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CHILILA NATURE TREK (12 DAYS)

Itinerary:

 

Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport 
 
Day 2 Paro - Sightseeing
Visit the National Museum ( Ta-Dzong ). Once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Museum in 1968.
Visit the Rinpung Dzong.  This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu (Paro river) in the Paro valley.  It houses the District Administration office and the District Monk Body.  It was built in 1645 A.D. 
Lunch at the Hotel. 
Visit the Drugyal Dzong which is located 15 kms away from the Paro town.  The name Drugyal means " Victorious Drukpas ". The Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1650 A.D., to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army. The Dzong was burnt down accidentallyy in 1950.
On the way back, visit the Kyichu Monastery.  This Monastery was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built across the Himalayas to spread Buddhism.  This temple marks the advent of Buddhism into Bhutan.  Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town. 
 
Day 3 Begin the trek.  Paro - Chonana
Start the trek from Olathang 1.5 kms from Paro town.  Most of the days walk is a gradual climb through pine forests.  Along the trail, you pass some beautiful farm houses.  The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent.  Overnight in camp. .Alt. 3500 mtrs.  Distance 14 kms.  Time 4-5 hrs. 
 
Day 4 Chonana - Jebkarpo
A superb trekking route.  You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chilila pass - Alt. 3700 mtrs.  The trail takes you through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees.  After crossing the pass, the trail goes along the ridge of Chilila with clear view of the Himalayas.  Overnight in camp.  Air. 3500 rntrs.  Distance 16 kms.  Time 5-6 hrs
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Day 5 Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula
Today is a day to be up early.  Early morning view from the camp site, of Mount Chomolhari ( Divine Mountain of the Goddess ), Tserim Gang (Glacier of long life), and the famous mountain Jitchu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. 
The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley.  Overnight in camp.  Alt. 395(3 mtrs.  Distance 15 kms.  Time 5-6 hrs.
 
Day 6 Lower Mingula - Thong
Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys.  On this route, you will see lots of yaks.  Overnight in camp.  Alt. 3950 mtrs.  Distance 16 kms.  Time 5-6 hrs. 
 
Day 7 Thong - Thimphu
A short descent and you are in Paro valley.  The trek ends at Drugyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro.  Lunch at Paro and drive on to Thimphu ( Capital ). Thimphu is 65 kms. from Paro and takes about 2 hrs. drive. 
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Day 8 Thimphu - Sightseeing
A full day of sightseeing in Thimphu.  You can visit the Tashichho Dzong, the seat of the Royal Government and the summer residence of the Monk Body and the Chief Abbot.Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can he purchased.
Visit the Painting and Wood craft school where the traditional art and painting is kept alive.Visit the Memorial Chorten, a huge Stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972.Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 kms from Thimphu) the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 A.D. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in Bhutan. 
Overnight in Hotel. 
 
Day 9 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang
A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77 kms) and Wangdi Phodrang (16 kms from Punakha). You can visit the Dzongs in both the places as well as other interesting sites. Lunch at Punakha or Wangiphodrang and return to Thimphu. 
Evening:  
 
Day 10 Thimphu - Paro
Morning : Stroll through Thimphu town to do some shopping, visit the Post Office to do your philatelic purchases and if time permits, drive up to Dechenchholing and see the Palace of the Queen Mother and down-valley view of the Thimphu valley and Tashichho Dzong. Lunch at the Hotel. 
After lunch, drive to Paro 65 kms from Thimphu and takes about 2 hrs. drive. Overnight in Hotel. 
 
Day 11 Paro - Sightseeing
Drive up to Satsam Chorten, 10 kms from Paro town and from there hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means " Tiger's Nest ". The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is believed that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasarnbhava meditated in the spot, having alighted here on the back of a tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hrs. 
 
Day 12 Paro - International Airport