Day 1: Arrive Paro by Druk
Air flight.
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of
Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks including
the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival
at Paro our representative will receive you. The drive to hotel
through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken
to Ta-dzong (museum). Overnight at hotel.
Day 2: Paro/Thimphu.
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa chu (chu
means river or water) down stream to its confluence with the
Wangchu, then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. Afternoon lunch
at the hotel. After lunch visit the Memorial Chhorten, here
the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late
King. Overnight in hotel.
Day 3: Thimphu sightseeing.
A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in
the town, visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop
where all the handicrafts are produced. After lunch visit Tashichhodzong.
Overnight at the hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu/Trongsa.
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa
takes approximately 7 to 8 hours. Packed lunch will be provided
at the hotel. Lunch stop at Chendebje Chhorten. Overnight at
Trongsa tourist lodge.
Day 5: Trongsa/Jakar (Bumthang).
Drive to Jakar takes approximately 2 1/2 (two and half) hours.
Tales of the great teacher, Guru Padmasambhava, dominate this
holy valley. From the view point you can see Jakar dzong, "the
castle of white bird". Lunch at tourist lodge. Afternoon
hike up to Lame Gampa, a palace built by the first king for
his two nun sisters. Outside one can seen traditional Bhutanese
paper making. Overnight in Bumthang tourist lodge.
Day 6: Bumthang/Nganglhakhang.
The trek route takes you around the Chamkhar chu, a river rich
in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi lhakhang, then you enter the
swan land "Ngang Yul" with its center swan temple,
Ngaglhakhang. This part of the valley was at first inhabited
by the swans that gave their name Nagang. Lam Namkha Samdrup,
having had a vision of how to build a gompa, shot an arrow to
find the exact sport of the temple. Cultural programme can be
arranged in the evening. Overnight in camp. Alt. 9,500 ft. Distance
- 20 kms. about 5/6 hours.
Day 7: Nganglhakhang/Ugyenchholing.
Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353m/ 11000 ft. the highest
point on the route. The trail you follow until the pass takes
you through one of the most beautiful forested areas of this
region. Allowing for many stops to enjoy the natural beauty
of the surroundings, we can also view Ugyenchholing palace on
the way.
Day 8: Ugyenchholing/Phokpey.
Ascending through bambooís, hemlock and finally up to
the alpine forests. Overnight in camp. Alt. 11,500 ft. distance
- 17 kms, about 5-6 hours.
Day 9: Phokpey/Ungaar.
Continue for half and hour up to Phokpeyla, alt. 12,300 ft.
Then continue downhill through the gorge, which is about 10,000
ft. below, overlooking some mountain valleys and the pains.
Towards the camp we meet the pine trees. Distance 20 kms., about
708 hours.
Day 10: Ungaar/Taskila.
This trail, like a wave, winds up and down en route Drula village,
and Khaine Lhakhang, one of the oldest in existence. It was
built in the mid 7th century by the kind of Tshong Tsen Gompo
of Tibet to subdue demons. Alt. 6000 ft. Distance - 21 kms.
about 7-8 hours.
Day 11: Taskila/Lhuntshi.
Drive up to Lhuntshi guest house for lunch. At leisure after
lunch. Overnight in guest house or in camp. Alt. 6000 ft.
Day 12: Lhuntshi/Menji.
Drive down to Kuri zam and the trek starts gradually up through
the paddy fields and villages. Overnight in camp. Distance -16
kms. about 4-5 hours. Alt. 6,000 ft.
Day 13: Menji/Pemi.
Continue uphill through the thick forest overlooking some mountain
views. Set up camp under shelter of the forest. Altitude approx.
8,000 ft. Distance -20 kms. about 6-7 hours.
Day 14: Pemi/Taupang.
Continue up to Dongla where you can see all the high mountains
views. Descend through thicker evergreen forests till you reach
campsite. Alt. 3000 ft. Distance -21 kms. about 6-7 hours.
Day 15: Taupang/Yangtsi.
The longest trek is on this day. Gradually downhill till Yangtsi
through chirpine and hard wood forests like oak of subtropical
zone. Overnight in camp. Distance -24 kms. about 8-9 hours.
Day 16: Yangtsi/Trashigang.
The drive takes about 2-3 hours. Overnight in camp or in guest
hours.
Day 17: Trashigang/Samdrup Jonkhar.
Picnic lunch is provided at breakfast time. Begin a breathtaking
drive unlike any other you've experienced through eastern villages
and satellite towns, alongside sheer drops and scenic views.
En route to Deothang is the Polytechnic college. Now you are
in the sub-tropical zone. The drive actually takes about 6-7
hours. Overnight in hotel.
Day 18: Samdrup Jonkhar/Guwahati.
The drive takes you about 3-4 hours to Guwahati to catch the
flight for your onward journey or overnight in Guwahati hotel.
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