Day 01: Paro Fly to Paro (7,590), Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. On the clear weather, the spectacular views of the high peaks of eastern Himalayan, including peaks in Bhutan such as Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tshering Khang is visible. You will be received by our local guide at the Paro airport and drive to the your hotel. Afternoon visit the National Museum, watchtower above Paro Dzong. Also visit the Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong, means 'lquote fortress on a heap of jewels'rquote ), built in 1646. Overnight in Hotel
Day 02: Paro - Hike to Taksang Day excursion to the Taksang Monastery popularly known as the ( "Tiger's Nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. Taksang is the most spiritual place for the Bhutanese and a major pilgrimage spot. Our hike follows steep switch back trial and serves as a great warm-up for our trek. Lunch may be catered up at the site, if you wished. After lunch walk down leisurely and in the in the late afternoon free and easy. Day 03: Trek begins Drive about an hour to Drukgyel Dzong (8,462'), where our pack ponies are loaded up with all the gear for our trek. We begin the trek by walking along the Paro Chu, following it as it winds along past traditional farmhouses with cultivated fields of rice, chilies, potatoes, and millet. In above five hours of walking, we arrive at our first campsite by the river near the village of Shana at 9,413 feet. Day 04: Soi Thangthangkha We continue up through the valley of the Paro River, which gradually narrow as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Jumolhari, a mountain that is sacred to the Bhutanese. We camp at Soi Thangthangkha (11,900'). 8-9hrs walking.
Day 05: Jangothang. We continue the Pachu as the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snowcapped peaks. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be lucky to purchase some yak cheese from them or have lunch in one of their simple, traditional home. Camp at Jangothang (13'450') (5-6 hrs walk)
Day 06: Jangothang. Today is the free day to rest and explore. There are many optional hikes in the area where you can gain altitude quickly, which is good for acclimatization. Of course, you can also opt to stay at camp, take in the views, and rest for the challenging day ahead.
Day 07: Soi Yaksa. Our trail starts with a short steep hike to Tsophu (14,300'), one of the two trout-filled glacial lakes we will pass on the way to Bhonte La ( La means pass),From here, we often see blue sheep, fat marmots, and migrating Himalayan birds, as well as incredible views of Jichu Drake, a beautiful snowcapped peak alongside Jumolhari. We continue for about one hrs to our lunch spot below Bhontela (16,000'). After lunch we cross the pass and make a long, steep descend to the yak-herding valley of Soi Yaksa (12,450'). There are only a few families living in the area and they produce some of the best yak-wool cloth we'll see along the trail. Yak herders and their families will come to our camp as early as 6:00am with items to sell, such as cloth, yak tassels and ropes, jewelry, etc (8-9 hours walking.)
Day 08: Taybu Our hike today starts with a very gentle uphill trial to the top of the eastern ridges of the Soi Yaksa valley. From here we can enjoy an incredible view of the amphitheater of mountains to the north. Little by little the very top of Jumolhari and Jichu Drake reappear on the distant horizon as we approach our lunch, we cross Thombu La, a 15,000-foot pass with panoramic views of the eastern Himalayan (on a clear day, you can even see Kanchenjunga, the third highest mountain in the world), before descending to our camp at Taybu (13,700') by the mid-afternoon. This area is rich pastureland for yaks, and we'll probably see nomadic yak herders camped in their traditional woolen tents. Walking distances (5/6 hrs)
Day 09: Shana After a short climb out of camp, we leave the remote mountain area by following a ridge. From this vantage point we get a glimpse of the Paro Valley to the south descent (4,500'of elevation drop) for most of the afternoon and return to Shana (9,413'), where we spent our first night of camping. Distance is about 5/6 hrs walk.
Day 10: Trek End - Thimphu A 4/5 hrs walk brings us back to the trailhead at Drukgyel Dzong. Lunch & bid farewell to our staff and ponies before drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital set at 7,725 feet in the Wang Chu Valley. We will arrive in Thimphu by late afternoon.
Day 11: Thimphu - Sightseeing A day to explore the sites of this least visited of Himalayan capitals & your visit includes the: National Memorial Chorten: Originally the vision of Bhutan's third king, H.M. Jigme Dorji Wangchuck ("the father of modern Bhutan"), who had wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity, but was unable to give shape to his idea in his lifetime. After His Majesty's untimely death in 1972, the Royal families resolved to fulfill his wishes and erect a memorial that would perpetuate his memory and also serve as a monument to peace and was later consecrated on July 28, 1974. The finely executed wall paintings and delicately fashioned statues within the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.
Changangkha Lhakhang: which is focus of daily worship for many Thimphu residents.
Motithang mini zoo where you can see the National animal of Bhutan called "Takin"
Drupthob Nunnery monastery: One of the oldest living institutions for the Nuns founded by His Holiness the Dilgo Khantsye Rinpoche in the early 1970's. Other highlight includes the visit to Changlimithang archery Ground to see the national game of Bhutan. 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 houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature mostly in block-printed format, with some works several hundred years old. This collection, known as the Choekey Collection, mainly comprises Buddhist literature written in Choekey, the religious script of Northern Buddhism, but also includes works written in Tibetan and in Dzongkha, Bhutan's national language.
Handicraft emporium: where you can see and purchased the unique textiles of Bhutan
General post office if you are interested in stamps. It has beautiful collection of stamps
Traditional handmade paper factory: the old traditional method of making paper which is the living art of Bhutan's 13 different arts & crafts.
Tashichhodzong: The "fortress of the glorious religion" was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty's secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors after 5 pm after the office hours.
Day 12: Thimphu - Punakha sightseeing (72Kms, 03 hrs) This morning drive to Punakha, (approx 3- 4 hours), the old winter capital. The road climbs a series of zigzags over the Dochu La Pass, 10,500ft/3,200m. The views of the eastern Himalayas can be seen on the clear day. Dochu la is also marked with 100 Stupas which are beautifully designed on a small hillock. The road drops down through varied forest finally emerging into the highly-cultivated Punakha valley.
Visit to Punakha Dzong located on the confluence of the Mo (female) & Pho (male) Chu rivers. The Dzong built in 1637 AD houses the district administration offices and is also the winter residence of the State Monastic Body and its Chief Abbot, the Je Khenpo. Punakha was the former capital of Bhutan. On the way back, make a short 30 minutes gradual walk to Chimi Lhakhang, built by Drukpa Kuenley's popularly known as the "Divine Madman" It is famous for the fact that infertile women visit this temple to pray for children.
THE "DIVINE MADMAN" - Drukpa Kuenley (1455-1520) In Bhutanese mythology, Drukpa Kuenley is one of the most beloved and revered sages of Tibetan Buddhism. Many are the legends that surround him and he followed a wandering lifestyle and was both an eccentric and a highly regarded saint. He was renowned for his shocking behavior and his ability to perform miracles. He talked a form of Tantric Buddhism and advocated that sexual freedom was at the centre of Truth. The wooden phalluses that hang from the corners of Bhutanese houses and the paintings of penises that you often see on either side of the front door of houses are a relic of his teachings.
Day 13: Punakha - Paro (143kms, 05 hrs) Drive back to Paro. En route visit Wangduephodrang Dzong which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view both up and down the valley. Wangdue district is famous for its fine bamboo work, stone carvings, and slates. Tonight, we organize typical Bhutanese dinner and the cultural program with the Bhutanese host as we say goodbye to this magical kingdom.
Day 14: Paro - Departure After breakfast, drive to Airport for your departure
|