Trekking in Bhutan
The six Day trek is the most popular trek in the country as it passes through a gorgeous natural landscape of blue pine forests, high ridges and pristine lakes while at the same time offering the opportunity to visit some ancient lhakhangs, dzongs and villages.
The Druk Path Trek is also a fairly easy hike to undertake as the distances between rest camps is fairly short. The trail takes you through forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons at altitudes ranging between 2400-4200 m. On the third Day hikers will arrive at Jimiling Lake, whose crystal clear waters are home to gigantic trout.
This trek also offers hikers stunning views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest unscaled peak in the world. The best times to embark on the Druk Path Trek are between March-June or September-November.
ATTRACTION
- Views of Mount Gangkar Puensum (world’s highest unclimbed mountain) and several other Himalayan peaks, Jili Dzong (fortress) in ruins.
- Forests of fir, blue pine and dwarf rhododendrons, nomadic yak herders, pristine glacial lakes of Jigmelang, Simkotra and Janetso teeming with trouts, and the ancient monastery at Phajoding.
ITINERARY
Day 1: Paro – Jili Dzong : Distance: 7km
Distance 7 km, 4-5 hours, 1,090 m ascent, camp altitude 3,480 m. The first Day can be quite arduous as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up.
Day 2: Jili Dzong – Jangchulakha : Distance: 10km
Distance 10 km, 4-5 hours, 310 m ascent, 50 m descent, camp altitude 3,770 m. You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herder…
Day 3: Jangchulakha – Jimgelang Tsho : Distance: 11km
Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 230 m descent, 330 m ascent, camp altitude 3,870 m. The trail follows a ridge and on a clear Day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant sized trout.
Day 4: Jimgelang Tsho – Simkotra Tsho : Distance: 11km
Distance 11 km, 4 hours, 820 m ascent, 400 m descent, camp altitude 4,110 m. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life.
Day 5: Simkotra Tsho – Phajoding : Distance: 10km
Distance 10 km, 3-4 hours, 130 m ascent, 680 m descent, camp altitude 3,750 m. The Day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks
Day 6: Phajodhing – Motithang : Distance: 4-5km
Distance 4-5 km, 3 hours, 1,130 m descent. After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Druk path - Finish
The Druk Path finishes at the Bhutan Broadcast Service (BBS) Telecommunication Tower, offering great view of the city of Thimphu.
This Jhomolhari Trek is considered as the most beautiful trek in the eastern Himalayas. It encompasses two of the country’s most famous valleys, Paro and Thimphu, with trails passing through a great diversity of landscape and vegetation with altitudes ranging between 2,500m to nearly as high as 5,000m. The trek offers magnificent views of Bhutan’s most sacred mountain, Jomolhari (the abode of powerful female deity called Aum Jomo) and several other towering snow-capped peaks. The trek also offers majestic scenes throughout the journey.
ATTRACTION
- Magnificent views of Mt. Jomolhari (7,300m), Jichu Drake (6,794m), Tsheringang (6,789m), Masang Gang (7,165m) and a number of unclimbed peaks in the eastern Himalayas.
- The upper reaches of Paro and Thimphu rivers, Tshophu lake (4,380m), numerous beautiful waterfalls, the ruins of Barshong Dzong.
- Alpine meadows, forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and pasture lands, blue sheep, yaks, Jigme Dorji National Park, high mountain ridges, passes at Bhonte La (4,890 m) and Yelila (4,930m).
- The villages of Soe, Takethang, Dangochang, Jangothang (one of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas) and yak herder’s homes.
Detailed Itinerary
Level: Moderately / Hard . Maximum altitude: 4,820m. Suitable month: March to May & September to November
Day 1: Paro
On board to Paro by air presents a spectacular view of Himalayan Mountains including Mt. Everest and sacred mountains of Bhutan in Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. At the Airport, our representative will be there to receive and take you to the Hotel. In the afternoon, you can visit Paro Dzong. Built in 1646, the Dzong toDay serve as an administrative centre for Paro District. Later, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the country built in the 7th century. Spend the night in the Hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery
After breakfast, hike to Taktshang (Tigers Nest) at the height of 3100m for it will acclimatize you for the next Day’s trek. The 8th century Buddhist Master, Guru Rinpochhe is said to have flown here from Khengpajong in Lhuntse to meditate. It is perched on the edge of a vertical cliff at the elevation of 900m from valley floor. Explore the Monastery and enjoy the beauty it offers. Descend back to Paro after lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. In the evening, you can have a walk in the town. Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 3: Paro-Shana (17 km, 5-6 hours) Trek starts
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of victories Bhutan at 2, 580 to start the trek. From there, take a downhill trail. The trail gives way to gentle climbs passing through terraces, apple orchards and subsequently entering into woods. Soon, the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2, 810m. Trekking further, Shana Zampa and surrounding areas at the elevation of 2, 870m provide ideal camping sites with meadows and trees intact.
