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This is a short, four day trek which leads from Thimphu to Paro or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although there is little settlement on this route, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests which bloom in May.

Day 1: Arrive Paro (by Druk Air).
The flight into Paro (2280m/ 7524ft) on Druk Air, is spectacular. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way to the verdant greens of the Paro Valley. The first gift from Bhutan is the cool, clean fresh air as we step from the plane. After clearing customs and visa control we are met by our guide and then drive a short distance to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure with a walk through the main streets of Paro. Dinner and Overnight at hotel.

Day 2: Paro valley sightseeing.
Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 km away from Paro town). The Dzong, although in ruins, holds great historical significance. It was from this fortress that the Bhutanese repelled many Tibetan invasions. The name means the victorious Bhutanese. This spot offers a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhari, "Mountain of Goddess" (7329 m).Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back. A short distance south of the road is Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7 th century. This temple is said to have been built in 659 by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet. It holds down the left foot of an ogress whose body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern Tibet. Also Visit Rinpung Dzong. Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first temporal ruler of Bhutan, it is now houses of the Paro monastic body and the office of the Dzongda (governor) and Thrimpon (Judge) of Paro district. It is the venue of the Paro Tsechu (festival) held once every year. Then visit Ta Dzong an ancient watch tower. This Dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique Thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 3: Paro - Hike to Taktsang.
Morning drive till Satsam Chorten to hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's nest). The hike up to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the viewpoint enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8 th century. After lunch at the café walk back to the road point where your car will pick you up and then drive to your hotel. Evening get prepared for the trek next day. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 4: Paro - Jele Dzong (start trek).
After an early breakfast you will be picked up our representatives from hotel and drive you to Paro and drive further up to Ta Dzong or the National Muesum.
Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 08 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Starting at Ta Dzong, (2300m) and camp at Jele Dzong (3436m, 11,270 ft). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari(7314m) and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.

Day 5: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha.
Trek Day 2: Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs.
Starting at Jele Dzong (3450mtrs) and camp at Jangulakha (3780mtrs). The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. Mt. Jumolhari would also be visible on this day.

Day 6: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso.
Trek Day 3: Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.
Starting at Jangchulakha (3780mtrs) and camp at Jimilangtsho(3880mtrs). The trail follows the ridge and on clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful, in particular the Jichu Drake (6989m). Camp is close to lake of Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout.

Day 7: Jimilangtso - Simkota.
Trek Day 4: Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs. Starting at Jimilangtsho (3880m) and camp at Simkota (4040m) The trail takes you through dwarf Rhododendrons trees and then you pass by the lake of Janye Tsho. Today you may come across some Yak herder's camp and you can really have a look as to how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota Lake.

Day 8: Simkota - Phajoding.
Trek Day 5: Distance 10 Kms and walking time 3-4 hrs. Starting at Simkota (4040m) and camp at Phajoding (3870m). You begin with a gradual climb up to Phume la (4210m) the highest elevation for this trek. If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Puensum(7541m) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below, you can see the entire Thimphu valley.

Day 9: Phojoding - Thimphu.
Trek Day 6 - End of Trek: Distance 4-5 Kms and walking time 3 hrs. Starting at Phajoding(3870m) and end of trek at Thimphu (2300m) The trek to Thimphu is all the way down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and lunch. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu - Paro.
In the morning visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced. Also visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Afternoon visit the Bhutanese Handmade Paper, Factory, Zilukha Nunnery, Motithang Mini Zoo, and Sangaygang viewpoint. In the evening drive to Paro for overnight stay. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11: Paro - Departure (by Druk Air).
In the morning our representatives from Country Travels will escort you to Paro International Airport and bid Good-bye and pleasant flight back home.

Trekking in Bhutan

		Druk Path Trek
		Gangtey Trek
		Jomolhari Trek
		Laya / GasaTrek
		Snowman Trek
		Bumathang Owl Trek

Bhutan Cultural tours

		Glimpse of Bhutan Tour
		Essence of Bhutan(7 nights / 8 days) Tour
		Essence of Bhutan (4 nights / 5 days) Tour
		Eastern Bhutan Tour
		Legendary Tour
		Bhutan Home Stay Tour

Bhutan Textile Tours

		Khoma Textile
		Yatra Textile
		Eastern Textile


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