Overview of the Trek
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Day 03: Paro ~ Thimphu
Day 04: Thimphu ~ Trongsa
Day 05: Trongsa ~ Jakar [Bumthang]
Day 06: Bumthang ~ Gorsum
Day 07: Gorsum ~ Lungsum
Day 08: Lungsum ~ Tsochenchen
Day 09: Tsochenchen ~ Dur Tsachu 10 Halt at Dur Tsachu
Day 11: Dur Tsachu ~ Tsochenchen
Day 12: Tsochenchen ~ Gorsum
Day 13: Gorsum ~ Bumthang
Day 14: Bumthang ~ Wangdi
Day 15: Wangdi ~ Thimphu
Day 16: Thimphu Sightseeing
Day 17: Thimphu ~ Paro [Departure]
Day 01: Arrive Paro
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing
Morning: Drive to Drugyal Dzong (a ruined fortress - 16 klms 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 unfolds a magnificent vista of Mount Chomolhar, "Mountain of Goddess" (Alt. 7329 mtrs). Visit a typical Bhutanese farm house on the way back.
Day 03: Paro ~ Thimphu
Drive along the winding road alongside the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) to the confluence with the Wang Chu, then follow the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at theHotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 04: Thimphu ~ Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7-8 hours from Thimphu. Pack lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.
Day 05: Trongsa ~ Jakar [Bumthang]
Drive for 2 1/2 hours to Jakar. Bumthang (the "Plain of Ghosts") is a land of myth and mystery and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles here. A beautiful view of Jakar Dzong (" Castle of the White Bird") can be had from View Point. Lunch will be served in Hotel.
Afternoon: hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the first king for his two nun sisters.Outside Lame Gompa one can see a workshop for traditional Bhutanese paper-making. Overnight halt in Hotel.
Day 06: Bumthang ~ Gorsum [trek starts]
Distance - 18 km. About 6 - 7 hours journey. Altitude of Gorsum - 3120 mtrs. After breakfast transport will reach the group to the starting point of the trek just below Kurjey Lhakhang. The trek route follows the Chamkar Chu, a river rich in trout. The trail from Bumthang to Gorsum is a gradual climb. Overnight halt in camp.
Day 07: Gorsum ~ Lungsum
Distance - 12 km. About 5 hours journey. Altitude of Lungsum - 3160 mtrs.
The trail ascends gradually through dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple.Overnight halt in camp.
Day 08: Lungsum ~ Tsochenchen
Distance - 15 km. About 6 - 7 hrs journey. Altitude of Tsochenchen - 3 100 mtrs. The vegetation remains the same until the camp site which is above tree level, Halt in camp.
Day 09: Tsochenchen ~ Dur Tsachu
Distance - 17 km. About 7 hours journey. Altitude of Dur Tsachu - 3400 mtrs. The trek from Tsochenchen is uphill all the way till the Julila Pass at about 4700 mtrs. From the pass, if the day is clear, surrounding mountains can be seen. After crossing the pass, the trail descends till the camp site. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bear are sometimes seen along the route. Halt in camp.
Day 10: Halt at Dur Tsachu [Hot Spring]
After a late breakfast, relax in the hot spring or hike around the surrounding areas. Overnight in camp.
Day 11: Dur Tsachu ~ Tsochenchen
Distance - 17 km. About 7 hours journey, The route from Dur Tsachu ascends till the Julila Pass, and drops down till Tsochenchen. Overnight halt in camp.
Day 12: Tsochenchen ~ Gorsum
Distance - 27 km. About 9 hours journey. An early start is a must because the distance is longer than usual. The trail leads gradually down hill.
Day 13: Gorsum ~ Bumthang [trek ends]
From Gorsum the trail descends gradually till the bridge near Dur village. Here the motor road is reached and a vehicle will pick you up to take you to Bumthang and overnight halt at the Tourist Lodge.
Day 14: Bumthang ~ Wangdi
The drive to Wangdi takes about 7 hours. Picnic lunch will be arranged along the way. Halt at Wangdi in Lodge.
Day 15: Wangdi ~ Thimphu
Visit Punakha Dzong enroute. Punakha used to be the Winter Capital of Bhutan until 1966. It is a place of great historical significance. The mortal remains of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is preserved in a shrine here.Punakha is also the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Head Abbot) and the Central Monk body. Drive to Thimphu. Halt overnight in Hotel.
Day 16: Thimphu Sightseeing
Visit Tashichho Dzong - the main Secretariat Building. It is from here that the country is administered. The Head Abbot and the central monastic body also reside here during the summer. Wander through the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the workshop where the handicrafts are made. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 km. from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Day 17: Thimphu ~ Paro [Departure]
Drive to Paro International Airport where our representatives will bid you Bon Voyage.
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