This trek will offer stunning glimpses of high altitude mountain lakes and the entire Himalayan range in Bhutan. An experience of fishing in the glacial lakes, see yaks and meet yak herders (nomads). It also offers an opportunity to visit places of historic and cultural significances, such as Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s Lair), National Museum, Tashichh
DAY01- Arrival by Druk Air - Paro
During this flight one will enjoy the view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchen-junga and other Himalayan Mountains including the sacred Mt. Jhomolhari & Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport a representative of Atlas Tour and Travel will receive you and drive you to the hotel to check in. After lunch, visit Ta Dzong former Watch Tower which now houses the National Muse- um and then visit Rinpung Dzong which houses the monastic school and the office of the civil administration and walk down passing close by crossing the Bhutanese typical wooden roofed bridge to Paro town. After a short stroll in town drive back to hotel for the night.
DAY02 - Paro- Excursion Taktsang
After breakfast, drive for half an hour and start the hike, which is about 5 hours (round trip.)As you reach Taktshang you will be struck by the architectural wonder of this most pious Buddhist shrine in Bhutan. Perched some 1000m, 3000ft on a cliff overlooking the valley, it would justifiably qualify as one of Bhutan’s wonders. Tragically wrecked in a fire early in 1998. It has been rebuilt to its original glory. It is said that the legendary Indian saint, Guru Padma Sambhava, flew from Tibet on the back of a tigress to tame five demons, who were opposing the spread of Buddhism in Bhutan in 746 A.D. Hence the name, Taktshang, or the “Tiger’s Lair.” If the time permits, drive further north to visit another symbolic structure, which is now in ruins. “Castle of the Victorious Drukpa,” which was also built by the Zhabdrung to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over the Tibetans in the 16th centuries. can Overnight at hotel.
DAY03- (Start of trek) paro – Gur
Distance 7 km, 5 hours, 550 m ascent, 210 m descent, camp altitude 3,290 m. After breakfast, drive to Genekha village where you will meet your trekking crew. The trek starts at beautiful Gynekha village and begins with a short descent to the river. After crossing the river you start climbing until you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, an area of yak pastures located just below the main trail.
DAY05 - Rest Day at Labatama
Excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho.
DAY06 - Labatama –Panka
Distance 8 km, 6-7 hours, 260 m ascent, 520 m descent, camp altitude 4,000 m. The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4,520m. From here onwards you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all through the descent. The mountain peaks visible include Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchen- Junga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. If you want an even better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the sad- dle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Doccha Chhu.
DAY07 - Panka – Talakha
Distance 8 km, 5-6 hours, 180 m ascent, 110 m descent, camp altitude 3,080 m. This day entails the crossing of several passes but none of them require a major climb. You should keep your eyes open for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds while in this area. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to Talakha Gompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up to the early morning prayers of the monks. From here you will be treated to a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.
DAY08 - Talakha – Chamgang (End of trek)
Distance 6 km, 3 hours, 440 m descent. From the monastery it’s a short walk down to the feeder road which will lead you to the village of Chamgang. After bidding farewell to trekking crew, drive to Thimphu. Overnight at hotel.
DAY09 - Sightseeing
- Memorial Chorten: Built in the year 1974 in the memory of our third king of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
- Buddha Point/ Kuensel Phodang: Is the largest Buddha statue in the country, from there you can get a good view of the Thimphu valley.
- Motithang Takin Preserve : Houses the rare nation- al animal of Bhutan. Takin is listed by international conservation agencies as a vulnerable species and it is a rare animal found only in Bhutan, Nepal and Bur- ma.
- National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Or the school of Arts and crafts is an institute where student un- dertake a six year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan.
- Traditional Medicine Institute: In Bhutan, equal emphasis is given to both allopathic and traditional medicines. The rich herbal medicines made up from medicinal plants are prepared and dispensed here.
- Folk Heritage Museum: The house replicates a tra- ditional farmhouse and is furnished as it would have been about a century ago. Overnight at hotel.
DAY10 - Departure
After breakfast, drive to Paro international airport for your onward flight. The representative of Atlas Tour and Travel will see off bid and farewell.