Thimphu
Trekking Tour
Duration:
12 Nights / 13 Days
Places to Visit:
(Paro - Thimphu - Genekha -
Gur - Labatama - Panka - Talikha - Paro)
This is a short trek near Thimphu, passing through picturesque high altitude
lakes. It is moderate trek with mostly short trekking days but few steep climbs.
Season:
The best months for this trek are April, September and October
Day 01 On arrival at Paro airport, received my Holiday Moods
Adventures India representative and transfer to hotel. Evening visit to Paro
market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02
Morning drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu (Paro River) to
Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from
Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward
beyond the Dzong. On return to Paro Valley, visit to a traditional Bhutanese
farm house. Also visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most
sacred shrines of Bhutan, dating from the introduction of Buddhism.
Afternoon visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watch tower which now houses
Bhutan's national museum. The museum's interesting collection includes
ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, stamps. After that walk doen
the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century, it is symbolic as
the religious and secular affairs of the valley. Overnight at the hotel in
Paro.
Day 03 This morning drive downstream along
side the Pa Chu (Paro River) to its confluence with Wang Chu (Thimphu river)
then up valley to Thimphu, the capital town. Before arriving, Thimphu, visit
Somtokha Dzong, Kingdom's oldest fortress which is now used as Dzongkha
language school of Bhutan. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, built in the
memory of Third King of Bhutan. Then visit Tashichhodzong, Thimphu's most
impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chu. It houses National
Assembly, King's Throne room and also the summer residence of Chief of monk
body. Evening take a stroll through Thimphu market and town. Overnight at
the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04 After breakfast,
visit the Painting school where centuries old art of Bhutanese paintings is
taught. National Library is another interesting place to visit which houses
vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit to
Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still
practiced. Afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporium. Here exotic weaves in silk,
wool, cotton, silver jewellery, carpets, thangkha paintings, bambooware and
another traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available. Evening drive to
view point for a fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Overnight at the hotel
in Thimphu.
Day 05 Drive for 45 minutes to reach
starting point of the trek. The first day walk, over a mule path, will end
after four hours at the signboard of Genekha School. Al through the trail,
terraced fields and coniferous vegetarian are abundant. Overnight at Genekha
alongside a stream at 2800m.
Day
06
On today's trek
the true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (birds
are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at a huge rock
platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two
hours the trek ends. Complete at Gur, here flowers are abundant in spring.
Day 07 While trekking across the ridges, one
enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetarian. Today's trek is amidst
flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The meadows freshen the trekkers
with poetic sentiments. The first pass symbolised by a huge cairns gives a
spectacular view of the whole 'Dagala' range, meadheder's camp. After lunch
walk across hills and meadows, ending the third day of trek. Camp at
altitude 4300m near 'utso' lake where golden trout flourish.
Day 08 This day is for an excursion to any of three lakes;
'Relitso', 'Hetso' and 'Jamatso'. Your trekking escort will reveal mystic
stories about these lakes. Also the day and place is ideal for trout
fishing. Overnight in the camp.
Day 09 Extension to
'Sesto' and nearby lakes. Hike to 'Sesto' is easy and interesting.
Afterwards walk over a small ridge and then down to 'Jagetso' lake. Whole
day trout fishing with packed lunch at lake side. The "Ahinsa"
(non violence) group can attempt climbing "Jomo" a peak of 5050m.
Lunch at summit with spectacular view around, can be memorable experience.
Return top camp by dusk and prepare for the next day.
Day 10
Walk for 20 min upwards and later you will have majestic view of
HIMALAYAS peaks during descent. This point is around 4460m. Your escort will
help you in identifying peaks such as Mount. Everest, Kanchenjunga,
Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshrim Khang, Gangbom, Masagang, Tsendaygang and
Gangchen Ta. Here the HIMALAYAS monal pheasants are a common sight apart
from yaks and horse.
Day 11 This day entails the
crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. Search
for different verities of Blue Poppy (June - July) and mountain birds. Lunch
at the point, where one trail leads to 'Talekha' and other to
Wangdiphodrang. After lunch an hour's gradual climb brings you to the tip of
last Dagala range from where view of Thimphu valley is spectacular, it
appears as though Thimphu is spread is the palm of observers hand. An hour's
walk and you are at the last camp, little above Talekha monastery.
Day
12 Passing through alpine and mixed vegetation (bamboo thickets and
wild flowers) one reaches Talekha monastery and village and once again
Thimphu view is superb. Passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards,
one reaches the main motroable road to Thimphu where your transport is
waiting. Here the trek ends but the memories just begin. Drive to Thimphu
for lunch. Evening drive back Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day
13 After early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for
flight to onward destination.
| DAGALA
THOUSAND LAKES TREK, 13 DAYS NETT COST PER PERSON |
GROUP SIZE
1 PAX
2 PAX
3 - 4 PAX
5
& Above |
USD
2400
2280
2160
2040
|
SURCHARGE
+ 40 %
+ 30 % |
Cost Includes » Twin sharing accommodation in
the best available accommodation mode (hotel or tourist cottage) on tour
» Full board meals
» Ground transfers
»
Sightseeing as per itinerary with English speaking Guide
»
Entrance fees and permits. During trek, accommodation in Tents
»
Freshly cooked meals, Dining / Toilet tents
» Ponies
»
And riding horses (on request) backed by skillful and experienced crew.
Cost Excludes » Air fare
» Bhutan Visa fee
(US$ 20 payable upon arrival at the airport)
» Nepal re-entry visa
fee
» Travel Insurance and expenses of personal nature.
