Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02:Paro Sightseeing
Drive northwest up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan
invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering
walls are still an imposing sight. On a clear day there is a splendid
view of Mt. Chomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.
Visit one of the typical village houses clustered near the dzong.
Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines
of Bhutan. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout
tower and now the National Museum. Then walk down the hillside trail
to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), “the fortress of the heap of
jewels”.
Day 03 : Hike to Taktsang ( Paro)
This is the acclimatization day for you. You will begin an early
morning hike to the Taktshang
monastery. In this exercise, you will be gaining roughly 800 meters
in less than three hours. Lunch will be served in the cafteria below
the monastery. Evening at leisure.
Day 04: Paro - Jeledzong
8km, 3 hours
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb
up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp,
and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped
mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele
Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing a statue
of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp.
Day 05: Jeledzong - Jangchu Lhakhang
10km, 3-4 hours
Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually
upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons.
You will have fine views of Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks
if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling
during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight
camp.
Day 06 : Jangchu Lhakhang – Jimilangtso
11km, 4 hours
The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the
mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view
of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity
of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are
famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight camp.
Day 07: Jimilangtso –Simkota
11km, 4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes
by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders’
camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight
close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake
trout for your dinner.
Day 08: Simkota-Phajoding
10km, 4 hours
Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you
will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of
other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to
a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight
in cafeteria or camp, depending on weather conditions.
Day 09: Phajoding – Thimphu
5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested
area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu
in about 3 hours.
Afternoon, sightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the following,
as time permits:
- National Memorial Chorten – built as a memorial to Bhutan’s
third king (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and as a monument to
world peace
- Tashichhodzong - the impressive fortress/monastery housing
some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk
body
- Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of intricately hand-woven
textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at
this government-run outlet, and at many smaller handicrafts shops
around town
- National Library – established in the late 1960s primarily
to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part
of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection
of Buddhist texts and manuscripts
- Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the Painting
School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts
of Bhutan
- National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) –
the rich herbal medicines made up from plants abundant in the
kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners
trained
Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Punakha-Wangdue -Thimphu
After breakfast, full day excursion to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys.
The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which
there are the most enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit
Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu
rivers. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal,
this dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive
to Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong
and the local market.
In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 11: Thimphu - Paro
Your Bhutan tour guide will see you off at the Paro Airport for
your onward flight.
Note: This trek is of medium difficulty range. It consists of
a lot of ups and downs and it may take you above the tree line.
The trek may involve 6-7 hours a day of walking and the elevation
may go up to as much as 4000 mts. above sea level. You have to be
a good walker to be able to enjoy this trek. A physical fitness
check up is necessary.
