Bhutan Adventure Trip

Duration: 16 nights / 17 days

Destinations Covered: Paro - Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha - Jimilangtsho - Simkota - Phajoding - Thimphu - Paro

Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight to Bhutan is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, each flight is a mesmerizing aeronautical feat and offers an exciting descent into the Kingdom. On arrival at Paro airport, after completion of immigration & customs formalities, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight Hotel Olathang, Paro.

Day 02 : Paro
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought Tibetan invaders centuries ago. The snowy dome of sacred Chomolhari, "mountain of goddess'' can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong.

Along the way, see the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

After lunch, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum . The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts.

Then walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning (?fortress of the heap of jewels?), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala.
Overnight Hotel Olathang, Paro

Day 03 : Paro , Jele Dzong, 8 km, 3 hours trek
Today is a short trekking day. The The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). Overnight camp.

Day 04 : Jele Dzong , Jangchulakha, 10 km, 4 hours trek
Begin with a one and half hour climb and then ascend gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron. You will have the fine views of Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may also see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.

Day 05 : Jangchulakha , Jimilangtsho, 11 km, 4 hours trek
The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight camp.

Day 06 : Jimilangtsho , Simkota, 11 km, 4 hours trek
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders? camp and get an idea of how these people live. Today we camp close to Simkota lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for dinner. Overnight camp.

Day 07 : Simkota , Phajoding, 10 km, 4 hours trek
Today begin with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits, you will enjoy majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp, depending upon weather conditions .

Day 08 : Phajoding , Thimphu, 5 km, 3 hours trek
The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours.

After lunch, visit Tashichhodzong, ?fortress of the glorious religion?. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch?s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Also visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan?s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (?the father of modern Bhutan?) who has wished to erect monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Overnight Hotel Phuntsho Pelri, Thimphu.

Day 09 : Thimphu / Paro (approx 55 km, 2 hrs drive)
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following : the National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only), where Bhutan?s famed traditional herbal medicines are compounded and dispensed, the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan?s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.

Later drive to Paro. Overnight Hotel Olathang, Paro

Day 10 : Depart Paro
Early morning transfer to Paro airport for flight to onward destination.

Bhutan Adventure Trip, Reservation Form

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