This is a superb fifteen days trek for strong walkers. Starting from Paro it goes into northern Bhutan to the land of yak-herders and to the base of Mount Cholomhari (7,316 meters / 24,000 feet), which is the most holy mountain for the Bhutanese. From there the trek goes on to remote Lingshi Dzong which once guarded the frontier with Tibet. This trek offers fabulous views of the mountains including Chololhari, Jitchu Draake and Tsheringkhang besides stunning Himalayan scenery and exceptional flora. You will encounter many yak-herders with their hairy wards and their camps but few villages. The maximum altitude gained is 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). This trek can be done from April to November but the best months are April, May, October and November.
Experience the glory of Bhutan’s Himalayan grandeur—and its intriguing Buddhist culture—on this fabulous trek!
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Arrive Paro - Thimphu. Upon arrival meet with our representative and after lunch transfer to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day 2:
Paro Sightseeing. Visit Kychu Lhakahang, National Museum and Paro Dzong. Later in the evening assemble the trekking gear. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.
Day 3:
Paro - Shana. Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong where the road ends and trek begins, follow the river gently uphill through a agricultural valley and the village. O/nt Camp at height of 2,800 m. Dist. 17 km. 5 to 6 hours.
Day 4:
Shana-Thangthayka: Continue uphill through the alpine forest. It narrows and closes in and the winds along the drainage. The trek is mostly through the deep forest. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Alt. 3750m. Dist. 20 km. 8 to 9 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 5:
Soi Thangthayka - Jangothang: Continue up the Pa Chhu (river). Pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Now views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen all around. Camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake. Alt: 4,040 m, Dist: 19 km, time about 51/2 hrs. Overnight Camp.
Day 6:
Jangothang Halt. Trek up to Tsophu for fishing or do any one of the three hiking excursions. Mt. Jhomolhari and its subsidiary are due west, Mt. Jichu Drake is to the north, unclimbed summits and ridges are to the east. Overnight Camp.
Day 7:
Jangothang - Lingshi: Wide yak pastures are visible both on ways up and down the pass. You may encounter some nomads in their yak tents. You can see the Lingshi Dzong. Tserim Kang and is descending glaciers are at the north end of the valley from the Nyuele la pass alt. 4700m. Camp at alt: 4150 m, dist: 19 km. 7 to 8 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 8:
Lingshi Halt: On this day, halt at Lingshi for one-day excursion to Tsokha, the base camp of Jichu Drake. Large herds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen. Alt: 4,500 m, dist 15 km. Overnight Camp.
Day 9:
Lingshi Shodu: The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass, altitude 4820 m, from the pass, Mt. Jhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang can be seen on clear days. Then descend. Camp at ht: 3,963 m, 22 km. 9 to 10 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 10:
Shodu - Barshong: Follow Wang Chhu through the forest of rhododendron and waterfalls, the river then narrows and closed in and the trail winds ascending to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Camp just below the Dzong. Atl: 3,785 m dist: 13 kms. 6 to 7 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 11:
Barshong-Dolam Kencho. Descend gradually to meet Wang Chhu, passing through forests of Rhododendron, then ascend once again onto pasture land. Camp in meadow. Atl: 3,628 m, dist: 11 km. 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Camp.
Day 12:
Dolam Kencho - Thimphu: Continue uphill through the forest to a small pass. The trial winds up and along the drainage. Wild animals may be seen. At Dodina, meet the transportation for drive to Thimphu. Dist: 14 km. 6 to 7 hours. Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 13:
Thimphu - Punakha: Morning Thimphu sightseeing, visit Memorial Chorten, Painting School, National Library. After lunch drive to Punakha/Wangdi across the Dochula Pass ( Alt: 3050m ) where once can see the beautiful views across the Dochula Pass (Alt: 3050 m) of Eastern Himalayan Range. Overnight at Hotel in Wangdi.
Day 14:
Punakha - Paro. Visit Wangdi Dzong and Punakha Dzong, which is the winter home of Central Monk body (Je-Khenpo). After lunch transfer to Paro. Overnight Hotel.
Day 15:
Paro departure. Transfer to airport for onward flight.
