Bhutan, Druk Path Trek

Transcription

1 This is a short five day scenic trek with great views, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. The route is sparsely inhabited by nomadic yak herders. Also there are wonderful lakes en route teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in April & May. In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas. Seasons: The recommended months for this trek are March to June and September to November. Duration: 11 days Price: $2889 Group Size: 2 Grade: Moderate Destination: Kingdom of Bhutan Activity: Trekking Equiment Lists: Footwear : Well broken-in walking shoes - these must be suitable for snow, thick socks, light socks, camp shoes. Clothing :

2 Down or fiber filled waterproof jacket and trousers, sweater or fleece jacket, underwear, warm and cotton trousers or jeans, shirts and T-shirts, shorts, long underwear, wool hat, sun hat, gloves, bathing suit, track suit. Other equipment: Sleeping bag (5 seasons), lock, day pack, water bottle, sun cream, sunglasses, flashlight with spare bulbs and batteries, lip salve, gaiters. Other items: Insect repellent, toilet articles, diary, toilet roll, laundry soap, wet ones, pocket knife, towel, sewing kit, plasters, binoculars, camera, film, cards and personal medical kit. Itinerary: Day 1: Arrival in Paro In clear weather, Druk Air s flight to Bhutan provides a spectacular view of Himalayan scenery, Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom. Afternoon take an exploratory walk around Paro main street. Also visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temple in the Kingdom, dating back to 7th century. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. Day 2: Sightseeing in Paro After breakfast drive to ruined fortress, the Drukgyal Dzong. Strategically built over the only passage into Paro valley, the Bhutanese repelled several invading Tibetan armies during the 17th century from this location. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari from the village below the Dzong. Later embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktsang Monastery popularly known as Tiger s Nest. Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above Paro valley floor, it is Bhutan s most revered temple. The hike to the monastery makes a splendid half-day excursion. Evening visit Rinpung Dzong, meaning ( fortress of the heap of jewels ), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. Day 3: Paro Jele Dzong, 8km, 3 hours walk Morning visit Ta Dzong, the National museum, holding fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, handicrafts, maks, costumes, armour and Bhtuan s exquisite postage stamps. The visit will provide an insight into the rich and unique cultural heritage and tradition of Bhutan. Then begin the trek. Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp 2

3 is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp. Day 4: Jele Dzong Jangchulakha, 10km, 3-4 hours walk Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Jhomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp. Day 5: Jangchulakha Jimilangtsho, 11km, 4 hours walk The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trout. Overnight camp. Day 6: Jimilangtsho Simkota, 11km, 4 hours walk The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people live. Overnight camp close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner. Day 7: Simkota Phajoding, 10km, 4 hours walk Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain Bhutan and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite at Phajoding. Overnight camp. Day 8: Phajoding Thimphu, 5km, 3 hours walk After visiting Phajoding monastery built in 15th century by Shagcha Rinchen who introduced Drukpa Kagyu School in Bhutan in the 13th century, trek downhill to Thimphu passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Evening visit Trashichhoedzong, fortress of the glorious religion. This is the center of government and religion, site of monarch s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in 1960s in traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu. Day 9: Thimphu Punakha, 75 km, 3 hours drive Morning visit National Library, holding a vast collection of Buddhist text and manuscripts, some dating several hundred years, as 3

4 well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion. Then visit National Institute of Zorig Chusum or the School of Arts & Crafts, imparting training to young students in 13 traditional crafts of Bhutan. Then drive to National Textile Museum showcasing a range of beautiful Bhutanese textiles. Later visit to Folk Heritage Museum is interesting and provides a fascinating insight into the traditional Bhutanese farm house and rural past through exhibits and documentation of rural life. Then visit National Memorial Chorten, a sacred shrine built in 1974 in memory of the Father of modern Bhutan, third Druk Gyalpo Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. After lunch, drive on to Punakha across Dochula pass (3080m) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongphugang (7,060m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha. Day 10: Punakha Paro, 125 km, approx 4 hours drive Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan until 1955 and still it continues to be the winter residence of central monk body. Visit Punakha Dzong, Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored. Then drive to Wangduephodrang visiting its majestic Dzong, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in It is located on top of a high ridge overlooking a river junction. The Dzong stands majestically on a spur and commands an impressive view over both north-south and east-west roads. After lunch, drive to Paro en route visiting Sitmokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the country which now houses the School for Buddhist studies. Overnight at the hotel in Paro Day 11: Depart Paro Morning transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination. Cost Include: All land private transportation as per itinerary Bhutan Visa Fees Bhutan Tourism Development Fund An English speaking Bhutanese guide Experienced cook, kitchen staffs and required porter / horse and horse man Required Yaks and ponies to carry luggage & camping gear 3 meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) as per itinerary Twin/Double Sharing accommodation in Hotel Tent as per itinerary 4

5 Tent Mattress & al cooking utensils during trek as per itinerary Accomodation, meals, salary, equipments & Insurance of Local staffs Experienced driver All entrance fees and permits Cost exclude: International Air fare Drinking water TIPS for staffs Soft Drinks & Hard drinks Expenses of personal Nature Medical / Travel Insurance Anything not specified in cost include section 5