Day 01: Kathmandu Paro
Transfer to airport and fly to Paro. The Flight offers you the most magnificent and breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas , including the towering Mt Everest.
On arrival at Paro, you will be accorded a very warm reception by a representative of Holiday Mountain Treks and drive to the hotel. After lunch, vis it Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas and Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. Ovenight at hotel.
Day 02: Excursion to Taktshang Monastery
After an early breakfast, drive to the foot of the Taktshang cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face. Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Overnight at hotel.
Day 03: Paro- Shana 2800m. (Trek starts) approx. 17kms. and 5-6hrs. trek
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. Over night at tent.
Day 04: Shana - Soe Thangthangkha 3400m. approx. 15 kms and 4-5hrs. trek
Continue uphill through the river valley which closes in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the riverbank. 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 4042m. approx 19 kms and 5-6 hrs, trek
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 - Lingshi 4150m. approx. 19 kms and 5-6 hrs. trek
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.
Day 07: Lingshi - Chebisa 3850m. approx. 12 kms and 3-4 hrs. trek
Today is the shortest walking day and you can relax. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, you can visit the village houses and peoples.
Day 08: Chebisa – Shomuthang 4265m. approx. 17 kms and 5-6 hrs. trek
You walk through a wide pastureland towards Gobu-la (pass). On the way, you will see few people herding yaks. After crossing the Gobu -la (Alt. 4350m) descend down to the valley. The campsite is on a bench above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu River .
Day 09: Shomuthang - Robluthang 4390m. approx. 16 kms and 6-7 hrs. trek
As the walk is little strenuous, it is advisable to start a little early. After crossing the Jarela (pass) Alt. 4600m., trek down to Tsarijathang valley where you can normally see herds of Takins. Camp at Tsarijathang.
Day 10: Robluthang - Lemithang 4142m. approx. 19 kms and 6-7 hrs. trek
After crossing the Shingela pass 4900m., trek down and follow the valley. Lemithang is under the Laya District and you will see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long pointed bamboo hats. Camp at Lemithang. If time permits, it would be advisable to spend a day here exploring the valley and meeting the people who have their own unique culture.
Day 11: Lemithang - Laya 3850m. approx. 11 kms and 3-4 hrs. trek
Today, you walk all the way downhill along a narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of Laya village. Campsite is on a high flat bench above the Laya village the trek destination point.
Day 12: Halt in Laya for rest and to explore the Laya village.
Day 13: Laya - Koena 3800m. approx 19 kms and 6-7 hrs. trek
The trail winds up and down along the river valley avoiding natural obstacles with breath-taking views of the river, feeder streams and waterfalls.
Day 14: Koena - Gasa 2900m approx. 17 kms and 5-6 hrs. trek
Cross the Babela pass 3740m, after which the trail is all the way down to the camp site which is close to Gasa Dzong.
Day 15: Gasa - Gasa Tsachu (natural hot spring)
After a late breakfast, trek to Gasa Tsachu. After lunch relax in the hot spring taking natural bath. The Gasa Tsachu is one of the most popular hot springs in Bhutan .
Day 16: Gasa Tsachu - Geon Damji 2280m. approx. 21 kms and 6-7 hrs. trek
After a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through pine and oak forests, villages and wheat fields. You will also see beautiful views of Gasa Dzong, seemingly afloat in midair. Camp.
Day 17: Geon Damji – Punakha (trek ends)
The trail descends from the high agricultural benches above the Mochu ( Chu means River) into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and other tropical foliage. You will also see monkeys and few other animals occasionally. Overnight at hotel.
Day 18: Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu
After breakfast visit Chimi lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley or the Divine Mad Man. The temple is revered for giving fertility to barren woman and thus a cynosure for childless couples. Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 on a sliver of land between two rivers.
After lunch drive to Thimphu (The Capital) which takes about 3hrs. Evening Reception with cultural program. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 19: Thimphu sightseeing -Paro
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. Should time permit, visit Tashicho Dzong, the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Independent tour of the town in the evening. After an evening tea, drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel.
Day 20: Departure
Drive to Paro. Representative of Holiday Mountain Treks in Bhutan will bid you farewell.
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