Tag : Trekking in Bhutan

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- For Your Bhutan Experience! 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

Today we will do hiking to Tiger’s Nest (Taktshang Monastery), the most important and religious significance to Bhutanese people as well as to Buddhism world.

Lunch will be served at Taktshang Café. On our way back, we will visit to Drukgyel Dzong, which is in ruin now. This is dzong is known as ‘dzong of victory’ and then Kyichu Monastery, 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 avoloketeshivara, commonly known to Bhutanese as Chenrize). Evening drive to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thimphu. Hotel Migmar 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. Lunch will be served at hotel Thimphu.

After lunch we will visit to Buddha Point, to visit and prayer in front of tallest Bhudda in the world. Then we will do a hike Kuenselphodrang to Depsi This trail was constructed by Nature Recreation and Ecotourism Division (NRED) of the agriculture ministry, as a biking trail in the capital Thimphu. We can also use this trail as hiking/biking to Depsi as an optional tour in the capital Thimphu. First we will drive to Buddha Point to pray and visit the tallest Buddha statue in the world.

We will start the hiking from Buddha statue and then ends at Depsi. The hiking is more or less very easy and plain walk through the forest of Pine, Rhododendron and Oak trees. The hike will take about 1-hour 30 mins. We can see Thimphu city, Thimphu River (Wangchhu) and other adjacent towns through this hike. We can also take some fluttering prayer flags (Lungta) and hang them between two to three trees that will bring fortune, happiness and good health to every one in this world including your enemy. Lungta – Prayer Flag, represents Peace, Compassion, strength and Wisdom.

You will really enjoy and will have amazing experiences hiking this trail. Then Authentic Bhutanese handicrafts. Evening we will stroll around Thimphu town. Dinner and over night stay at hotel Thimphu. Migmar Hotel or similar standard.

After having breakfast, we will drive to Wangdi/Punakha, over Dochula, 3150m above the sea level. While reaching at Dochula, if the weather is clear you can see the Himalayan Mountains of Bhutan including the highest mountain of Bhutan, the Gankar Puensum (7554m), which is the unclimbed mountain in the world.

The drive will take around 3hours and 30minutes and lunch will be serving on the way to Wangdi Phodrang. On reaching at Lobesa, hike to Chimme Lhakhang, which was founded in 15th century by Devin madman Drukpa Kuenley. The hike will take around 1hour and 30minutes for too and forth.

Then, we will continue our journey to Punakha, on reaching at Punakha, visit to Punakha Dzong, the seat of the administrative system and the Central Monastic Body, including the winter residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). Evening at leisure, dinner and overnight stay at Paro Hotel

After having breakfast, we will drive to Bumthang over Pelela(3420m) and Yotongla(3425m) above the sea level and passes through Trongsa valley. Trongsa is a town and capital of Trongsa District in central Bhutan. The name means “new village” in Dzongkha. The drive will take around 9hours to reach at Bumthang. Lunch will be on the way to Bumthang. On reaching at Trongsa, visit to Trongsa Ta-Dzong, the national museum of Bhutan, which means “watchtower”, built by Choeje Minjur Tenpa, the first governor of Trongsa, in the year 1652.

The tower stood guard over the Trongsa Dzong to protect the main stronghold of the town from any external threats. The museum was opened in 2008, in celebration of three auspicious occasions: enthronement of the fifth King, recognition of 100 years of Monarchy and introduction of democracy in the country.

The museum showcases some of the rare and priceless artifacts belonging to the monarchy. Then we will continue our drive to Bumthang and on reaching at Chumey, visit to Chumey Yathra factory, the woolen cloth production in Bhutan. Again we will continue our drive to Bumthang through Korela Pass 3280m, above the sea level. Dinner and overnight stay at Bumthang Hotel

Today, morning drive to Burning Lake (Membar Tsho), which was founded by great treasure Pema Lingpa in 15th century. The drive will take around 1 hour and 30 minutes for too and forth. On reaching back, visit to Jakar Dzong, the administrative and religious site of Bumthang district. The Jakar Dzong or the “Castle of the White Bird” dominates the Chamkhar valley and overlooks the town. Constructed in 1549, by the Tibetan Lam Nagi Wangchuk, the Dzong played an important role as the fortress of defense of the whole eastern Dzongkhags.

Lunch will be one of the restaurants in Bumthang. After lunch, visit to Tamshing Monastery, built in 15th century by a great treasure Pema Lingpa and it is the most important Nyingmapa temple in central part of the Bhutan, Kurjey Temple, the place founded by Guru Rinpochhe in 8th century and it consists of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rack face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. Second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the most holy.

The third temple was built in 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall then visit to Jambay Lhakhang,this monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region, therefore this is the oldest temple in Bhutan. Then we will visit to Bhutanese Farm house for dinner and hot-stone bath. Over night stay at be also arranged at Bhutanese farmhouse.

