Tshaluna Trek

Itinerary:

Day 1: Arrival in Paro and Sightseeing

Upon arrival at Paro airport, your guide and driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel.

Afternoon:

• Visit Ta Dzong, originally built in 1649 as a watchtower, now the National Museum of Bhutan.
• Explore Rinpung Dzong, constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, currently serving as the administrative center of the Paro district.

Evening:

• Visit a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing and Hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery

Morning:

• Drive to Satsam Chorten and begin a two-hour hike to the Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). According to legend, Guru Padma Sambhava flew to this location on the back of a tigress.

Afternoon:

• Visit the ruins of Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
• Explore Kichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, constructed in 659 AD by Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo.

Evening:

• Free time to stroll through town.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 3: Paro to Jele Dzong (Start of Tshaluna Trek)

Morning:

• After breakfast, drive to Damchena and begin the trek to Jele Dzong. This short trekking day involves a gradual ascent. On clear days, enjoy views of the Paro Valley.

Dinner and overnight in camp near Jele La Pass (Altitude: 3480 m).

Walking Distance: 8 km, 3 hours; Ascent: 1090 m.

Day 4: Jele Dzong to Jangchulakha

Morning:

• Start with a one-and-a-half-hour climb, followed by a gradual ascent through alpine forests of rhododendron. If the weather is clear, you’ll have splendid views of Mt. Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude: 3770 m).

Walking Distance: 10 km, 3-4 hours; Ascent: 310 m, Descent: 50 m.

Day 5: Jangchulakha to Jimilangtso

Morning:

• Begin with a short climb and follow a ridge. On a clear day, enjoy stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and other Himalayan ranges. After a short descent, arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake.

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude: 3700 m).

Walking Distance: 11 km, 4 hours; Ascent: 330 m, Descent: 230 m.

Day 6: Jimilangtsho to Tshaluna and Thimphu (End of Tshaluna Trek)

Morning:

• After breakfast, descend along a stream to Tshalu Ney. Enjoy a packed lunch along the way. Your vehicle will meet you at Tshaluna to transfer you to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Walking Distance: 9 km, 4 hours downhill.

Day 7: Thimphu Sightseeing (Altitude: 2334 m)

Morning:

• Visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 to honor His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
• Explore Kuensel Phodrang, home to the tallest sitting Buddha statue in the world (51.5 meters).
• Visit Changangkha Monastery, the oldest in Thimphu, built in the 13th century.
• See the Takin Preserve Center, a mini-zoo featuring Bhutan’s national animal, the Takin.
• Enjoy views of Thimphu Valley from Sangaygang View Point.
• Visit Dupthop Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s few surviving nunneries.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant, followed by a visit to the craft bazaar.

Evening:

• Visit Tashichho Dzong, the royal secretariat. Free time for shopping and photography in town.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Thimphu to Punakha and Return (76 km, 3-hour drive)

Morning:

• Drive to Punakha Valley, stopping at Dochu La Pass (3140 m) for scenic views of the Himalayas. Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan.

• Visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499, honoring Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as “The Divine Madman”. This temple, also called “The Temple of Fertility,” was established to teach salvation through humor and unconventional methods.

Afternoon:

• Explore Punakha Dzong, the venue of the annual Punakha festival, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monastic body.

Evening:

• Return to Thimphu.

Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Departure from Thimphu to Paro (54 km, 1-hour drive)

After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, concluding your Tshaluna trek and tour.