Category : Bhutan Trekking Tours

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country.

In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks like Gangkar Puensum, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Authentic Bhutan Tours- Your Trip Organizer in Bhutan! will warmly welcome & greet you on arrival, and then drive you to the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this region.

Lunch will be served at Paro Restaurant. After lunch we will visit to Paro National Museum, it holds fascinating collections of art, relics, religious Thangka paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. Evening stroll around Paro town. Welcome dinner and over night stay at Paro hotel. Mandala Resort or similar standard.

  Meal Plan: Welcome Dinner   Accommodation: Hotel

At around 630am to 7am, we will start our journey to Sharna Zampa, where our trekking staff will be waiting for us.

At Gunitsawa Army post, our Army permit will be checked and endorsed. We will have breakfast and Sharna Zampa, where our trekking cook will prepare for us. After breakfast, we will start our trek. Today’s trek will be a long day trek with lots of small ups and downs.

After going uphill through the river valley the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path, which descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, we will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3610m.  Distance: 22km.  Ascent: 770m.  Descent: 10m.  Time: 7-8hrs.

Today’s trek continues up the Paro Chhu which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. We will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, we will have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4080m.  Distance: 19km.  Ascent: 480m.  Descent: –  Time: 5-6 hrs.

Today will have a rest day and it provides plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. We will trek up to Tshophu Lake.

A good day’s walk today with great views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. We have to cross the Nyelela pass (4,700-m). We pass by the picturesque of Lingshi village and our first views of the truly mystical Lingshi Dzong atop a high hill. Overnight camp at Lingshi

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Lingshi  Altitude: 4150m  Distance: 19 km  Ascent: –  Descent: –  Time: 6 – 7 hours.

Today is the shortest walking day, and we can really take it easy. Shortly after starting we will reach a chorten below Lingshi Dzong. Here, we have the choice of staying on the main trail or taking a detour up to the Lingshi Dzong (4,220m), which sits right atop a high ridge. This Dzong is under reconstruction from a 2011 earthquake, which damaged its central building. In addition to a very special atmosphere of mystic tranquility, Lingshi Dzong provides a great view over the valley.

After Lingshi Dzong, we will be passing the villages of Lingshi and Goyul. In Goyul, the stone houses are clustered together to form a small compact village that is unusual in Bhutan where settlements are usually scattered. On reaching the campsite at Chebisa, we will have plenty of time to visit the village houses if you feel up to it. There is also a beautiful waterfall located behind the village that is worth visiting.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3880m.  Distance: 10km.  Ascent: 280m.  Descent: 410m.  Time: 5-6 hours.

The morning starts with a long ascent behind Chebisa Village (2-3 hours) through a wide pastureland towards Gobu La (pass). On the way, we will see a few people herding yaks. There is also a great chance to spot large herds of blue sheep above the trail. After crossing Gobu La (4,410m), we descend into the valley, then climb again a little bit, before descending again to Shakshepasa (3,980), a large U-shaped valley. Climbing from here we will finally reach the campsite at Shomuthang, above a river, which is a tributary of the Nochu river

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4220m.  Distance: 17 km.  Ascent: 890m.  Descent: 540m.  Time: 6-7hrs.

Today’s trek will begin by climbing up the valley to view Kang Bum (6,526 m) and some edelweiss. After two hours of climbing we will reach Jhari La (4,750m), from where we catch the first glimpse of Sinche La, the pass we will have to cross the day after. The big snow peak in the north is Gangchhenta 6,840 m, better known as the Great Tiger Mountain. If weather is clear, Tserim Kang and the top of Jomolhari will be visible. The camp by the river is called Tsheri Jathang located in a beautiful wide and remote valley. Herds of takin, the Bhutanese National Animal, migrate to this valley in summer and remain for about four months. The valley has been declared as Takin sanctuary. Climb up a little bit and we will reach the campsite at Robluthang in a rocky meadow.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Robluthang  Altitude: 4160m.  Distance: 18 km.  Ascent: 700m.  Descent: 760m.  Time: 6-7hrs.

The trek starts out with an initial 40-60mins ascent before gradually raising for another 1.5 hours through a boulder field. It is then a 1hour steep ascent before reaching Sinche La (5,005m) – the final and highest pass on the trek if we don’t intend to continue the Snowman trek from Laya onwards.

As we descend the far side of the pass, we will see an impressive terminal moraine and a glacial lake at the foot of the valley. We can see classic examples of lateral moraines where the glacier has pushed rocks up both sides of the valley. Below the moraine, we will cross the Kango Chhu and soon reach the Limithang campsite. The peak of Gangchhenta towers over the campsite even though it’s quite a distance away

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Limithang  Altitude: 4140m.  Distance: 19km.  Ascent: 850m.  Descent: 870m.  Time: 6-7hrs.

