Day by day trip itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO

During the journey, the traveller will experience from the left side of the plane a spectacular view of Mt. Everest, and other famous Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by your Bhutanese friend from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers. Lunch at the Hotel. Discuss the Tour Programme with the Tour Guide. Evening walk around the town.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 02 PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

Drive up to Satsam Chorten (10 km from Paro town) and from there walk up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means “Tiger’s Nest ". The Monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and the river. It is said that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padma Sambhava known as the second Buddha in Bhutan meditated on this spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a flying tigress.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.
After lunch visit Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometres away from Paro town. Although it has been in ruin but this Dzong has its great historical importance for the people of Bhutan. It was a place where the Bhutanese finally defeated the Tibetan invasion and drove them back. On a clear day one can view the sacred Mt. Jumolhari (Mountain of Goddess). Its altitude is 7,329m.Visit Kyichu Lhakhang (Lhakhang means temple). Which was built in 659 AD by the King Songtsen Gompo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drukgyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place in the country, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Visit National Museum which used to be a watch tower for Paro Rimpong Dzong (Fortress). It was converted into Museum in 1968. Visit Paro Rimpong Dzong, the Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town one the way you can see the traditional wood bridge of ancient style. Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Over night: Hotel in Paro.

Day 03 PARO - SHANA (Start of Trek) Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 - 6 hours.

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies.
Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 04 SHANA – THANGTHANGKA: Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 km; Time 7 - 8 hours.

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.

Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 05. THANTHANGKA – JANGOTHANG: Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 km; Time 5 - 6 hours.

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jumolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Overnight: Camping.
Day 06 JANGOTHANG - HALT
A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jumolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction.
Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 07 JANGOTHANG- THANGTHANGKA

Overnight: Camping in tents.

Day 08 THANGTHANGKA - SHANA

Over night: Camping in tents.

Day 09 SHANA – PARO - THIMPHU (End of Trek)

Our transport will be waiting (at Drukgyal Dzong) to take us to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. It takes two hours drive to Thimphu.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu

Day 10 THIMPHU – SIGHT SEEING

After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese Paper Factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

Day 11 PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Bigfoot Adventure Trekkers will accompany you to bid farewell as you embark on your onward journey to back home.

Reminder

Climate

Days are normally warm. Nights can at times be (general) very cool and in winter even below the freezing point. Monsoon showers in summer (heaviest in July, August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
What to bring
Personal Clothing
Practical and comfortable clothes are appropriate (according to season). Preferably cotton for summer. Woolen clothing for the evenings and winter.
For Trekking
Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-5 degree Celsius), strong comfortable trekking boots – water resistant for the rainy season (June – August), several pairs of socks and vests, warm clothing (especially a down jacket for higher altitudes) for the evenings, rain coat or umbrella, torch (flashlight), water flask, a hat or head scarf, sunglasses, sunscreen lotion, disinfectant tablets for water, insect repellent, antibiotic ointment and antihistamine cream for insect bites (summer), Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness, pillow case, wet packed tissue paper.

CHECK LIST:

Travel documents: Passport, Visa, Travel insurance, Air tickets and voucher
Health requirements arranged
Money: travelers’ cheques and cash (No credit card facilities in the Kingdom)
Money pouch
First aid kit
Day pack to carry your personal needs during the day
Alarm clock and torch / flashlight
Mosquito and insect repellent
Warm clothes for the cooler nights
Raincoat / umbrella for summer and down jackets for winter
Ear plugs can be useful if you are a light sleeper
Tampons can be difficult to buy in Bhutan
Lock for your bag

DRESS CODE:

When packing be aware that dress standards are conventional throughout Asia. Loose, lightweight, long clothing is both respectful and practical. Singlet, tank tops and shorts are not suitable for Bhutan.

Trip Notes

Bring along two passport photos. Sometimes video or still cameras may not be appropriate in Bhutan. Local people can find these intruding in their privacy. Accommodation in Bhutan will be simple but we try our best to provide the best accommodations. Most of the Bhutanese traditional food is delicious but they can be very hot because of chili, which is the most important ingredient in Bhutanese dishes.

You can find dogs barking all night and might be at times, a little disturbing so we advice to bring ear plugs for your sound sleep.

NOTE: For trekking a load of 25 kilos is allowed.