Bhutan Travel Adventures

Day 1  Arrive Paro (By Druk Air)
Day 2  Hike to Taksang (Tiger Nest) then Paro valley sightseeing
Day 3  Drukgyel Dzong(Paro) - Shana
Day 4  Shana-Soi Thangthangka
Day 5  Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang
Day 6  Jangothang (Halt)
Day 7  Jangothang- Dhumzo Chhu or Chorapang (12,460ft/3800m)
Day 8  Dhumzo Chhu- ThongbueShong (13,510ft/4120m)
Day 9  Thongbue to Shana (9480ft/2890m)
Day 10  Shana to Drugyel Dzong (8460ft/2580m)
Day 11  Paro-Thimphu (Sightseeing)
Day 12  Thimphu - Wangdue via Punakha (97 K.m, 3.5 hrs)
Day 13  Gangtey Day Excrussion (50 kms 2 hr one way)
Day 14  Wangdue - Paro via Thimphu
Day 15  Departure from Paro international Airport

Day 01. Arrive Paro (By Druk Air)
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, give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. On arrival at Paro international airport, you will be received by our representative   and will escort you to hotel. In the afternoon visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action.

Day 02. Hike to Taksang (Tiger Nest) then Paro valley sightseeing
Right after the breakfast drive towards the road point to Taktshang. Taktshang Monastery, the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. Taktshang means "Tiger's Nest," so named because Guru Rimpoche reportedly flew to the site of the monastery on the backof a flying tiger in the late centuries of the first millennium. The monastery is perched on a cliff nearly 3,000 ft above the Paro valley floor. This day hike is not only historically and culturally interesting, but also incredibly snnic! It takes about two hours to reach the cafeteria, which gives a breathtaking view of the Tiger’s Nest. If you still feel like hiking then you can take another hour to reach the temple. Then return back to hotel and free evening.

Day 03. Drukgyel Dzong(Paro) - Shana
Starting form Drukgyel Dzong, the fortress that once guarded Paro Valley against Tibetan invaders, the first day is a pleasant walk following the left side of the Pachu River. The farm road serves as the trek route and passes through a number of very small villages with traditional houses, rice and vegetable fields to left and right of the trail.

After about an hour’s walk, the farm road ends at Mitsizamp. Crossing a bridge to the right side of the river, the trail climbs very gradually for another hour through the trees to Zakhapang (2,600m), where nice lunch break-spot in an open and clean space is found. After lunch the trek continues through blue pine forests, following the river closely. Gunyitsawa army outpost appears not long before the end of the first day’s trek. The campsite at Shana, just beyond, is situated at an altitude of 2,820m in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. Two traditional houses on the other side of the wide, fast-flowing river make up Shana village.

Day 04. Shana-Soi Thangthangka
This is the longest trekking day, taking eight hours to reach the campsite. The trail continues to follow the river gradually ascending through a mixed forest of blue pine and oak and, later in the afternoon, tall rhododendron trees, birch, fir and maple. Though the trail is rocky and bumpy path, it is not strenuous but in rainy conditions it can be quite muddy. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross and sometimes the river reaches right up to the trail. The lunch break comes after about 4 hours of walking through an ever-narrowing valley: Shing Karap or Thombuzam are popular stopping places at around 3,305m.

Several trails lead in other directions, such as the trail to Tremo la, which was the old salt-trading route to Tibet. Not long before reaching the campsite the trail leads you up a ridge with a chorten. Beyond, in the distance, at the end of the valley the Jumolhari Mountain comes into view. Finally, after an 8 hours walk, you reach the campsite.

The camp site is located in spacious clearing and directly faces Mount Jumolhari. The view of early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. Mount Jumolhari, at 7326, is among the world's highest mountains.

Day 05 Soi-Thangthangka-Jangothang
The third day’s trek is a short one so it is possible to set off a little later and progress at a leisurely pace. When you reach the army outpost you are required to stop and register your entry permits issued by the army headquarters in Thimphu. This matter will be taken care of by your guide.

The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages. It will take less then four hours to reach Jangothang, Base Camp. The altitude at the base camp is 4,000m and is a beautiful place to spend the night. The imposing, rounded bulk of the Jumolhari Mountain fills the view to the Northeast and in the evening the profile of the ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens creates a mystical atmosphere. The area is rich in bird life. Birds sighted en route include the Fire-tailed Sunbird, Ibisbill, White throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blue-fronted Redstart, Plumbeous Water Redstart, Blood Pheasant, Snow Partridge and many more.

Day 06. Jangothang (Halt)
Today is a day to rest and acclimatize to the altitude. The body also needs times to adjust to the falling temperatures, especially during the night. There is an opportunity to explore the valley and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. A 2 hour’s leisurely hike will take you to the twin lakes of Tshophu. For those taking the Lingshi variation of the trek, this day trek hike is important. You can also enjoy the view of Cone-shape Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind the clear blue sky. Jichu Drakey cannot fail to remind you of the Matterhorn from this perspective. It is a sight to hold! Many rank this as the most beautiful mountain in Bhutan.

