After an early breakfast, drive north of Paro to Gunitsawa village, where your trekking team will be waiting. Meet the team, make your final preparations, check your gear, and begin walking into the mountains. The trail leads through meadows dotted with flowers and medicinal plants before entering deep forests of oak, fir, birch, and rhododendron. The changing vegetation clearly marks the beginning of your journey from the cultivated valley into wilder mountain country ahead.
As the trail continues, you gradually descend towards a long meadow where your trekking team will have established camp. The surroundings become increasingly peaceful and remote as the forest opens into wider mountain landscapes. If the weather is clear, you may catch your first glimpse of the tip of Mt. Jomolhari, an exciting reminder of the high country ahead. Finally, settle into camp, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and prepare for the longer days deeper in the wilderness.