> DETAILED ITINERARY
Day 01 ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR
Arrive Paro by Druk
air BAe 146-100 series, the only national carrier. The
flight offers you beautiful view of mountains and landscapes.
On arrival and after visa formalities you will be received
by Our members. Afternoon / evening time at leisure.
Overnight Kichu Resort.
DAY 02 DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
Day hike to Taktsang monastery. Horses can be arranged
with an extra US $ 5/- The hike which is all the way
uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine
forests. The monastery which clings to a huge granite
cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated
by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government has taken immediate
steps to restore the monastery to its original structure.
It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came
in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated
in a cave for 3 months. The demons were subdued who
were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted
the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the
17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the
saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every
Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back
to Resort.
DAY 03 DRIVE TO DRUGYEL DZONG
AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP
Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path
goes upstream of the Pachu river through villages gradually
ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time
5/6 hours.
DAY 04 TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI
THANTHANGKHA
Shana to Soi Thangthangkha. The trail again follows
the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce
forest. Lunch will be served near a wooden bridge. The
camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters near a stone shelter.
Walking time 7/8 hours.
DAY 05 TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG
Soi to Jangothang. Climb slowly for a while till you
reach an army camp. Then follow the river above tree
line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot
lunch will be served inside a Yak herders camp. A easy
walk will reach you to Jangothang at an altitude of
4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and
Jichu Drake (6900
meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin
peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours.
DAY 06 A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
Halt at Jangothang. Explore the surrounding areas like
Tshophu lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax.
DAY 07 TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO
LINGSHI
Jangothang to Lingshi. The trail follows the stream
for half hour and crosses the bridge to the right side.
Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari,
Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Than walk through
the wide open valley sometimes coming across herds of
blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass 4700 meters
is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After
the pass its a gradual descend and through the valley
with beautiful views on all side. Nearing the camp you
will see the Lingshi Dzong perched ontop of a hill with
commanding view of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100 meters
near a stone shelter. Walking time 6/7 hours.
DAY 08 TREK FROM LINGSHI TO SHODU
Lingshi to Shodu. Today is the most difficult day so
start early. Begin walk opposite the dzong gradually
through the valley until the stiff climb to Yale la
pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The
panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim
Gang is breathtaking. After the pass its a long descent
to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.
DAY 09 TREK FROM SHODU TO BARSHONG
Shodu to Barshong. The path follows the Thimchu river
descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests.
The view of the cliff facing rocks and water falls are
stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours
to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at
3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.
DAY 10 TREK FROM BARSHONG TO DODINA
AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
Barshong to Dodina. The path descends for a while joining
the Thimchu river and gradually ascending and descending
through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho
the trail descends all the way to Dodina where the Our
coach will be waiting for your return. Walking time
7/8 hours. Drive 1 and half hour to Thimphu (capital
city). Overnight at Hotel.
DAY 11 SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU
AND DRIVE TO PARO
AM stroll around the market and drive 2 hours to Paro.
PM Paro sightseeing. Overnight Kichu resort.
DAY 12 TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR
DEPARTURE
Transfer to airport for final departure.
Contact us at enquiry@explorehimalaya.com for more information |