Today, we will walk downhill all the way along a narrow, winding river valley. After a long time, the trail takes us through densely forested region. The trail leads to the west side of Laya village. From the west of the village we will have spectacular views of Mt. Gangchhenta and catch Mt. Masagang. In the village center is a community school and a basic health unit with a telephone connection. The campsite is located below the school.

 Accommodation: Camping  Camp Site: Laya village  Altitude: 3840m.  Distance: 10 km.  Ascent: 60m.  Descent: 340m.  Time: 4-5hrs.

Explore the Laya village.

From Laya we descend to an army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhoduphu. After lunch the climb continues through rhododendron bushes till you reach the camp at Roduphu just next to the Rhodu.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4160m.  Distance: 19km.  Ascent: 1030m.  Descent: 750m.  Time: 6-8hrs.

After following the river for about half an hour you will have a steady climb to a high open valley at 4,600m and then further up to Tsomo La (4,900m). Tsomo La offers a superb view of Lunana, Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake, and the Tibetan border. The route then crosses a flat, barren plateau at about 5,000m. The campsite at Narethang is towered by the peak of Gangla Karchung (6,395m).

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4900m.  Distance: 17km.  Ascent: 740m.  Descent: –  Time: 5-6hrs.

From the camp you will climb for about an hour to Gangla Karchung La (5,120m). The view from the pass is breathtaking and the whole range of mountains including Jekangphu Gang (7,100m), Tsenda Kang and Teri Gang (7,300m) can be seen. The pass descends along a large moraine.

Again one has great views: a massive glacier descends from Teri Kang to a deep turquoise lake at its foot. Up here a glacial lake burst through its dam in the early 1960s, causing widespread damage and partially destroying Punakha Dzong. Finally, it is a very long descent through thick rhododendron to Tarina valley, where you will find several good campsites along the Tang Chhu.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3970m.  Distance: 18km.  Ascent: 270m.  Descent: 1200m.  Time: 5-6hrs.

The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chhu, passing some impressive waterfalls. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche, a settlement of a few houses, the first village in the Lunana region.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3910m.  Distance: 17km.  Ascent: 270m.  Descent: 330m.  Time: 6-7 hrs.

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests, and further ahead, through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche La pass (4,650m) where one can have the great view of surrounding mountains again. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through a village with a stunning view of Table Mountain and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village. Lhedi has a basic health unit, a school and a wireless telephone connection.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3700m.  Distance: 17km.  Ascent: 980m.  Descent: 1190m.  Time: 6-7 hrs.

In clear weather, you will have great views of Table Mountain (7,100m). Around lunchtime you will pass the small village of Chozo (4,090m), which has a dzong still in use. Reaching Thanza again you will have a great view of Table Mountain which forms a 3,000m high wall of snow and ice behind the village. Although there are possibilities to camp directly at Thanza, most groups prefer to camp in Thoencha.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4150m.  Distance: 17km.  Ascent: 450m.  Descent: –  Time: 7-8hrs.

Today we will walk around and experience some village life or climp up to the ridge for fascination views of lakes and mountains.

From Thoencha, the trail climbs up to a large boulder from where you will have excellent views of Thanza, Toencha and Choso village and the surrounding mountains. After a few hours of relatively flat and easy walking, you will reach a yak meadow with some yak herders’ huts. An excellent campsite with a great chance to spot some blue sheep on the hills above.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4230m.  Distance: 8km.  Ascent: 80m.  Descent: –  Time: 3-4hrs.

Having chosen the route to Sephu, the trek crosses the creek and after a long climb, you will reach Jaze La (5,150m) with spectacular panoramic mountain views . The path then descends between snow covered peaks and a couple of small lakes to the campsite near the shore of Tshochena lake.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4970m.  Distance: 12km.  Ascent: 980m.  Descent: 240m.  Time: 5-6 hrs.

You will follow the bank of the blue green lake before arriving at a ridge at 5,100m, where there is another spectacular view in all directions. After going up and down over small hills to reach a glacial lake, the route descends first before climbing again up the next pass, the Loju La (5,140m). Finally after crossing a small saddle (5,100m) you will enter a wide glacial valley from where the trail descends gradually to the campsite at Jichu Dramo.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 5050m.  Distance: 14km.  Ascent: 230m.  Descent: 150m.  Time: 4-5hrs.

