DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO - HALT :
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The flight into Bhutan is a breathtaking one with views of Mt. Everest.
Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Jomolhari and
Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be
received by our representative. Check in at Hotel. After lunch you will
be taken for a visit to Ta-Dzong Museum. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.
DAY 02 : PARO - SIGHTSEEING :
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to the ruins of Drugyel
Dzong, now a burned shell was once strategic in Bhutan defense against
Tibetan invasion. On a clear day you can view the sacred summit of Mt.
Chomolhari which reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. On the way back visit
a typical Bhutanese farm houses. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.
DAY 03 : PARO - THIMPHU :
This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa Chu (chu means water
or river) downstream to it's confluence with the Wangchu then up valley
to Thimpu the capital. Lunch at hotel Taktsang. Afternoon visit the
Memorial Chorten (stupa), here the faithful circumabulate the shrine
dedicated to the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, telling their prayer
beads as they walk. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.
DAY 04 : THIMPHU - SIGHTSEEING :
A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in town,
visit shops and the handicrafts emporium. You may return to the hotel
for lunch with your guide and transport. Afternoon drive north up the
valley to Dechenchholing (residence of the Queen Mother) to get a
wonderful down valley view of Thimphu and Tashichhodzong. Visit the
silversmiths at the north end of the valley. Overnight at Hotel
Taktsang.
DAY 05 : THIMPHU - TONGSA :
The journey to Central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Tongsa takes
approximately 7 to 8 hrs. Packed lunch will be provided. Lunch stop at
Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Tongsa Tourist lodge.
DAY 06 : TONGSA - BUMTHANG :
Drive to Jakar takes approx. 2 ½ hrs. Tales of the great teacher
Guru Padma Sambhava dominates this holy valley. From the view point you
can see Jakar Dzong "Castle of the White Bird". Lunch at
Tourist lodge. Afternoon hike up to Lame Gompa, a place built by the 1st
king for his two nun sisters, outside of Lame Gompa one can see old
style of Bhutanese paper making. Overnight at Bumthang tourist lodge.
DAY 07 : BUMTHANG - HALT
Walk in and around Bumthang valley or visit the dairy farm. Swiss
cheese factory and apple juice factory. Try to get some of each - they
are the best in Bhutan. Also fishing on Chamkhar Chu (chu means water)
can be arranged.
DAY 08 : BUMTHANG - NGANGLAHAKHANG :
The trek takes you along Chamkhar Chu, a river known for it's richness
in trout. Lunch stop at Tangbi Lhakhang - then you enter the "Swan
Land" (Ngang Yul) with it's centre at Temple (Nganglhakhang). This
valley was first inhabited only by swans and thus the name "Ngang".
The lama Namkha Samdrup, having dreamt a vision of a Gompa, shot an
arrow and at the spot where the arrow landed the Ngang Lhakhang was
erected. Overnight at camp. Alt. 9500ft. Dist. 20kms about 5/6 hrs.
DAY
09 : NGANGLHAKHANG - UGYENCHHOLING :
Climb gradually to Phephela pass alt. 3353m/11000ft, the highest point
on the trek route. Follow the trail until the pass takes you through one
of the most beautiful forested areas of this region. Allowing for many
stops to enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding, we can also view
Ugyenchholing Palace on the way. Built by the great saint Longchen
Rabjampa in the 14th century. This palace Tongsa Penlop Tshokye Dorji in
the 19th century. This palace now shelters the descendants of the saint
Dorji Lingpa (1346-1405). After that you reach camp. Alt. 9300ft. Dist.
23kms. about 7/8hrs.
DAY 10 : UGYENCHHOLING - JAKAR :
The trail you follow takes you along the Tang Chu, another trout filled
river. Along the banks of this river is Tang Rimpochen Lhakhang whose
first foundation is ascribed to Guru Rimpoche and its second foundation
to the "Treasure Finder" Terton Pemalingpa. On the way to
Jakar you visit Member Tsho "Flaming Lake". At Mesithang the
transport is provided for the onward journey. Alt. 9000ft. Dist 10kms
about 2/3hrs.
DAY 11 : JAKAR - TONGSA :
Drive to Tongsa, on the way you may fish for trout if you wish. Lunch
at Tongsa tourist lodge. After lunch at leisure. Overnight at lodge.
DAY 12 : TONGSA - THIMPHU :
Drive to Thimphu takes approximately 7/8 hrs. Picnic lunch will be
provided at the lodge. Lunch stop at Wangdi guest house. Overnight at
Taktsang hotel.
DAY 13 : THIMPHU - PARO/EXIT :
Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight.