Day by day trip itinerary

DAY 01 ARRIVE PARO

During the journey, the traveler 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.
After Lunch 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, this Dzong was built in 1646 AD, and walk down to town on the way you can see the traditional wooden bridge of ancient style. Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse and sightseeing trip to the Paro town.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro

DAY 02 PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY:

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 (Paro chu – Chu means river or water). 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.
Lunch at the Yak herders’ cafeteria. The round hike takes about 4 Hr.
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 in the Himalayas. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong. It is one of the holiest place for the people of the kingdom, as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country.
Overnight: Hotel in Paro.

DAY 03 PARO - SHANA (Trek begins): Alt. 2800m, Distance - 17 km and 5-6 hrs.

After breakfast, drive up to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress), 16 kilometers 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, and where the road ends and begins the trek by following the river gently uphill through the wonderful narrow agricultural valley of paddy fields and you will come across with many of traditional farm houses in a purely rural setting.
Over night: Camp site is just beyond an army outpost.

DAY 04 SHANA – THANGTHANGKHA: Alt 3,860 m. Distance - 15 km. 6 -7 hrs.

The trail continue to ascents uphill through the spectacular view of river valley, deep conifers and rhododendrons forests and after sometime the trail narrows and closes in some distance. On the way, there is a wonderful view of Mt. Jumolhari.
Over night: Camp will be set up in a meadow with stone shelter.

DAY 05 THANGTHANGKHA – JANGOTHANG: Alt 4,240m. Distance - 19 km. 5 - 6 hours.

The trail follows the river valley and gradually descends through a mere path to a meadow and where the valley begins to widen again. You can now clearly view the spectacular view of high Himalayan Mountains ridges and the snow-capped mountains all around and also see the winter home for yaks and the yak herders’.
Over night: Camp will be set up beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jumolhari.

DAY 06 JANGOTHANG – HALT:  Alt 4,240m. Distance - 19 km. 5 - 6 hours.

Trek up to Tsophu for fishing or hikes around; there are good short hiking trails in three directions. Mt. Jumolhari and its subsidiary chains lay directly west, Jichu Drake towards the north.
Over night: Camping in tents.

DAY 07 JANGOTHANG – LINGSHI: Distance - 19 Km. 5 - 6 hours walks. Alti 4150 m.

The trail accents gradually to Nyilila Pass (Alt. 15354 ft / 4,680 m). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a spectacular view of the Lingshi Dzong as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tsarim Kang and its glaciers rise up at the north end of the valley.
Over night: Camp in a stone shelter or a tent. 

DAY 08 LINGSHI – HALT: Distance 15 Km. 3 - 4 hours walk. Alt 4500 m.

A day excursion to Tsokha (Lake) which is the base camp for Jichu Drake. During the excursion you can see many of the blue sheep, musk deer and other wild birds and animals.
Over night: Camping in tents.

DAY 09 LINGSHI – SHODU: Distance 22km. 7 - 8 hours walk, Alt 3963m

The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass at an altitude of 4820 m. From the pass, you can get spectacular view of Mt. Jumolhari, Mt. Tserim Gang and Mt. Masagang on a clear day. The trail follows the steep down hill to Shodu.
Over night: Camp in a stone shelter or in tent.

DAY 10 SHODU – BARSHONG: Distance - 13 Km.  3 - 4 hours walk. Alt 3785m.

The trail continues to follows the ThimChu (Chu means river) through the dense rhododendron forests and waterfalls are great views along the way. The valley narrows and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
Over night: Camp can make in stone shelter or tent.

DAY 11 BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO: (Distance - 11 Km.  3 - 4 hours walk (3628m.)

The trail descends through thick rhododendron forest to meet the ThimChu and then ascends to pasture lands.
Over night: Camp in tents.

Day 12 DOLAM KENCHO – THIMPHU: Distance - 14 km. about 3 - 4 hours walks

The trail continues to follow through the forest areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) and other wild animals can be seen along the way and you are ending up your trek and your car will be waiting at Dodena for you.
Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu:

DAY 13 THIMPHU - SIGHT SEEING:

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government Ministries, 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. Lunch in hotel in Thimphu.Afternoon: Visit the Memorial Chorten (a great stupa) built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the mini Zoo where the national animals were kept and drive to Sangeygang where you can have a spectacular view of Thimphu valley. Visit nunnery in Zulikha. Visit the Wood Craft and Painting school where traditional arts and crafts are still kept alive through the instructions of painting and curving. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts and crafts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.
Over night: Hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 14 PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure:

Early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese guide 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.
Trek Grade: Strenuous    

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.

Physical fitness: At least 3 – 6 months.
For Trekking:
Warm sleeping bag (down, -0-15 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.