Type:
Trek
Trek
Days:15 Day
Total
Days: 19 Days
Standard:
moderately hard trek
Days
01: Hike to Tiger Nest
Hike to the Tiger’s Nest and have lunch at the Taktshang
cafeteria. On the way back you can visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Overnight in Paro
Day
02: Paro to Shana
Drive to the end of the motor road at Drukgyel Dzong to begin the
trek. While you wait for the horses to load up you will have time to take
a look at the ruined Dzong. Known as the fortress of victory, it was
constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644 and
destroyed by a butter lamp fire in 1951. Today’s trail follows the river
uphill through a narrow agricultural valley as far as the border army camp at
about 2800 m. There is now a feeder road as far as the armies check post
at Gunitsawa about half an hour before camp so if you prefer you can take a day
hike near Paro for acclimatisation and then drive towards camp at Shana in the
late afternoon. (17 km, 6 hours)
Day
03: Shana- Soi Thangthangkha
The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine
and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of
Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an
altitude of about 3860 m. (19 km, 6 to 7 hours)
Day
04: Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army
post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and
snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it
is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at
the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 kms, 6 hours)
Day
05: Rest day at Jangothang
Day06: Jangothang - Lingshi
The trail climbs gradually to Nyili La Pass (4680 m). Broad yak pastures can be seen
along the length of the route. If the weather is clear, there is an excellent
view of Lingshi Dzong as
we descend into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can
be seen at the north end of the valley. We camp in a stone shelter at 3915 m.
(19 km, 7 to 8 hours). On your rest day you can take a day’s excursion to
Tsekha (Lahe), the
base camp of Jichu Drake Mountain where it is possible to see blue sheep and
musk deer. (Altitude about 4500 m) If you prefer, you can relax today, explore
the village and visit the school. Sadly Lingshi Dzong was badly damaged in a recent earthquake and it will
only be possible to visit if renovations works are complete.
Day
07:Rest at Lingzhi
Day
08: Lingshi - Chebisa
This is the shortest trekking day. Once we have reached our camp
at Chebisa (3910 m) it is possible to visit some village houses and a waterfall
just behind the village. (10 kms, 5 hours)
Day
09: Chebisa- Shomuthang
The trail goes through wild pastures where yaks graze. We cross
the Gobu La Pass
(4350 m) before reaching Shomuthang. The camp (at 3985 m) is near a
tributary to the Mo Chhu which
emerges below the Gasa Tsachu (Hot
Spring). From here you can see the helipad which is sometimes used if the
passes get snowed in. (17 km, 7 hours)
Day
10: Shomuthang - Robluthang
We start with a climb to Jhari La (4600 m) where we are rewarded
with quite stunning views, then descend again through forest to Tsharithang,
the valley where herds of takin can normally be seen. Today’s scenery is
absolutely breathtaking. Cross the river and clamber up the hillside for an
hour or so to camp at Robluthang (4160 m). (18 km, 7 to 8 hours)
Day
11: Robluthang - Limithang
After reaching the Shinge La Pass
(4870 m), the path descends and goes through the valley. Limithang is in the
Laya district where the locals will be seen wearing unique regional dress. Our
camp is at Kang Che Da beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain, at an
altitude of 4090 m. (19 km, 8 hours)
Day
12: Lemithang – Laya
The path goes downhill through a winding river valley and enters
the eastern end of Laya village. (Altitude 3820 m, 10 kms, 4 to 5
hours) Next day explore the village and meet local people. You may
even get the opportunity to make a phone call or check email from here as the
village is well linked up with telecommunications!
Day
13: Rest at Laya
Day
14: Laya - Koina
The trail follows the river valley and there is a breathtaking
view of vibrant rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls. At Koena there is a hut
to sleep in which is sometimes welcome if the fields are muddy. (3510 m,
19 km, 8 hours)
Day
15: Koina - Gasa - Gasa Hot Springs
We cross the Bale La Pass
(3740 m), after which the trail descends to Gasa Dzong (2900 m). Continue with a
steep descent to the hot springs at Gasa at 2240 m. (18 km, 8 to 9 hours)
Day
16: Gasa - Punakha
Walk through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages
and oak and pine forests. The trail descends from the high agricultural
terraces above the Mo Chhu
into a semi-tropical gorge, ending at Damji. (17 km, 6 hours). A car will
meet us at the road head to drive to Punakha.
Day
17: Punakha
Visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”.
Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two
rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Then return to Thimphu over the Dochu
La pass at 3050 metres where you can catch a great view of the Himalayan range
that you have just seen at close hand. Sightseeing in Thimphu
Day
18: Thimphu sightseeing
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