This is a
short five day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice
versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two
valleys. Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful
lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular
rhododendron forests, which bloom in May. In the clear weather
of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.
SEASONS:
This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from
September to December.
DAY 01:ARRIVE
PARO
On arrival
at Paro airport, you will be met by your Bhutan All Seasons representative,
and transferred to your Paro hotel.
Overnight
at the hotel in Paro.
DAY 02:PARO
TOUR & 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 PARO TAKTSANG (TIGER'S NEST MONASTERY)
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 TREK
Distance: 8km, estimated trekking time: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
Distance:10km,
trekking time: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
Early morning
drive to Paro for 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.
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