Spirit of the Himalayan
This trek starts at Paro, following the Pachu (Paro river) upstream literally to its source passing through scattered hamlets and farmland, into a deep and richly forested valleys, which further leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals. Besides, Mt.Chomolhari and its adjoining range has impressed visitors to admit as one of the most beautiful peak. The trek offers a taste of great variety of Bhutanese landscape.
Upon arrival in Paro, clear customs and immigration. Keep your copy of the visa clearance letter handy. P.P size pictures are no longer required and your visa has been paid. Meet your Guide and driver outside the terminal building and transfer to hotel. After lunch visit Rinpung Dzong, Kyichu temple complex and National Museum. Welcome dinner and overnight at hotel, Paro.
Rinpung Dzong: meaning "fortress of the heap of jewels". Built in mid 17th century, it now serves as the administrative and judicial seat of Paro district and residence for the 200 monks of Paro. It is also the venue for Paro festival held in the spring. Several years ago, the colourful movie Little Buddha was filmed here.
Kyichu temple: Tibetan King Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century miraculously built 108 temples, along with Jorkhang in Lhasa. Kyichu is considered to be one of them and is one of the oldest temples in Bhutan.
National Museum: Established in 1967, the museum is housed inside a circular Ta Dzong, an ancient Watch Tower. It holds fascinating collection of arts, relics, religious thangkha paintings, households stuffs, arms, handicrafts, stuffed animals and Bhutan’s famous Stamps among others. (open 10-4pm – closed on Monday).
Paro: Paro is one of the most beautiful valleys in the country with Bhutan’s only airport located here, among the terraced fields, and elegant farm houses. Willow trees line many of the roads, contrasting with bright colors of the fields and the most popular and important sites also found within Paro district. Paro town (2,280m) is still a small with one main street and less then one hundred small family-run shops. The weekend market in Paro is held on Saturdays
Trek begins today, drive up to Drugyel Dzong where the road ends and the trek begins. Following the river gently upstream, through the villages. Camp is just beyond an army post. Alt. 2800 mts, & distance 16 kms/about 5 ½ hours walk.
The trail again follows Pachu River, ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests, the valley narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. Camp is in a meadow with the starry sky and the snow peaks protruding beyond the ridge. 21 kms./ 7/8 hrs walk.
The path ascends for a about 1 ½ hrs until you reach a small army post where the valley also begins to widen again. Now the stunning views of high ridges and then snow-capped peaks are all around. You begin to see yaks and yak herders' camp. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Chomolhari. Alt. 4040 m, distance -19 kms., about 5-6 hours walk.
Trek up to Tshophu (lake) for fishing (bring your own fishing gear), from where you can see the Arial view of submits all around and herds of blue sheep too. One can also spend a day hiking in one of 3 directions; Mt. Chomolhari and it's subsidiaries lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the North and Tsherimgang and other unknown submits and ridges to the east. Besides there is Yak herder's villages, always welcoming to show their house and living style.
Wide yak pastures on the way up and down the pass (Nyele-la 4700), possibly you may see some Yak
herders in their Yak-wool tents depending on the time of the year you are there. You can see great views of Lingshi Dzong and Mt. Tserimgang as you descend from the pass down into the Lingshi basin. Camp is in a open ground and there is in a stone shelter to use as a dinning room and fire place. alt. 4150 m.& dist.19 kms/about 7 hours wal
The trail follows the stream towards the valley opposite the Dzong and gradually ascends upto the Yalila pass (4820 mts.). During this part you may also see herds of Blue sheep & Musk deer. From the pass, it is a long gradual descent to Shodu camp at alt. 3750mts.& dist.22 kms./ 7 - 8hours walk
The trail follows the Thimphu River through the forest of Rhododendrons, juniper and other alpine forests. The trail winds up and down along drainage with the views of the cliff facing rocks, and waterfalls and eventually climbing up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below ruined fortress with stone shelter built for the trekkers. APPROX. Alt.3600mts & Dist.13 kms/6 -7 hours walk.
The path descends through the alpine forests and once again meets Thimphu river, for a while following it gradually through the forest of thicker Rhododendrons, and ascending up to pastureland. Camp is in a meadow. APPROX. Alt.3628 mts & Dist.11 kms/ 5 -6 hrs.walk
The trail descends through the bambo forests all the way to Dodena. Arrive in Dodena, where your transport will be waiting to
drive you to Thimphu. Overnight in Hotel. Trek ends
Full day sightseeing and shopping in Thimpu.
Morning transfer to the airport for departure flight.
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