Day 4: Shana- Sio Thangkha (20 km, 7-8 hours)
The trek follows Pa Chhu, climbing and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. After crossing the bridge, the team stops for hot lunch. After lunch, we climb along the bank of the river through the rhododendron forest. We cross the river again and that will take us to the campsite at 3, 750m.
Day 5: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (19 km, 7-8 hours)
The trail involves gentle climbs before you reach the Army camp. Following the river above the tree line, the trek presents stunning view of surrounding peaks. For lunch, we stop at Yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will reach you at Jangothang at 4, 040m. We pitch base camp here. The view of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake are splendid.
Day 6: Jangothang (Base Camp)
To acclimatize for following Day’s highest climb on this trek, we rest and explore the nearby areas. Mountains and lakes offer exciting sites to explore.
Day 7: Jangothang –Lingshi (18 km, 7-8 hours)
Following the stream for half an hour, we cross the bridge to right. Start the climb up to the first ridge, from where you can have a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Continue towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass begins at an altitude of 4,700m. Conquering the pass, the trail is a gradual descend to Lingshi camp, relishing the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an elevation of 4000m!
Day 8: Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8-9 hours)
The Laya – Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trail climbs upward to a small Chorten on a ridge above the camp, turns south and continues up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail passes through the treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass at 4,820m. From the pass, on a clear Day, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu at 4,100m, alongside meadow with a Chorten.
Day 9: Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6-7 hours)
The route enters back to tree line. Following Wangchhu, Thimphu River, and trail descends through the forests of rhododendrons, juniper and alpine vegetation. Passing through ridge, cascades of waterfall presents a breathtaking view. Hot lunch will be served by the river bank. After lunch, the route takes to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at the height of 3, 600m.
Day 10: Barshong- Dolam Kencho (15 km, 5-6 hours)
Gently descending through dense forests of rhododendrons, birch and confers, the trail drops steeply to meet Thimphu River. The trail continues from the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending to the side of the streams. Crossing the steep cliff, you reach Dolam Kencho at 3, 600m for the night’s camp.
Day 11: Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu (8 km, 3 hours) Trek ends
Continuing along the banks of the river, the southward route connects road head at Dodena at 2, 600m. Here, you will be picked by All Bhutan transport to drive to Thimphu. Overnight hotel in Thimphu!
Day 12: Thimphu – Paro (Departure)
After early breakfast, we will drive you to Paro airport along the bank of Thimphu River; pass by confluence and along the Pachhu. Our representative will bid goodbye to you at the Airport!
Touted as one of the most challenging treks in the world, it takes trekkers into the extreme snow-capped northern frontiers of the high Himalayas.
Trip length: 7 Days
Max Altitude – 3,800m
Suitable Months – all season
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Paro – Thimphu
Touching down at the Paro International Airport, you will be received by our representative and drive to Thimphu, the State’s Capital, following through the banks of Pachhu and Wangchhu with Confluence in between. Check in to the Hotel and serve your lunch, you first taste of Bhutanese cuisine. Towards the evening, you can stroll in the town and experience the Bhutanese urban lifestyle.
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Start your capital tour with the visit to Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third Druk Gyalpo. See the Takin, the national animal at its enclosure. Make a visit to Trashichhodzong, the Throne Room, and seat of the Chief Abbot and the summer residence of the Central Monastic Body. Explore the Heritage and Textile Museum and Traditional Paper making factory. 5 km towards the east from the town will take you to the Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in the Country built in 1629. Overnight hotel in Thimphu!
