This is a combination of cultural and trekking tours, which is one of the most popular treks in Bhutan. It is a short and scenic trek with some great views and beautiful lakes en route. Besides the lakes, it is the Phadjoding monastery that is one of the highlights of this trek.
Duration of Trek: 6 days
Grade of Trek: Easy to Medium
Best Season: March to June & September to November
Day 1: Arrive Paro
Upon arrival in Paro Airport, you will be received by our guide from Bhutan Green Travel and transferred to your Hotel in Paro for three nights. Use the rest of the day to explore the sights of Paro valley, go shopping or stroll in the Paro town.
Day 2: Sightseeing in Paro
The altitude of Paro valley is at 2,200m. Today we visit the ruined Drugyal Dzong (fortress) built in 1649 to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day, enjoy a splendid view of the Bhutan’s sacred mountain, Mt Jomolhari. En route visit the Kichu Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in the 7th century. In the afternoon, explore the Ta Dzong (ancient watch tower), which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan or visit the Paro Dzong (also known as the Rinpung Dzong), built in 1644 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3: Hike to Paro Taktshang
Today morning we will begin a short hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). No visit to Bhutan would be complete without a trip to Taktshang. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900m above the Paro valley and takes about a 2-hour climb on a well-maintained trail through beautiful pine forest, trees festooned with Spanish Moss and fluttering prayer flags. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche flew to Paro Taktshang cliff in the form of Guru Dorji Drolo, mounted on a flaming tigress in the 8th century. Overnight in Paro.
Day 4: Paro – Jili Dzong [Start of Trek]
Your first day is a long day trekking for a distance of 7-km, 4-5 hours, 1,090 m ascent and camp altitude at 3,480m. The trek trail is rather gradual climb leading through blue pine & fir forests till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen against the backdrop of snow-capped mountains.
Day 5: Jili Dzong – Janchulakha
Today your trek distance is 10-km, 4-5 hours, 310 m ascent, 50 m descent and camp altitude at 3,770m. You begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.
Day 6: Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho
Today you will trek a distance of 11-km, 4 hours, 230 m descent, 330 m ascent and camp altitude at 3,870m. The trails follow the ridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the mountains and valley on a clear day. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Day 7: Jimilangtsho – Simkotratsho
Today the trek distance is 11-km, 4 hours, 820 m ascent, 400 m descent and camp altitude at 4,110m. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of the nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
Day 8: Simkotratsho – Phajoding
Today will be the distance of 10-km, 3-4 hours, 130 m ascent, 680 m descent, camp altitude at 3,750m. The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mt Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding. Spend the night in Cafeteria.
Day 9: Phajoding – Thimphu [End of Trek]
Today your last trek distance is 4-5 km, 3 hours and 1,130 m descent. After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about 3 hours. Back to hotel for a hot shower and delicious lunch. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Sightseeing in Thimphu
Today we explore a fascinating full day tour to see the best of Thimphu city at an altitude of 2,300m. First stop is at the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Next, visit the 13th century Changgangkha Temple and the Folk Heritage Museum, a showcase of the Bhutanese artefacts used in rural households. Later, drive up to the Sangaygang Hill (Radio Tower) offering a panoramic view of the Thimphu valley and visit Mini Zoo for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Continue to the Centenary Farmer’s Market on the banks of the Wangchhu River selling farm produces, local arts and crafts, etc. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 11: Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu
After early breakfast, we travel to Punakha at an altitude of 1,300m and en route stop off at Dochu La Pass at an altitude of 3,050m. If weather is clear, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the snow capped eastern Himalaya ranges and also a magnificent distant view of the Gasa Dzong from this spot. After lunch, visit the Punakha Dzong (also known as the Pungthang Dechen Phodrang Dzong), built in 1637 and is strategically located at the confluence of the Phochhu (male) and Mochhu (female) Rivers. Today the dzong serves as the administrative centre of Punakha Dzongkhag (district) and the central monastic body. In the evening, we drive back to Thimphu for your final overnight stay.
Day 12: End of Tour
Make your early morning way back to Paro Airport for journey home. Goodbye and Good Luck!