Best Months to do this Trek:March – June, September – 2nd Week of December
Day 01 Arrival at Paro 2280 meters:
In the Paro airport, you will be received by the Representative from Yak Adventure Travel,
After lunch, visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices,
Visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan
Day 02 Paro sightseeing – Hike to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest):
After breakfast, excursion to Taktsang Monastery (The Tiger’s Nest). Then visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred monasteries dating from the introductionof Buddhism in the 8th century,
Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, the dzong name’s means indeed “The Victorious Druk”.
Day 03 Paro – Shana (Start of Trek):
Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong at 2580 meters following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages.
The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana.
Day 04. Shana – Thangthangka:
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses.
It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage.
We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet.
Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Day 05 Thangthangka – Jangothang:
We passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen.
Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m).
High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Day 06 Jangothang:
Rest day at Jangothang, enjoy the superb view all around.
For Day hikes, you have 3 options on this day at Jangothang.
Hike to Jumolhari Glacier which is around 4 ½ hours (Back and forth)
Hike to Jichu Drake Glacier which is around 3 hours (Back and Forth).
3. Walk up the mountain between Jumolhari and Jichu Drake, the summit is at 5200 meters with a great view of both the mountains. This is 8 hours (Back and forth).
Day 07 Jangothang – Lingshi:
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side.
Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, JichuDrakey and Tsrim Ghang.
Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters.
After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong.
Day 08 Lingshi – Shodu:
The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4930 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen.
Dinner and over night in Camp.
Day 09 Shodu – Barshong:
This is the place where one comes back to the tree line.
The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest.
The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning.
After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp.
Day 10 Barshong – Dolamkencho:
The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu river for a while.
After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp
Day 11 Dolamkencho – Dodena – Thimphu:
The path descends through bamboo forests finally joining Thimphu River again.
Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu.
Overnight at the Hotel.
Day 12 Thimphu sightseeing:
Visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk,
The Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
Visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts,
The Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
The Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices,
Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work.
The Tashichho Dzong,
Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.
After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass.
While at Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male river) and Mo Chu (Female river).