This trek route falls under
old expedition route to Mt. Gangkhar Puensum. The trek is known for its
hot springs.
Season : The
recommended season is March to April and September to early November.
Day 01
:
Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is
one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the
Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each
flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent
into the Kingdom.
On arrival at Paro airport,
immigration and custom formalities and then received by our representative
and transfer to the hotel.
Evening take a stroll around
town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02
: Paro
Full day Paro sightseeing, visit
to ; Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as watch tower for Paro
Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into National Museum in 1968, and is
filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armor. Also
visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend Paro
valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as administrative centre and
home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at
the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate
his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of
the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03
:
Paro – Thimphu
Morning drive to Thimphu, the
modern capital town of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on a breezy
hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s most ancient fortress. After lunch,
visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the Traditional
Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practice, the
Painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the
National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Trashichhodong,
the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04
: Thimphu – Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa via Dochula
pass (3,050m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of
the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkhar Puensum, Jeje Khang, Masagang,
Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangduephodrang town which is also your lunch
stop. Then proceed to Trongsa crossing 3,300m Pele la pass. Overnight at the
lodge in Trongsa.
Day 05 :
Trongsa – Bumthang
Morning visit to striking
Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family. Then visit Ta Dzong,
built as watch tower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in the
afternoon, visit here ; the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century
during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and
temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurjey monastery where Guru
Padsambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple
was later built in 17th century. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang.
Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06
:
Bumthang – Gorsum,
18 km, 7 hours
The trek route passes through
Chemkhar Chhu, the river famous for trouts. Camp at altitude 3,120m.
Day 07
: Gorsum – Lungsum, 12
km, 5 hours
Today’s route passes through the
dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maples. The trail is
more or less muddy and ascends gradually till you reach to campsite at
altitude 3,160m.
Day 08 : Lungsum –
Tshochenchen
Trek through dense vegetation
till you reach Tashochenchen at an altitude of 3,700m. Camp is just above
the treeline.
Day 09
: Tshenchen – Duer
Tsachu, 17 km, 6/7 hours
The day’s walk is uphill,
passing a small lake until you reach at Juli La (4,700m). After crossing the
pass the trail descends to a lake, then climbs again to Gokthong La (pass).
The trail then traverses tohrough jungle to a camp near Duer hot spring at
3,550m. Musk deer, Blue sheep and Himalayan bear may be seen on this part of
trek.
Day 10 :
Duer Tsachu halt
Day to relax in the hot spring.
Day 11
:
Duer Tsachu –
Tshochenchen, 17 km, 6/7 hours
Start early crossing again Juli
La pass en route. After this pass it is gradual descent till the campsite.
Day 12
: Tashochenchen –
Gorsum
Being a long route, today’s trek
should be started early.
Day 13
:
Gorsum – Bumthang
From Gorsum walk downhill till
you reach the Duer village. Then follow the new motorable road. Overnight at
the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 14
:
Bumthang – Punakha
(205 km, 6 hours)
Explore fascinating Bumthang
valley. After early lunch drive to Punakha for overnight stay.
Day 15 :
Punakha – Paro (125
km, 4.1/2 hrs)
Morning visit to Punakha Dzong
and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later drive to Wangduephodrang visiting
Dzong and local market.
After lunch, proceed to Paro.
Day 16
:
Paro Depart
After early breakfast drive to
the airport for flight to onward destination.