Itinerary Outline
Day 01: Arrive at Paro Airport: You will be
received by our guide at the Paro International Airport and escorted to your
hotel for refreshment. Evening visit to Paro.Overnight at the hotel.
Day 02: Visit PARO: Morning visit to Ta Dzong. Below is Rinpung Dzong
(Paro Dzong), ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels’, built in 1646. In the
afternoon, visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in
the 7th century, it is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.
Overnight at the hotel in Paro
Day 03: PARO – SHANA: The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (8,500 ft). The
trail climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces. Soon the valley
widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (9,200 ft). This is the last
stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (9,500 ft),
where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Distance 10.5 miles; Time 5-6 hours.
Day 04: SHANA – SOI – THANGTHANGKHA: The trail
follows the Pa Chu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and
spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop
for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through
rhododendron forests and crossing the river once more before reaching our
campsite. Altitude 12,300 ft; Distance 12.5 miles; Time 7-8 hours.
Day 05: SOI THANGTHANGKA – JANGOTHANG: The path ascends until we reach the army camp. We follow the river above
the treeline. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from
here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang. Altitude 13,300ft;
Distance 12 miles; Time 7-8 hours.
Day 06: JANGOTHANG – LINGZHI: The trail
follows the stream for half an hour. We now start our climb up to the first
ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tserimgang.
The trail then takes us across a level valley floor until the climb up to
Nyele-la pass (15,400 ft). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite
at Lingzhi, enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingzhi Dzong
as we walk. Altitude 13,100 ft; Distance 11.2 miles; 7-8 hours.
Day 07: LINGZHI – SHODU: The Laya-Gasa
route leaves the Jhomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a
small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo
Chu Valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley,
climbing steadily a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river,
and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (15,800 ft). On a clear day you can
see Jhomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang and Masagang from this pass. Descend
alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue
downstream until reaching Shodu (13,500 ft), where we camp in a meadow near a
chorten. Altitude 15,800 ft; Distance 13.7 miles; Time 8-9 hours.
Day 08: SHODU – BARSHONG: Back at tree line the path descends through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine
forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the
way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us
gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong where we camp for the night.
Altitude 11,800 ft; Distance 10 miles; Time 6-7 hours.
Day 09: BARSHONG – DOLAM KENCHO: The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch
and conifers, then drops steeply. The trail runs along the left bank of the
river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run
down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face,
coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night. Altitude 11,800ft;
Distance 9 miles; Time 5-6 hours.
Day 10: DOLAM KENCHO – DODENA – THIMPHU: The trail winds
in and out of side valleys, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers
and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 11,500 ft. The trail then
drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at
Dodena. Village Tours transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. Distance 5 miles; Time 3 hours.
Day 11: THIMPHU – PARO. Full day of sightseeing in Thimphu Valley visiting the following, as
time permits: National Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong (‘the fortress of the
glorious religion’); National Library; Institute for Zorig Chusum (Bhutanese
arts and crafts school); National Institute of Traditional Medicine ( outside
only )Handicrafts Emporium. Evening drive to Paro.Overnight at the hotel in
Paro.
Day 12: PARO. Early morning
drive to Paro international airport after breakfast.
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