Thousands Lakes Trek

After breakfast, hike to Taktsang Monastery, which is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill from the Paro Valley floor. For those unable to hike, a horse can be arranged for the transfer up to the cafeteria. In the afternoon, visit the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong, which commemorates a victory against invading Tibetans in 1644. Enjoy the stunning backdrop of Mount Jomolhari. Then, return to Paro and visit other sights in the valley. Overnight at your Paro hotel.

Drive to the village of Genekha (2800m) to commence the trek. After crossing a bridge over the Wang Chu (Thimphu River), we follow a good track steadily upwards through oak forest to a rocky platform and good resting spot. We continue slowly up through birch and bamboo forest to reach our camp in a meadow at Gur (3350m). Overnight at campsite.

We head upwards from Gur on a good trail to reach the alpine zone with open views down the valley. We soon reach a possible campsite at Gibze Kebze (3710m) where we may camp, for although we have only been walking for a couple of hours, the height gain is 360m and you will start to feel the altitude. If everyone is acclimatizing well, we may carry on across hillsides lined with rhododendrons to Pagalabsta La Pass (4170m) for fine views of the Dagala range. Continue downwards to a stone yak herders hut at Wataching (4100m). Overnight at campsite.

From Wataching, we cross several ridges, gradually entering more rugged terrain, and follow a broad valley known locally as Labatama, dotted with several yak herders’ huts. We follow the valley to its end to a dramatic campsite below cliffs near Utsho Lake (4250m), famous for its golden trout. There is time to explore this area and perhaps to climb Jomo if weather and energy allow. The route to Jomo Passes Setsho Lake and from its summit in fine weather are views of Kanchenjunga and Chomolhari. Jomo represents the female deity which protects animals and is much revered, as most people in the vicinity rely on cattle or horses for their livelihood. Juniper will be burned and locals may request that we stop at the lower peak (4530m) as a mark of respect. Overnight at campsite.

Leaving Labatama, we cross Labajong La Pass (4400m). For those with energy to spare, there is a good viewpoint close to the pass (approx. 30 mins detour). From here, there are several camps to choose from. Depending on the availability of water, our camps may vary pre- and post-monsoon, but we will aim for Panka. If we climb, we will take a different route to Panka. Overnight at campsite.

A clear early morning will reveal breathtaking views of Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake amongst many more Himalayan peaks. The path continues on through a forest of rhododendrons populated by Himalayan pheasants. We reach enormous cairns at Chole La Pass (4100m). From here, we drop down to Kiwi Chowa (4030m). Our route then continues to a pass at 3960m where four tracks converge. We follow the northern route past a ruin said to have once been a dzong to monitor the movement of locals between Wangduephodrang & Thimphu districts. A ridge leads to Talakha Peak (4300m) revealing great views of the Thimphu Valley. If there is good weather, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, and Jichu Drake should be visible from here. From Talakha peak we drop down steadily, sometimes steeply, to reach a mixed forest of fir, juniper, rhododendron, rose, bamboo and birch. Finally, we reach Talakha Monastery, whose shy monks, tremendous views over the Thimphu valley, and outdoor bathtub make for a memorable stay. Overnight at a campsite near the monastery.

It’s only an hour’s walk down to the road head and soon we are driving through apple orchards to reach Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. After checking into your hotel and enjoying some time to unwind and eat lunch, enjoy sightseeing around Thimphu, once a rustic village sitting in a broad river valley and today the nation’s capital. Visit the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King. Continue on to 12th century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Continue sightseeing in Thimphu. Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum. If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong, ‘the fortress of the glorious religion’ housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. Other options for the day include a hike to Tango and Cheri Monasteries (45 mins), two of the most ancient monasteries in the Thimphu region. If your visit coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time). The drive through the countryside affords a glimpse of everyday life in this most remote of Himalayan kingdoms. In the Dochu-La area, there are vast Rhododendron forests that grow to tree size and bloom in late April/early May, covering the mountains in a riot of glorious spring colour.

Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, features the Punakha Dzong, known as the "Palace of Great Happiness." Built in 1637, it is situated at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Pho Chu rivers and serves as the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks. The main temple is a stunning example of traditional architecture with intricate entrance pillars. After lunch, you can visit Chimi Lhakhang, the temple of Drukpa Kuenly, known as the Divine Madman, who rebelled against orthodox Buddhism. He taught that religion is an inner feeling and is considered a symbol of fertility. You will stay overnight at your hotel in Punakha or Wangduephodrang.

In the morning, drive to Yabesa village and hike through ricefields and up to Khamsum Yueley Namgyal Chorten, built by Her Majesty the Queen Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuk. Perched high on a hill on the bank of the river, the Chorten houses paintings belonging to Nyingmapa Traditions. Take a picnic lunch on a riverside before enjoying a pleasant walk through farmland and along the picturesque river bank back to Punakha Dzong.

The day is at leisure to relax in Thimphu before departing for Paro. You can return to Paro early to explore the beautiful Paro valley further. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for a flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek.