THE EXCITING JILI DZONG TREK FROM PARO VALLEY
Jili Dzong is a small fortress built strategically on a ridge early in the 16th century to cater for the travelers who journey between Paro & Thimphu. Jili Dzong was the residence of Lam Ngawang Chhogyal (Cousin brother of Divine Madman and 15th throne holder of Ralung). The route remained active late 1960’s when the road was built connecting the districts of Thimphu and Paro. Today the route is only frequented by nomads who herd Yaks and by visiting tourists. There is a beautiful statue of a Buddha inside the temple of the Dzong and is known to be continuously providing blessings to the travelers as they go by. The Druk Path trek also passes through this Dzong .
Day 1- Paro to Jili Dzong
Day 2- Jili Dzong to Ta Dzong (Paro Museum)
Day 1- Paro to Jili Dzong
Trek Rating: Moderate.
Maximum Altitude: 3570 meters
Duration: 4-5 hours
Lunch: Picnic
Overnight: Camping
Our day one begins with a drive to Dop-Shari Village and hiking gradually climbing up till the camp if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari (7314m) and the other snowcapped peaks in the background.
The winding trail takes you through beautiful apple orchard before entering the rich forest for which Bhutan is well known for. You will also see the diversity of the Himalayan ecosystem. You will continue climbing higher until you reach Jili Dzong, a small fortress. If you make it early to the campsite, you can enjoy the mesmerizing sunset.
Day 2- Jili Dzong to Ta Dzong (Paro Museum)
Trek Rating: Moderate.
Duration: 3-4 hours
Lunch: Picnic
Overnight: Hotel
The beautiful morning begins, getting up early and awaiting the sunrise from the east sipping on a hot cup of tea/coffee and with the option of having breakfast on a dining table set up in the open air (weather permitting).
After breakfast, we start our downhill hike to Ta Dzong a vantage point above the National Museum of Bhutan in Paro.
Our hike down will be blessed with endless scenic views of the Paro Valley below and as we pass through a scattered village named Jishi Gang (Mount of oak trees) settled mostly by the Tibetan immigrants.
The reception will be set up at the Ta Dzong where the trek ends. This is where you part your ways with the crew and your horses.