Overview
Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience that allows a traveler to get off the beaten track and on to the wondrous landscapes of Himalaya. Treks in Bhutan are also famous for the majestic view of the Himalayan peaks that provides a sense of awe and wonder and a point of contemplation for trekkers along the way. Almost all the treks offer a combination of natural discovery and an insight into the country’s delicate and unique life style. Many of the trails take walker past remote and ancient monasteries, through deep forests, and close to villages.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival in Paro
Your flight to Paro will offer you a beautiful mountain views. On this flight the views of the Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drakey in Bhutan are awesome. On arrival in Paro our guide will receive you and check you into your hotel. After lunch we will see the rich history of Bhutan exhibited in the 17th century National Museum. The Paro Dzong, a massive fortress built in the 17th century now houses the monastic body. A tour of this beautiful Dzong will introduce us to the unique aspects of the Bhutanese Buddhism. A lovely stroll downhill from the Dzong over an old cantilever bridge wraps up an eventful first day in this magical kingdom.
Overnight at Paro | Altitude: 2200m
Day 02: Paro sightseeing
Taktsang or the tiger’s nest temple is the most revered temple to the Buddhist. This magical temple clings to a vertical granite cliff 800m above the valley. Legend has it that in the 8th century, Guru Rimpochey, a tantric master flew here on the back of a tigress and meditated in a cave around which the temple is built. A hike to this temple will take up most of our morning. In the afternoon, we will host a special Buddhist prayer ceremony at the beautiful 1200 year old Kyichu Lhakhang Temple, to bring us good luck for the rest of the journey.
Overnight in Paro
Day 03: Paro – Genekha (1 Hr) – Kepchen
Distance: 8 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3710 m
The trek begins with the little village of Genekha. Today you will see many varieties of alpine flora and also some animals and many birds. After two hours of walking gradually uphill, rest at huge rock platform, from which there is a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours the trek ends for the day. Camp at Gur, where flowers are abundant in spring.
Day 04: Kepchen – Labathama
Distance: 9 km
Walking time: 4 hours
Sleeping altitude: 4300 m
Pass to cross: Pagalabtsa la, 4200 m
Today’s trek takes us across meadows where wild asparagus and other small plants grow, and if taking this trek in the spring, you will feel you are walking over carpets of flowers. The first pass, marked by a large cairn gives a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, alpine meadows and yak herders’ camps. We will lunch at a nearby yak herder’s camp. After lunch we will walk across hills and over meadows, ending the day at Yutsho Lake.
Day 05: Labathama (Halt)
A day halt in Labathama is worth visiting the lakes and hiking up to the top of the pass for the breath taking view. One a clear day, one can see the world’s third highest mountain, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Jumolhari, the highest mountain of Bhutan.
Day 06: Labathama – Pangkha/Khere Gewa
Distance: 11 km
Walking time: 6 hours
Sleeping altitude: 4050 m
Pass to cross: Labajong La, 4400 m
Walk for 20 minutes upwards before beginning the descent at around 4,460m. There will be splendid views of the Himalayas on the descent. Your guide will help you in identifying individual peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, Jumolhari , Jichu Drake, Tserimgang, Khangbum, Masagang, Tsendegang and Gangchenta. Himalayan monal pheasants are a common sight. Overnight camp on a grassy meadow at Pangkha.
Day 07: Pangkha – Talakha
Distance: 7 km
Walking time: 5 hours
Sleeping altitude: 3100 m
Pass to cross: Tale La, 4185 m
This day involves the crossing of several increasingly impressive passes. You will see several varieties of the blue poppy (if trekking June-July) and also many mountain birds along the way. After lunch, an hour’s gradual climb brings us to the top of the last ridge on the Dagala range from where there is a spectacular view of Thimphu valley below. Camp, at the Talakha monastery.
Day 08: Talakha – Thimphu (trek ends)
Distance: 4 km
Walking time: 2 hours
We walk through mixed vegetation and apple orchards, finally reaching the main motorable road to Thimphu where our transport will be waiting for us. Our transport will meet us just as we start emerging from the forest and drive to Paro for our departure flight next day. The drive will take slightly more than an hour.
Overnight Paro
Day 09: Departure
Morning transfer to the airport for your departure flight. Our tour staff will bid you farewell at the airport.
Cost Info
Cost Includes:
- All accommodations in 3 star standard hotels.
- Standard room on twin sharing basis only.
- Meals on fixed buffet (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner).
- All hotel tax and service charge.
- Full time English Speaking Guide.
- Private transportation for airport pick up/ drop and all sightseeing.
- Local sightseeing.
- Road permits.
- Visa processing and arrangements.
- Royalty to the government and all other taxes.
- Entrance fees to events, historic sites, museums and parks as indicated in the itinerary.
- Trekking equipment for trekker (Sleeping tent, dinning tent, Kitchen tent, table, chair, ponies for luggage, chef, waiter)
Cost Excludes:
- Visa fee for single entry (US $40).
- Travel and medical insurance coverage.
- Refreshment, water and any alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages.
- Laundry, tips and other expenses of personal nature.
- Domestic & International airfare.
- Specialized guides (Foreign Language, Photography, Bird Watching, Buddhism or any specialized guide) available at an additional cost.
- Any personal expenses.
