| DAY |
|
ITINERARY |
| 1 |
Arrive Paro |
If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow
capped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view
of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring
beginning to our adventure. Already you can feel the pace of life slow
down. |
| 2 |
Hike to Taktshang Monastery |
Today we hike up to the famous cliff hermitage
called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a
sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist
saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed
here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through
beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. In the
afternoon before returning to your hotel, you will visit the 7th century Kyichu
Monastery, one of the oldest in the kingdom and meditate with Buddhist Monks. |
| 3 |
Paro - Shana |
Trek begins: Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, the starting point of the trek. While the team
prepares the pack animals visit the ruins of the Drugyel. It was built as a monument
of victory over Tibetan and Mongolian invaders in the 17th century. From here you
can, as a preview, see the crown of Mount Jumolhari (24,029ft.), the base of which
will make our camp in few days. The trail follows Paro River gently uphill through a
narrowing valley of paddy fields. You will pass many traditional farmhouses along the
way. The campsite is a meadow past an army outpost. Camp altitude 2800m.,
distance/walking time - 17 km/5-6 hours. |
| 4 |
Shana - Soe Thangthangkha |
Continue uphill following the river and through the valley, which narrows and closes
in after some distance. The trail then winds up and down along the drainage. Most of
the trail actually is down hill after the initial climb. The campsite is located in a
meadow with stone shelter. Camp altitude 3,400m., distance/walking time - 15
km/4-5 hours. |
| 5 |
Soe Thangthangkha - Jangothang |
Gradual climb as the vegetation turns rapidly alpine, past an army outpost until the
landscape opens up into wide valley. The view around is surrounded by high ridges
and the snow-capped mountains all the way to Jangothang. You will also come
across yaks and yak herder camps. Camp altitude 4,040m, distance/walking time - 19
kms/5-6 hours. |
| 6 |
Jangothang Halt |
Spend the day in rest or explore the valley. There are many options for exploration
including climbing the ridge behind the camp for better view Jumolhari and Jichu
Drake or walk to the glacial basin of Jumolhari or to glacial lakes of Tsophu. A stop
here does good for acclimatization since the route here on goes higher. |
| 7 |
Jangothang - Lingshi |
The trail enters more serious climb today starting with a climb to a higher basin,
from where it level for a while, until the start for a long climb to Nyile La pass at
4,890m. After the pass it is a long descent into Lingshi basin. The vegetation is sparse
and as you approach Lingshi you will see great view of the frontier fortress, Mount
Tserim Kang and its glaciers to the north. Camp altitude 4,150m., distance/walking
time - 19 kms/ 5-6 hours. |
| 8 |
Lingshi (13150ft/4010m) to Camp Chebisa (13090ft/3990m) |
Distance 16kms 3-4 hours
Today is the shortest walking day, take it easy. Much of the trail is level and leads
along the ridge of the river valley, which is known for its aromatic medicinal herbs,
and down into a side valley were Goyak settlement is located. This is a typical cluster
of stone houses, surrounded by fields of highland barley. Pass through the village of
Goyak the camp is in the valley of Chebisa , a pretty highland village.
Camp Altitude 3990m. Overnight camping. |
| 9 |
Chebisa (13090ft/3990m) to Camp Shomuthang (13120ft/4000m) via
Gombu La (14560ft/4440m) |
Distance 15kms 5-6 hours
Leaving all settlements and villages behind, the trail again climbs through highaltitude
pastures, frequented by the blue sheep and grazing yaks. Crossing Gombula
pass at Alt, 4350m, the trail descends to ford a stream and then climbs a further
ridge (4230m) to reach the forested valley of the Jolethang-chu, where Shakshepasa
helipad is located. From here the trail winds uphill to the yak pastures of Jachim
(4260m) before dropping down to the meadow camp at Shomuthang alongside a
tributary of the Mo-Chhu.
Camp Altitude 4000m. Overnight camping. |
| 10 |
Shomuthang (13120ft/4000m) to Camp Robluthang (13645ft/4160m) via
Jarela (15695ft/4785m) |
Distance 16kms 7-8 hours
An early start today criss-crossing the river, with the peak of Mount Gang Bum
(6840m) in the distance to the south east, the trail gradually ascends Jari La Pass at
4600m. There are fine views of the snow peak of Mount Gangchentak (6840)m to
the north, and more distant views of Mount Tserim Gang and Mount Jomolhari . The
switchback trail now zigzags downhill to meet a stream. Rhododendrons grow thickly
in these parts, as the trail meanders down to cross a small bridge over the Jolethang-
Chu, and reach the meadow clearing at Tseri Jathang, a summertime sanctuary for
the takin, the national animal of Bhutan. Climbing again, it than bypasses a small lake
to reach the rock-strewn meadow camp at Robluthang.
