This is a classic 9-days Trek. The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong in Paro and ends at Dodena near Thimphu. The highest point is 4115 metres and the route passes through two high passes. The views of the Mountain Jumolhari (7314 m) are really spectacular from Jangothang. The trek is strenuous.
Day 1. Arrive Paro:
On your journey to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.
On arrival you will be received by your Bhutanese guide from Bhutan Greenland Expeditions and escorted to Hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning "Heap of Jewels", built in 1646. Over night in Hotel.
Day 2. Paro:
After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rimpoche's meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress.
After lunch, visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari 'Mountain of the Goddess' can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Over night in Hotel.
Day 3. Paro - Shana (Start of Trek):
The trek starts at Drukgyal Dzong and follows the Paro river. The trail passes cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 4. Shana - Thangthangka:
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.
Day 5. Thangthangka - Jangothang:
The route passes a small army post in the morning, then the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home for yak herdsmen. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp. The ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions is visible nearby. Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 6: Jangothang (Halt):
A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction.
Day 7. Jangothang - Lingshi:
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 Jumolhari, JichuDrakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.
Day 8. Lingshi - Shodu:
The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4820 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. 8 hours.
Day 9. Shodu - Barshong:
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. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude 3600 meters. Walking time 6-7 hours.
Day 10. Barshong - Dolamkencho:
The path descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3600meters. Walking time 5-6 hours.
Day 11. Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu:
The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu River again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu (15 km). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12. Thimphu:
After breakfast, visit the Sangaygang view point, from where the bird's eye view of the Thimphu Valley can be seen. Visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Drupthob Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan followed by the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
After lunch, visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Zorig Chusum (The School of Thirteen Arts). Then visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and the Folk Heritage Museum. In the evening, visit the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the National Government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).Over night in Hotel.
Day 13. Thimphu - Punakha - Wangduephodrang: (2 - 3 Hours)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha. Stop at Dochula pass to view the higher Himalayas, if the weather is clear. Visit the Chhimi Lhakhang on the way to Punakha. The Temple, also known as "The Temple of Fertility" was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, "The Devine Mad Man".
After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck convened the first National Assembly here in 1952. Drive to Wangduephodrang. Visit a village and meet local people. Over night in Hotel.
Day 14. Wangduephodrang - Thimphu:
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 15. Departure:
Early morning drive to Paro Airport and farewell
