|
Day 01:
Arrive PARO
Meeting &
assistance on arrival and
transfer to the hotel.
Afternoon visit Taa Dzong,
built in 17th century, as
watch tower from the
invasion of Tibetans to
defend Paro Dzong and
valley. This fortress was
later converted into the
National Museum in 1967 and
is filled with antique
THANKA paintings, textiles,
weapons and Bhutan's
renowned postage stamps.
Below Taa Dzong, is
fascinating Rinpung Dzong
meaning "fortress of the
heap of jewels" which has
interesting history. Later
evening visit to Paro market
and town. Overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
Day 02: PARO
To check your
resistance we shall begin
with small hike to Taktsang
Monastery. The walk uphill
will be not more than two
hours. The trail is broad.
At the view point there is a
cafeteria. Have a cup a tea
or some juice here and then
take a walk little higher to
the closer view point of
Taktsang. Then walk back for
lunch in Paro town.
Afternoon visit, Kyichu
Lhakhang, one of the oldest
and most sacred shrines of
Bhutan. Overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
Day 03: PARO
– SHANA (17km, 5/6hrs walk)
The trek
starts from Drukgyel Dzong
at 2580m with a short
downhill walk on a wide
trail. The trail climbs
gently traversing through
well-maintained rice
terraces and fields of
millet. The route later
enters an area of apple
orchards and forests. Soon
the valley widens and you
reach the army post of
Gunyitsawa at 2,810m. This
is the last stop before
Tibet. At 2,870m, just
beyond Sharma Zampa, there
are several good camping
places in meadows surrounded
by trees.
Day 04: SHANA
- SOI THANGTHANGKHA 20km,
7/8hours
The trail
again follows Paro river,
ascending and descending
through pine, oak and spruce
forests. Hot lunch will be
served after crossing the
bridge towards the justify
side of the river. After
lunch follow the river
climbing up through
rhododendron forests and
finally crossing the bridge
again, reaching to the
campsite at the altitude of
3750 m.
Day 05: SOI
THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG
19km,7/8hour
The path
ascends for a while till you
reach the army camp. Then
follow the river above the
tree line enjoying the
stunning view of the
surrounding peaks. Hot lunch
will be served inside a yak
herder's camp. A short walk
into the valley will take
you to the camp at
Jangothang at an altitude of
4,040 m. From here you will
see the fascinating view of
Mt. Chomolhari and Jichu
Drake.
Day 06:
JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI
18km,7/8 hours
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
Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and
Tsherim Gang. Then walk
towards the valley, almost
flat for a while, until the
limb to the Nyele la pass at
an altitude of 4700m. After
the pass it's a gradual
descent to the Lingshi camp,
enjoying the panoramic view
of the peaks and Lingshi
Dzong. Camp at the altitude
of 4000 m.
Day 07:
LINGSHI - SHODU
22km,8/9hours
The Laya Gasa
route leaves the Jhmolhari
trek here. The trek route
climbs towards a small white
chorten on a ridge above the
camp, then turns south up
the deep Mo Chhu valley. The
trail stays on the west side
of the largely treeless
valleys, climbing steadily a
short distance above Mo Chhu.
It then crosses the river
and climbs steeply for two
hours to Yeli la pass
(4,820m). From the pass, on
a clear day, you can see
Mount. Jhomolhari,
Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang
and Masang Gang. Descend
alongside a stream to a
shelter, then further
downstream to a camp at
Shodu (4,100m), a meadow
with a chorten.
Day 08: SHODU
- BARSHONG 16km,6/7hours
At this
place, one comes back to
tree line. The path follows
Thimphu river, descending
through rhododendron,
juniper and other alpine
forests. The view of the
cliff facing rocks and
waterfalls is stunning. Hot
lunch will be served at the
riverside. After lunch the
trail gradually ascends to
the ruins of Barshong Dzong,
reaching the camp at the
altitude of 3,600m.
Day
09: BARSHONG - DOLAMKENCHO
15km, 5/6 hours
The route
descends through alpine
forests and once again join
Thimphu river for a while.
After lunch climb up to
Dolamkencho camp at the
altitude of 3600m.
Day
10: DOLAMKENCHO - DODENA -
THIMPHU 8km,
3hours
The trail
goes in and outside valleys
above Thimphu River, making
a long ascent through a
forest of conifers and high
altitude broadleaf species
to a pass at 3510m. The
trail then drops steeply to
the river and follow it
southward to the road head
at Dodena, elevation 2600m
where you will be picked up
by Snow White transport to
drive to Thimphu. Overnight
at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 11:
THIMPHU - PARO
Full day of
sightseeing in Thimphu
valley visiting; Memorial
Chorten, Tashichho dzong,
National Library, Painting
School, Traditional Medicine
Institute, Handicrafts
Emporium. Evening drive to
Paro. Overnight at the hotel
in Paro.
Day 12: PARO
depart
After
breakfast, drive to Paro
airport for flight to onward
destination. |
