Bhutan Tours - 10 days

Bhutan tours cover wonderfully scenic high-altitude walk accesses remote alpine lakes, yak herders and boasts views of Bhutanese Himalayas. For most part, it follows the traditional mule route between Thimphu and Paro. Because it departs and ends in Paro/Thimphu, it logistics make it a great choice as an add-on to any cultural tour of Bhutan.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrive in Paro
Fly to Paro. Upon arrival at the airport, you are met and transferred to your hotel. Depending on the arrival time, you may be able to see few places in the late afternoon or evening, including a visit to Paro Rinphung Dzong and a short familiarization tour of Paro town.
Overnight in Tenzinling Resort or Gangtey Palace
Overnight in Paro , Tenzinling Resort

Day 02: Paro Valley Tour ( B/L/D
In the morning, drive to the north end of the valley, and visit the ruin ramparts of Drugyal Dzong, viewing Taktsang along the way. Return to Paro, visiting the 7th Century Kichu temple along the way. Later visit National Museum housed in the watchtower above Rinphung Dzong. In the afternoon, transfer to Bondey village and take a short walk through the village to cliff hanging monastery of Dzongdrakha, spectacularly situated with the views of large country houses.
Overnight in Paro , Tenzinling Resort

Day 03 : Hike to Takstang (Paro) ( B/L/D)
In the morning, you may be able to see weekend market of Paro. Then, drive north of the town to the trail head at Ramtokha and begin hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The walk uphill, till the first viewpoint (cafeteria) takes about and 1hr. After short break with tea and snacks, continue further uphill to the monastery, which takes nearly another hour. After visiting some of the temples and shrines of Takstang, return to the Cafeteria for lunch and walk back to Paro. By this time, it will late afternoon or evening. Prepare your luggage for your trek. You can leave the stuffs you don’t require for the trek with the driver, who will transfer it to Thimphu, so that you can get it at the end of the trek.
Overnight in Paro at Tenzinling or Gangtey Palace.
Overnight in Paro , Tenzinling Resort

Day 04: Trek to Jele Dzong ( B/L/D)
Your trek begin around 10am as the pack horses have to come from Drugyal Dzong and it takes time to pack the luggage.
Transfer to the trail head above National Museum. Begin your trek uphill to Jele Dzong. Distance - approximately 10 Kms - about 4-5 hours trek, - about 1025m ascent. Your pack ponies arrive at the starting point of trek, near the museum area. The trek begins after the horsemen and trekking crews have packed your luggage and trekking supplies in order. To begin, the trail passes through some villages, apple orchards, cultivated fields, steadily uphill. Then the trek is through the blue pine and fir forests, with some nice meadows and great view of Paro valley as you climb to the camping grounds near Jele Dzong at an altitude of approximately 3500m.
Overnight camp tents
Overnight in Trek, Trek Camp

Day 05: Visit Jele Dzong to Jangchu Lakha ( B/L/D)
Distance - approximately 10 Kms- about 4 hours trek, - about 300m ascent.
Jele Dzong is atop a promontory at an altitude of 3560m, which is a short accent from your camp. On a clear day, the great views of Paro town and upper valley far below and Mt. Chomolhari, Mt Jitchu Drake and adjoining peaks can be seen in the distance. Visit this remote temple/fortress. From the Dzong, the trek is a long gradual ridge walk in a rhododendron forest. You descend and climb through forests of spruce, cedars and other trees mostly ravaged by bark beetles. You may pass the nomadic yak herders camps, see some beautiful flora and fauna including monal pheasants. Camp at a pasture land at an altitude of approximately 3750m.
Overnight camp tents
Overnight in Trek , Trek Camp

Day 06 : Trek to Jimilangstho Lake ( B/L/D)
Distance-approximately 20kms, about 7-8 hours trek, 950m ascent and 550m descent.
Today is our longest day along our Druk Path trek trail and we should start early. The trek makes gradual climbs and descends with the highest point being 4150m.The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomads life. After Simkota, the trail makes several short ascents, to seemingly summits, traverses broad rocky valley, some sky burial sites, and crosses the final ridge at Phume la pass (4100m). From the pass, on a clear day, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Punsumthe highest mountain in Bhutan, as well other adjoining peaks and the view below of entire Thimphu valley. From the pass, descend and visit the Thujidra Gompa, a meditation site, that hangs on the side of precipitous rock face at 3950m. Short but steep descent from here is your camp site near the stone shelter at an altitude of 3750m.
Overnight in tents
Overnight in Trek , Trek Camp

Day 07 : : Jimilangtsho - Phajoding ( B/L/D)
Distance approximately 20kms, about 7-8 hours trek, 950m ascent and 550m descent.
Today is our longest day along our Druk Path trek trail and we should start early. The trek makes gradual climbs and descends with the highest point being 4150m.The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomads life. After Simkota, the trail makes several short ascents, to seemingly summits, traverses broad rocky valley, some sky burial sites, and crosses the final ridge at Phume la pass (4100m). From the pass, on a clear day, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkhar Punsum the highest mountain in Bhutan, as well other adjoining peaks and the view below of entire Thimphu valley. From the pass, descend and visit the Thujidra Gompa, a meditation site, that hangs on the side of precipitous rock face at 3950m. Short but steep descent from here is your camp site near the stone shelter at an altitude of 3750m.
Overnight in tents.
Overnight in Trek , Trek Camp

Day 08 : Trek Phajoding to Thimphu (Trek ends) ( B/L/D)
Distance approximately 7 Km, about 3 hours trek downhill, 1200 descent.
Phajoding has several meditation residences and some ancient temples. In the morning, explore one of the monasteries nearby and trek to Thimphu. The last day of your trek is all the way downhill through the forested area of mostly blue pine. At a leisurely pace, it takes about three plus hours. While you are waiting for the Wind Horse trekking crew and mules to arrive, explore the mini zoo nearby for Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Transfer from trek end point to the hotel. Afternoon is free to explore Thimphu on your own or to relax in the comforts of the hotel.
Overnight hotel Jumolhari or River view.
Overnight in Thimphu , Hotel Jumolhari

Day 09 : Thimphu Valley tour ( B/L/D)
Visit Memorial Chorten, Traditional Art School, Indigenous Hospital, textile museum in the morning. Later visit Tashicho Dzong, the main secretariat that houses several government offices, Kings throne room and central monastic headquarters. Visit the colorful Weekend market and if there is time available, you can visit other sights too.
Overnight in Thimphu , Hotel Jumolhari

Day 10 : Thimphu-Paro-Departure ( B)
After early breakfast at the hotel, transfer to Paro airport, which takes around 1hr. in time for your departure flight.