12 DAYS
includes Jumolhari Base camp 6 nights trek
M3 Itineraries
Day 01
Arrive, Transfer to Thimphu & Explore
1hr/54kms
Attractions
01: Mountain Views
- Mouth Everest
- Kanchenjunga and Makalu
- Jhomolhari
- Jichu Drake
- Tserimgang
02: Places and Temples
- Kuensel Phodrang
On a clear day, the flight to Paro is breathtaking, with views of major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and on the final approach Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, the sacred Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tserimgang. On arrival at Paro airport and after completion of airport formalities, you will be met by our M3 guide. Drive from Paro to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan and an exciting blend of tradition and modernity.
On arrival, check-in at the hotel. Afternoon free or program may be arranged, according to choice or flight timing.
On arrival visit-Kuensel Phodrang, (Buddha Point) is another place from where one can get a complete view of the town of Thimphu. The point has the largest statue of the Buddha. (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 02
Thimphu Valley Exploration
4/5hr hike up/down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Memorial Chorten
- Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre
- Post Office
- Institute for Zorig Chusum
- National Library
- Tashichho Dzong
Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government. This bustling town is home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
National Memorial Chorten. The building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Gagyel Lhundrup Weaving Centre: The private weaving centre frequently produces ceremonial textiles for Bhutanese royals, including the gho and kira (traditional attire) worn by the King and Queen for their marriage ceremony in October 2011. Visitors to the centre can watch weavers at work and interact with them.
Post Office, located in the heart of the town, is worth a visit. Here you will observe the different stamps available in Bhutan. You can also make personalized stamps with your pictures on it and take it as a souvenir or send a letter or a postcard to your family/friends with your picture on the stamp! (Closed on Sat 1 pm/ Sun / Govt. Holidays)
Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undertake a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. (Open Mon-Fri 10 am-3:30 pm, Sat 10 am-12 pm, Closed on Sun & Govt. Holidays)
National Library: which holds a vast collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts, some dating back several hundred years, as well as modern academic books mainly on Himalayan culture and religion? (Open Mon – Fri 09 am – 04 pm, Closed on Sat, Sun & Govt. Holidays)
Later in the evening visit Tashichho Dzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s. Tashichho Dzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body. It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
In the evening, take a stroll along the town’s main street (Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu)
Day 03
Transfer to Paro
1hr/54kms
Taktsang hike
5 hrs up and down
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche, founding father of the Bhutanese form of Mahayana Buddhism, arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery. The main structure was severely damaged by fire in 1998, but after many years of painstaking restoration work, the complex has now been fully restored to its former glory.
Later on, take an evening stroll along the main street or take refreshments at a local café. (Overnight at Hotel in Paro)
Day 04
Day 01: Paro – Shana (Start of Trek)
Our trek to Shana starts at DrukgyalDzong. First visit DrukgayDzong, then continue following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny web picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours. Overnight at camp.
Day 05
Day 02. Shana – Thangthangka
The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.
Overnight in Camp.
Day 06
Day 03. Thangthangka – Jangothang
In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.Overnight in Camp.
Day 07
Day 04: Jangothang (Halt)
A rest day.A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the TshoPhu lakes on the opposite direction. Overnight in Camp.
Day 08
Day 05. Jangothang – Thangthangka
The pass different vegetation and you come across wonderful places for photography. Overnight in Camp.
Day 09
Day 06. Thangthangka – Paro
You can pass over many small streams and dense forest. Some time you can see lot of different wild animals. Overnight in Camp.
Day 10
Day 07. Shana - Paro (End of Trek)
Our transport will be waiting. Drive to hotel. Dinner and Overnight in Hotel at paro.
Day 11
Explore Paro valley
Attractions
01: Places and Temples
- National Museum
- Rinpung Dzong
- Kyichu Lhakhang
This morning, after breakfast. you will drive towards the north end of the valley to view the Ta Dzong, the National Museum(closed on Govt. holidays) The museum collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artifacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection.
Then walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) situated at a commanding height overlooking Paro valley. Built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, this Dzong now houses Paro’s monk body and the offices of the civil administration and is symbolic as the religious and secular center of all affairs of the valley.
Visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan
Balance day at leisure. (O/n at hotel in Paro)
Day 12
Depart Paro
After an early breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination.