Day 1 : Arrive Paro
Meeting and assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. Evening visit
Paro market and town.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2 : Paro
Today's full day sight seeing in Paro valley includes, visit ti Ta Dzong
(National Museum) Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
Overnight at the Hotel in Paro.
Day 3 : Paro - Shana [17 Kms, 5/6 Hours]
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on
a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well maintained
rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apples
orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of
Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2870m, just
beyond Sharma Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows
surrounded by trees.
Day 4 : Shana - Soi Thangthangkha [20 Km, 7/8
Hours]
The trail again follows Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending
through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after
crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow
the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the
bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha - Jangothang [19 Km, 7/8
Hours]
The path ascends fpr a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the
river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of the surrounding
peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk
into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of
4,000m. From here, the view of Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake is superb.
Day 6 : Rest Day At Jangothang
Enjoying the superb view around.
Day 7 : Jangothang - Lingshi [18 Km, 7/8 Hours]
The train follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the
right side. Start the climb upto the first ridge with a breathtaking view of
Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then walk towards the valley,
almost flat for a while, until the climb to the la pass at an altitude of
4700m. After the pass it's a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying
the panoramic view of the peaks and Langshi Dzong. Camo at the altitude of
4000m.
Day 8 : Lingshi - Chebisa [10 Km, 5/6 Hours]
Proceed ahead passing Lingshi Dzong, perched on the hilltop with a
commanding view of green hills, the winding river and magnificent peaks. It
is an easy day and pleasant walk through villages and yak herders camp.
After lunch, a short walk will take you to Chebisa village. Camp by the side
of stream at the altitude of 3850m.
Day 9 : Chebisa - Shomuthang [17 Kms, 6/7 Hours]
Today begin with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubu la pass at an altitude of
4500m, taking nearly four hours. After the pass descend to a lunch stop,
through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path,
after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders
camp. You may see herds of Blue Sheep now and then. Camp at altitude of
4,250m.
Day 10 : Shomuthang - Robluthang [18 Kms, 6/7
Hours]
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude of 4700m. Then
descend to Tasharijathang valley, the summer residence of rare Himalayan
takin (national animal of Bhutan) From here we may have to cross the stream
as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away. After crossing the
stream towards the left, the trail ascends till uopu reach Robluthang camp
at an altitude of 4200m.
Day 11 : Robluthang - Limithang [19 Kms, 7/8 Hours]
It's a long climb upto Shinje la pass (altitude 4900 m). The view of the
mountains from the path is stunning. After the descend to Lemithang. The
path is quite narrow and you may have to cross stream again and get wet. The
last part of the trek is very interesting with the view of Mount. Gangchey
Ta peak. Arrive at camp site at the altitude of 4100m.
Day 12 : Limithang - Laya [10 Kms, 4/5 Hours]
In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front
of you, The walk to Laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will
pass through a camp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at
Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at the altitude
of 3800m.
Day 13 : Rest Day At Laya
Explore around village. You can go and visit any of the houses around. Even
to perfect stranger, traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended and a cup
of tea and Chang (local drink) is always offered. The people on the this
village are very interesting especially the women. They wear conical bamboo
hats decorated with turquoise & silver ornaments. In the evening,
witness the cultural programme (dance) performed by village girls by the
camp fire and enjoy the local alcohol (ara & chang), if you have a
strong stomach.
Day 14 : Laya - Chamsa [19 Kms, 8/9 Hours]
Descend to army camp and join the Mo Chu (mother river of Punakha). Follow
the river till you cross the bridge. After the bridge it is up and down
several times, through juniper and fir forests until you reach the camp at
Chamsa at an altitude of 3800m.
Day 15 : Chamsa - Gasa Tshachu [14 Kms, 6/7 Hours]
Walk for about half an house over flat land till the Bele la pass. Its down
hill all the way to Gasa Tshachu. Lunch at Gasa village at the altitude of
2700m. After lunch visit the village and Dzong. The Dzong was built in 17th
century by the first religious King, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, to protect
the valley against Tibetan invaders. Then proceed to Gasa Tshachu (hot
spring) for camp at an altitude of 2200m.
Day 16 : Gasa Tshachu Rest Day
After a long trek, this is the place to relax. Enjoy the hot bath and local
beer that can be procured here.
Day 17 : Gasa Tshachu - Damji [18 Kms, 5/6 Hours]
The path continues ascending and descending through heavily forested areas
and wild orchids. In this area, there are leeches so one must be careful.
Camp nearby the village at an altitude of 2400m.
Day 18 : Damji - Tashithang - Punakha[16 Kms, 5/6
Hours]
It is the last trekking day. Contnue following the Mo Chu river down throuh
heavily forested area till you reach Tashithang at an altitude of 1,620m.
Connecting Horizons Adventures transport will be waiting to drive you at
Punakha (15 kms), following the river all the way. Overnight at the hotel in
Punakha.
Day 19 : Punakha - Thimphu
Morning sight seeing in Punakha and Wangdiphodrang valleys visiting Dzong
and local market. Afternoon drive to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 20 : Thimphu
Today city tour of Thimphu. Visitng Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong,
National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute,
Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 21 : Thimphu - Paro
Morning for shoping and at leisure. After luncg drive to Paro visiting
Simtokha Dzong enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 22 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast in the hotel drive to Paro airport for flight to
onward destination.
