 Day 01: Arrival at Paro
Fly with Druk Air and land at Paro Airport. The flight offers you the most magnificent and breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas, including the towering Mt Everest.
On arrival, the group will be accorded a very warm reception by a representative of Holiday Mountain Treks and driven to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, sightseeing to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas. Although gutted by a fire, this fort is renowned as the stand from which several Tibetan invasions were repulsed. To the north can be seen in all its majesty, the dome of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess."
En route, see one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan. The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here.
After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. It was later converted into the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts a wide range of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and natural and historic artifacts.
Walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints. Walk down to the cantilever bridge below the dzong where your car awaits. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Paro- Shana 2800m. (trek start) 17 km. 5-6 hrs.
Drive up to Drugyal Dzong where the road ends and the trek begin. The trail follows the Paro Chu and is a gentle walk through terraced fields and a narrowing valley. There are a few quaint farm hamlets en route. The campsite is just beyond an army outpost.
Day 04: Shana - Soe Thangthangkha 3400m. 15 km. 4-5 hrs.
Continue uphill through the river valley which closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the river bank. After the initial climb, most o the way is downhill. The campsite is located in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Day 05: Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang 4040m. 19 km. 5-6 hrs.
Walk up along the Pachu (Paro river), pass a small army outpost where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the high ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see yaks and herders settlements. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of the Jomulhari Mountain.
Day 06: Jangothang rest
Explore this wonderful area around the bases of Mt. Chomolhari , JitchuDrake, un-climbed summits and ridges and lakes as you wish. Overnight at camp.
Day 07: Jangothang - Lingshi 4150m. 19 km. 5-6 hrs.
Walk up toward the pass through a wide pastureland. Depending on the season, you might find some yak herders in their camping tents along the way. As you come down after the pass to the Lingshi basin, you will see beautiful views of the Lingshi Dzong and the valley and also Tserim Kang (mountain) and its descending glaciers. Camp in a stone shelter with a built-in fire pit or in the tent.
Day 08: Lingshi rest:
rest day at Lingshi for an excursion to Tsokha lake 4500m. 4-5hrs. During the excursion see hundreds of Blue Sheep and Musk Deer.
Day 09: Lingshi - Shodu 3815m.
The trails take about 6-7hrs through the deep valley ascending to Yeli-la pass at Alt. 4820m. Spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari , Mt. Tsheringang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on a clear day.
Day 10: Shodu- Barshong 3685m. 5-6 hrs.
The trail winds up & down gently following the Thim-chu before a gradual climb to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Day 11: Barshong - Dolam Kencho
The trail descends gently down to meet the Thim-Chu through dense forest of Rhododendron , birch and conifer and across pasturelands. Camp in a meadow at Alt, 3428m. trek takes about 5-6hrs.
Day 12: Dolam Kencho - Thimphu
Continue the trek till Dodena where a team from Thimphu awaits to receive you. The trail goes gently uphill through mixed forests of conifer & high altitude broad leaves. The trek takes about 4-5hrs.
Day 13: Thimpu sightseeing - Paro
Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the "Father of Modern Bhutan" initiated this temple to protect the nation against negative elements. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum , where life in medieval Bhutan is still showcased; the National Library, the repository of all ancient books and manuscripts; the Textile Museum for antique textile collections; and the Zilukha Nunnery and the 12th century Changgangkha temple. Drive up to the highest viewpoint overlooking Thimphu valley and while returning, the Takin research center. After an evening tea, drive to Paro along a winding road for about 2 hrs to spend a night there.
Day 14: Departure
drive to paro airport; Farewell and fly to your further destination.
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