It is a classic 8-day Trek starting from (Drugyal Dzong) Paro
and end at Dodena near Thimphu. The route passes through two
high passes from Jangothang. The views of Jumolhari mountain
(7314 M) from Jangothang is spectacular The Trek is strenuous
and is very popular. The highest point is 4115 M.
| Day |
Program |
| 01 |
Arrival at Paro: Upon arrival at
Paro airport, received by representative of our travel,
transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the
hotel in Paro.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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
|
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.
|
06 |
Jangothang: Rest day at Jangothang,
enjoy the superb view all around.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
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.
|
12 |
Thimphu sightseeing: The day begins
with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974)
built in honour 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.
|
13 |
Thimphu- Airport: Early morning,
drive to Paro and farewell.
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