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Day 01. Arrival at Paro:
Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by representative
of Bhutan Agent, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight
at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02. Paro sightseeing:
After breakfast, drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong,
now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to
commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in1644;
the dzong name's means indeed " victorious Druk ". The Dzong
was used as an administrative center until 1951 when a fire
caused by butter lamp destroyed it. Then visit Kyichu
Lhakhang, one of Bhutan's oldest and most sacred monasteries
dating from the introduction of Buddhism in the 8th century
and then visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by
Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses
administrative offices. After lunch visit the Ta dzong, an
ancient watchtower, which has been, since 1967, the national
museum of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03. Paro - Shana (Start of Trek):
Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the
Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny
picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous
birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp
Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 04. Shana - Thangthangka:
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested
area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes
in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We
pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over
the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone
shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.
Day 05. Thangthangka - Jangothang:
In the morning after passing a small army post, the
trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs
into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of
yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts.
Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the
Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the
camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress
used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude
4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 06. Jangothang:
Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all
around.
Day 07. Jangothang - Lingshi:
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and
crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to
the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari,
JichuDrakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley,
almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la
pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it's a
gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama
view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Camp altitude is 4000
meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.
Day 08. Lingshi - Shodu: 8 hrs walk.
The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4820 m), from
where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari,
Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen.
Day 09. Shodu - Barshong:
This is the place where one comes back to the tree line.
The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through
rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of
the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Hot
lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail
gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong,
reaching the camp at the altitude 3600meters. Walking time
6-7 hours.
Day 10. Barshong - Dolamkencho:
The road descends through alpine forest and we once
again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb up
to Dolamkencho camp at the altitude of 3600meters. Walking
time 5-6 hours.
Day 11. Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu:
The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to
Dolamkencho, finally joining Thimphu River again. Arrive at
Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu
(15 km). Overnight at the hotel.
Day 12. Thimphu sightseeing:
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial
Chorten (1974) built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji
Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving
nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library,
stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting
School where traditional art is still kept alive through
instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred
Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the
Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared
according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to
observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory
at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho
Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central
Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je
Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open
to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk
Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan.
We drive to Simtokha Dzong; the oldest Dzong of Bhutan built
by Shabdrung in 1627 and finally visit the Handicrafts
Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of
Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 13. Thimphu- Airport:
Early morning, drive to Paro and farewell. |
