TSHALUNA TREK

Altitude: 2280m, Drive Time 30 mins (12kms each way)
Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours – 4 miles/6.5 km

We will pick you up upon arrival at Paro and you can have a chance to check into your hotel before we drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan’s most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It’s a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.

The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger’s Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists.

In the late afternoon you may visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong which on a clear day have unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Altitude: 3400m. Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours – 5 miles/8 km
After breakfast we will visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which also functions as the museum of Bhutan. Next we will visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) one of the largest in all of Bhutan. Dzong architecture is a distinctive type of fortress architecture found mainly in Bhutan. Take lunch at the hotel.

Today is a short day of trekking and we will head up into the hills above Paro Valley to the Jele Dzong. It’s a steep ascent but the views of the valley and surrounding snow capped mountains make it all worthwhile. Overnight at campsite.

Altitude: 3770m. Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours – 6 miles/10 km
After breakfast we will start with a climb up through the thick alpine forests of rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We may also see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight at campsite.

Altitude: 2320m. Hiking Time: 4 to 5 hours
After breakfast we start with a short climb to a ridgeline offering great views of Jumolhari. Our trek continues to Jimilangtsho Lake (3,700m) where we will take lunch before descending towards Langrithang. Your vehicle will waiting at the base and drive to Thimphu. Relax in the hotel.

Altitude: 2320 m
We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.

Altitude 1310m (Punakha). Drive Time: 3 hours each way (77km)
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. We will drive back to Thimphu for the night. Dinner and overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast we will drive back to Paro to catch your international flight and farewell.