Shimmering Lakes & Snowy Peaks

Bite-sized trip

Itinerary:
Paro - Thimphu
Duration:
6 days / 5 nights
Price:
from £ 1,615.- per person (excluding flights)

Starting in the peaceful, charming town of Paro, surrounded by sweeping hills and undulating valleys, this moderate trek leads you along an ancient trading route and gives you a glimpse of Bhutan’s unspoilt landscape. You’ll cross Himalayan mountains and pass sparsely populated areas, with a natural landscape of blue pine forests and pristine lakes teeming with fish. The trek ends in Bhutan’s capital – Thimphu.

Day 1 – Paro – Jele Dzong (3,480m)

You’ll begin with a fairly short trek, taking a gradual hike for 4-5 hours following dirt roads and passing the apple orchards of Damchena. It’s then a continued climb through forests filled with golden moss before you arrive at your camp for the night – a meadow surrounded by evergreen forests.

Day 2 – Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (3,770m)

Today’s route climbs 4-5 hours through thick alpine forests, full of short ascents and descents, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the views of Mt Chomolhari and the lush surroundings which can be seen from the trail. If you’re lucky, you may hear or even see the vibrant monal pheasant. Your home for tonight will be a campsite, neighbouring a yak pasture.

Day 3 – Jangchulakha – Jigmelang Tsho (3,870m)

Today’s trek follows a trail lasting 5 hours, with several ups and downs through valleys and rocks, passing vast views, landscapes and mountains. You finish your day at a camp known for its isolated lake – the ‘Sand Ox lake’. It was named after a bull which emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a grazing ground during the summer. It’s also known for the giant trout that lives within.

Day 4 – Jigmelang Tsho – Simkorta (4,110m)

Today you’ll take a 4 hour climb through dwarf evergreen trees and past the misty Janetsho lake. You’ll descend to a yak herders camp, getting a glimpse of how nomads live their day-to-day life, before continuing up wide stone paths to the next camp for tonight.

Day 5 – Simkotra – Phajoding (3,750m)

Today begins with a gradual 3-4 hour climb to a saddle crossing Phume La Pass, the highest point of your trip – marked by prayer flags and (if the weather is on your side) enchanting views of Mt Gangkhar Puensum and other Himalayan peaks. The trail then descends past a meditation centre that’s hanging on the side of a precipitous rock face. You’ll then continue further through juniper trees to your final campsite, based close to an important pilgrimage site.

Day 6 – Phajoding – Motithang – Thimphu

Today’s trek is all downhill for a few short hours – ahh, and breathe. On completion of the trail, you’ll be picked up and taken to your hotel in Thimphu for tonight. After freshening up and having a few hours to rest, you can visit the Tashichho Dzong, and walk through the city, visiting the handicraft emporium – your chance to get your hands on all types of Bhutanese products!