Day 1 (20 March, Thursday): Arrive Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains , including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17 th century, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong (fortress) and the valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan 's renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Ringpung Dzong meaning " fortress of heap of jewels". Visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan . Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 2 (21 March, Friday): Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan . Guru Rinpoche, a great spiritual master, is said to be have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley . The hike through a pine forest to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Hike back to Paro. In the evening explore Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3 (22 March, Saturday): Paro-Shana (17 km, 5/6 hours)
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet . At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 4 (23 March, Sunday): Shana- Sio Thangkha (20 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail again follows Pa Chhu ( 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, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 5 (24 March, Monday): Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (19 km, 7/8 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 surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Day 6 (25 March, Tuesday): Rest day at Jangothang
Acclimatization. Explore near by mountains and lakes.
Day 7 (26 March, Wednesday): Jangothang -Lingshi (18 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an altitude of 4000m.
Day 8 (27 March, Thursday): Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8/9 hours)
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten.
Day 9 (28 March, Friday): Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6/7 hours)
At this place, one comes back to tree line. The path follows Thimphu River , descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunches will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of riversides. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m.
Day 10 (29 March, Saturday): Barshong-Dolam Kencho (15 km, 5/6 hours)
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu. It stays on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m.
Day 11 (30 March, Sunday): Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu (8 km, 3 hours)
The trail goes in and out steeply to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2,600m where you will be picked up by Bhutan Travelers transport to drive to Thimphu . Overnight at hotel in Thimphu .
Day 12 (31 March, Monday): Thimphu-Punakha
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes a visit to; Memorial Chorten, Tashichodzong, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum . Afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3150m), where on the clear days you will see the ranges of Himalayan Mountains . On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 13 (1 April, Tuesday): Punakha with excursion to Wangdiphodrang
Morning sightseeing in Punakha includes visits to: Punakha Dzong (ancient capital of Bhutan ), Chime Lhakhang (temple dedicated to Devine Madman). Afternoon excursion to Wangdiphodrang to visit the town, Wangdi Dzong and Rinchengang village. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 14 (2 April, Wednesday): Punakha-Paro
Drive to Paro with stop in Thimphu for lunch. After lunch, you will drive to Paro. If you are lucky, you will catch an archery match in Thimphu or Paro. While in Paro, you will visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse to experience the life of a Bhutanese farmer and if you wish you can sit down for a dinner with a local family enjoying an "emadatse" a dish made up of cheese and chillies. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 15 (3 April, Thursday): Paro Depart
After early breakfast, drive to the airport for your flight to onwards destination. |