This is one of the Toughest Trek in the world. This trek passes through the villages of Punakha & Wangdi region and then through the remote villages of Laya – Rodophu. This route also passes High passes like Ganglakarchu and Thanja.
Day 1. Arrive Paro:
On your journey to Paro, the panoramic views of the Himalayas are sensational, including the Everest and other famous Himalayan Peaks. The approach through the Bhutanese foothills and the landing, including a few steep turns to land at the tiny airstrip of Paro becomes more exciting as you enter Bhutan.
On arrival you will be received by your Bhutanese guide from Bhutan Greenland Expeditions and escorted to Hotel. After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum of Bhutan. Then visit the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646. Over night in Hotel.
Day 2. Paro:
After breakfast, excursion to Taktshang Monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built surrounding Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress.
After lunch, visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari ‘Mountain of the Goddess’ can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). Then visit the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred shrine of Bhutan built in 8th century by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Over night in Hotel.
Day 3. Paro – Shana (Start of Trek):
The trek starts at Drukgyal Dzong and follows the Paro river. The trail passes cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 4. Shana – Thangthangka:
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 - 8 hours.
Day 5. Thangthangka – Jangothang:
The route passes a small army post in the morning, then the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home for yak herdsmen. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp. The ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions is visible nearby. Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.
Day 6: Jangothang (Halt):
A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction.
Day 7. Jangothang – Lingshi:
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, JichuDrakey and Tsrim Ghang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong. Camp altitude is 4000 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.
Day 8. Lingshi – Shodu:
The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4820 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. 8 hours.
Day 9. Shodu – Barshong:
This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp at the altitude 3600 meters. Walking time 6-7 hours.
Day 10. Lingshi – Chebisa:
Walk past the Lingshi dzong, perched on the hilltop with a commanding view of green hill, the Winding River and magnificent peaks. This is a very easy day and a pleasant walk, through villages and yak herders camps. Lunch will be at scenic Goyuna village. After lunch, a short walk will reach you to Chebisa village. We camp here by the side of stream at an altitude of 3,850 meters. Walking time 5-6 hours.
Day 11. Chebisa – Shomuthang:
Today begins with a stiff climb up a ridge to Gubula pass at an altitude of 4,500 meters, taking nearly 4 hours to the top. After the pass descend to a lunch spot, through rhododendron bushes. Afternoon continue along the up and down path, after crossing the stream, through rhododendron forests and yak herders camps. You may see herds of Blue sheep now and then. Arrive at camp. Walking time 7-8 hours.
Day 12. Shomuthang – Robluthang:
The trek starts with a climb to Jari la pass at the altitude of 4,600 meters. Then descend to Tsharijathang valley, the summer residence of the rare Himalayan Takin (national animal of Bhutan). From here we may have to cross the stream and get wet, as most of the time the foot bridge is washed away, After crossing the stream towards the left the trail ascends till you reach Robluthang camp at an altitude of 4400meters, walking time 8-9 hours.
Day 13 . Robluthang - Lemithang:
A long climb up to the shinje la pass (altitude 4900meters). The views of the mountains from the pass are breathtaking. After the pass descend to Lemithang. The path is quit narrow and you may have to cross the stream and get wet again. The last part of the trek is very interesting, with the view of Mount Gangchey Ta peak. Arrive at camp at an altitude 4100 meters.
Day 14. Lemithang – Laya:
In the morning you wake up with a superb view of Gangchey Ta peak in front of you. The walk to laya is very pleasant with wonderful views. You will pass through a damp forest, filled with moss and singing birds. Arrive at Laya village, the second highest settlement in the country, at an altitude of 3,800 meter. Walking time 5-6 hours.
Day 15. Laya - Halt
Day 16. Laya – Rhodophu:
From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350m. Walking time 8-9 hours.
Day 17. Rodophu – Narethang:
The trail follows the river through rhododendron and shrubs.The camp is at Narethang(4900m) below the gangla Karchung Peak. Overnight in Camp.
Day 18 . Narethang - Tarina:
We cross the gangla Karchung la ( Pass) (5120 m). From here the mountain views are excellent on the northern horizon. To name a few: Kang Bum ( 6526m), Teri Gang ( 7300) Jejekangphu Gang ( 7100m). Overnight in camp in Tarina.
Day 19 . Tarina – Woche:
The day is much easier as the path follows the river down valley. Lunch at the lowest point (3500m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Altitude 3,800m. Walking time 6-7 hours.
Day 20 . Woche – Lhedi:
The Trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the river walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of the main source of Phochu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650m.
Day 21. Lhedi – Thanza:
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong dzong and continue towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp 4,000m. Walking time 7/8 hours.
Day 22. Thanza – halt
Day 23. Thanza – Tshochenchen:
The trek continues through the mountains. One comes across blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850m. `
Day 24. Tshotshena- Jichhu Dramo:
The trail follows the shore of a lake before climbing a ridge at 5100 m. On the top, you are surrounded by snowy peaks. Far below you can see the pho chhu desending down towards Punakha. The trek continues through mountains. Overnight in camp in Jichu Dramo(5050m), a small pasture on the east side of the valley.
Day 25. Jichhu Dramo- Chhukarpo:
The trail climbs to Rinchen Zoe la ( 5320m). Then continue through breath taking sc enery.After a couple of hours we reach Chhukarpo(4600m) .
Day 26 . Chhu Karpo – Thampe Tsho:
The trail continues to descend along the right bank of the river until it reaches a yak pasture at Gala Pang Chhu( 4010m). From here the path climbs quite steeply through Junipers and Silver Firs towards Thampe Tsho. The path follows a strem to the beautiful lake, surrounded by steep mountain walls. Overnight in Thampe tsho( 4300m ).
Day 27. Thampe Tsho – Maurothang:
From the camp the trail climbs steeply to Thampe la at 4600m. Along the way, you may see blue sheep on the high slopes above the trail.The path descends to Om tsho. It is said that Pema Lingpa found a number of Terma here.You will then pass a water fall. From the second lake the path descends steeply to the head waters of the Nikka chhu. Then the path follows through a mixed forest to Maurothang(3610m)
Day 28 .Maurothang – Sephu (end of trek):
After walking for about four hours you will reach a large grassy area overlooking the village of Sephu. Our vehicle will be waiting for you at the road point. Drive to Gangtey. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 29. Gangtey – Wangduephodrang:
After breakfast, visit the Gangtey Gompa. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple. The present Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal is the ninth re-incarnation. Explore the Phobjikha Valley, one of the most beautiful glacial valleys in the Himalayas and the winter place for the endangered Black Necked Cranes. In the evening, dOver night in Hotel.rive to Wangduephodrang. Over night in Hotel.
Day 30. Wangduephodrang – Thimphu:
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, visit the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 11. Departure:
Early morning, drive to Paro Airport and farewell.
|