Trekking Bhutan 14 Days

Trekking Bhutan  14 Days

Trekking Bhutan - Trek through some of the great forested wilderness that covers much of this mountainous country.  Following Bhutan’s most popular route, this trek offers spectacular views of Jhomolhari, the nation’s most revered peak.
Accommodation on the trek is in two person tents with foam pads for sleeping on. 


 
Paro  •  Thimpu  •  Shana  •  Soi Thangthangka  •  Jangothang  •  Dhumzo Chhu  •  Thongbue Shong •  Punakha • Wangdiphodrang
 
  • Itinerary and Tour Map
    Trekking Bhutan  14 Days

    Day 1 – Arrive Paro
    Your guide will meet you at the airport and after time to refresh, drive up the valley to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari. On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Stay overnight at the Tashi Namgay Resort. (D)
    Day 2 – Paro to Thimpu
    A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. A short drive takes you to Satsam Chorten, and from there it’s a two hour walk through pine forest to the viewing point of the monastery perched on the edge of a sheer rock cliff. On return to Paro visit the ancient watchtower that houses the National Museum, and take a short walk across a traditional cantilever bridge to one of the many archery grounds to be found in Bhutan. In the evening drive to Thimpu for an overnight stay at the Hotel Druk. (B,L,D)
    Day 3 – Thimpu to Shana (2820m)
    Trek 5 hours/15 km, Level: Easy
    Starting from 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. The campsite at Shana is in a beautiful open space surrounded by blue pine forest. (B,L,D)
    Day 4 – Shana – Soi Thangthangka (3610m)
    Trek 8 hours/16 km, Level: Easy, but uneven path
    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 a rocky and bumpy path, it is not strenuous but can be muddy in rainy conditions. There are several simple wooden bridges to cross. The campsite directly faces Mt Jumolhari (7326m). The view of early morning sun striking the tip of Jumolhari is breathtaking. (B,L,D)
    Day 5 – Soi Thangthangka – Jangothang (4044m)
    Trek 4 hours/11 km, Level: Easy
    Today’s trek is a short one, so a later start and a leisurely pace is possible. The Pachu River is again to the right and the trail passes through some very small villages. The area is rich in bird life. Watch for the Fire-tailed Sunbird, White throated Dipper, Yellow-billed Chough, Rosy Pipit, Snow Pigeon, Blood Pheasant, and Snow Partridge. The campsite has views of ruined Jangothang Dzong, populated by huge ravens. (B,L,D)
    Day 6 – Jangothang
    A rest day to acclimatize to the altitude. There is an opportunity to explore the valley on some short treks and enjoy wonderful views of the mountains. (B,L,D)
    Day 7 – Jangothang – Dhumzo Chhu (3808)
    Trek 8 hours/21 km, Level: Moderate
    Yak herder tents and flocks of Himalayan blue sheep may be seen today, high up on the rocky slopes. The trail winds up to Bonte La, at 4890m the highest pass of the trek. Take a time to enjoy the scenery, have a snack or put up some prayer flags. From here the trail drops through a steep, narrow gully with gravel and loose rocks. Waterfalls, impressive rock cliffs and snow-covered peaks can be seen on the way to the camp at Dhumzo. (B,L,D)
    Day 8 – Dhumzo Chhu – ThongbueShong (4120m)
    Trek 4.5 hours/11 km, Level: Hard
    Trekking on through rhododendron, birch, and oak forests draped in moss brings you to a meadow with a huge juniper tree. Continue on through the passes at Dhunge La (4700m) and Tagulun La (4540m). Mountains in view are Jhomolhari, Jitchu Drake, Teri Kang, and in the distance Makalu, at 8463m, blocking the view to Mt Everest. (B,L,D)
    Day 9 – Thongbue to Shana (2890m)
    Trek 5 hours/14 km, Level: Easy
    Cross the valley through a swampy area to a clear trail climbing steeply to Thombu La (4270m). The ridge walk from the pass is a highlight 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 the final camp on a pleasant site by the Paro Chhu. (B,L,D)
    Day 10 – Shana to Thimpu (2320m)
    Trek 4 hours/10.5 km, Level: Easy
    Hike for four hours through a lovely valley, finishing at Drukgyel Dzong where your transport is waiting to take you to the Hotel Druk in Thimphu for a two night stay. (B,L,D)
    Day 11 – Thimphu
    Visit the Memorial Chorten built to honour the third King of Bhutan who reined from 1952 – 1972. See ancient manuscripts at the National Library, and traditional craft and textile workshops. Visit the Traditional Medicine Institute and Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and summer residence of the Chief Abbot. (B,L,D)
    Day 12 -Thimphu – Punakha
    Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass, stopping if the weather is clear for views of the Himalayas. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 and situated on the Pho Chu (male) and Mo Chu (female) Rivers. In the evening, visit Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Stay overnight in Kunzang Zhing Resort. (B,L,D)
    Day 13 – Punakha – Wangdiphodrang – Thimphu
    After breakfast drive to Thimphu via Wangdiphodrang. Visit the local Dzong. In Thimpu witness an archery match and visit the Mini Zoo to see the takin, Bhutan’s national animal.
    Dinner and overnight at the Hotel Druk. (B,L,D)
    Day 14 – Depart Paro
    Transfer to the airport in Paro for exit flight. (B)
    What is trekking?
    A trek is walking at one’s own pace along well established village trails where one can enjoy close contact with people in remote mountain villages whose lifestyle has not changed for generations. Trekking in the clean mountain air with magnificent views of the mighty Himalayan peaks promotes a feeling of ease with nature and with oneself.
    Preparing for a trek:
    Even on an easy trek you will be required to walk for about 5 to 6 hours daily on an uneven terrain and therefore must be fit and used to regular exercise. A list of things to pack is provided when booking.

  • Make a Booking






    • Departure Dates and Prices

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      Prices are per person, in Australian dollars. Please confirm prices when booking.

    • Price Includes:
         

      • 6 nights in hotels and 7 nights in two person tents on the trek
      • 13 breakfasts, 12 lunches, 13 dinners
      • Bhutan visa fee
      • All transfers, sightseeing and entrance fees

       
      Weather wise, the best time to make this journey is April to June and September to November. Prices are based on a minimum of 2 passengers.
      3* & 4* hotels
      Paro: Tashi Namgay Resort or similar
      Thimpu: Hotel Migmar or similar
      Punakha: Hotel Meri Puensum or similar

     

    Photo Gallery

    Trekking Bhutan  14 Days
     

    Highlights

    •    Views of the “Tiger’s Nest” monastery
    •    Walks through forests of pine, birch, rhododendron and oak
    •    Encountering yaks and flocks of sheep
    •    Watch skilled archers at a tournament
    •    Immense sense of achievement on completion of the trek

     
    Or perhaps you would prefer . .