Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape.
Seasons:The ideal time for this trek is April to June and September to November.
Arrive Paro by Drukair. After immigration, collection of baggage and customs formalities, you will be received by the representative .
After lunch/refreshment depending on your flight arrival timing, you will visit the following:
In the evening walk around Paro town and you may visit local handicraft shops.
Dinner and overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar at Paro.
After breakfast, hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The walk up to the viewpoint will take about 1 – 1 ½ hrs depending on your fitness and from View Point you will enjoy a spectacular view of the monastery clinging to the side of the cliff. Stop for refreshment at the View Point Cafeteria.
Then walk further up to the monastery which will take about 1 hour. It is said that in the 8th century Guru Rinpoche flew on the back of a tigress from eastern Bhutan to this place and meditated in a cave here for 3 months. The principal Lhakhang (monastery) of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.
After visiting the monastery, walk downhill back to the road on the way stop for lunch at the view point cafeteria (this cafeteria serves only pure vegetarian meals) and then walk further downhill to the road point.
Then drive further up the valley to visit ruins of Drukgyel Dzong, 18 km. from Paro town on the north side of the valley. It was from here that the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century. I
in the evening you can relax in the traditional hotstone bath a farmhouse in Paro (if interested) and authentic traditional Bhutanese dinner at Farmhouse.
Overnight at Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro.
Distance: 14km, estimated trekking time:5-6 hrs
Campsite altitude: 2850m
Drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trekking begins, following the river gently uphill through a narrowing agricultural valley. Through the trail you come across with many by passers and children. Camp above the army post.
Distance:17 km, estimated trekking time:7-8 hrs
Campsite altitude:3610m
This strenuous trek takes you up to Soithanthanka at 3900m, opposite south face of mt jomolhari (7314m) The 2nd highest peak in Bhutan. The trek begins through dense coniferous forests. The huge rhododendrons forest is a riot of flowers during spring. The trekking route ranges from moderate to easy and can be done by any one in relatively good shape and interested in walking.
Distance:19km, estimated trekking time: 5-6 hrs
Capmsite altitude: 4080 m.
Today trek is more leisure following up streams passing by yak herder’s settlements. The valley opens wider as you come closer to the base camp. for photographer morning sunrise on the peak is awesome.
These three days of strenuous trek, a rest day is really deserving, which allows you to explores around the valley.
Distance:19kms, estimated trekking time: 5-6 hrs.
Campsite altitude: 4010 m.
Today would be more exciting day for you as you are ascending up to the pass called nyellela about an altitude of 4850m. From the pass spectacular views of mountain Jomolhari, Jitchudrake, Tsheringgang and great tiger mountain also the panoramic views of lingshi valley can be enjoyed. The campsite is below the great lingshi fortress which is of hundred years old.
Distance: 22kms. Estimated trekking time:7-8 hrs
Campsite altitude: 3936m
Today start early as the distance is bit longer than usual and got to cross the pass called Yalela (4820m). From the pass the awesome views of mount Jomolhari(7314m, Tsherimgang and Masagang at far east.
Distance: 13kms. Estimated trekking time: 3-4 hrs. Campsite altitude: 3710 m. The trails follow the Thimphu chu (River) through the forest of Rhododendrons, Primula(Sakuraso)Atsumoriso, Blue poppy (National flower). Camp near riverside.
Distance: 11 km. Estimated Trekking time: 3-4 hrs.
Campsite Altitude: 3310m
Today's trail is rather easier than usual as most of time its downhill following the river crossing over the bridges several times, short stopover for lunch. Camp near riverbank.
Distance: 15kms. Estimated trekking time: 5-6 hrs.
The trail winds up and down along the drainage. The wild animal like golden langur &Takin could be encounter sometimes. We will meet the transportation from Access Bhutan at Dodena.
On arrival at Thimphu, relax in your hotel.
After lunch visit the following:
Dinner and Overnight at Hotel Namgay Heritage or similar in Thimphu.
Distance: 71 km & estimated driving time: 2½ hours for one way
After breakfast, you will travel to Punakha through Dochula Pass (3,088m). In the clear spring sky, you can enjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Dochula Pass you will see the beautiful 108 chortens (stupa) built on the hill by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck (the Queen Mother of Bhutan) for the security and wellbeing of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. You will also visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang (temple) The temple was built to honor His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck (the 4th King of Bhutan). The past and future appear to merge in the details of the temple that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.
After refreshment at Dochula Pass Resort you will continue your journey to Punakha.
You will stop at Lobesa Village to visit the Devine Madman’s Monastery-Chhimi Lhakhang, famously known for its fertility shrine, where one can receive a special fertility blessing.
After lunch at Lobesa Village you will visit the Punakha Dzong, located on the island of the Pho - Chu (male river) and the Mochu (female river). The dzong was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal (high Drupa Kagyu lama who unified the warring valley kingdoms under a single rule in 16th century) to serve as the religious and administrative seat of the region. It was here that the dual system of government was introduced in the 17th century and in 1907, enthroned the first King Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuck. Damaged over the centuries by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the dzong has been fully restored in the recent years by the 4th King Jigme Singye Wangchuck. At the dzong, you can see the highest standards in woodwork. Also visit the massive Kuenray, the Coronation Hall of all Bhutanese kings, the Dzongchung at the entrance to the dzong and the cantilever bridge over the Mochu that has been recently renovated.
Then travel back to Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight at Namgay Heritage Hotel or similar in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive to Paro airport for about an hour and we will see you off at the Paro airport for your flight to your onward destinations.