Day 07. Jangothang- Dhumzo Chhu or Chorapang (12,460ft/3800m)
Today we will cover the distance of 13 miles and will take around 7 hours to reach at the Dhumzo Camp site. On the way you will see the view of Jhomolhari,Jitchu Drake and the valley to Jhomolhari camp site. Your will also come across the several yak harder’s tent, Tsho Phu lakes and normally see a flock of Himalayan blue Sheep high up on the rocky slopes. If you are lucky enough you may see the footprint of Snow Leopard at the Bonte La pass. Then the trail winds up till Bonte La (16,040 ft/4890m) and is also highest pass of this trek. Take a time to enjoy the scenery, have a snack or put up some prayer flags. From here you can see Basingthang Peaks(5500m), Chatarake(Djo Drake, Jo Darkey (5570m) and Kanchenjunga,the third highest mountain in the world. The trail drops through a steep, narrow gully with gravel and loose rocks till you reached Dhmxo. The Soi yaksey Valley is a beautiful site with impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys, and snow- covered peaks. Overnight at the camp.

Day 08. Dhumzo Chhu- ThongbueShong (13,510ft/4120m)
You will have to climb from the camp through rhododendron, birch, oak forest draped in moss brings you to a meadow with huge Juniper tree and then lead s to Dhunge La (15,410ft/4700m) then to Tagulun La (14,880ft/4540m. You can also get a better view of Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake and Teri Kang, and in the distance Kanchenjunga (28160ft/85840m) and even Makalu (27,760ft/8463m)blocking the view to Mount Everest. You can also see your tonight Thungbue camp. The Thangbue valley which has several stone huts-is busy in spring and autumn with number of families and hundreds of yaks, horses, dogs and goats. Thongbue camp is the second highest camp for the trek.

Day 09. Thongbue to Shana (9480ft/2890m)
Today you will cross the valley through a swampy area to a clear trail through rhododendron bushes climbing steeply to Thombu La (14,005ft/4270m). your can also see the several mountain peaks view from the pass. The ridge walk from the pass is one of the best parts of the trek: very high above the valleys on a good trail with a beautiful view. The trail descends steeply for 2 to 3 hours till you reach to the final night’s camp on a pleasant site by the Paro Chhu.

Day 10. Shana to Drugyel Dzong (8460ft/2580m)
A 4 hours hike through the lovely valley, finishing at Drugyel Dzong where your transport waiting to take you to your hotel in Paro.

Day 11. Paro-Thimphu (Sightseeing)
Thimphu at an altitude of 3200 mts. is the modern day capital of Bhutan.Sightseeing, visit the Memorial Chorten commissioned and built by the Queen Grand mother in memory of the late King. Visit the National Library, a treasure trove of priceless Buddhist manuscripts, visit the Traditional medicine centre where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced, the painting school, where young monks learn the art of painting Buddhist thangkas. After 5 PM, visit Tashichho Dzong, "fortress of the glorious dharma" it is the center of government, religion, seat of the Kings Throne room and of the Je Khenpo or Chief abbot. It was rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire destroyed most of the building. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 12. Thimphu - Wangdue via Punakha (97 K.m, 3.5 hrs)
The olden day Capital of Bhutan, via Dochula pass (3050 mts.). From here on a very clear day one can have a superb view of some of  the highest peaks of Bhutan like Gangar Phunsum (7497 mts.),  Jeje Khang (7158 mts), Zongaphu gang (7060 mts.),  Table mountain,  Masa khang (7194 mts.) and gcheyta (6794 mts.). The descent from the pass is through temperate forest colored with rhododendrons and magnolias down to the semi tropical zone of Orange, banana and cactuses. The valley is situated in a rain shadow area and is lower than most midland valleys. Visit the Punakha Dzong and bazzar. Evening drive on to Wangdue, before crossing the bridge to Wangdue, the Wangdiphodrang Dzong strategically located on a ridge greets you. Overnight in hotel.

Day 13. Gangtey Day Excrussion (50 kms 2 hr one way)
After leisure breakfast proceed towards the valley of Gangtay. Gangtay is one of the most beautiful spot in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without trees is extremely rare experience. Visit the GangtayManastery perched atop a hill surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 gomchens who take care of the monastery. Gangtay monastery is the one and only biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan headed by the Gangtay Tulku (the 9th reincarnation of Pema Lingpa). Phobjikha in Gangtay is also home to rare black necked cranes (grus nigricllis) who migrate from the Central Asiatic Plateau of Tibet to escape the harsh winter. Drive back to Wangdue and overnight at the same hotel.

Day 14. Wangdue - Paro via Thimphu
Drive to Paro after visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong.
After arrival to Thimphu visit the National memorial chorten which was built in 1974 in Memory and arts & crafts. Then in the evening drive to Paro.

Day 15. Departure from Paro international Airport