06 hours)

It is worth rising up early in the morning to see the sun rise over the eastern Himalayan mountains or just to experience the solitude of this heaven like place on earth. After enjoying the peace and serenity of this place, we will start the last day of our trek sliding down slowly along the wide and well used yak’s trail for a while till it gets level. Along the ridge, we will come across some yak herder’s camps and then we have a short climb before we make our way down to yet another abandoned mule track at Dzongle La (3565m). From here, the path gets more of level traversing along one side of the rocky ridge till you get to the finishing point of your trek at the highest motor able pass in the country which is marked with grove of fluttering prayer flags known as Chele La (3750m).
Overnight – hotel in Paro

Day 06: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Bhutan Excursion will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.