SEASON
Duration – 7 nights / 8 days
This is a short five-day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September till December.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro Airport, you will be received by the representatives of Dragon Trekkers & Tours. Overnight halt in Paro.
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing in Paro. Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Jele Dzong (8km 3 hours)
The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. This trek has a gradual uphill route till the campsite. If the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen. Above the camp is Jele La (4300m). Overnight in camp.
Day 4: Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (11km 4 hours)
A gradual ascends for an hour and a half through thick alpine and rhododendron forests. You may see yak headers around your campsite. If the weather is clear you can see the view of Mt. Jhomolhari. Overnight at camp.
Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho (11km 4 hours)
The trail follows on the ridge of the mountains and on the clear day, you can see the picturesque view of the mountains and valleys. Camp is close to the Lake of Jimilangtso. You can also see Mt. Jichu Drake (6989m), which represents the protective deity of Paro. Overnight at camp.
Day 6: Jimilangtso – Simkota (11km, 4 hours)
Today’s four-hour trek will take you through rhododendron trees and will pass by the lake of Jenatsho. You could come across yak header’s camps. Overnight at camp.
Day 7: Simkota –Phajoding (10 km, 3-4 hours)
The day starts with a gradual climb and if the weather is clear, you will enjoy the view of the Mt. Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through Juniper trees. Overnight at camp.
Day 8: Phajoding – Thimphu
Today’s whole trek to Thimphu is downhill through the Blue pine forest. You can spend the second half of the afternoon resting or take a leisure walk in the town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 9: A Day Excursion to Punakha/Wangduephodrang
A drive to Punakha will take you through Dochula pass at an altitude of 3100m and drop down slowly at an altitude of about 1500. From the pass one can have the views of the beautiful mountain ranges. Lunch will be at Punakha by the side of the river with the view of the Punakha Dzong not far away. The dzong was built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Then drive to Wangduephodrang to visit the Wangdue Dzong, built in 1638 by the Shabdrung. Lunch at hotel in Wangduephodrang. In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
You will spend the whole day sightseeing in Thimphu visiting, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, The Institute of Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts and crafts), National Library, Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Nunnery and the handicrafts. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 11: Paro Depart
Drive to Paro Airport for the flight to another destination. The representatives of the company will see you off.
