Durations : 19 Days Trek and 5 Days Culture Tour

Locations : Paro, Thimphu and Punakha valley . Tashithang,Damji, Gasa,Chamsa,Laya,Rhodophu,Tarina,Wache,Lhedi,Thanza, Tshochena, Jichu DramoThampe Tsho and Maurothang trekking.

Highlights: The Complete and rarely trekked Paro—Bumthang route including a stay at Jomalhari base camp and Gangkhar Puensum base camp (the highest unclimbed peak on the planet).Rare and tranquil Buddhist Himalayan culture including the elusive Lunana kingdom—one of the most remote inhabited valleys on earth.

Pristine views while trekking in the shadows many 6000 and 7000 meter peaks and stunning blue mountain lakes.A chance to soak in the most beautiful hot springs in the Himalayas Tours prior and after the trek include; Takseng Monastery, Dochula Pass Memorial Site, Punakha Dzong, Thimphu Dzong and more.

TOUR OUTLINE

DAY 01 : ARRIVE PARO – SIGHTSEEING TOUR

DAY 02 : PARO SIGHTSEEING

DAY 03 : PARO – PUNAKHA

DAY 04 : PUNAKHA – TASHITHANG – DAMJI

DAY 05 : DAMJI – GASA

DAY 06 : GASA – CHAMSA

DAY 07 : CHAMSA – LAYA

DAY 08 : ACCLIMATIZATION DAY IN LAYA

DAY 09 : LAYA – RHODPHU

DAY 10 : RHODPHU – NARETHANG

DAY 11: NARETHANG – TARINA

DAY 12 : TARINA – WOCHEY

DAY 13 : WEOCHEY – LHEDI

DAY 14 : LHEDI – THANZA

DAY 15 : REST DAY AT THANZA

DAY 16 : THANZA – ZANAM

DAY 17 : ZANAM – MINCHUGANG

DAY 18: MINCHUGANG – WARATHANG

DAY 19 : WARATHANG – DUER TSACHU

DAY 20 : DUER TSACHU – TSHOCHENCHEN

DAY 21 : TSHOCHENCHEN – CHOCHOKMEY

DAY 22 : CHOCHOKMEY – DUER VILLAGE (TREK ENDS)

DAY 23 : BUMTHANG – PHOBJIKHA

DAY 24 : THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

DAY 25 : DEPARTURE FROM PARO

Day 01: Arrive at Paro

Flight from Kathmandu /Bangkok / Delhi  to the Kingdom of Bhutan. On the flight, you can see breathtaking views of the Great Himalayas. On arrival you will be greeted by representative and transfer to hotel.

After lunch: visit to Ta- Dzong (built in the 17th century to help protect Paro Dzong). In 1968 it was turned into the National Museum of Bhutan. It has a fascinating collection of Household, Military, Royal & Religious items including beautiful Thangka Paintings.

Overnight in hotel at Paro

Day 02 : Paro Sightseeing

  Altitude: 2250 M 

Early morning start from the hotel and drive to the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong to see the view of Mt. Chomolhari (7315m). Drive back to Sartsam Chorten and walk up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger nest) viewpoint. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Tantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, meditated here.The monastery was built later in the 17th century on the same site.In April 1998, a fire destroyed the main structure of the buildings and the religious contents.

A complete restoration was done and was built exactly the same as the original one. This place beholds the history of the hidden land. The walking time is approximately five hours. But depend on one’s pace.When we return to main road we turn to the right and drive further to Drukgyel Dzong. It was built in164 by Shabdung Ngawang Namgyel. The Dzong was destroyed by fire in 1951 & the ruined remains are now preserved as a historical site. On the way back we will visit one of the oldest monasteries that we have in Bhutan. The first King of Tibet Songtsen Gambo built Kyichu Lhakhang in the 7th century to introduce Buddhism into our country.

Day 03 : Paro – Punakha 

Drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass (3050 m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas. From here you will travel downhill to reach Punakha for lunch.

Visit Punakha Dzong. It was old capital of Bhutan before moved to Thimphu. Enjoy visiting the Dzong (built
in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung). The Dzong is now used as the winter residence for the Central Monk body and head quarters of Punakha district. Camp Tashithang. Altitude: 1,600m.

Overnight in hotel in Punakha

Day 04 : Punakha -Tashithang – Damji

Walking times. 5-6 hours 

The trek starts by the side of the river, following a well-made path through semitropical forests. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to watch out for leeches. There are also lots of wild orchids around for those who love flowers. The day walk is fairly gentle, climbing up to Damji village. Overnight Camp. Damji. Altitude: 2250m.

Day 05 : Damji – Gasa

Altitude: 2,900m. Walking time 6-7 hours 

The path continues through subtropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (Hot spring) The Tsachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bath for its curative powers. There are four pools, ranging from mild to hot. A Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch, 2 hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong and camp below the Dzong.

