Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received my Connecting Horizons representative
and transfer to hotel. Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at
the hotel in Paro.
Day
2 : Paro
Morning drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu (Paro River) to
Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from
Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward
beyond the Dzong. On return to Paro Valley, visit to a traditional Bhutanese
farm house. Also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most
sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism.
Afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which now houses
Bhutan's national museum. The museum's interesting collection includes
ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, stamps. After that walk doen
the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century, it is symbolic as
the religious and secular affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in
Paro.
Day 3 : Paro - Thimphu
This morning drive downstream along side the Pa Chu (Paro River) to its
confluence with Wang Chu (Thimphu river) then up valley to Thimphu, the
capital town. Before arriving, Thimphu, visit Somtokha Dzong, Kingdom's
oldest fortress which is now used as Dzongkha language school of Bhutan.
Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Third King of
Bhutan. Then visit Tashichhodzong, Thimphu's most impressive building
situated at the banks of Wang Chu. It houses National Assembly, King's
Throne room and also the summer residence of Chief of monk body. Evening
take a stroll through Thimphu market and town. Overnight at the hotel in
Thimphu.
Day 4 : Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the Painting school where centuries old art of
Bhutanese paintings is taught. National Library is another interesting place
to visit which houses vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts,
manuscripts. Also visit to Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries
old healing arts still practiced. Afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporium. Here
exotic weaves in silk, wool, cotton, silver jewellery, carpets, thangkha
paintings, bambooware and another traditional crafts of the Kingdom are
available. Evening drive to view point for a fascinating view of Thimphu
valley. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5 : Thimphu - Genekha [14 Km, 4 Hours]
Drive for 45 minutes to reach starting point of the trek. The first day
walk, over a mule path, will end after four hours at the signboard of
Genekha School. Al through the trail, terraced fields and coniferous
vegetarian are abundant. Overnight at Genekha alongside a stream at 2800m.
Day 6 : Genekha - Gur [15 Km, 4 Hours]
On today's trek the true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora
and fauna (birds are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a
huge rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. After
another two hours the trek ends. Complete at Gur, here flowers are abundant
in spring.
Day 7 : Gur - Labatama [12 Km, 5 Hours]
While treking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged
mountain vegetarian. Today's trek is amidst flowers and wild asparagus (in
spring). The meadows freshen the trekkers with poetic sentiments. The first
pass symbolised by a huge cairns gives a spectacular view of the whole
'Dagala' range, meadheder's camp. After lunch walk across hills and meadows,
ending the third day of trek. Camp at altitude 4300m near 'utso' lake where
golden trout flourish.
Day 8 : Labatama Halt
This day is for an excursion to any of three lakes; 'Relitso', 'Hetso' and
'Jamatso'. Your treking escort will reveal mystic stories about these lakes.
Also the day and place is ideal for trout fishing. Overnight in the camp.
Day 9 : Labatama Halt
Extension to 'Sesto' and nearby lakes. Hike to 'Sesto' is easy and
interesting. Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to 'Jagetso'
lake. Whole day trout fishing with packed lunch at lake side. The "Ahinsa"
(non violence) group can attempt climbing "Jomo" a peak of 5050m.
Lunch at summit with spectacular view around, can be memorable experience.
Return top camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.
Day
10 : Labatama - Panka [8 Km, 4 Hours]
Walk for 20 min upwards and later you will have majestic view of Himalayan
peaks during descent. This point is around 4460m. Your escort will help you
in identifying peaks such as Mount. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu
Drake, Tshrim Khang, Gangbom, Masagang, Tsendaygang and Gangchen Ta. Here
the Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight apart from yaks and horse.
Day 11 : Panka - Talikha [8 Km, 4 Hours]
This day entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive
than the other. Search for different verities of Blue Poppy (June - July)
and mountain birds. Lunch at the point, where one trail leads to 'Talekha'
and other to Wangdiphodrang. After lunch an hour's gradual climb brings you
to the tip of last Dagala range from where view of Thimphu valley is
spectacular, it appears as though Thimphu is spread is the palm of observers
hand. An hour's walk and you are at the last camp, little above Talekha
monastery.
Day 12 : Talekha - Thimphu - Paro
Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and wild
flowers) one reaches Talekha monastery and village and once again Thimphu
view is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, one
reaches the main motroable road to Thimphu where your transport is waiting.
Here the trek ends but the memories just begin. Drive to Thimphu for lunch.
Evening drive back Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 13 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to
onward destination.
