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Duration: 13 nights / 14 days.
Best Months to do this Trek: March – June, September – 2nd Week of December
Day 01 Arrival at Paro 2280 meters:
- In the Paro airport, you will be received by the Representative from Yak Adventure Travel,
- After lunch, visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices,
- Visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan
Day 02 Paro sightseeing – Hike to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest):
- After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest). Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introductionof Buddhism in the 8th century,
- Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, the dzong name’s means indeed “The Victorious Druk”.
Day 03 Paro – Shana (Start of Trek):
- Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong at 2580 meters 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.
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.
Day 05 Thangthangka – Jangothang:
- We 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.
- 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.
Day 06 Jangothang:
Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.
For Day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.
- Hike to Jumolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth)
- Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
3. Walk up the mountain between Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 meters with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
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.
Day 08 Lingshi – Shodu:
- The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4930 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen.
- Dinner and over night in Camp.
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.
- After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp.
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
Day 11 Dolamkencho – Dodena – Thimphu:
- The path descends through bamboo forests finally joining Thimphu River again.
- Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu.
- Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12 Thimphu sightseeing:
- Visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk,
- The Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
- Visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts,
- The Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
- The Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices,
- Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work.
- The Tashichho Dzong,
- Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.
Day 13 Thimphu- Punakha – Thimphu: (72 Kms, 2 hours drive).
- After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass.
- While at Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river).
Day 14 Thimphu – Paro Airport (Departure):
- Early morning, drive to the airport and farewell
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