Day 06 : Gasa – Chamsa

Altitude: 3650m. Walking time 6-7 hours. 

After breakfast visit the Dzong which was built in the 17th century to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with a stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo, rhododendron,
juniper and fir forests. The climb up to the pass will take around 5 hours. The descent will be about half -hour to camp at Chamsa. Overnight Camp

Day 07 : Chamsa – Laya

Altitude: 3,800 m.  Walking time: 8-9 hours. 

The path starts by descending to the bank of the Mo – Chu River. It goes up and down again to detour back up the hillside, to avoid the steep spur. Lunch will be served near the side of the bridge crossing the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight Camp. Laya village.

Day 08 : Rest Day At Laya For Acclimatization

One can go around the village visiting the houses and people. The Laya people are very fascinating and friendly and will happily pose for photographs. The women in Laya wear a very special dress. In the
evening there will be a cultural dance if the local people are around. Overnight Camp.

Day 09 : Laya – Rhodophu

Altitude: 4350 m. Walking time: 8-9 hours. 

From Laya descend to the army camp and continue following the river until the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Overnight Camp.

Day 10 : Rhodophu – Tarina

Altitude: 3980 m. walking time: 10-11 hours. 

This is the longest day of the trip and therefore it is essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700 m). After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till the climb to Gangla Karchung la pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breath taking. The whole range of mountains,including Masagang, Tsendegang, and Teri Gang can be seen. After the pass there is a very long desce to Tarina valley. Overnight Camp

Day 11 : Tarina -Wache

Altitude: 3800 m. walking time: 6-7 hrs. 

This day is much easier as the path follows the river down the valley. Lunch will be served at the lowest Point of today’s trek, (3500 m). After lunch climb up about 300 meters to the village of Woche. Overnight Camp.

Day 12 : Woche – Lhedi

Altitude: 3650 m. 

The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron bushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480 m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside, walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river (one of the main sources of the Pho- Chu), until we reach Lhedi village.

Day 13 : Lhedi – Thanza

The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong Dzong and then continue towards the wide valley, crossing the bridge to reach Thanza. Overnight Camp.4000 m.

Day 14 : Rest Day At Thanza

One can walk around or climb up the ridge to see the view of the lakes and mountains.

Day 15 : Thanza – Tshochena. 20KM. 7-8 Hours. 4900M

Today is a long trekking day. We should start early as possible. The climb of three false summits will take you to Jaze La 5050M, after this pass it will be less than an hours walk downhill to the camp near the lake of Tshochena. Overnight Camp.

Day 16 : Tshochena – Jichu Dramo. 14 KM. 4-5 Hours. 4880M

The trail is gradual with ups and downs between the snow- capped peaks and across the Loju La Pass 4940M. Overnight Camp.

Day 17 : Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo. 18 KM. 5-6 Hours. 4950M

Today the trek will climb up to Rinchen Zoe La Pass 5140M, and this will be the highest point on the trek. It is then a long downhill walk to Chukarpo. Overnight Camp.

Day 18 : Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho. 18 KM. 5-6 Hours

It is a long trek mostly downhill, walk along the Riverside and then climb back to the Um Tso at 4230M. The legend believed that Saint Pema Lingpa the reincarnation of Guru Rimpoche had discovered a number of religious treasures from this Lake. A bit further you will reach to the camp near by the Thampe Tso. Overnight Camp.

Day 19 : Thampe Tsho – Maurothang. 14 KM. 5 Hours. 4000M

It is around two hours walk to the base of Thampe Tso and then a steep climb to the pass at 4230M. Then the trek route will take you downhill through rhododendron to the Yak pasture of Maurothang. This is as far
as the Yaks go. The back- up will come from Sephu.

Day 20 : Mauraothang – Sephu. 18KM. 5-6 Hours.2500M

The trail follows the Nikka Chu through bamboo thickets and fields to the road at the village of Sephu. Here you will meet your coach/ Car. Overnight in a resort.

Day 21 : Sephu – Wangdue 

Drive to Punakha. Visit Wangdue Dzong. Hike to the Divine Madman monastery.

Over night in resort at Punakha

Day 22 : Wangdue – Thimphu

Today we will drive to Thimphu and do sightseeing in the capital.
Visit the Buddha statue at kuenselphrodrang, visit Memorial stupa, visit art and craft center and the Thimphu Dzong.

Overnight in Thimphu resort.

Day 23 : Thimphu Sightseeing

Today we will visit Bhutan post office for stamps, the paper factory, textile weaving center and the takin conversation center. We will take you to any place of your interest and in the evening relax in the resort.

Day 24 : Departure From Paro

In the morning we will drop to you airport for onward journey.