This is a short five
day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the
chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the route is
sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the
area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in
May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views
of the Himalayas.
Season
: This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from
September to December.
Day 01
:
Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro
airport, you will be met by our representative, and transferred
to your Paro hotel. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02 :
Paro
Drive
northwest up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung
Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Though
largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering walls are still an imposing
sight. On a clear day there is a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari from the
approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Visit one of the typical village houses
clustered near the dzong. Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and
most sacred shrines of Bhutan. In the afternoon visit Ta Dzong, once a
fortified lookout tower and now the National Museum. Then walk down the
hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), ‘the fortress of the
heap of jewels’.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03 :
Paro - Jele Dzong
8km, 3 hours
Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to
Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the
weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snowcapped mountains behind.
Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins).
There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight
camp.
Day 04 : Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
10km, 3-4 hours
Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually
upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons.
You will have fine views of Chomoihari and other snow capped peaks if the
weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the
day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.
Day 05 :
Jangchulakha - Jimllangtsho
11km, 4 hours
The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains
and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake
(6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is
close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized
trout. Overnight camp.
Day 06
: JimiLangtsho - Slmkota
11km, 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’ camps and get an
idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and
if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
Day 07
: Simkota - Phajoding
10km,
4 hours
Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy
majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail
slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hail
near Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp, depending on
weather conditions.
Day 08
: Phajodlng - Thlmphu
5km, 3 hours
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a
forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you
reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight
at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 09: ExcursIon to
PunakhalWangduephodrang
After breakfast, full
day excursion to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The drive from Thimphu
crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are the most enchanting
mountain views. In
Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo
Chu rivers. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this
dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to
Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local
market.
In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro
Full day of sightseeing
in Thimphu, including visits to the following, as time permits:
National Memorial Chorten - built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (‘the
father of modern Bhutan’) and as a monument to world peace; Tashichhodzong -
the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s
secretariat, and the central monk body; Handicrafts Emporium - a wide
assortment of intricately hand-woven textiles and other craft products is
available for purchase at this government-run outlet, and at many smaller
handicrafts shops around town; National Library - established in the late
1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant
part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection of
Buddhist texts and manuscripts; Institute for Zorig Chusum - more commonly
known as the Painting School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts
and crafts of Bhutan; National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside
only) - the rich herbal medicines made up from plants abundant in the
kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners trained.
In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to
onward destination.