Naro 6 Passes Trek — Crossing Six Himalayan Passes Through Jigme Dorji National Park

Your Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan begins with one of the most spectacular airport arrivals on earth. The plane banks between Himalayan ridgelines into Paro International Airport — terraced fields, pine forest, and painted farmhouses fill the window all at once. Your Bhutan Gangchen Tours representative welcomes you warmly at arrivals before the afternoon's gentle introduction to the Paro valley.

• Ta Dzong — National Museum of Bhutan — a former circular watchtower perched above the valley, now housing galleries of traditional Bhutanese art, ancient weaponry, thangka paintings, and natural history. Its stamp collection — including 3-D, silk, and the famous triangular yeti stamp — is a highlight in itself.
• Rinpung Dzong (Fortress of the Heap of Jewels, built 1646) — the administrative and monastic centre of Paro district. Its wooden-gallery courtyards are lined with vivid Bhutan Buddhist culture murals, and its position above the Paro River makes it one of the most photogenic Bhutan dzong sites in the country.

Spend the evening soaking in the serene atmosphere of the Paro Valley — strolling through the town's traditional streets, watching prayer flags flutter at dusk, and settling into the unhurried rhythm of Bhutanese life before the trek begins. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Tomorrow — the iconic hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery and a visit to Drukgyel Dzong before the trail departs the valley entirely.

Before a single night is spent in the wilderness, the Naro 6 Passes Trek offers one of Bhutan's greatest cultural and physical experiences as a warm-up. Start with an early breakfast — the hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest) rewards those who arrive on the trail early with the finest light and the fewest fellow walkers.

The monastery sits dramatically about 1,000 metres above the Paro Valley floor at 3,120 m. The trail climbs through serene pine forest, passing prayer flags and meditation caves. The halfway teahouse marks a natural rest stop with the monastery perfectly framed above — the most photographed view in all of Bhutan tourism. Guru Rinpoche flew to this cliff-face cave on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century, meditating here to bring Buddhist teachings to Bhutan. Allow an extra hour to explore the monastery complex — cameras must be left at the entrance gate.

• Drukgyel Dzong — a ruined 17th-century fortress built to commemorate Bhutan's victory over invading Tibetan forces. The reconstruction work ongoing at the site is a living monument to Bhutanese cultural memory. On clear days, the snow cone of Mount Jomolhari frames the dzong from the north — the same summit you will stand beneath within days.

Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Tomorrow, the trail departs from Drukgyel Dzong and follows the Pa Chhu River north into the mountains. The Naro 6 Passes Trek has begun.

The trek begins at Drukgyel Dzong — the ruined fortress at the northern end of the Paro valley that has guarded this approach to Tibet for centuries. From here, the trail follows the Pa Chhu River upstream through one of Bhutan's most beautiful and accessible wilderness corridors.

The path winds past scenic farmhouses painted in the traditional Bhutanese style — white walls, red bands, and intricate woodwork under wide eaves. The architecture of these valley settlements is distinct and photogenic, a world apart from the high camps ahead. Vibrant mixed forest closes in as the valley narrows, and the sound of the river accompanies every step.

Arrive at Shana — the official entry point into the Jigme Dorji National Park, where permits are checked and the true wilderness of the Bhutan Himalaya begins in earnest. The Bhutanese architecture of the park checkpoint and nearby farmhouses makes Shana a quietly atmospheric camp.

Overnight camp at Shana.

Tomorrow the trail climbs through oak and rhododendron forest toward the open meadow camp of Thangthangka.

From Shana, the trail climbs steadily alongside the river through increasingly dense and spectacular forest. Oak, blue pine, and rhododendron dominate the canopy — in spring, the rhododendron bloom transforms this section into one of the most colourful trails in the Himalayas. In autumn, the canopy turns to gold and amber against the clear blue sky.

The river grows louder and more turbulent as you gain altitude. Suspension bridges, traditional stone walls, and the occasional yak trail crossing remind you that these highlands have been travelled and inhabited for centuries, even where the forest feels untouched. Himalayan wildlife — including red foxes, barking deer, and a rich variety of bird species — may be spotted along this section.

