Itinerary
Days 1-2 Paro & Drukyel
Days 3-8 Druk Path trek ending in Thimphu
Day 9 Wangdue & Punakha Day 10
Paro Day 11 Taktsang Day 12 Depart
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Druk
Path Trek
12 Days
Days 1-2: The flight
into Paro provides a most dramatic view of the Himalaya. The tiny town of Paro, bursting with colour
and tradition, is overlooked by a dramatic dzong. Fields, cover
most of the valley floor, while hamlets and isolated farms dot the
countryside - the houses here are considered to be among the most
beautiful in the country.
Travel into the remoter regions of the valley to spend the night
with a local family in their traditional farmhouse - help prepare
the evening meal or relax and enjoy the stunning scenery.
Nearby are the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, a site of great historical
significance and offering a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, “Mountain
of Goddess” (7329 m). This is a favorite place for locals
to practice Bhutan’s national sport - archery.
Day 3: The first
trekking day is a short one, beginning with a short climb up to
Jele Dzong. If
the weather is clear Paro Valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains
behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly
in ruins). (8kms / 3 hours)
Day 4: Climbing, the trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons.
From the ridge you will have fine views of Chomolhari and other snow
capped peaks if the weather is right. (10kms / 3-4 hours)
Day 5: The trail follows
the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley
are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m),
the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is
close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant
sized trout. (11kms / 4 hours)
Day 6: The trail takes
you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho.
You may come across some yak herders’ camps and get
an idea of how these people live. Camp overnight close to Simkota
Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.
(11kms / 3-4 hours)
 Day
7: Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the
weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum,
and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper
trees to Phajoding cafeteria.
(10kms / 4 hours)
Day 8: The trek to
Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area
of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu
in about 3 hours (5kms).Thimphu lies in a wooded valley, sprawling
up a hillside on the west bank of the Thimphu River. Quiet and peaceful,
with its streets lined with traditional shop fronts, this town seems
almost too small to be a capital – it is often said to be
the only one without traffic lights. Beautiful textiles in wool,
silk and cotton, basketwork, silver jewelry, thangkas and other
traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various Handicraft
Emporiums.
Day 9: The road to
Punakha and Wangdue crosses the Dochula Pass (3150 m), offering
a great view of the Eastern Himalaya. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is
perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers, completely covering
it and commanding an impressive view . Across the river, comes the
first glimpse of the picturesque village of Rinchengang whose inhabitants
are celebrated stonemasons. Punakha Dzong is the winter residence
of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, it is built between two rivers
known as “Phochu” (Male River) and “Mochu”
(Female River).
Day 10: Return to
Paro via Thimphu
Day
11: Taktsang
is the most famous of all Bhutanese monasteries. It is perched on
the side of a cliff 900 m above the floor of the Paro valley, where
the only sounds are the murmurs of the wind, and water and the chanting
of the monks. The name Taktsang means ‘Tigers Nest’;
the Guru is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to the site
of the monastery where he meditated in a cave for three months.
The monastery itself is closed to tourists except by special permit.
However the one-hour walk to the viewpoint, where there is a small
wooden teahouse provides a close-up view of the monastery.
Day 12:Transfer to airport & depart
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Paro
Center of an enchanting valley of fields, willow
trees and colorfully decorated houses - the tiny town is centered
on the lovely 17th century dzong. |
Thimphu
Established as a permanent capital in 1952, it
was then little more than a dzong and a few houses - today it
remains perhaps the world's smallest capital retaining a strong
national character in its arcitecture and relaxed charm. |
| Taktsang,
the 'Tiger's Lair'
Bhutan's most iconic image and one of the most venerated pilgrim
sites in the Himalaya, the monastery clings to the cliff face
800meters above the valley.
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Punakha
Dzong
One of Bhutan's lovliest dzongs and the winter capital, build
of a site sacred since the 14th century. |
Wangdue
Phodrang
Perched on a spur between two rivers the dzong's
site is impressive and the building has an oddly rustic charm. |
Druk
Path
Wonedrful lakes teeming with fish, spectacular
views of the high Himalaya and rhododendronsin bloom in May. |
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