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DRUK
PATH
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10
nights 11 days
The
recommended season for this trek is March to middle of June and September to
November.
This
is Six-day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing
the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although the
route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with
fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests,
which blooms in May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter
there are great views of the Himalayas.
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Day
01: Arrive PARO
On
arrival to Airport received by Snow White representative and transfer
to the hotel.visit Afternoon
Taa Dzong, Bhutan’s
national museum, which has a collection of ancient Bhutanese art
and artifacts, weapons, stamps. Rinpung Dzong meaning
“fortress if the heap of jewels”, built in 17th century, which
now houses the monastic school and the office of the civil
administration. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
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Paro valley |
Taktsang monastery |
Day 02: PARO
To check your resistance we shall begin with small hike
to Taktsang temple. The walk uphill will be not more than two
hours. The trail is broad. At the view point there is a
cafeteria. Have a cup a tea or some juice here and then take a
walk little higher to the closer view point of Taktsang. Then
walk back for lunch in Paro town.
Afternoon visit
Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once built to
defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount.
Jhomolhari, the sacred summit reaches
skyward beyond the dzong and the traditional Bhutanese Farm
House. Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most
sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of
Buddhism.
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Day 03: PARO - JELE Dzong, (6/7 kms, alt. 2200m.)
Today is a short trekking day. The trek trail is rather gradual
up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can
be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Overnight.
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Jele Dzong
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Day
04: JELE Dzong - JANGCHULAKHA (10 kms, alt. 2895m )
Begin
with an hour and a half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail
takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You may see
yak herders around your campsite.
Day
05: JANGCHULAKHA - JIMILANGTSO (11 kms, alt. 3505m)
The
trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains
and valley can be seen. Camp is close to lakes of Jimilangtso. These
lakes are famous for their giant sized trout. Also there are great views
of Mt. Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity
of Paro. Overnight Camp.
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Horses on the trail |
Day
06: JIMILANGTSO - SIMKOTA (11 kms, alt. 3505m)
The
trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake
of JANETSO. Today you may come across some yak herder’s camp and
get an idea how these people live. Camp is close to SIMKOTA lake and
if you are lucky you can catch some lake trout for dinner. Overnight
camp.
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Day
07: SIMKOTA - PHAJODING (10 kms, alt. 2895m)
Today
you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits, you will
enjoy majestic view of Mount. GANGKAR PUENSUM, the highest mountain
in Bhutan, and also the other peaks. The trail slowly descends until
you reach the PHAJODING Cafeteria. Overnight in Cafeteria or camp.
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snowy peak seen on the trail of the trek |
Day 08: PHAJODING - THIMPHU (7/8 kms, alt. 2590m)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of
mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3
hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
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09: Excursion to PUNAKHA / WANGDIPHODRANG
After
breakfast full day excursion to Punakha and Wangdi valleys. The drive
from Thimphu crosses 3050m DOCHULA pass that heralds the most enchanting
views of Bhutan. In Punakha, visit the Dzong situated at the junction
of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang
Namgyal, this Dzong has played important role in Bhutan's history. Then
drive to WANGDIPHODRANG to visit Wangdiphodrang Dzong, the 17th century monument followed
by visit to local market. Evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at
the hotel in Thimphu.
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Punakha Dzong
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Day
10: THIMPHU – PARO
Memorial
Chorten built in the memory of Late third King of Bhutan. Tashichho dzong, Thimphu's most impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chu.
It now houses National Assembly, King's Throne room and also the summer
residence of Chief of monk body. Painting School where centuries old
art of Bhutanese paintings is taught. National Library is another interesting
place to visit, which has a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts,
manuscripts. Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing
arts are still practiced. Handicrafts Emporium where exotic weaves in
silk, wool, cotton, silver jewelry, carpets, thangkha paintings, bamboo
ware and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available. Evening
drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day
11: PARO depart
Early
breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward
destination.
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