DAY 01: ARRIVE AT PARO - HALT :

The
flight into Bhutan is a breathtaking one with views of Mt. Everest.
Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari 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
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Dzong, now a burned shell was once strategic in Bhutan defence against
Tibetan invasion. On a clear day you can view the sacred summit of Mt.
Jomolhari which reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. On the way back visit
a typical Bhutanese farm houses. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.
DAY 03 : PARO - EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG :
Spend a full day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's nest. This magical
monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3000 above the valley
floor. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a
tiger-hence the name - to meditate. The tiger was actually his favourite
consort, Yeshe Tsogyel, whom he transformed for the purpose of this
journey. When the Guru finished his meditation he instructed that the
monastery be built. Overnight at Hotel Olathang.
DAY 04 : PARO - JELE DZONG :
Distance 6/7kms. Alt. 8500ft. Today is a short trekking day. The trek
trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear the
Paro valley can be seen with the snow capped mountains in the
background.
DAY 05 : JELE DZONG -
JANGCHULAKHA :
Dist 10kms. Alt. 9500ft. You begin about an hour and a half climb and
then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through alpine forest and
rhododendrons. You may see herders around your camp.
DAY 06 : JANGCHULAKHA - JIMILANGTSO :
Dist 11kms. Alt. 11000ft. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear
day the views of the valley and mountains are beautiful. Camp is close
to the lake of Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized
trout and if lucky you may enjoy well prepared lake trout for dinner.
DAY 07 : JIMILANGTSO - SIMKOTA :
Dist. 11kms. Alt. 11500ft. The trail takes you through dwarf
rhododendron trees and by passes the lake of Jdanetso. Today you may
come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people
live. Camp is close to Simkota lake.
DAY 08 : SIMKOTA - PHAJODING :
Dist. 10kms. Alt. 9500ft. Today you begin with a gradual climb and if
the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Gangkar
Punsum, the highest mountain in Bhutan. The trail slowly descends till
you reach the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in the cafeteria or camp.
DAY 09 : PHAJODING - THIMPHU :
Dist. 7/8kms. Alt. 8050ft. The trek to Thimphu is all the way downhill
through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you
reach Thimphu in about 3 hrs. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at hotel
Taktsang.
DAY 10 : 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 11 : THIMPHU - PARO/EXIT :
Early morning drive to Paro Airport for onward flight.