Camp Altitude: 4160m. Overnight camping. |
| 11 |
Robluthang (13645ft/4160m) to Camp Lemithang (13645ft/4160m) Via
Sinche La (16400ft/5000m) |
Distance 19km 6-7 hours
This is one of the most difficult days on the route, as the trail zigzags up the hillside
through burnt-out forest and marshy terrain, to reach a glacial valley. Fording a
stream and climbing through pastures potholed with marmot burrows, Shnche La
pass (5000m) comes into view. This is the highest point on the trek, and as it is
crossed, the snow massif of Mount Gangchentak can be seen to the north. A long
winding descent through boulder- and moraine-strewn valleys follows, as the trail
crosses the Gang Chhu twice, and climbs through rhododendron and cedar forests to
a meadow campsite at Lemithang alongside the Zamdo Nangi-Chut with the Great
Tiger Mountain looming over camp.
Camp Altitude: 4160m |
| 12 |
Lemithang (13645ft/4160m) to Camp Laya (12465ft/3800m) |
Distance 9 km 3-4 hours
Lemithang is in the Laya region of Gasa district, and here women still wear the
distinctive Laya dress. The trail criss-crosses the winding course of the Zamdo Nagi-
Chhu, passing through an uninhabited forest on the long descent. Soon the trail
forks, one branch leading down to a military campsite by the river bank and the
other climbing slightly to reach the western side of Laya village. We camp on a high
flat bench above the east end of Laya Village for the night.
Camp Altitude: 3800m. |
| 13 |
Explore Laya |
Going around the villages visiting houses and the people. Laya people are friendly
and will happily pose for photographs. Women of Laya wear special dress and typical
bamboo hats, decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Cultural show in the
evening will be performed by the local girls, if you want. Laya (12465ft/3800m) |
| 14 |
Laya-Rhoduphu |
From Laya we descend to army base camp and continue following the river till the
turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron
bushes till we reach the camp at attitude of 4,350m. It takes 8 to 9 hours till Camp,
Rodophu (13825ft/4215m) |
| 15 |
Rhodophu -Nharithang |
Following the Rodo-chu upstream over undulating terrain covered in dwarf
rhododendrons and arid scrubland, the trail reaches an open valley and ascends
gradually to cross Tsemo La (4905m), from where the fascinating mount Jumolhari
can be seen in the distance. Now level, the trail crosses a small, exposed plateau
frequented by yak caravans, to reach the campsite at Narethang which is situated
beneath Mount Gangla Karchung (6301m). Settle in for the first really high camp.
Camp Altitude: (4940m/16200 ft) Overnight camping. |
| 16 |
Nharithang-Tarina |
The trail ascends slowly about 1-1.5 hr climb to cross the base of Gangla Karchung La
(5020m) is not too hard- about 80m, with a steep section at the end. Crossing the
pass leads into the Lunana area. An overwhelming view rewards all the hard labour
of the last two days. In front and far below three beautiful, the dark green, turquoise
lakes are visible, and above the mountain Teri Kang (about 7300m) with some side
peaks. A long and sometimes steep descent (1055m, 3 hrs) follows on a good trail
through rhododendron buses to reach the submit and the campsite at Tarina.
Camp Altitude: (3938m/12915 ft) Overnight camping. |
| 17 |
Tarina- Woche |
The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho
Chhu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at altitude of 3,800m,
the first village scene Gasa. Over all it takes 6/7 hours.Camp at altitude 3,800m.
