Grade: Moderate - Demanding
Season: March to May & September to November
Trip Duration: Total 9 days trip (4 nights hotel, 4 nights camping, and 5 days trekking) |
Day 1 Arrive Paro ( by Druk Air)
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. The journey offers you wonderful views of the Himalayas and an exciting descent into Bhutan. You will be met on arrival by the Bhutan Scenic Tours crew and transferred to your hotel to settle in. After lunch visit the Paro Dzong and the National Museum. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. |
Day 2 Paro
Day excursion to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest, the most spectacular monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan, in a way a symbol of Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery hence it is called “Tiger’s Nest”. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk back. Evening at leisure. Overnight in Paro. |
Day 3 Paro - Jele Dzong (start trek)
Distance 8 Km/5 miles; Time 4-5 hours
Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum, gradually ascending up to the camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the surrounding mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong where we can visit in the evening. Altitude of Jele Dzong: 3,436m/11270 ft. |
Day 4 Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
Distance 9 Km/5.5 miles; Time 4 - 5 hours
We begin with one and half hour climb and then further ascend gradually upwards through a thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. There is fine views of snow capped peaks and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude of Jangchulakha: 3,962m/12,995 ft. |
Day 5 Jangchulakha - Jimilang Tsho
Distance 10 Km/6 miles; Time 6 hours
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout. Altitude of Jimilangtsho: 3,880m/12,726 ft. |
Day 6 Jimilang Tsho - Simkotra
Distance 7 Km/4.5 miles; Time 3-4 hours
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders camp. We camp overnight close to Simkotra lake. Altitude of Simkotra: 4,090m/13,415 ft. |
Day 7 Simkotra - Phazoding - Thimphu (finish trek)
Distance 14 Km/8.5 miles; Time 7 hours
After the lake the trail is a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will have a majestic view of Mt. Gangker Phuensum (the highest mountain in Bhutan) and other mountain peaks. The trail slowly descends through junipers tress and finally descends down to Phajoding monastery from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area mostly blue pine. With leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 2 hours. Transfer to hotel in Thimphu. |
Day 8 Thimphu - Paro
Full day sightseeing of Thimphu valley. Visit to National Library, Traditional Medicine Institute, Arts & Crafts School, Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, National Memorial Chorten, Zilukha Nunnery, Traditional paper factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Takin mini Zoo, Handicrafts Emporium, local shops. Finally visit to Tashichho dzong, houses most of the Government's office and King's Throne room. Evening depart to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
Day 9 Depart Paro (by Druk Air)
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. |