Day 3: Thimphu to Punakha
Start a drive to Punakha, the former capital of the Country. On your way, enjoy the beauty of Dochula Pass and 108 chorten’s built by Royal Mother, Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck. Passing through scented pine and cedar forests, two and half hours of journey will take you to Punakha. The Dzong is strategically built at the confluence of Mochhu and Phochhu in the year 1637. The Dzong, has played significant role in Bhutanese history and is enriched with all round history of Bhutan. Khamsumm Yueley Namgyal built by Royal Mother, Ashi Tshering Yangdon Wangchuck, only one of its kinds stand as a testimony unique of Bhutanese craftsmanship.
Day 4: Punakha to Paro
Drive back to Paro for our trek to start. Paro, one of the beautiful districts in the Country is preferred place to live for nationals so the destination for the tourists. Upon reaching there, visit the Rinpung Dzong and Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan. You will get to see some of the antiques, thangkas, weapons and armours that you would not find anywhere. Visit the 7th Century Kyichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in the Country built by Tibetan King, Songtsan Gampo. Overnight at Hotel in Paro!
Day 5: – Bumdra Trek (Day 1)
Drive to Sang Choekhor Buddhist College at 2, 300, for our trek starts from there. Passing through village settlement and entering into forests of varied species lead us to Choe Choe Tse Lhakahng. After 3 to 4 hours of normal trekking, we reach Bumdra Monastery, the cave of thousand prayers. Our camp for the night will be here. However, we would reach here by lunch and after serving lunch, we visit the monastery and climb the mountain at 4, 00m and return to the camp. From the summit, the view of the Himalayan Range is spectacular.
Day 6: Bumdra Trek (Day 2)
After breakfast, we descend gradually to the valley through winding trailing among the forests of pine and rhododendrons. After 1 to 2 hours, we catch a glimpse of the roof of a temple, the legendary Taktshang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Hour later, we see ourselves at the entrance of the Takshang. Guru Rinpochhe, the 8th century Buddhist saint is said to have flown here on a back of a tigress to meditate here. From the temple, the view of Paro Valley is splendid. Descend to Paro and walk freely in the town in the evening. Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 7: Paro (Departure)
We drive you to the Paro Airport and our representative will bid you goodbye!
Suitable month: March to May and August to November
Maximum altitude: 4000m
Level- Moderate
ATTRACTION
This trek offers range of opportunities starting from exploring village settlements to sacred sites of monasteries passing through forests of rhododendrons, blue pine, fir, spruce and juniper. Village settlement specifically that of Dhur affords enriching experience of Bhutanese village life. Walking through the temperate forest with lush environment home to varied species of flora and fauna is ever refreshing. The view of Himalayan snowcapped mountains towards the north is unique experience too. Sacred religious site such as Tharpaling, Choedak and Zhambala are history in itself.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Thimphu - Paro
Aboard on a flight to Paro is befitting introduction to the spectacular and preferred destination of travel. Under a clear sky, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks are characteristic feature. The lush environment with variety of species of flora and fauna, cool air and clear streams are gift from Bhutan besides her unique culture. At the Airport, you will be greeted by our Representative and transferred to Thimphu, the Capital city along the Pachhu – Wangchhu banks. In the evening, stroll freely in the town and visit the handicrafts emporium. Overnight hotel in Thimphu!
Day 2: Thimphu – Wangdue – Gangtey.
After early breakfast, we visit Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Bhutanese Traditional Paper making factory. After lunch, we head to Wangdue with brief stop at Docchu La Pass at 3,050m for the pass affords panoramic view of the Himalayas. Descend to the fertile valley of Wangdue and make a visit to Wangdue Phodrang Dzong built at the confluence of Puna Tsang chhu and Dangchhu rivers. A gradual climb from here would take you to Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley, regarded as the ‘most beautiful valley of the Himalayas’. Gangtey lies towards the east of Punakha and Wangdue on the flanks of Black Mountain, Jowo Durshing. The Valley has one of the sacred temples in Gangtey Gonpa built in 17th century. A few kilometres past the Goenpa will take you to Phobjikha Valley, the winter home for endangered black necked cranes. Overnight at Hotel!
