This trip is quite beautiful, but requires
that trekkers are in very good physical condition,
as it includes many walking hours and the crossing
of two high mountain passes. We crisscross the
Pa-Chu River until we reach base camp at Jangothang.
Our trek is the longer version and crosses two
high passes from base camp. The views of snow-covered
Chomolhari at 7315m from Jangothang are truly
spectacular.
Day 01 : 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. <!--[if !supportEmptyParas]-->
<!--[endif]-->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 02 : 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 03 : 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 04 : 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 05 : 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 06 : 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 07 : 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 08 : 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 09 : 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.