Right after leaving the camp you will climb through a moraine to Rinchen Zoe La (5,320m). Spectacular mountain scenery with Gangkhar Puensum amongst the impressive mountains is the reward for climbing the highest pass on this trek route. Rinchen Zoe Peak (5,650) towers above the pass the west.

Descending from the pass, the route leads into a wide valley with several lakes and goes steeply down along a moraine to the Thamphe Chhu. Here the vegetation begins to thicken again and you will see the first real trees since Lhedi. After a couple of hours you reach the campsite at Chukarpo.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4600m.  Distance: 18km.  Ascent: 320m.  Descent: 730m.  Time: 5-6hrs.

The descent continues along the river till you reach the yak herder huts at Gala Pang Chhu (4010m). From here the trail climbs steeply towards Thampe Tsho, a beautiful clear turquoise lake, with the campsite next to it.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 4300m.  Distance: 18km.  Ascent: 400m.  Descent: 700m.  Time: 5-6 hrs.

From the lake you climb steeply to the last pass on your trek, the Thampe La (4,600m) with a good chance to spot some blue sheep on the way. Then the path descends to the sacred lake Om Thso. Passing a waterfall you will reach another, smaller lake 100m below to descend steeply to the Nikka Chhu. The path finally leads through mixed forest to large clearing on the banks of the river with a few yak herder huts, Maurothang.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3610m.  Distance: 14km.  Ascent: 330m.  Descent: 1020m.  Time: 5 hrs.

On the last day of this extraordinary trek your porters will have to change from yaks to horses as the yaks will not be willing to go further down. The path follows the Nikka Chhu to reach a large grassy area overlooking the road and the village of Sephu.

You finally reach the road at the Nikka Chhu bridge at Sephu where you will find several stores (mainly selling bamboo products) and small restaurants. We will say goodbye to our trekking staff and then drive to Gangtey. Dinner and overnight stay at hotel Gangtey. Gakingling Guest House or similar standard.

 Accommodation: Hotel  Distance: 18km.  Ascent: –  Descent: 990m.  Time: 5-6hrs.

After the breakfast, we will drive to Thimphu via Punakha. Before we drive, we will visit to Gangtey Goenpa Lhakhang. Then we drive, on reaching Lobesa, we will hike to Chhimi Lhkhang, the temple of fertility. Luch will be served at Chhimi Lhakhang Cafteria.

After lunch we will visit Punakha Dzong, the most beautiful dzong in Bhutan. it was the winter capital of Bhutan until 1955 when the capital was permanently shifted to Thimphu. It still served as the winter resident for the central monastic body. Lunch at Punakha. After lunch continue our journey to Thimphu over docula pass (3150m).

Evening stroll around Thimphu Valley. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thmphu. Hotel Peaceful Resort or similar standard.

Sightseeing in Thimphu, visit to Memorial Chhorten, built in 1974 in the memory of third king late Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, and the temple inside gives good examples of tantric Buddhist and its philosophy. Mothithang minizoo to see the National Animal of Bhutan (Takin), Zulikha Nunnery, the Thangtong Dewachen nunnery was founded in 1976 by Rikey Jadrel and today it houses the sixty nuns engaged in Buddhist study and practices.

Folk Heritage Museum, this Folk Heritage Museum is a showcase, the 19-century farmhouse and the living style of the Bhutanese family.

National Library, the National Library was established in 1967 to preserve many ancient Dzongkha and Tibetan texts. Lunch in Thimphu town.

After lunch, visit Paper Factory, were Bhutanese Traditional Papers & paper products are made. Weaving Center produces hand-woven textiles on site and has a selection of cloth and ready-made garments for sale. This is one of the few places where you can watch weavers at work, and then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts.

Evening we will visit Bhutanese Farm House for dinner and Traditional Hot Stone bath. Over night stay at Thimphu Hotel or we can organize even in Bhutanese Farm House.

Today we will drive to Paro and hike to Paro Taktshang Monastery, the most famous and sacred monastery in Bhutan. Taktshang means “Tiger’s Nest” named after Guru Rinpoche who reportedly flew to this site riding on the back of a flying tigress in the 8th century. We have to walk about 2hours and 30minutes up-steep from the road end. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. Lunch will be served at Taktshang cafeteria.

While coming back, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, it is one of the two most sacred and the oldest temples in Bhutan, built in 7th century by Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo (the 33rd Tibetan king, who is also the manifestation of Avalokiteshvara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize).

Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel. Olathang Hotel or similar standard.

After our breakfast, we will drive to Paro International Airport for your onward flight. Our guide and driver will bid you farewell here at the airport. We wish you a very safe and pleasant flight for your onward destinations.