Day 3: Gangtey – Trongsa – Bumthang
We start early for our drive to the central Bhutan. The drive to Bumthang via Trongsa is about six hours drive crossing passes of Pelela at 3, 300m and Yotong La at 3, 400m. The ride takes through semi tropical vegetation to that of alpine environment of bamboos and rhododendrons. En route, we cross Chendebji Chorten built to subdue evil spirits of the community. After lunch, we make a brief stop midway through our journey to have an impressive of the Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral palace of the Wangchuck Dynasty. By the sunset, we reach Bumthang, the cultural capital of the country. Overnight hotel in Bumthang!
Day 4: Bumthang
Visit of Guru Rinpochhe and Tertoens (Treasurer Discoverers) have made Bumthang the cultural capital with sacred religious sites beside the valley in itself being the centre of attraction. In the morning, visit Jamba Lhakhang, one of the oldest in the Country built prior to the visit of Guru Rinpochhe. Further north is the sacred Kuje Lhakhang, housing the ‘body imprint’ of Guru Rinpochhe on a rock. Visit Tamzhing, on the right flank of the Chamkhar town, built by one of the five great tertoens and only native, Tertoen Pemalingpa in the 14th Century. After lunch, visit Thangbi Lhakhang by crossing the suspension bridge. On the way back, visit Jakar Dzong. In the evening, walk freely in the town! Overnight in Hotel!
Day 5: Bumthang – Schonath (Trek starts)
Start Manchugang and visit the biggest village of Bumthang in Dhur at 2, 900m. The village is home for different inhabitants, categorically, Kheps and Brokpas. A walk above the village gets to see the whole of the village at a glance. Downhill walk will take you to the traditional water mill of flour that was widespread during olden Days. Continue to trek uphill through the blue pine forests until we reach at our campsite at Schonath at 3, 450m amongst hemlock and juniper forests. Hauling of owls through the night is quite common.
Day 6: Schonath – Kitiphu
Trekking through the forests of spruce, hemlock, fir, birch and rhododendrons offers soothing environment favourable for trekking. Rhododendrons are in full bloom in the month of April and May. In about two hours, you will reach at Drangela Pass at 3, 600m. Further gentle climb would lead you up to Kikiphu Ridge for our night’s camp at 3, 870m. On a clear Day, Kikiphu at 4, 000m presents the view of Gangkar Puensum, Bhutan’s highest mountain at 7, 541m right infront of you. Enjoy the panoramic view of valley from the summit.
Day 7: Kikiphu – Jakar/Bumthang (Trek ends)
As the rays of the morning sun transcends the snowcapped mountains, climb down to the monasteries of Zambalha, Chuedak and Tharpaling. Visit these sacred lhakhangs that forms part of the Bhutanese history and uncover their significance in everyDay lives of the people. After lunch, walk along the Kikila ridge and follow the traditional route between Trongsa and Bumthang, known as the ‘Royal Heritage Trail’. Toward the end of the trail, the sight of Jkar Dzong is magnificent marking the end of three Day trek with interesting memories deeply embedded as a part of you. At Jakar, our transport team will be waiting for you to transfer to the Chamkhar Town. Overnight hotel in Bumthang!
Day 8: Bumthang – Wangdue – Punakha
We start early for drive to Punakha via Wangdue takes about 7 hours over the Yotongla and Pelela Pass. Stop for lunch at Chendebji. After Day long travel, we go for dinner and the overnight hotel will be at Punakha
Day 9: Punakha – Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong built at the confluence of Phochhu and Mochhu. The dzong was the former capital of the country and now is the winter residence of the Chief Abbot and the Central Monastic Body. Return to Thimphu via Dochu La Pass. After lunch at Thimphu, visit popular sites such as Memorial Chorten built in memory the Third King of Bhutan, proceed to National Library and visit to BBS tower to view Thimphu City and Takin Zoo. In the evening, drive to Paro for overnight hotel will be in Paro.
Day 10: Paro Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of the victorious Bhutan built in 1649 after victory over Tibetan invasion. From here, one can have a splendid view of Mt. Jomolhari at 7, 329. Short drive towards the South will reach you to the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Country built in 7th century by the Tibetan King, Songtsan Gampo. Also visit Rinpung Dzong, now the seat of the District Administration. Just above the Dzong is Ta Dzong, the watch tower is now converted as the National Museum. Historical artifacts and armours and antiques are displayed there for visitors. In the evening, stroll in the town! Overnight hotel in Paro!
