TRIP LENGTH:12 Days
LEVEL: Moderate/Hard
SEASONS: March to June & September to November
Itinerary
Day 1: Paro
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Adventure Geo Treks and escort to the hotel. Overnight in hotel.
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 14 km away from the Paro Town). Although now in ruins, this Dzong is of historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetans and drove them back. From here too the peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ alt. 7329 m (24,029ft.) can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back, you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely walk to stretch your legs in preparation for the excursion to Taktsang viewpoint.
Day 3: Excursion to Tiger's Nest
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3000 ft. above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress to meditate in the cave. The tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed to a flying tigress for the purpose of this journey. The hike to Taktsang Monastery takes about 4 hours. Picnic Lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria.
Day 4: Paro-Jela Dzong
(Distance - approximately 7 km, alt. 2576m)
This is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with the snowcapped mountains behind the valley.
Day 5: Jela Dzong-Jangchulakha
(Distance - 10 km, alt. 2879m)
You begin with about an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.
Day 6: Jangchulakha-Jimilangtso
(Distance – 11 km, altitude –4040m)
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilangtso Lake. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout.
Day 7: Jimilingtso-Simkota
(Distance – 11 km, alt - 3,485m)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake which is famous for trout fishing!
Day 8: Simkota-Phajodhing
(Distance - 10 km, altitude - 2,879m)
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you down hill to Phajodhing for a nights halt.
Day 9: Phajodhing-Thimphu
(Distance – 8 km, altitude - 2,439m)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Evening: Stroll freely in the town.
Day 10: Thimphu sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King, Throne Room, the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the painting and woodcraft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6Km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 AD.
Day 11: Thimphu with excursion to Punakha/Wangdue
A day trip to Punakha and Wangdue Valley. Punakha is the former capital of Bhutan (77Km) from Thimphu and Wangdue is 16 km away from Punakha. The Punakha Dzong houses the winter residence of the monastic body and the Chief Abbot. The massive fortress is situated between two rivers known as ‘Phochu Mochu’ (Male Female River) The drive takes about three hours one way. Evening: Drive back to Thimphu for the night.
Day 12: Thimphu-Paro airport
Seen off by representatives of Adventure Geo Treks.