Duration: 2 Night 3 Days Treks
The three days trek is ideal for average walkers and for those who fear height, as the altitudes does not go over 1700m. During clear days, one can see the high Himalayas mountains, like Gangkar Puensum(7500m).
Day 1 Paro
In one of the most captivating experiences, the flight to Paro offers you views of the Himalayan treasures, such as Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Jomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Tsrim Gang. You will also have a bird’s eye view of Paro and the adjoining valleys, an experience beyond expression. The landing is also thrilling.
Our guide will meet you there and after a brief stopover at a hotel, escort you for your first experience that awaits you.
Drive to hotel, relax and then check-in. Stroll around Paro town, that developed after the airport was built in 1983.
Visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) which was built in 1649 by Paro Governor Tenzin Drugda to protect the fortress below. It was almost destroyed in 1965 and was restored by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck into the National Museum of Bhutan in 1968.
Visit Paro Dzong which was built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Rimpoche. It was built to protect Paro Valley from frequent Tibetan invasions. Today, this Dzong serves as the administrative office of Paro district and houses the district’s monk body.
Visit Kichu Lhakhang which was founded by Tibetan king Songtshen Gyambo in 659 AD. It was built to tame the demon occupied lands all over the Himalayas that prevented the spread of Buddhism. The king built 108 temples in a day to overcome the demon.
Over night at hotel in Paro.
Day 2 Paro Taktshang Excursion
- Hike to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang) Monastery, one of the holiest monasteries in the Buddhist World
Day 3: Paro – Thimphu
We drive to Thimphu and check-in at a hotel.
- You will be visiting places of historical importance and landmarks of the capital. The Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third king of Bhutan Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, Changangkha monastery built in the 12th century, statue of the world’s largest futuristic Buddha, Maitreya, Takin zoo, a Nunnery and Sangaygang, from where you can catch Thimphu in a celluloid form are some of the places you can visit in the morning.
- After lunch at a local restaurant, visit the Wood Craft and Painting school and see the wonders of Bhutanese art and craft in the making. Take a stroll around town and visit the Post Office if you are an enthusiast of postal stamps. If time permits, we will also witness an archery match (Bhutan’s national game) in session.
- In the evening, we will be visiting Thimphu’s most important landmark, the Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses the office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and the senior monks, apart from other Ministerial offices.
- Overnight at a local hotel.
Thimphu – Wangduephodrang
- After breakfast at hotel, we drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s old capital (about 3-hour drive from Thimphu).
- En-route we stop at the enchanting Docula pass (3040m above sea level). On a clear day one can see panoramic view of the Eastern Himalayas Mountains ranges.
- Arrive at Punakha Valley (1300m above sea level), a fertile valley were farmers grow two crops in a year.
- Punakha Dzong (Fortress) is an architectural masterpiece, which from far looks like a large ship rocked on a still mass of water. Built at the confluence of two rivers, called the Pho (male) and Mo (female) chus (rivers) in 1637 by Bhutan’s unifier, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it has played a very significant role in Bhutan’s history. Home to some of Bhutan’s most prized religious artifacts, it was destroyed four times by fire and an earthquake in 1897. However, it has now been restored to its original splendor, and is the home of the country’s Chief Abbot and religious body during the winter months.
- Hike from to Chimi Lhakhang, is associated with the great Buddhist master, Drukpa Kuenley, popularly known as the “Divine Madmonk,” and was constructed in the 15th century. The temple was built by Lama Nawang Chogyel in 1499 and is today a popular temple where barren women come to pray for a child. The temple is popularly known as the Fertility Temple.
- Over night at hotel in Wangduephodrang.
Day 5 Trek begins.
Altitude gain 940m, Altitude loss 0, Distance 9 km.
- Punakha to Limbukha
- Early morning you will be driven to the treks starting point in a small village, opposite to Punakha Dzong.
- Trek start with a steep climb through the Chir Pine forest for about two hours with vegetation changing into mixed forest. Walk for another one hour through oaks, chest nut and mixed forest till you reach at the top which has a chorten (stupa). This is a nice resting point. From here see far view of Limbukha, camp site. Follow the farm road for one hour till you reach Limbukha village, surrounded by rice fields. You will camp near by this village.
Day 6 Trek
Altitude gain 370 m, Altitude loss 745m, Distance 10 km.
- Limbukha to Chungsakha
- Leaving the camp we move to the cold broad leaves forest, and climb to a small ridge from where we can see Mt. Gangkar Phuensum (7550m). Trail drops down to a small stream. After crossing the stream trail, start climbing steeply through unclear forest for two hours till you reach Dangchu La Pass (1700m). After the pass it is a down hill walk through oak forest. During fall it is hard to find the trail as oak leaves cover the trail.
- Trek for day ends with a steep decent to Chungsakha camp.
Day 7
Altitude gain 500m, Altitude loss 350m, Distance 5 km.
- Chungsakha to Samtengang
- It is an hour down hill walk to Baychu Bridge, after which is a steep climb through rice fields and villages till Samtengang camp.
Day 8
- Samtengang to Chuzomsa
- Two hours steep walk down to Chuzomsa, where there is small village with many shops, where our treks will end.
- Over night at hotel in Paro.
Day 9
Depature from Paro International Airport. Our representative will escort you