Day 11: Hike to Taktshang
After breakfast, drive until Satsham Chorten to hike up to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery. The view point at the entrance of the Monastery affords stunning view of the Paro Valley. It is said that Guru Rinpochhe flew here from Khengpajong in Lhuentse on a back of Tigress to meditate. The monastery is perched on a vertical of a granite rock and is miraculously built. After lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria, descend back to Paro and go for shopping in the town. Overnight in the Hotel at Paro!
Day 12: Paro (Departure)
After breakfast, our representative will drive you to the Airport and bid goodbye to you!
Trek Duration: 13 Days
Level: Moderate – Hard
Season: February to June & October to December
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Arrive Paro
On your flight to Paro, the journey affords spectacular views of the snowcapped Himalayan Mountains including Jomolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you fly via Delhi or Kathmandu, you can have a view of the Mount Everest and Mount Kachenjunga. On your arrival at Paro Airport, our representative will be there to receive you. If you arrive before noon, you can start your trip after lunch after lunch. Visit the 8th century old Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the kingdom built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. From there, drive to Drugyal Dzong, the fort of the victorious Drukpa, built after victory over combined Tibeto-Mongoloid forces in the year 1649. Though in ruins, the fort is testimony of Bhutan’s unique architectural design and rich history. Under clear sky, one can see Mount Jomolhari, Bhutan’s second highest mountain at 7, 329 m. In the evening, you can explore the town and plunge into Bhutan’s urban life. Spend overnight at Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang Monastery
Morning hike to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest is refreshing and exciting one. Perched on a rocky ledge at the height of 3, 000 ft above the valley floor, the monastery was founded by the great Buddhist saint, Guru Padmasambhava. It is believed that Guru came to this site on the back of a tigress from Khengpajong in the Kurtoe region to meditate and later would covert the Paro valley to Buddhism. The hike to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-Day excursion. From there one can view the beautiful Paro valley. Descend from the Monastery at rest at Taktshang cafeteria for lunch. Return to the Hotel and have a free stroll in the town and nearby village settlements. Overnight will be in the hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro to Thimphu
Drive downstream alongside the Pa Chhu River to its confluence with Wang Chhu (Thimphu River) then upstream to Thimphu, the capital of the country. Before entering Thimphu town, visit Simtokha Dzong, Kingdom’s oldest Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Afternoon visit Memorial Chorten, built in the memory of Third King of Bhutan. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, Thimphu’s most impressive building situated at the banks of Wang Chhu which, the Throne Room of the King, and also the summer residence of Jekhenpo, the Chief Abbot. Take a leisurely walk through Thimphu market in the evening. Overnight will be in the Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 4: Explore Thimphu
After breakfast, visit the Art School where typical and unique Bhutanese painting is taught. The National Library, the custodian of ancient Buddhist texts and manuscripts is another place to visit. Also visit Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts are still practiced. Later visit Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporium and find exotic weaves in silk, wool, raw silk, cotton, silver jewelry, carpets, thangka paintings, bamboo ware and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom in abundance. By the sunset, drive to the broadcast tower at Samtengang for one can have fascinating view of Thimphu valley. Ride back to the hotel for the night.
Day 5: Thimphu – Genekha (14 km, 4 hrs)
Driving from Thimphu for about 45 minutes will take you to Genekha, the starting point of the trek. The first Day of walk over mule path will end after four hours at the signboard of Genekha School. Terraced fields and coniferous vegetation are abundant all throughout the trail. Overnight camp will be at Genekha alongside a stream at 2, 800 m.
Day 6: Genekha – Gur (15 km, 4 hrs)
ToDay’s trek, a true communion with the nature starts with alpine flora and fauna (different species of birds are common). Two hours of gradual uphill walk and rest at huge rock platform, offers a picturesque view of the valley below. The trek for the Day ends after another two hours of walk! Camp at Gur, flowers is abundant there, particularly in spring.
Day 7: Gur – Labatama (12 km, 5 hrs)
The trek passes though the ridges alongside beautiful rugged mountain vegetation. You come across variety of flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). Trekkers are freshened by dancing meadows giving them poetic sentiments. The first pass symbolized by huge cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, along meadows and yak herders camp. After having lunch nearby yak herder’s camp, the trekkers walk across hills and meadows for another couple of hours to end the trek of the third Day. For the night, we camp near Yutsho Lake where golden trout are aplenty.
