Day 5. TREK DAY 1. Thimphu to Shong Pang. After driving north to DechencholingPalace (the residence of the Queen Mother) the trek begins at Pangrizam. Today’s route passes several villages before reaching the campsite just above Chamina village. (4 to 5 hours)
Day 6. TREK DAY 2. Shong Pang to Dopshing Pang. The trail ascends gradually to the Sinchu La Pass (3490 m). If the weather is clear it’s possible to see the Phajodhing monastery above Thimphu. After 2 kilometres Thinly Gang village, Talo monastery and the highway to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, come into view. After the pass the path is mainly downhill.
Day 7. TREK DAY 3. Dopshing Pang to Chorten Ningpo. A gentle day’s walk through thickly forested areas, villages and rice fields.
Day 8 TREK DAY 4. Chorten Ningpo to Zomlingthang. Continue walking through several villages until we reach the road head at Zomlingthang. Camp near the river above the Dzong. (2 to 3 hours)
Day 9. TREK DAY 5. Zomlingthang to Limukha. After crossing the PhoChuRiver in front of Punakha Dzong, there is a steady half-day climb to a forest of Chir Pines, with wonderful views of Punakha valley and its Dzong. If the weather is clear, snow-capped mountains are visible to the north. The campsite is near Limukha village at an altitude of 2250 m.
Day 10. TREK DAY 6. Limukha to Chungsakha/Wangdiphodrang. Today’s trail ascends gradually through a dense forest of oaks and rhododendron. Afterwards the descent is through the forest to a small monastery dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenlay (popularly known as the ‘Divine Madman’). From Chungsakha you can look across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south. The walk proceeds downhill to the farm road where the trail ends. Drive an hour or so to Wangdi.
Day 11. Wangdi to Thimphu (visit Punakha, Dochu La)
