Paro trek – 5 nights 4 days
DAY 01 – Paro Jele Dzong (7 kilometers away). Time: around four hrs.)
There won’t be much hiking today. The trail gradually climbs through a forest of chirpine, spruce, silver fir, and other trees to the camp at Jele dzong, which is located at an elevation of 2,590m. On a clear day, one can view the Paro valley with snow-capped mountains in the distance.
DAY 02 – Jele Dzong Jangchulakha (a 13-kilometer journey)
Start by ascending, then cross a 3,900-meter pass. The next section of the walk passes through extensive temperate forests with rhododendron trees. At 3250 meters above sea level, yak herders could be spotted near your campground.
DAY 03 – Jangchulakha Jynetsho (15 km; time: around 6 hours)
The path proceeds along the ridge. On a clear day, one may enjoy stunning views of the valley and the mountains. The trail traverses Jimilangtsho Lake. The trail climbs after the lake until you arrive at the campsite at Lake Jynetsho at a height of 3700m. If you’re fortunate, your dinner may include trout.
DAY 04 – Jynetsho Phajoding (approximately a 6-hour journey over a distance of 15 km).
The trail travels through dwarf rhododendron trees immediately above the lake Simkota. Depending on the season, you can pass yak herder camps on the way. With spectacular mountain vistas all around, the trail continues to climb gradually. You descend to Phajoding Monastery after the pass.
Day 05 – Phajoding Thimphu (8 kilometers).
It is a downhill hike through a blue pine forest to Thimphu. If you travel slowly, it will take you around 2 hours to make it to the hotel in Thimphu (2,300 m), where you may take a hot shower and have lunch. The evening is free.