Day 8: Labatama Halt (Day One)
The first Day of the halt is for an excursion to any of the three lakes – Relitsho, Hentsho and Jamatsho. The Day and place is ideal to know Bhutanese veneration of lakes at the same time, it is a best time for sighting of variety of trout. Overnight at the camp will give the taste of harmonious live with nature.
Day 9: Labatama Halt (Day Two)
Second Day at Labatama will be an excursion to Setsho and nearby lakes. Hike to Setsho Lake is easy and interesting. Later on, walk over a small ridge and then down to Jagetsho Lake. There, trout fishing with packed lunch at lakeside is a widespread practice for the trekkers. You may also climb the Jomo, a 5,050 m peak. Lunch at the summit with spectacular view around and valley floor can be a memorable experience. Return to camp by sunset and prepare for the next Day.
Day 10: Labatama – Panka (8 km, 4 hrs)
After gradual uphill climb for about 20 minutes will reach you to the elevation of 4, 460m where you can have a majestic view of Himalayan Mountain ranges, particularly under clear weather. Scene of snowcapped mountains of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsendegang and Gangche Ta is specialty here. Sight of Nomads, horses and yaks are common in this region.
Day 11: Panka – Talekha (8 km, 4 hrs)
The trek involves crossing of several passes, each one more beautiful than the other. Look for different varieties of Blue Poppy, the National Flower of Bhutan (June and July) and mountain birds. For lunch, you will rest at the junction leading to Talekha and the other to Wangdue Phodrang. Gradual climb for an hour after the lunch would take to the tip of the Last Dagala Range. From here, you can have a panoramic view of Thimphu City and its vicinity. After a walk of about an hour, you are at the last camp, just above Talekha monastery.
Day 12:Talekha – Thimphu – Paro
Walking through alpine and vegetation of bamboo thickets and mixed wild flowers, one reaches Talekha monastery and village. Form there too; you can have a splendid view of Thimphu city. After passing through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, one reaches the main road to Thimphu where your transport will be waiting to pick you. Drive to Thimphu for lunch. At the evening, drive back to Paro for overnight there
Day 13: Paro – Depart
After early breakfast, we drive you to the airport. You board to the flight and bid goodbye to Bhutan, the Land of the Thunder Dragon.
Trip length: 17 nights and 18 Days
Level: Moderate / DifficultS
Maximum altitude: 4900m
Suitable month: April to June & September to Mid -November
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1. Paro
Aboard on flight to Paro, the sight of Mt. Everest and Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake is a welcoming note for you. Upon landing, you will be received and transferred to the Hotel by our representative. After lunch, visit the Paro Dzong built in 1646 housing the monastic body and administrative machinery. Later, you visit Kyichhu Lhakhang one of the oldest lhakhangs in the country built in the 7th century. Proceed further to Drukgyal Dzong, the fort of victorious Bhutan built after the victory over Tibetan invasion in the year 1649. Under a clear sky, you can see Mt. Jomolhari at 7, 329m from here. In the evening, walk freely in the town! Overnight hotel will be in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taksang
After breakfast, start the Day’s excursion to Taktshang, the Tiger’s Nest Monastery perched on a vertical granite rock, 900m above the Paro Valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpochhe came to the site of the Monastery on the back of a Tigress to meditate. Have the spectacular view of Paro Valley from the temple. Descend for the lunch at Taktshang Cafeteria. Return to Paro in the evening for the night will be in the Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro – Soe Thangthangkha
In the morning we drive till Guni tsawa where there is Army camp is there and we start our trek. The trail continues uphill through the river valley, gradually becomes narrower and closes in after some distance. The winding trail with frequent climb and descend leads us to our camp site in a meadow with stone shelter at 3,720m. By then, we will have trekked about 23km in around 7-8 hours.
Day 4:Thangthangkha – Jangothang
Continue the trail along the Pachhu and the valley opens again after crossing a small army outpost. Trekking through the open valley affords view of high ridges and the snow-capped mountains with yaks and Yak herder’s camp on the valley floor. Trekking 15km of trek within 5 to 6 hours will find us near the ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jomolhari at 4040m. Camp here for the night!
