You will embark on a flight to Paro, which is renowned for its breathtaking mountain views, showcasing some of the tallest peaks in the world. Upon arrival, you will be greeted by a representative at Paro airport. After having lunch, you will embark on an afternoon sightseeing tour around Paro, including a visit to the National Museum, Ta Dzong, which houses numerous religious relics, art pieces, and handicrafts that provide a valuable insight into Bhutan's rich historical and cultural heritage. Rimpong Dzong is another site worth visiting, where you will see the paintings of the revered saint Milarepa, who is considered the master of meditation by the Bhutanese and is believed to have attained enlightenment in his lifetime. Dzongs, once strategic forts, are now significant monasteries and administrative centers for their districts. The stunning cantilever wooden bridge is also part of this sightseeing tour before you retire for the night at your hotel in Paro.
After a hearty breakfast, you will embark on an invigorating hike to the Taktsang Monastery, also known as the Tiger's Nest. The trail, which is wide and well-marked, will take you approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill, offering breathtaking views of the Paro valley along the way. Once you reach your destination, you will be greeted by the sight of the Taktsang Monastery, perched precariously on a sheer cliff face, a staggering 900 meters above the valley floor. Legend has it that the great Guru Rimpoche and his consort meditated in a cave here for three months, during which he introduced the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th century. Following their meditation, they reportedly manifested themselves as Guru Dorji Drolo and a tigress to subdue demons in the valley below.
In the afternoon, you will drive to the Drukgyel Dzong, a fortified monastery that has been almost fully reconstructed. The Dzong was originally built in 1644 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to celebrate his triumph over invading Tibetans. Here, you will have an opportunity to delve deeper into Bhutanese history and culture.
On this day of your trekking adventure, you can look forward to a relatively short and scenic trekking route that will lead you to Jele Dzong. The trail will gradually ascend, providing ample opportunities to take in the stunning landscape that surrounds you. If the weather is clear, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the Paro valley, framed by towering snow-capped mountains in the distance.
As you continue your climb, you will reach the Jele La pass, which sits at an altitude of 3400m. Here, you will find Jele Dzong, an impressive structure that is perched atop a hill. This fortress, like many others in Bhutan, was once a strategic military outpost that served as a line of defense against invading forces. Today, it stands as a testament to Bhutan's rich cultural and historical heritage.
After a day of trekking and exploring, you will finally arrive at your campsite, which is located at an altitude of 3480m. Here, you can rest and relax while immersing yourself in the stunning natural beauty of your surroundings. With the fresh mountain air, clear skies, and breathtaking views, you are sure to have a memorable and rejuvenating experience.
Your journey will commence with a challenging one and a half-hour climb, followed by a gradual ascent that will take you through dense alpine forests of vibrant rhododendrons. If the weather is on your side, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of Mount Chomolhari and several other majestic snow-capped peaks. During the day, you may hear the enchanting calls of pheasants echoing through the serene wilderness, and you may also come across yak herders tending to their flocks in the surrounding hills.
As the sun begins to set, you will arrive at your campsite, which sits at an impressive altitude of 3770m. Here, you will have the opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the serene natural beauty of your surroundings, surrounded by the peace and tranquility of the pristine wilderness. As you settle in for the night, the crisp mountain air will fill your lungs, and you will be lulled to sleep by the soothing sounds of nature, eagerly anticipating the next leg of your journey
The trek on this day spans a distance of 11km and takes approximately four hours to complete. The trail follows the ridge and presents breathtaking views of the mountains and the valley, provided that the weather is clear. The ascent of the trek reaches a height of 330m, while the descent measures 230m.
The views along the way are particularly stunning, with Jichu Drake, standing tall at 6989m, visible from a distance. The peak represents the protective deity of Paro, and its majestic presence is awe-inspiring.
As we continue on the trail, we will reach Jimilangtsho lakes, known for their giant-sized trout. The lakes are a perfect spot to relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. The campsite for the night is located nearby, with an altitude of 3870m. Here, we will spend a comfortable and peaceful night under the starry skies, surrounded by the beauty of the Bhutanese mountains.
Today's trek is approximately 11 kilometers long and should take about 4 hours to complete. With an ascent of 820 meters and a descent of 400 meters, we will traverse through a variety of terrains and landscapes. As we make our way along the trail, we will walk through the enchanting dwarf rhododendron trees, which will provide us with a stunning view.
As we continue, we will come across the lake of Ja nga tsho and have the opportunity to witness some yak herders' camps. This is a unique chance to get an insight into their way of life and learn about their traditions and customs.
Our campsite is situated close to Simkota Lake, which is known for its breathtaking beauty and tranquility. It's also famous for its giant trout, and if you are fortunate enough, you may catch one for your dinner. The serene and peaceful surroundings make this campsite an ideal place to relax and unwind after a day of trekking.
We will spend the night at the campsite, where we can enjoy the tranquility of the area and the fresh mountain air. The altitude at our campsite is approximately 4,110 meters, providing us with a unique experience and an opportunity to acclimatize to the high altitude.
Today's trek covers a distance of 15km and takes around 6 hours to complete. The trail starts with a gradual climb, and if the weather is favorable, you will be treated to a breathtaking view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, which is the highest peak in Bhutan. The panoramic view of several other peaks from Phume La (4080m) is equally impressive. The trail then gradually descends through the beautiful juniper trees towards Phajoding.
The trek from Phajoding to Thimphu is all downhill and offers a scenic route through a forested area mainly comprising of blue pine trees. You can enjoy a leisurely pace and take in the beautiful surroundings as you make your way towards Thimphu, which takes approximately 3 hours. Once you arrive in Thimphu, you can spend the afternoon at your leisure, exploring the city or simply relaxing at your hotel. Overnight hotel
Your day in Thimphu will be filled with fascinating sights and cultural experiences. Your first stop will be at the National Memorial Chorten, a beautiful temple decorated with paintings and statues that depict the Buddhist faith. This temple was built to protect against the negative impacts of modernization and was completed as a memorial stupa for the third King of Bhutan who passed away in 1972.
Next, you will visit the 12th century Changangkha Temple and the Drubthob Monastery, which houses the Zilukha Nunnery. These places will give you a glimpse into the spiritual and religious traditions of Bhutan.
You will also visit the School for Arts and Crafts where you can watch students master the 13 types of Bhutanese art. At the National Library, you can explore a collection of Bhutanese scriptures that date back to the 8th century. Another highlight of the day is a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum where you will see a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse.
If time permits, you can also visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. In the early evening, you will depart for Paro and spend the night at your hotel. Overall, this day will give you a deep insight into the cultural and historical heritage of Bhutan.
After breakfast, our representative will drive to the airport for your departure
