Bhutan Dragon Kingdom

Land Tour

11 days

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Bhutan Dragon Kingdom
  • About
  • Gallery
  • Itinerary
  • Location

$AUD 781 per day

Departure: Paro, Bhutan

Adventure

We combine an exceptional trek with time to explore the cultural heritage of Bhutan. In the company of our local guides we follow trails that lead high above the Paro and Thimphu valleys to gain unrivalled views of the Himalayan peaks that define the borderlands of Bhutan and Tibet. There is also ample opportunity to delight in the pristine forests of conifer, oak and rhododendrons as well as encountering yak herders as they establish their summer encampments. In Paro and Thimphu we wander the markets and appreciate the location of the monasteries and forts that reflect the deep cultural heritage of this remarkable Buddhist kingdom.
About
10 breakfasts, 10 lunches and 10 dinners
airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 11
English speaking local guide
good quality accommodation in Paro / Thimphu
the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
all group camping equipment
private vehicle transport
permits and entry fees and local guide in the National Park
all park entrance fees and trekking permits
animals to carry 20kgs personal equipment
sightseeing and site entry fees as listed
pre-departure Information Guide, with all you need to know for your trek
souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
Bhutan Government visa and sustainability fees
Hightlights
Absorb the sweeping views of the sacred Jomolhari Peak (7326m)
Trek along the ancient Druk Path in the company of an expert guide and crew
Experience the beauty of Bhutan's rhododendron forests, lush alpine meadows and tranquil high altitude lakes
Climb high above the Paro Valley to Taktsang 'Tiger's Nest' Monastery
Discover the monasteries and market places of the capital, Thimphu

Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 - Arrive Paro
On arrival in Paro we clear Bhutan customs and immigration before being met by our Bhutan group leader. At our hotel our Bhutan guide will brief you on your stay in Bhutan before we take our first opportunity to explore the Paro bazaar.
Day 2 - Paro Valley, Takstang Monastery (3100m) & National Museum
Our sightseeing program in Paro includes a hike to Taktsang Monastery. The two to three hour ascent provides an excellent opportunity to acclimatise and to get the feel for your boots before commencing your trek. Taktsang Monastery - the site of the site of the famous Tiger’s Nest Monastery which is one of the divine resting places of the Guru Ringpoche. After visiting Taktsang monastery, an unforgettable experience, we return to our hotel and, in the afternoon visit the Paro Dzong which is the monastic and administrative centre for South-West Bhutan. We also visit the original fort - the Ta Dzong that now houses the National Museum of Bhutan with excellent displays of all facets of the countries rich cultural history. Old costumes and battle dress, together with priceless jewellery and specimens of the kingdom’s unique flora and fauna are included within the museum.
Day 3 - Commence trek to Jilli Dzong (approx 3 to 4 hrs).
From our hotel our guides can point out the dzong which is visible from the valley. After a short drive to the Ta Dzong we commence our trek along a well defined trail through a series of small settlements where Tibetan refugees have established their homes since 1959. We ascend through a forest of blue pine and silver birch for a further two hours. Just above the treeline we reach an alpine glade and the Jilli La (3580m) and gain fine views back down the Paro Valley. It’s a short distance onto camp in a beautiful sheltered clearing to the east of the pass (3490m).
In the afternoon we visit the nearby Jilli Dzong, an impressive fort cum monastery with panoramic views. In the vicinity of the Dzong there are many prayer flags hung from commemorative poles that reflect the ancient Buddhist beliefs that extend across the ridge tops of Bhutan.
Day 4 - Jilli Dzong to Jangchu Lakha (approx 4hrs)
We continue along the wooded crest high above the Paro Valley through conifer and rhododendron forest while numerous orchids, ferns and wildflowers line the trail. To the north you may glimpse the snow capped peak of Jomolhari. On this stage we also pass through a number of yak herders settlements who, like their counterparts in Southern Tibet, live in woven yak wool tents throughout the summer months. Our camp at Jangchu Lakha (3780m) is in a fine location overlooking the intermediary valley between the Paro and Thimphu valleys.
Day 5 - Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho (approx 5 to 6 hrs)
Another spectacular day as we continue north along tan alpine ridge. En route we cross a series of small passes in the vicinity of 4050m with each marked by a stone memorial and an abundance of prayer flags. From the passes there are also fine views of many of the peaks that form the border with Tibet. From our lunch spot we can appreciate the location of our campsite on the shores of the Jimilang Tsho. To reach the lake involves a long and gradual descent taking an hour or so, at first across alpine meadows and then through rhododendron and conifer forest to this wonderful campsite.
Day 6 - Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho (approx 5hrs)
From the lake the trail ascends through rhododendron forest before traversing a series of grazing meadows. It takes around three hours to reach the secluded encampment of Janye Tsho (3950 metres) and a fine place for a break. Thereafter the profile of the trail continues with short ascents and descents to reach the campsite above Simkota Tsho (4050 metres). From the campsite you can appreciate Jilli Dzong and the ridge-line you trekked along a few days earlier.
Day 7 - Simikota - day trip to Dungtsho Lake (approx 3 to 4 hours round trip)
Today we take a short acclimatisation walk to nearby Dungtsho Lake. The lake approximately an hour and half from our camp is steeped in Buddhist history. Dungtsho, originating from the the local word 'dungkhar' (meaning white conch) is said two house two conches in its depths, one male and one female. Nearby are the remnants of a meditation house, believed to have been used by a wandering Buddhist master, Druthob Dragey Shong. We return to camp in the afternoon for rest and relaxation.
Day 8 - Simkota Tsho to Phajoding (approx 4 to 5 hrs)
On our final day along the ridges we head over a series of small passes leading towards the Thimphu Valley. En route we pass a number of yak herders settlements and alpine lakes before reaching the Phume La (4200m) from where we appreciate the vast sprawl of the Thimphu Valley. We continue our descent to a campsite near Phajoding Gmba (3650m). This is a beautiful Buddhist monastery and an important pilgrimage site for the Bhutanese people.
Day 9 - Phajoding to Thimphu (3 hrs)
From Phajoding the trail descends steeply, passing through mixed forest for a couple of hours before following the valley floor to the Youth centre (2580m). From the roadhead, we drive to our hotel in Thimphu. After lunch we commence our sightseeing program of Bhutan’s capital. The town is by no means large and is easily explored on foot. The main Secretariat building, the Tashichho Dzong is the most prominent building consisting of the main Secretariat, the National Assembly Hall, the Office of the King and the Throne Room. It's remarkable 13th century construction is in traditional Bhutanese style without the use of nails or metal of any kind. We also visit the large Stupa dedicated to the late King HM. Jimge Dorji Wangchuk, regarded as the founder of modern day Bhutan. Then there is the Handicraft Emporium with famous weaving, woodcarvings and paintings while the Post Office sells Bhutan's world-renowned stamps.
Day 10 - In Thimphu, transfer to Paro
In the morning we will enjoy some sightseeing and then embark on the two-hour drive back to Paro. For the 2023 trip in March which coincides with the Paro festival (as noted on the specific trip date), the afternoon will be spent taking in the sounds and sights of the event.
Day 11 - Trip concludes
Morning transfer to Paro Airport for your onward flight.
Location

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