Arrive at Thangthangka — a broad meadow campsite at a river confluence, well sheltered and offering the first wide views of the ridgelines ahead. The night sky at Thangthangka, away from all artificial light, offers a stunning panorama of stars that deepens with altitude. Overnight camp at Thangthangka.

Tomorrow the valley opens dramatically and the giant silhouette of Mount Chomolhari appears above the camp at Jangothang.

Today's walking is among the finest of the entire Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan. From Thangthangka, the trail ascends into a broad and increasingly open valley, with yak herder encampments appearing on the hillsides and the scale of the mountains growing with every hour. The vegetation shifts from dense forest to alpine grassland and rocky pasture.

Nomadic yak herder families move through this valley with their herds each season — encountering them on the trail, and seeing their black yak-hair tents and colourful belongings spread across the meadows, is one of the most vivid cultural moments of the trek. Your guide can introduce you and translate if you wish to spend time with them.

Camp at Jangothang (4,040 m) — one of the most celebrated campsites in all of Bhutan, positioned directly beneath the vast pyramid of Mount Chomolhari (7,326 m). For a shorter route that shares these same opening days, see our Jhomolhari Trek — a 13-day expedition crossing two passes with the same Chomolhari base camp experience. In the evening, the reflection of Chomolhari in the nearby lake creates a scene of extraordinary beauty — a photographer's defining frame for the entire journey. Overnight camp at Jangothang.

Tomorrow is a full rest and acclimatisation day at Jangothang — essential preparation before the first of six high passes begins.

Spend the day acclimatising at Jangothang beneath the immense presence of Mount Chomolhari. At 4,040 m, the body needs time to adjust before the first high pass — Nyile La (4,890 m) — is crossed tomorrow. The golden rule of high-altitude trekking applies here: climb high, sleep low, rest well.

Optional short hikes offer compelling alternatives to a full rest day:

• Walk to the nearby alpine lakes above the camp for close-up views of Chomolhari reflected in still water — different light, different framing, equally extraordinary.
• Climb to a viewpoint ridge above the valley for a panorama that takes in Chomolhari, the route ahead toward Nyile La, and the distant peaks of the Bhutan-Tibet border range.
• Visit the yak herder families camped in the valley to learn about the traditional nomadic lifestyle — seasonal movements, dairy production, wool weaving, and the deep cultural connection between the Bhutanese highland communities and their animals.

Drink at least four litres of water throughout the day. Eat a full dinner. Report any persistent headaches or dizziness to your guide. Overnight camp at Jangothang.

Tomorrow — the first of six passes. Nyile La (4,890 m) and the descent to the Lingshi area.

The Naro 6 Passes Trek reaches its first high crossing today. From Jangothang, the trail climbs steadily toward Nyile La Pass (4,890 m) — the highest point reached so far on the trek and the first of six passes that give this route its name. The ascent is demanding but the rewards are exceptional.

From the prayer-flag-draped summit of Nyile La, the panoramic views of the Himalayas stretch in every direction — Mount Chomolhari behind you, the ridgelines and valleys of the Lingshi district ahead, and the vast highland wilderness of northern Bhutan laid out below. Take time at the pass — this view does not diminish with familiarity.

The descent into the Lingshi area passes along ridges where blue sheep (bharal) are frequently spotted grazing at close range. These sure-footed animals are among the most commonly encountered large mammals on the high-altitude sections of the trek. The valley floor below Lingshi is wide and green, offering a dramatic contrast to the barren pass above.

Overnight camp near Lingshi.

Tomorrow — Yale La Pass (4,820 m), the second crossing, and the descent to Waleythang.

The second pass of the Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan. From the Lingshi camp, the trail climbs toward Yale La Pass (4,820 m) — another demanding but rewarding ascent through alpine terrain that opens progressively as height is gained. The landscape here is one of Bhutan's most remote and least visited, with few signs of permanent human presence beyond ancient herding routes and prayer flag poles at the high points.

The slopes approaching Yale La are carpeted with alpine wildflowers during the trekking season — primulas, edelweiss, gentians, and a rich variety of Himalayan flora add vivid splashes of colour to the rocky terrain and make this one of the most botanically interesting sections of the route. The summit views reward the climb with another wide panorama of the border ranges.

