Day 1: Arrive at Paro.
2250M.
A flight to Paro is one of the most
spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mt.
Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan
such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. The first
gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step
out of the plane. You will be received by our representative
and escorted to the hotel.
Afternoon visit to Ta-Dzong built in the
17th century, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong below. This
Ta-Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968, and
it is filled with antique Thangka paintings, textiles,
weapons and Armour. Driver to the Rinpung Dzong built in the
17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used
as an administration center and school for monks. Every Dzong has dual system together
with the religion section.
Day 2: Paro
Sightseeing.
In morning hike up to the Taktsang
monastery (Tiger Nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will
take around 3 hours. Enjoy the stunning view of the
monastery where Guru Padmasambava landed on the back of a
tigress in the 8th century, and meditated here for three
months. And following Guru’s foot steps lot of great saints
meditated here. The monastery was later built in this
holy place in 1684. Overnight Paro.
Day 3: Paro - Shana. 17
Km. Walking time 5-6 hours.
Drive to Drugyal Dzong (15 km), at the
end of the valley and the trek begins here. It goes upstream
of the Paro River, through villages, gradually ascending to
Shana. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 2870m.
Day 4: Shana - Soi
Thangthangkha. 22 Km. Walking time 7 -8 hours.
The trail again follows Pa-chu (Paro
river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and
spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the
bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch
follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests
and finally crossing the bridge again, and reaching to the
camp. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 3630m.
Day 5 : Soi
Thangthangkha - Jangothang. 19 Km. Walking time 5 hours.
The path ascends for a while till you
reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree
line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding peaks.
Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short
walk in the valley reaches you to the camp at Jangothang.
The view of Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey is superb. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4090 m.
Day 6: Rest day at
Jangothang. (Optional walk around)
It is rest day and free. But clients
love to take hike to Tshophu, walk towards the glacier lake
of Chhomolhari base or to the Jichu Darkey base glaciers
lake.
Day 7: Jangothang -
Lingshi. 18 Km. Walking time 5- 6 hours.
The trail follows the stream for half an
hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the
climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of
Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Gang. Then walk towards
the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the
Nyele la pass at an altitude of 4,890 meters. After the pass
it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the
panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 4010 m.
Day 8: Lingshi - Shodu.
22 Km. Walking time 8 -9 hours.
The path follows the stream up towards
the valley opposite the Dzong, gradually ascending through
the valley for 4 hours, until the stiff climb to the Yelela
pass (4800 meters), the highest pass on this trek. After the
pass it is along and gradual decent to the Shodu. Overnight
Camp. Altitude: 4110 m.
Day 9: Shodu - Barshong.
16 Km. Walking time 5 -6 hours.
This is the place where one comes back to
the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River,
descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine
forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls
are stunning. At the riverside you will be served hot lunch.
After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the
Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude 3680 m.
Day 10: Barshong -
Dolamkencho. 15 Km. Walking time 5-6 hours.
The road descends through alpine forest
and we once again join Thimphu River for a while. Rest for
lunch then climbs up to Dolamkencho is patch of meadow.
Where the yak herders use for make shift camp. When they
bring their Yaks in summer season here and if you were in
month of April. You will encounter with full swing bloom of
rhododendrons through this way to Dodana. Overnight Camp. Altitude: 3430m.
Day 11: Dolamkencho –
Dodena -Thimphu. 8 Km. walking time 3 – 4 hours.
The path descends through bamboo forest
all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu River
again. Arrive at Dodana where you will be picked up by your
vehicle to drive Thimphu (15km). Overnight hotel.
Day 12: Thimphu
sightseeing. 2350M.
Visit to the National Library. It has a
vast collection of ancient manuscripts and religion art
facts. Visit the Institute of Art & Painting school. Visit
the Indigenous Hospital. Where the traditional medicine are
made. Visit Textile museum.
Drive to sangyegang viewpoint from here
you could see the entire Thimphu valley. Way back, stop at
the mini zoo to see the Takin (Bhutan’s National Animal)
after drive further down and turn to left and visit the
Zilukha Nunnery – the only nunnery in Thimphu & Paro region.
Day 13: Thimphu -
Punakha. 77KM. 3 Hours. 1350M.
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass
(altitude 3050 meters). From here on a clear day one can see
superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan, such as Gangkar
Puensum, Table Mountain, Jeje Khang, Masangang and Gangchey
Ta. From here drive is all the way descend down till you
reach to your hotel for lunch.
Visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 between
the two Rivers called PHO – CHU and MO CHU, (Male & Female
Rivers) This place is consider as a old capital of Bhutan
and the first hereditary Kingship of Bhutan has started from
her in 1907. 17th December. Every consecutive year on 17th
December is observed as national day in Bhutan.
Drive further up road to make small hike
to Khansum Yuelly Namgyal Chorten built by Present queens.
Hike is through villages and here it is allowed to get
inside. Where Buddha in installed in dome and from here you
will enjoy the beauty of Punakha valley far down and you
will see winding of Mo-Chu River slowly following down. Overnight Punakha.
Day 14: Punakha -
Paro. 5Hours.
Drive to Thimphu. Visit the Handicraft
Emporium and spend time for shopping. Afternoon drives to
Paro (2 hours) for stay overnight at the hotel.
15: Departure.
Our representative will bid you a
good-bye farewell at Paro International Airport.