The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience.  Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations before driving to your hotel in Paro. Check in and spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings.

Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Paro Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom where you shall spend the next 11 days.

Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro. The Monastic body and government office of Paro is housed in this fortress and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Spend your evening in the quaint setting of hotel. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Note: The sightseeing and activities of day 1 is subject to flight timings)

Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8^th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.  In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop.

(If time permits) Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.

Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

PARO – SHANA

DRIVING DISTANCE: 29 KM | DRIVING TIME: 1 HR

SHANA – SOI THANGTHANGKA (START OF TREK)

21 KM | 8 HR | 770 M ASCENT | 10 M DESCENT

After breakfast, drive to Shana, your trekking crew will be waiting here.

After getting yourself for the trek and gettimng to know your crew members. Start your trek to Thangthangka. The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet.

Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3610 M

17 KM | 6 HR | 290 M ASCENT

Today’s trek shall take you above tree line at 3700 m. The trail ascends for a while till you pass a small army post in the morning, then the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home for yak herdsmen. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp. From here, the views of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb. The ruins of an old fortress  is visible nearby.

Jangothang base is a flat grassy land beneath the colossal Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake with an old ruined fortress on a hillock in the foreground, used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Dinner and overnight in camp.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 4040 M

Most trekkers show signs of altitude sickness at this altitude this night in Jangothang is highly recommended.

You may choose to simply relax at the camp enjoying the serene place or, taking some photographs around to gather energy for tomorrows trek. Another option could be to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or do the two hours excursion to the twin Tsho Phu lakes on the way to Bongtela Pass.

A hike to the north of the camp on an open endless slope till you see the view of Mount Jichu Drakye at 6989 m. Hiking further up till 4895 m shall give you the amazing view of Mount Jumolhari.

You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles and the remarkable blue poppy.

Dinner and overnight in camp.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 4040 M

18 KM | 6 – 7 HR | 800 M ASCENT | 730 M DESCENT

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,830 m. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Lingzhi Dzong used to serve as a way station for Buddhist pilgrims and defence fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders for centuries.

Dinner and overnight in Camp.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 4010 M

22 KM | 7-8 HOURS | 940 M ASCENT | 920 M DESCENT

From this place the trail for Laya – Gasa trek and Jumolhari/ Dodena Trek separates. The trail takes you to a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp and then turns south following the Mo chhu valley. After crossing the river, a steep climb for around two hours brings you to the Yeli La Pass at 4942 m. On a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. Descend till you reach the campsite at Shodu. The campsite is a meadow with a beautiful chorten.

Dinner and overnight in Camp.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 4100 M

SHODU – BARSHONG (END OF TREK)

16 KM | 5 – 6 HR | 25 M ASCENT | 670 M DESCENT

BARSHONG – THIMPHU

APPROXIMATELY 1 HR DRIVE ON DIRT ROAD – as of now the road is accessible to 4×4 pickup trucks only. (The same may change soon)

This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong. A few years back Barshong used to be one of the campsites, however with the farm road access you shall find our vehicle waiting for you at Barshong.  From Barshong, drive to Thimphu. Sometimes our vehicles may not be able to reach Barshong as the road is a farm road and rains might make it slippery and inaccessible. In such cases we shall walk cross Barshong till the place where our vehicles have come.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60^th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M

DRIVING DISTANCE: 76 KM | DRIVING TIME:  2 HR

Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area. The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas. Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA: 1250 M

DRIVING DISTANCE: 135 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village.

After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Farewell dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Your 12 days of Bhutan travel with the Jumolhari-Dodena Trek with Ideal Travel Creations comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.