Overnight camping. |
| 18 |
Woche-Lhedi |
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and further ahead through
rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4480m) where one can have the
great view of mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through
the village with a stunning view of Table Mountains and others. Follow up the river
till Lhedi Village, which is one of the main sources of Pho Chhu. Camp at altitude of
3,650m. Overnight camping. |
| 19 |
Lhedi-Thanza |
The trek continues following the rivers and rising gradually to Choejong village. Cross
the bridge to reach Thanza. Camp will be at an altitude of 41000m. This takes 7/8
hours. Overnight camping. |
| 20 |
Rest day at Thanza |
Catch your breath make a walk around or climb up the ridge for fascinating view of
lakes and mountains. Overnight camping. |
| 21 |
Thanza-Danje |
The trek strats by climbing the ridge and if the weather permits the view of
mountains is very beautifully seen. Today walking distance is very short because
Danje is the junction for Nickhachu trek end point and Bhumthang were we are
going. Walking distance is only 3/4hrs. |
| 22 |
Danje to Tshorim |
The trek starts by climbing the ridge, with great view of Table Mountain and Thanza
valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually up to 4,650m. After
lunch, walk upwards the left side of the bridge enjoying the view of snow-capped
mountains. Further climbing ridges, you reach the campsite of Tshorim at altitude
5,125m. It takes 8/9 hours. |
| 23 |
Tshorim- Zanam.(Gangkar phuensum base camp) |
This is one of the highlights of the trip and day starts with a short climb to the
Tshorim Lake. Walk on the side of the Lake enjoying the panoramic view of Gophula
ranges. The last climb to the Gophula pass (5,230m) is very short. After the pass
descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying the great view of
Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the
Pyramid Peak for a better view or you can go down to the base camp nearby Sha
Chhu at the altitude of 4,970m. This takes 6/7 hours. |
| 24 |
Zanam -Geshe Woma |
The trek is not yet over. The trail further follows the Sha Chhu and descends
gradually to Geshe Woma at an altitude of 4,200m. This takes approximately 6/7
hours. |
| 25 |
Geshe Woma – Warathang |
The path continues following Sha Chhu for 2 and half hours until the stiff climb to
Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must see top of the ridge
for guidance. Lunch near by a yak herder’s camp. After that, climb up to Sakala pass
at an altitude of 4,800m. Later descend to the lakes and another short ascent is
stunning, scenery once again it is beautiful with small lakes and the mountain peaks.
Camp will be at an altitude of 4,000m. Time taken 8/9 hours. Overnight camping. |
| 26 |
Warathang –Dur Tsachu |
A short half hour climb leads to Julila pass (4,400m). After the pass, descend to the
riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge
a short climb leads to Dur Tsachu hot spring where Guru Padmasambhava(believed
to be the saint who brought Ningmapa sect in 8th century) is supposed to have taken
bath in 8th hot spring. It takes approx. 5 hours. Overnight camping. |
| 27 |
Dur Tsachu – Tshochenchen |
From the spring, it is a long and steady climb again with great views of mountains in
Lunana. You also come across the blue lakes and yak herder’s camp at an altitude
3,850m. It takes 8/9 hours walking. Overnight camping. |
| 28 |
Tshochenchen- Gorsum |
The second last day for our trek. Today Walking distance is (12km, aprox) its all river side
road. Overnight camping. |
| 29 |
Gorsum - Dur-Minchugang Bumthang (Jakar) |
This is the last day of the trek where you change from yaks to pack ponies to truck.
The path follows the Chamkhar Chhu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek
ends here at Dur village where White Lake transport will pick you up and drive to the
lodge in Bumthang (Jakar). |
| 30 |
Bumthang Halt |
This region that spans from 2,600-4,500m is the religious heartland of the nation
and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries. Tales of Guru
Padmasambhava and the tertons (“religious treasure-discoverers”) still linger in
this sacred region. |
| 31 |
Bumthang to Gantey |
After Break fast Drive to Gangtey via Tongsa it will take 5-6 hrs.
Gangtey or Phobjika Valley is considered one of the most beautiful valleys
Bhutan has got. This bowl shaped (when seen from above) glacial valley stands
just by the Black Mountains. Nature bestows on its full attention which can be
seen from the surrounding valleys and lush greenery making this place as
beautiful as heaven itself. |
| 32 |
Gangtey to Phunakha |
After breakfast Drive to Phunakha and it will take 3hrs /78km than visit
PunakhaDzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu
(female-river), the PunakhaDzong is arguably the most impressive dzong in the
country. Shabdrung built it in 1637, on a strategic place at the confluence of Pho Chu
and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It
served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were
received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King
was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the
Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed
bodies of ShabdrungNgawangNamgyal and TertonPemaLingpa are housed on the top
floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the
Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987. |
| 33 |
Phunakha to Thimphu |
After breakfasttake a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to
DrukpaKuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known
affectionately as "the Divine Madman". The temple is on a hillside in the middle of
rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. We will stopping
lunch at Dochula and continue our journey to Thimphu |
| 34 |
Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Paro. |
Thimphu, Bhutan’s capital, occupies a valley in the country’s western interior. In
addition to being the government seat, the city is known for its Buddhist sites. The
massive Tashichho Dzong is a fortified monastery and government palace with goldleaf
roofs. The Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed structure with a gold spire, is a
revered Buddhist shrine dedicated to Bhutan’s third king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.
Visit the Thimphu sightseeing places like, TrashiChho dzong, Memorable Chorten,
Takin Zoo, Buddha Point, centenary Park and so many other places to visit if the time
permits. By evening drive to Paro Valley. |
| 35 |
Fly to Kathmandu/Bangkok/Singapore/ Delhi. |
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to airport. We will bid you farewell and soon the
remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian
mountains. |
View Photos
Departure: Feb - Jul 
