SEASON
Duration – 7 nights / 8 days
Starting from Drukgyel dzong, Paro, this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into deep and richly forested valleys. The ideal time for this trek is from April to June and from September to November.
Day 1: Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro, the representatives of Dragon Trekkers & Tours will receive you. After traditional welcome ceremony in farmhouse nearby you will be transferred to the hotel. Overnight halt in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Full day of sightseeing in Paro include a visit to Ta Dzong (National Museum), Drukgyel Dzong, Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight halt in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Shana (17 km 5/6 hours)
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong at 2580m with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently through rice terrace and millet fields. The route also passes through apple orchards and forests. Soon you will reach the army camp of Gunyitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop on the border with Tibet. At 2870m, just beyond Sharna Zampa, there are several good places for camping surrounded by trees.
Day 4: Sharna – Soi Thangtahankha (20 km 7/8 hours)
The trek route follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing the bridge lunch will be served. Then follow the river climbing up through shrubs and rhododendron trees, finally reaching the camping site at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 5: Soi Thangtahankha – Jangothang (19km 7/8hours)
The path continues till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line. Soon you will reach at yak herder’s camp, where lunch will be served. From Jangothang at 4,040m you can see the view of Mt. Jhomolhari, one of the highest peaks of Bhutan.
Day 6: Rest day at Jangothang
Enjoy the beauty of nature by taking a short walk or either you can do nothing and rest to prepare for the next day trek.
Day 7: Jangothang-Lingshi (18km 7/8 hours)
The path still follows the stream for about half an hour. Start the climb towards the north while enjoying the view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. Then climb towards the Nyele pass at an altitude of 4,700m and descend to Lingshi camp at an altitude of 4000m.
Day 8: Lingshi – Shodu (22 km 7-8 hours)
You have to pass through Yalila at 2820m. If the weather is clear you can see Tserim Kang and Masa Kang mountains. On this route you have negotiate little ups and downs and then you will reach to campsite at Shodu at an altitude of 3963m.
Day 9: Shodu – Barsong (13 km 3-4 hours)
The path follows the Thimphu River through the Rhododendron forest ascending till the ruins of the Barsong Dzong. The campsite is just below the ruined forest at an altitude of 3875m.
Day 10: Barsong – Dolam Kencho (11km 3-4 hours)
The trek descends further down along the Thimphu River. You will camp at an altitude of 3628m in the meadow.
Day 11: Dolam Kencho – Thimphu (14km 4-5 hours)
Today your route will follow downward through the forest, and if you are lucky, you might come across Golden Langurs, one of the endangered monkeys of the world. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 12: Thimphu Sightseeing
You will spent the entire day in Thimphu visiting, Memorial Chorten, National Library, Tashichhodzong, Institute of Zorig Chusum and handicrafts. After lunch, visit weekly market and Thimphu town. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13: Thimphu – Punakha
Drive to Punakha passing Dochula pass at an altitude of 3100m. From the pass one can view the beautiful mountain ranges. Lunch will be served 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. Visit to Wangduephodrang Dzong, which was built in 1638 by the Shabdrung. In the evening drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Day 14: Thimphu – Paro
More sightseeing at Thimphu or you can go for a short hike in the outskirts of Thimphu. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.
Day 15: Paro Depart
Drive to Paro Airport for the flight to another destination. The representative of the company will see you off.
