TRIP LENGTH:12 Days
LEVEL: Easy
SEASONS: March to May & September to December
Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by the representative of Bhutan Travellers and escort you to the hotel where arrangements have been made for the night.
Day 2: Paro - Sightseeing
Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watchtower of the Paro Rinpung Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hilltop above the Pachu (Paro river) in the Paro valley. It houses the District Administration office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. Lunch at the Hotel. Visit the Drukgyal Dzong, which is located 14 km away from the Paro town. The name Drukgyal means ‘Victorious Bhutanese’. It was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1650 AD to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the many chains of defensive fortresses against the Tibetan invasions. The Dzong was burnt down by fire which started from a butter lamp in 1950. On the way back, visit the Kichu Monastery which, was built by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in 659 AD. It was one of the 108 such Monasteries, which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Begin the trek. Paro - Chonana
(Alt. 3500m. Distance 14 km. Time 4-5 hours)
Start the trek from Olathang 1.5 km from Paro town. Most of the days walk is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Along the trail, you pass through some beautiful farmhouses built in typical Bhutanese architect. The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent. Overnight in camp.
Day 4: Chonana - Jebkarpo
(Alt. 3500m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours)
A superb trekking route. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chele La pass Alt. 3700m. The trail takes you through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. After crossing the pass, the trail goes along the ridge of Chele La with clear view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Overnight in camp.
Day 5: Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula
(Alt. 3850m. Distance 15 km. Time 5-6 hours)
Today is a day to be up early. Early morning view from the campsite of Mount Jumolhari Tserim Gang and the famous mountain Jichu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley. Overnight in camp.
Day 6: Lower Mingula - Thong
(Alt. 3950m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours)
Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, you will see lots of yaks. Overnight in camp.
Day 7: Thong - Thimphu
A short descend and you are in Paro valley. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro. Lunch at Paro and drive on to Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km and two hours drive from Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
A full day of sight seeing in Thimphu. You can visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and the living quarters of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the Painting and Woodcraft school where the traditional art and painting is kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge Stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu) the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 AD. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 9: Thimphu – Wangdiphodrang/Punakha
A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan which is about 77 km from Thimphu and Wangdiphodrang (16 km from Punakha). You can visit the Dzongs in both the places as well as other interesting sites. Lunch at Punakha or Wangdiphodrang and return to Thimphu. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro
Morning: Take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town to do some shopping, visit the Post Office to do your philatelic purchases. After lunch, drive to Paro (65km) and takes about 2 hours to drive. Visit Simtokha Dzong en route. Overnight at the hotel in Paro..
Day 11: Paro Sightseeing
Drive up to Satsam Chorten, 10 km from Paro town and hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 3000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and river. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is believed that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated in the spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours.
Day 12: Paro International Airport
Seen off by representatives of Bhutan Travellers
