Dragon Trails Trek In Bhutan

Itinerary

Day 1: Fly in Paro, Bhutan

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Welcome to Bhutan. On a clear day, one will experience breathtaking views of major Himalayan peaks, Jomolhari and Jichu Darkey in Bhutan from your flight. Upon arrival Bhutan's first gift to you will be clean fresh mountain air. Obtain your Bhutan visa which will be pre-paid, and after clearing Immigration and Customs, you will be met outside at the exit point by Bhutan Sky Trails representatives and escort you around for the sightseeing, onward to your hotel.
Visit Ta Dzong (National Museum), which towers above the Paro Dzong and viewing its well-interpreted collection of historic artifacts makes for a great prologue to the journey yet to come.
Visit Paro Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guardhouses. Today, the Dzong is the Administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower ("Utse") of the Dzong is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1646 A.D.
Explore the town of Paro.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 2: Paro - Paro

Stop At: Paro Taktsang, Taktsang trail BT, Taktsang trail, Bhutan
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. The Icon monastery of Bhutan, This monastery clings to a cliff was built in 17th century. The monastery was burnt in 1998 and was rebuilt in its original form. The mountainside viewpoint for this dramatically situated and most sacred site is accessible by walk of about 5 hours round trip. There is also a cafeteria at mid-point, where one can enjoy refreshments and meals.
Make a visit to Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the most sacred temples in Bhutan and built in 659 AD by Tibetan Buddhist king Songtsen Gampo.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 3: Paro – Jili Dzong

Stop At: Paro, Paro, Paro District
Approx: 9 km, 4 - 5 hours, 1,090m ascent, camp altitude 3,480m.
The first day is a long day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jili Dzong.

Duration: 4 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp

Day 4: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha

Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 10 km, 4 - 5 hours, 310m ascent, 50m descent, camp altitude 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 tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp

Day 5: Jangchulakha – Jimilang Tsho

Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
Approx: 11 km, 4 - 5 hours, 230m descent, 330m ascent, camp altitude – 3,870m.
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Note: Hunting and fishing are prohibited .
Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp

Day 6: Jimilang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho

Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 11 km, 4 - 5 hours, 820m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 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 a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

Duration: 5 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Camp

Day 7: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding - Thimphu

Stop At: Thimphu District, Thimphu District
Approx: 15 km, 6 hours, 130m ascent, 1,130m descent, Overnight Hotel
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding, 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 for a nights at hotel, well deserve shower and relaxing time.

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 8: Thimphu - Thimphu

Stop At: Thimphu, Thimphu, Thimphu District
Begin the day with the visit the Memorial Chorten built in 1974, in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the country from 1952-1972. Next visit the Buddha Dordema located at Kuenselphodrang, it is 51.5 meter bronze statue overlooking the Thimphu valley. After that stop by Changangkha temple built in 12 century; Visit the Painting School (Zorig Chusum if in session) where traditional art and craft is still kept alive, Takin preserve to see Bhutan’s national animal. Visit Zilukha nunnery to grasp the role of woman in Bhutan’s spiritual realm. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive fortress houses part of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the office and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 9: Thimphu – Punakha

Stop At: Punakha Dzong, Punakha 13001 Bhutan
Transfer on approximately 2 hours 30 minutes’ drive over Dochula Pass (3.150 m) to the lower valley of Punakha. Stop at the Dochula pass for hot cup of tea/coffee and a chance to stretch your legs, use proper toilet facilities. On a clear day one can view the Himalayan ranges with 108 stupas named as “Druk Wangyel Chorten” that have been erected here by the Queen Mother.
After reaching the village of Sobsokha take a short walk through the rice pounding village to take a short walk to visit Chimi Lhakhang, a fertility shrine, built in the 15th century by lama Druk Kunley, also known as the “the Divine Madman.” The cheerful flying phallus that one sees painted on homes throughout Bhutan is a tribute to this saint, whose presence distracts and thus repels evil spirits.
Also visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the central monastic body. The dzong was damaged by fire in 1986, but recently renovated using traditional building techniques without using of nails, plans of power tools. It is beautifully located at the confluence of Pho chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river).

Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 10: Punakha - Paro

Stop At: Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Punakha Bhutan
This morning drive to the north of the valley around 30mins and take a hike, which is around 1hour to a Khamsum Yule Namgyel chorten, which took more than 9years to complete it. The walk through rice fields, passing by farm houses is very scenic and beautiful.
After lunch continue your drive to Paro.
Duration: 6 hours

Meals included:
• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner
Accommodation included: Overnight 3 star Hotel

Day 11: Depart.

Stop At: Paro District, Paro District
After breakfast, you will then be transferred to the airport for you flight.
Duration: 20 minutes

Meals included:
• Breakfast
No accommodation included on this day.