It is a classic Nine -days trek starting from (Drugyal Dzong) Paro and ending at Dodena near Thimphu. The route passes through two high passes from Jangothang. The views of Jumolhari mountain of 7,314 metres(m) from Jangothang are spectacular. The trek is strenuous but very popular. The highest point on the trail is 4,115 m.
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Day 1
Arrival Paro
Pick up from Paro International Airport (2280m) and drop at hotel. If time is available visit Paro town in the afternoon.
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Day 2
Paro Sightseeing
After breakfast, visit the National Museum housed in the Ta-Dzong which was built in 1656 and served as the watch tower of Paro Dzong in the past. Visit Paro Dzong, also called the Rinchen Phug Dzong, which means fortress on a heap of Jewels. Paro Dzong is one of the most impressive and well-known dzongs of Bhutan and was built in 1644. After lunch in town, proceed towards Drukgyel Dzong, 14 kilometres from Paro town. Also known as the fortress of victory Drukgyel Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1649 to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. On the way to Drukgyel Dzong view the Takshang Monastery, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the floor of Paro valley. Legend has it that Guru Rinpoche, who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in the eighth century flew to a cave in Taktshang on a tigress and mediated there for three months. Dinner in hotel.
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Day 3
Paro - Shana (Start of trek)
Walking time 5-6 hours The trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong and follows the Paro River through cultivated fields, tiny picturesque villages and forests filled with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820m;
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Day 4
Shana Thangthangka
Walking time 7-8 hours. The trail follows the river through dense forests with a few isolated farmhouses. After a while, it narrows and closes in and winds up and down to pass a junction where another path leads north to Tremo La, Tibet. Camp in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3,610 m.
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Day 5
Thangthangka Jangothang
Walking time 5 - 6 hours. After passing a small army post in the morning, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be in a yak herdmen's hut. A lot of yaks will be visible before arriving at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and nearby are the ruins of an old fortress that was used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude 4,115 m;
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Day 6
Jangothang (Acclimatization)
Rest day. A chance to acclimatize and walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the lakes in the opposite direction
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Day 7
Jangothang - Lingshi
Walking time, 6 - 7 hours Day eight is a good day's walk with spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang peaks ( if the day is clear). It is a climb from the start up to Nyelela pass (4,700 m) which takes about three to four hours. Then it is a descent to a circular hut just below Lingshi, the camp spot for the day. The descent to Lingshi provides spectacular views of the truly mystical Dzong atop a high hill. Altitude 4000m;
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Day 8
Lingshi - Shodu
Walking time 8 hours The trail to Shodu starts with a climb to Yalila Pass (4820 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen.
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Day 9
Shodu Barshong
Walking time 6-7 hours. This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu river, descending through rhododendron, juniper and alpine forest. The view of the cliff-facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at 3600 m.
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Day 10
Barshong - Dolamkencho
Walking time 5-6 hours. The road descends through an alpine forest and we once again join the Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb to Dolamkencho camp at 3,600 m.
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Day 11
Dolamkencho - Dodena - Thimphu
Walking time 4 hours. The path descends through bamboo forests all the way to Dolamkencho, finally joining the Thimphu river again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu, 15 kilometres away. Overnight at the hotel.
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Day 12
Thimphu Sightseeing
Sightseeing in Thimphu (2320m) includes visits to National Library which was established in 1967 and has many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts); the Painting School or the National Institute for Zorig Chusum (the 13 traditional arts and crafts like painting, woodcarving, embroidery and statue making); National Memorial Chorten which was built in 1974 in memory of the third King of Bhutan; Semtokha Dzong which is about five kilometres south of Thimphu. Semtokha Dzong was built in 1629 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Today it houses the Institute for Language and Culture Studies.); Tashichhodzong the seat of the government of Bhutan. It houses the secretariat, the Throne Room, His Majesty's secretariat, the Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Ministry of Finance. If the sight seeing falls on the weekend you can visit Thimphu's open vegetable market where farmers from the nearby regions gather to sell their produce. Evening is set aside for shopping in town.
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Day 13
Departure(Thimphu to Paro Airport)
Our representative will see you off at Paro International Airport.