Today’s trek route will take us around Chamkhar Chhu, a river rich in trout. After passing Thangbi Lhakhang, a temple built by the first Karma Shamar in 13th century we will enter Ngang Yul or ‘Swan Land” named for the swans that were once common in this part of the valley. Near the center of this area we will find Ngang Lhakhang, the “Swan Temple”. The Ngang Lhakhang was built by, Lama Namkha Samdrup in the spot where his arrow landed. The design of the lhakhang inspired by a vision he had. Here we will meet our trekking staff. Dinner and overnight stay at camp.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 2800m  Distance: 20km.  Time: 6-7hrs.

We will begin with a gradual climb to Phephe La pass (3,353m). Follow the trail until the pass takes us through a picturesque forested region. It is recommended that we allow for stops along the way to enjoy the natural beauty of the surroundings. We will stop for the night at Ogyen Choling Manor. This manor houses one of the most interesting museums of Bhutan and visitors will gain a better understanding of the lives of the landed gentry in traditional Bhutanese society.

Camp altitude 2,850 m.

Today’s walk is through bamboos, hemlock and finally up to an alpine forest. The camp is in a meadow at the head of the valley.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 3680m.  Distance: 17 km.  Ascent: 920m.  Descent: –  Time: 5-6 hours.

Today about three hours of climb, we will reach to Rodong La pass (4,160m). From the pass we, then continue downhill through a gorge, overlooking scenic mountain valleys covered in lush pine forests. The region is rich in folklore concerning spirits and yetis. Near the camp we can see a ruined stone building that once acted as a grain storehouse during the reigns of the first and second king.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 2950m.  Distance: 20 km.  Ascent: 480m.  Descent: 1160m.  Time: 6-7 hrs.

This trail winds through the villages of Ungaar, Bulay, Kulaypang and Gomda before bringing you to Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang. One of the oldest temples in the country, it was built in the mid 7th century by the King Songtshen Gampo of Tibet to subdue demons.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 2010m.  Distance: 21km.  Ascent: 350m.  Descent: 1340m.  Time: 7-8hrs.

From the camp, the trail goes down to a stream and back up to a basic health unit and a community school in Gorsam. Further on, we wil pass a Tibetan-style Umling Mani, built by a lama from Tibet, and a chorten on Zerim La (1,940m). Before reaching the next pass, Tage La (1,760m) we will see Menjabi, a beautiful Bhutanese village with large white houses. The campsite for the night is located South-east of Tage La near Tangmachu High School. Another possibility is to organize transport and drive to Lhuentse, the capital of Lhuentse district. Lhuntese Dzong is considered to be one of the most impressive dzongs in Bhutan.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 1720m.  Distance: 18km.  Ascent: 520m.  Descent: 810m.  Time: 6-7 hours.

After arriving at Kuri Zampa the trek begins to gradually climb up through paddy fields and villages before bringing you to Chusa.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 1830m.  Distance: 16 km.  Ascent: 690m.  Descent: 620m.  Time: 4-5hrs.

Today’s trek has you continue uphill through thick forests overlooking spectacular mountains. The camp is located in a forested area at an altitude of 2,400m.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 2450m.  Distance: 20km.  Ascent: 620m.  Descent: –  Time: 5-6hrs.

After climbing up to Dongla you will descend through thick evergreen forests until you reach the campsite for the night.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: 2450m.  Distance: 21km.  Ascent: 1450m.  Descent: 1450m.  Time: 7-8hrs.

Today is the longest day of the trek. It is a gradual descent to Trashi Yangtse. As you descend the chirpine and hardwood forests are slowly replaced by oak trees. The final camp of the trek is located in a sub-tropical forested region.

 Accommodation: Camping  Altitude: –  Distance: 24 km.  Ascent: –  Descent: 720m.  Time: : 8-9 hrs.

After the breakfast, we will do sightseeing the Trashi Yangtshi like visit to Chhorten Kora and Trashi Yangtshi old dzong. Then drive to Trashigang and visit to Gomphu Kora Lhakhang. Lunch will be served at Trashiangang. After lunch we will drive to Rangjung and visit Rangjung Osel Chholing Monastery and Kardung Anim Dratshang. Evening at Lesiure. Dinner and over night stay at Trashigang Hotel. Dejung Hotel or similar standard.

After and breakfast, drive to Samdrup Jongkhar. At Kanglung, visit to Kanglung Monastery and at Khaling, we will visit to Khaling Handloom (weaving center). Then continue our journey to Samdrup Jongkhar. Lunch will be served at local restaurant on the way or we will take picnic lunch. On reaching Samdrup Jongkhar, our guide and driver will complete the Immigration formalities for your tomorrow’s departure to Guwahati International Airport. In the evening, our guide and driver will introduce you to the Indian driver who will take you to Guwahati tomorrow. Your Bhutanese guide and driver will bid you farewell today at dinnertime, as they will leave to Thimphu next day very early in the Morning.

You will have breakfast in the hotel and your Indian driver with car will pick you up from the hotel and will transfer to Guwahati International Airport. The drive is about 2hrs 30mins. We wish you a very safe and comfortable journey. We look forward to see you again in Bhutan.

Thank you and Tashi Delek