Day 5: Jangothang to halt
After two long Days trek, you will have a good chance to relax under the sun just infront of the Jomo lhari. But if you are interested you may go furthere from the base camp and climb to tsho Phu 4300m. night at camp
Day 6: Jangothang – Lingshi
Climb gradually toward the pass through a wide pastureland. On your way, depending on the season you are trekking, you will find some yak herder’s in their camps. Descending from the pass to Lingshi, you will have a beautiful view of Lingshi Dzong, the Valley, Tserim Kang (Mountain), and its glaciers. At 4150 m, camp in a stone shelter with built-in-fire pit or in the tent! By then, we will have covered 19km of trail within 5 to 6 hours of trek.
Day 7: Lingshi – Chebisa
ToDay is the shortest of all Days on our trip. Upon reaching Chebisa at 3, 850 m, having trekked for 3 to 4 hours covering 12km of trail, camp alongside the village settlement. You can visit the village houses and feel the Bhutanese rural life experiences.
Day 8: Chebisa – Shomuthang
Trekking through a wide pastureland will lead up to Gobu La Pass. Along the way, you find some Yak herder’s. Conquering Gobu La Pass at 4, 305 m, descend down to the valley. The campsite will be above a river bank, a tributary of a Mochhu River at the elevation of 4, 260m. By then we will have trekked 17km in 5 to 6 hours of time
Day 9: Shomuthang – Robluthang
We start early for the trek is little strenuous. Upon crossing the Jerela Pass at 4, 600m, descend to Tsharijathang Valley, where you can see the herds of Takin, the National Animal of Bhutan. Camp at Tsharijathang at 4, 390m after having trekked from 15km for 6 to 7 hours!
Day 10: Robluthang – Lingmithang
Cross the Shingela Pass at 4, 900m, you take a downhill trek following the valley. Lingmithang, a beautiful village under Laya County offers an opportunity to see people dressed in typical Laya costume with long bamboo hats on their head. Camp at Lingmithang at the elevation of 4, 140m after a Day long trek of 6 to 7 hours covering 19 km of the trail! A Day halt exploring the valley and meeting the people of unique costume and habit will be of unique experience
Day 11: Limithang – Laya
The trek for the Day is downhill walk along the narrow winding river valley. The trail leads you to the west side of the Laya Village. At the elevation of 3, 850m, campsite is on a high flat bench above the village. The trek stretches for about 10 km requiring 3 to 4 hours of normal trekking.
Day 12: Laya Halt
A Day halt at Laya will give us a time to go around and explore the Laya Village to the fullest.
Day 12: Laya – Koena
The trail involves series of winding rounds to avoid steep cliffs while affording breaking view of crashing river, feeder streams and cascades of waterfalls. Covering 19km of trail in 6 to 7 hours, we reach at our campsite at 3, 800m.
Day 14: Koena – Gasa (Gasa Tsachu or Hot spring)
Upon crossing the Babela Pass at 3, 740m, the trail is all the way down leading up to our campsite, close to Gasa Dzong at the elevation of 2, 900m. The 17km stretch of the trek takes 6 to 7 hours of normal trekking. Camp near the Hot Spring!
Day 15: Gasa Hot spring to halt
After breakfast, you will have full Day of soaking into the hot spring after long trek and it is the best place for starching your muscles and relax.
Day 16: Gasa Tsachu – Punakha (Trek ends)
Upon a short climb, the trail winds through the rolling hills and passes through the forests of pine and oak and gradually entering villages and wheat fields. Along the way, you can have a glimpse of Gasa Dzong beautifully perched to the valley wall. Arriving Damji after 5 to 6 hours of trek covering almost 18 km of trail, our transport team will be waiting there for you. You will ride through the high agricultural benches above the Mochhu into a lush semi-tropical gorge filled with banana trees, creepers and tropical vegetation until Trashithang. Continue driving to Punakha for the overnight in the Hotel.
Day 17: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, drive to Thimphu and do little sightseens of the thimphu because there are some places where one should not miss it. the local sightseens at thimphu will show you Buddha point, memoral chorten (stupa), Takin reserved (national animal) and view of the Tashichoe Dzong from the top. After lunch slowly you move to Paro for over night.
Day 18: Paro to Drop
By now you might be fade up with your guide since he is the only one who talk and talk, so it is time for you to depart. Say good bye to guide and driver who will be see you off at paro international airport.