Best
time to trek Feb-May & Sept-Nov.
Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk Air. During this flight, one will
experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga
and other Himalayan peaks, including sacred Jhomolhari and Mt.
Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro a professional guide
will receive you. Drive through Paro valley is enchanting. Overnight
at hotel.
Day 2: Paro sightseeing.
Drive the winding road Northwest up the Pachhu to Drukgyal dzong,
the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan
invasions. Mt. Jhomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward
beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the
way back visit of typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Paro. Excursion
to Taktsang. Spend whole day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's
Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff
300 mt. above the valley. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava
flew here on the back of a tigress for the purpose of his journey.
When the Guru finished his meditation, he instructed that the
monastery to be built. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3:
Paro/Jele dzong Distance - 6/7 kms. Alt.8500ft. Today is a short
trekking day. The trail is rather gradual till the camp and
if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with its
snow capped mountain backdrop.
Day 4:
Jele dzong/Jangchulakha. Distance -10 kms. Alt.9500 ft. you
begin with about an hour and half's climb then ascends gradually
up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons.
You may see yak herders around your campsite.
Day 5: Jangchulakha/Jimilangtso.
Distance -11 kms. Alt.11000ft. The trail follows the ridge and
on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful.
Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso.
Day 6: Jimilangtso/Simkota.
Distance -11 kms. Alt. 11500ft.The trail takes you through dwarf
rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you
may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how
these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake.
Day 8: Simkota/Phajoding.
Distance -10 kms. Alt. 9500 ft. today you begin with a gradual
climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view
of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan, and other peaks
from the Dochula pass. The trail slowly descends till you reach
the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.
Day 9: Phajoding/Thimphu.
Distance -7/8 kms. Alt.8050ft. The trek to Thimphu is all the
way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking
a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon:
Free to relax. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10: Thimphu sightseeing.
Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around
town; visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop where
all the handicrafts are produced. Afternoon: visit Tashichhodzong
and Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu/Punakha/Wangdue and back. Excursion with pack
lunch to Punakha and Wangdue valley. Visit Punakha dzong when
the monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu and overnight
in hotel.
Day 12:
Thimphu/Paro airport. Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight.
|