Day 1: Arrive Paro
Fly from Kathmandu into Paro by Drukair flight. The flight from Kathmandu will offer views of World’s tallest mountain. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative and then transfer you to hotel. Check in and evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel. – B/L/D
Day 2: Paro (Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery) – ACCLIMATIZATION
Day Excursion to Taktshang literally known as Tiger’s Nest. This is one of Bhutan’s most sacred places, and an important pilgrimage destination. Lunch at the cafeteria. Evening you will visit the Drukgyel Dzong, which was built in 1649 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory of the Bhutanese armies over the Tibetan intruders. On route you will visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at hotel.
Day 3: Paro – Shana (17 km, 5-6 hours: TREK BEGINS)
The trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (2580 m) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later on you will come across some apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and you reach the Gunitsawa Army Post (2810 m). This is the last stop before Tibet. You will continue just beyond Sharma Zampa ( 2870 m), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Overnight at camp.
Day 4: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha (20 km, 7-8 hours)
The trail again 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, you stop of lunch (depending on time). Then you continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching the campsite (3750 m). Overnight at camp.
Day 5: Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang (190km, 7-8 hours)
The path ascends for a while until we reach the army camp. You then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Lunch will be served on route. A short walk from here into the valley takes you to your campsite at Jangothang (4040 m). You will enjoy superb views of Mt. Jhomolhari (7314 m) and Jichu Drake (6989 m).
Day 6: Oct 03 (Sat)/Jangothang (Rest Day)
Rest day at Jangothang – a great way to spend the day is by simply sitting in camp and watching the shifting light on Mt. Jhomolhari (7314 m). Overnight at camp.
Day 7: Oct 04 (Sun)/Jangothang – Dumzo (21 km, 6-7 hours)
Today you will climb to Bhonte la at an altitude of 4890 m – the highest on this trek. This day offers beautiful views of Mt.Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the Two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude, the descent 1,090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer futher cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of 3800m. Overnight at camp.
Day 8: Oct 05 (Mon)/Dumzo – Thombu Shong (11 km, 4-5 hours)
Today’s trail offers a lot of scenic beauty. You will have good views into the valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of 4520m views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of 4180m situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is 700m. Overnight at camp.
Day 9: Oct 06 (Tue)/Thongbu Shong – Shana (14 km, 5-6 hours)
The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Chomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Many possible camps can be found if you walk further down. Overnight at camp.
Day 10: Oct 07 (Wed)/Shana – Paro – Thimphu (80km, 3 hours: TREK ENDS)
The trek will end following the same route you traversed on the first day. After 2‐3 hours, you will reach a dirt road, where you will be picked up and transferred to lunch in Thimphu. After lunch visit some sites including the Memorial Choeten (Stupa) built in memory of the third King, Changangkha Lhakhang and Dupthop Lhakhang – a nunnery. Evening at leisure. Overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu
Morning visit textile museum, folk heritage museum, Institute for Zorig Chusum (Painting school) and National Library. Lunch in town. After lunch visit Memorial Choeten, Changangkha lhakhang, Sangaygang viewpoint and Dupthob Lhakhang (Nunnery) and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at hotel.
Day 12: Thimphu – Paro
Morning visit Memorial Choeten, Changangkha Lhakhang, Sangaygang viewpoint and Dupthob Lhakhang (Nunnery). Lunch in town. After lunch drive to Paro for your final night in the country. Evening at leisure. Farewell dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 13: Departure
After breakfast you will drive to the Paro International Airport for your onward destination. Your YANA Expeditions Team will assist you with check in formalities and bid you farewell. – B