Descend to Waleythang — a valley camp nestled in broad highland terrain that provides shelter and water after the long day on the high ridges. The cumulative effect of two major passes in two days begins to settle into the legs and lungs in a way that feels earned. Overnight camp at Waleythang.

Tomorrow — Ledi La Pass (4,700 m), the third crossing, and the descent to the remote camp at Gang-Tsa.

The third pass. From Waleythang, the trail climbs to Ledi La Pass (4,700 m) — the lowest of the six passes by elevation, but no less demanding after consecutive high days. The ascent follows open alpine slopes with wide views across the valleys traversed over the past two days.

From the summit of Ledi La, the descent into the valley below is long and gradual — passing through high grazing pastures, small seasonal herder shelters, and increasingly sheltered terrain as altitude is lost. The route is quiet and deeply remote. On clear days, the high peaks of the Bhutan-Tibet border range remain visible for much of the descent.

Arrive at Gang-Tsa — a tranquil remote camp set in a scenic valley that feels genuinely far from the world. The isolation here is complete and restorative after three successive days of major climbing. The stillness of a high-altitude evening at Gang-Tsa — no engine sounds, no artificial light, stars appearing early — is one of the defining experiences of the Naro 6 Passes Trek. Overnight camp at Gang-Tsa.

Tomorrow the trail winds through forested ridges toward the serene high lake of Jigmelangtsho.

From Gang-Tsa, today's route follows trails through forested ridges — a welcome return to tree cover and the sounds of birdsong after several days above the treeline. The path winds through mixed highland forest, crossing streams and open clearings before climbing gently to the high lake basin ahead.

Arrive at Jigmelangtsho Lake — one of the most serene and beautiful campsites on the entire Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan. The lake sits in a natural alpine bowl, its still surface reflecting the surrounding ridgelines and sky. In the early morning and evening, the light on the water creates a quality of stillness that is rare even by Bhutanese wilderness standards.

Spend the evening in quiet observation of the lake and the crisp mountain air. After nine days of sustained physical effort, Jigmelangtsho offers a natural pause — a campsite that rewards simply sitting and looking. Overnight camp at Jigmelangtsho Lake.

Tomorrow — two passes in a single day: Yusa La and Dung Tsho La, passes four and five of the Naro 6.

The most demanding day of the Naro 6 Passes Trek. From Jigmelangtsho, the trail crosses two passes in a single stage — Yusa La and Dung Tsho La — the fourth and fifth of the six passes that define this extraordinary route.

The ascent to Yusa La follows alpine terrain above the lake basin, the views expanding rapidly with height gained. The summit rewards with an expansive panorama of the surrounding peaks and valleys — one of the broadest viewpoints of the entire trek. Descend briefly before climbing again to Dung Tsho La, the fifth crossing. The double-pass day demands steady pacing and good hydration from the outset.

The views from both summits are breathtaking — an uninterrupted panorama of the surrounding peaks offering what no single vantage point could provide. These passes together mark the emotional high point of the route: two summits in one day, with the full expanse of the Bhutan Himalaya laid out in every direction.

Descend to camp near Lababa — well-sheltered and lower than the passes, a good camp for recovery before the final descent day tomorrow. Overnight camp near Lababa.

Tomorrow — the sixth and final pass, then the descent through blue pine forest to Phajoding Monastery and the drive to Thimphu.

The sixth and final pass of the Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan. From Lababa, the trail climbs to the last high crossing of the route before beginning the long, satisfying descent through blue pine forest toward the capital. There is a particular quality to this final pass — the body knows the high terrain is ending, and the summit view carries both the exhilaration of completion and a quiet reluctance to leave.

The descent through dense blue pine forest is one of the most atmospheric sections of the entire trek — soft light filtering through the canopy, the forest floor carpeted in pine needles, and the sounds of the wilderness gradually giving way to the distant murmur of a city.

• Phajoding Monastery — perched on the ridge above Thimphu, this active monastic complex is one of the finest viewpoints over the capital valley. Monks in red robes move between the temple buildings; the smell of juniper incense and butter lamps fills the air. Explore our full Bhutan trekking guide to compare all routes, difficulty ratings, and seasonal conditions across the kingdom. A profoundly peaceful final point of contact with Bhutan Buddhist culture before the city below.

