12 Nights - 13 Days Tour & Trek

This is a 6 day-trek through high altitude and is moderately strenuous. The trek, starting from Thimphu and ending in Paro, passes through some beautiful high Altitude lakes. It is very popular. The highest point is 3800m.

Day - 01 ARRIVAL AT PARO

You will be on board Druk Air , Bhutan ’s only National Airlines, and land at Paro Airport (the only Airport of the kingdom).  The journey offers you the most magnificent and breathtaking views of the Eastern Himalayas , including the towering Mt Everest. 

While en route, complete immigration and custom form formalities for later declaration. Put your address in Bhutan as c/o Himalayan Kingdom Tours. Keep your custom forms safe, as you need to produce the same on departure. Put the forms in the passport along with $20 visa fee and two passport sized photos.

On arrival, the group will be accorded a very warm reception by a representative of Himalayan Kingdom Tours and driven to your hotel. Overnight at hotel.

Day –02 Paro Sightseeing

After breakfast, sightseeing to Drukgyel Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpas. Although gutted by a fire, this fort is renowned as the stand from which several Tibetan invasions were repulsed.  To the north can be seen in all its majesty, the dome of sacred Mt. Chomolhari or the abode of the "mountain of goddess.”

En route, see one of the oldest landmarks in Bhutan . The 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang was one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo. It is revered as one of the most holy shrines in Bhutan and embodies the arrival of Buddhism here.

After lunch, visit to Ta Dzong, originally the Watch Tower for the Rinpung Dzong. It was later converted into the National Museum of the Kingdom and boasts a wide range of antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and natural and historic artifacts.

Walk down the trail to Rinpung Dzong or the 'fortress of the heap of jewels' which is the seat of the district administration and the residence of the monastic school. The dzong is famous for its wall murals depicting Buddhist parables, symbols and the lives of prominent saints.  Walk down to the cantilever bridge below the dzong where your car awaits.

Ovenight at hotel.

Day- 03 EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

After an early breakfast,  drive to the foot of the Taktshang cliff before walking uphill for 2 hours to reach this monastery, giddily perched on a sheer 800m rock face.  Taktshang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’ as legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew to this spot on the back of a tigress in the eight century. He meditated here making this temple a sacred pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Lunch at the Taktshang Cafeteria. The trip to and fro takes four hours for which riding ponies can be arranged.

Overnight at HOTEL.

Day – 04 Paro - Jele Dzong (Trek start)

(Distance - approximately 7 Kms. Alt. 2576m.)

This is a short trekking day. The trail is gradual till the camp and weather permitting; a glorious view of Paro Valley with the backdrop of snowcapped mountains can be seen.

Day – 05 Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha

(Distance - 10 Kms. Alt. 2879m.)

 You begin with about an hour and half’s climb through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may seek yaks and herders around your campsite.

Day – 06 Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso

(Distance - 11 Km.)

The trail goes along the ridge with beautiful vistas of mountains and valleys on clear days.  The campsite is close to the Lake Jimilangtso . These lakes are known for their giant sized trout and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared trout for dinner.

Day – 07 Jimilangtso - Simkota

(Distance -11 Km. Alt. - 3,485 m.)

 The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and the lake of Janetso . You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will get a glimpse of the life of a nomad. The campsite is close to Simkota Lake and if you are lucky, you can enjoy trout fishing. 

Day – 08 Simkota - Phajoding

(Distance - 10 Km, Alt - 2,879m.)

The trek begins with a gradual climb with a spectacular view of Mount “Gangkhar Punsum”, the highest mountain in Bhutan as well other Himalayan mountain ranges from the Dochula pass. Descend from here to Phajoding.

Day – 09 Phajoding – Thimphu (End of trek)

(Distance - 8 Km, Alt. - 2,439 m.)

The trail is downhill all the way to Thimphu , looping through thick blue pine forests. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and a delicious lunch.

Day- 10 Thimphu Sightseeing

Morning visit the memorial temple that depicts the Buddhist teachings in form of paintings and statues. Originally the Third King who is known as the “Father of Modern Bhutan” initiated this temple to protect the nation against negative elements. His son the present King and the Queen Mother completed the temple. Visit the Folk Heritage Museum , where life in medieval Bhutan is still showcased; the National Library, the repository of all ancient books and manuscripts; the Textile Museum for antique textile collections; and the Zilukha Nunnery and the 12^th century Changgangkha temple. Drive up to the highest viewpoint overlooking Thimphu valley and while returning, the Takin research center. Should time permit, visit Tashicho Dzong, the center of both spiritual and temporal powers. Independent tour of the town in the evening.

Overnight at hotel.

Day – 11 Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing

After breakfast drive to Punakha and Wangdiphodrang. On the way, stop at Do Chula Pass (Alt. 3050m.) for tea/coffee and enjoy the most spectacular view of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. Lunch at Hotel.

After lunch visit Chimi lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley or the Divine Mad Man. The temple is revered for giving fertility to barren woman and thus a cynosure for childless couples. Visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 on a sliver of land between two rivers.

Night at Hotel.

Day – 12 Excursions to Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten - Thimphu

After breakfast, drive north for a short excursion to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyel Chorten. This temple stands majestically on a strategic ridge above Punakha valley. Prophesised  in the scriptures by Thragthung Dudjom Lingpa, the temple was built by the queens. It is intended to  ward off negative forces, promote peace, stability and harmony in a changing world. The unique architectural design has been drawn from the scriptures. After lunch drive to Paro.

Night at Hotel.

Day 13 – Departure

Representative of Himalayan Kingdom Tours will bid you farewell. TASHI DELEK.

SEASON: Mar –June & Sept-Nov.

CLIMATE: Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be very cold and in winter sometimes comes below freezing points.

WHAT TO BRING: Personal clothing, strong normal clothing (accordingly), preferably cotton for summer. woolen clothes for evening and winter.

For TREKKING: Strong trekking boots, sunglasses, headgear, raincoat, sleeping bag, torchlight etc.