Itinerary
Day 01 : Paro
Your flight from any international port like Bangkok, Kathmandu, Kolkota, Mumbai and Singapore will have different schedules. You have choices to make sure of your convenience for flight schedule and entry port. From a window seat of your flight on clear days you can experience a spectacular view of Bhutan’s snow capped peaks as you approach Paro. On arrival you will be received by our representative and then drive to your hotel.
Day 02 : PARO SIGHTSEEING
Drive the winding road north-west up the Pa Chhu River to Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from the Tibetan invaders. Mount Chomolhari 7314 m / 23,990 ft., the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. Visit Satsam Chorten, Kyichu Temple built in 7th century by a Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo. Return to your hotel for lunch. After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta Dzong). This museum is considered to be a temple by the natives because of the number of ancient religious objects it contains. The museum holds works of art, handcrafted objects of daily life stuffed animals, costumes, armor and even stamps. You can thus get an idea of the cultural and ecological richness of Bhutan in a very short time. Hike downhill from the museum to Paro Rimpung Dzong. Drive back to hotel for preparation of your trek.
Day 03 : EXCURSION TO TIGER’S NEST
After breakfast your car will take you to the starting point of the hike to view the spectacular Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s lair). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. You stop at the cafeteria for a rest and refreshments and continue the hike (if not tired) for short while until you see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the remains of Taktsang monastery. Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The history states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria. Return back to hotel and evening on leisure.
Day 04 : DOPSHARI -JILI DZONG 10 Kms, 5 hours
Start with a short walk to Jili Dzong, which you can see atop a ridge above Paro. From Dobshari the trail crosses a brook and makes a long gradual climb to a wooded crest. It’s then a gentle walk along the ridge to campsite in a Yak pasture at 3,450m/11,488ft. Above the camp are Jili La and Jili Dzong at 3,490m/11,622ft. The Dzong is mostly in ruins, the temple in the Dzong is dedicated to Shakyamuni, most of the time the caretaker does not reside there, hence we might not be able to see inside. But during the clear weather, one can see the breathtaking view of Paro valley with Mount Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks in the distance. Overnight at Camp.
Day 05 : JILI DZONG – JANGCHUP LAKHA, 10 Kms, 3-4 hours
After crossing the pass the route stays below the ridge, climbing through thick alpine forest and rhododendron to a saddle at 3,590m/11,954ft. It then follows the ridge, making many ups and downs, staying just above the tree line. The trail goes from one side of the ridge to the other, following it north to a Yak herder’s camp at Jangchu Lakha, 3,780m/12,587ft. There are views of Jomolhari and other snow peaks, and you are likely to see or hear some monal pheasants during the day. Overnight at Camp.
Day 06 : JANGCHUP LAKHA – JIMILANG TSHO 11 Kms, 4 hours
The trail follows the ridge for about one and half-hours to a saddle at 4040m/13,453ft, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu La at 4,180m/13,919ft. Descend to a camp at 3,880m/12,920ft, close to the large Jimilangtsho Lake (Sand Ox Lake), named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground. The lake is also known for its giant trout (which some people believe were taken to Bhutan by early British visitors). There are good views of Jichu Drake at 6,989m/23,273ft, the peak representing the protective deity of Paro, to the west. Overnight at Camp.
Day 07 : departure
Depart from Paro International Airport
What’s included
- Bhutan Royalties, tourists fees, Visa fees and taxes.
- Accommodations in listed or similar hotels (pleasant hotels 3 star) during the tour.
- All meals, including evening tea/coffee etc through-out the trip.
- All land transfers, sightseeing with entrance fees
- Bottled water in the vehicle and other camp services.
What’s not included
- Luxury hotel upgrades available at additional cost.
- Travel insurance
- Expenses of personal nature
- Drinks like beer, whisky, coke, fanta and Mineral water
- Telephone and internet