Drive from Phajoding down into Thimphu — spend the evening exploring the lively streets of Bhutan's capital, lined with shops, cafes, and handicraft stalls. After ten days in the wilderness, the city's energy is vivid and welcome. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

Tomorrow — the cultural highlights of Thimphu before the drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass.

A full morning in Thimphu — Bhutan's capital and the seat of government, religion, and culture — before the scenic drive east to Punakha. After nearly two weeks in remote mountain wilderness, the capital's museums, markets, and monuments offer a vivid cultural counterpoint to everything seen on the high passes.

• Buddha Dordenma at Kuenselphodrang — a 51.5-metre bronze and gilded statue of Shakyamuni Buddha overlooking the entire Thimphu valley. One of the largest Buddha statues in the world, and one of the finest viewpoints over the capital.
• Memorial Chorten — the most active daily worship site in Thimphu, built in honour of Bhutan's third king. Elderly Bhutanese circumambulate its path at dawn and dusk without fail.
• Thimphu Town Centre — browse handicrafts, fresh produce, and Bhutanese souvenirs. Thimphu famously has no traffic lights — a single uniformed officer directs vehicles at its busiest intersection.

Drive east via Dochula Pass (3,100 m) — where 108 Druk Wangyal memorial chortens crown a hilltop wrapped in prayer flags. On clear days, the snow-capped peaks of the eastern Himalayas fill the entire horizon — one of the finest short viewpoints in Bhutan. Descend through cool alpine forest into the subtropical warmth of Punakha Valley. Spend the evening enjoying the mild climate and the beauty of its terraced fields. Dinner and overnight in Punakha.

Tomorrow — Punakha Dzong and the morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten before the return drive to Paro.

Begin the final full day of the Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan tour with a morning hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten — a stunning four-storey temple built to ward off negative forces, perched on a hilltop above the Mo Chhu River with sweeping views over Punakha's rice paddies and terraced fields. The 30–40 minute walk through paddy fields and forest to reach it is one of the most peaceful short hikes in Bhutan.

Return to Punakha town for a final look at the valley before the drive west. If time permits, walk the 20–30 minutes through rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang — the fertility temple of the Divine Madman Drukpa Kunley (built 1499), whose irreverent teachings drew a devoted following across the Himalayan world.

Drive back to Paro through the mountain highway, stopping at Dochula Pass one last time for photographs before the descent. Arrive in Paro in the late afternoon with time for a stroll through the town's quaint traditional streets — carved timber shopfronts, painted farmhouses, local handicraft stalls, and small restaurants serving ema datshi (chilli and cheese, Bhutan's national dish). Pick up final souvenirs and sample local delicacies. Dinner and overnight in Paro.

Tomorrow — departure from Paro International Airport and the end of an extraordinary Bhutan trekking journey.

Your Naro 6 Passes Trek Bhutan journey with Bhutan Gangchen Tours comes to a close after breakfast. Your guide and driver transfer you to Paro International Airport as per your flight schedule. As the plane climbs steeply between the ridgelines one final time, the prayer flags and painted farmhouses of the Paro valley recede below — and the memory of six high Himalayan passes, glacial valleys, nomadic yak herders, and the vast silence of northern Bhutan settles in as something permanent.

Fifteen days have taken you from the ornate courtyards of Rinpung Dzong and the cliff-face wonder of Tiger's Nest Monastery deep into the wilderness of the Jigme Dorji National Park — past Mount Chomolhari at Jangothang, over Nyile La (4,890 m), Yale La (4,820 m), Ledi La (4,700 m), Yusa La, Dung Tsho La, and the sixth and final crossing above Phajoding — before descending through blue pine forest into Thimphu, south to the subtropical warmth of Punakha, and back to Paro for a last evening in Bhutan.

The Naro 6 Passes Trek is one of the finest high-altitude trekking routes in the entire Himalayan region — remote, demanding, and deeply rewarding. Bhutan's commitment to sustainable tourism and Gross National Happiness (GNH) keeps these mountain environments wild and unhurried. The entire Bhutan Gangchen Tours team thanks you for travelling with us. Tashi Delek!