Bhutan Mountain Pass

Day 01 Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight)
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. Your Bhutanese escort from Chhundu Travel will greet you on arrival, then drive you the short distance to the hotel.

Day 02 Paro
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Our next 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. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district.

Day 03 Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour horse ride till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Satsam Chorten for the drive to the hotel.

Day 04 Paro – Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)
Today is a short trek. The trek begins above the National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there you can visit the Dzong. Altitude 3,350m; Distance 10 Km; Time 3 – 4 hours.

Day 05 Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha
The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude 3,700m; Distance 12 Km; Time 4 – 5 hours.

Day 06 Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner. Altitude 3,800m; Distance 16 Km; Time 6/7 hours.

Day 07 Jimilangtso – Simkota. (4-5 hours)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees past the lake of Janetso. Overnight camp

Day 08 Simkota – Phajoding –(4-5 hours)
From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastry from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. Overnight camp.

Day 9. Phajoding – Thimphu.
Walking down slowly you reach Thimphu in about three hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.

Day 10 Thimphu
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. In the early evening drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 11 Thimphu – Punakha.
72 Kms,3 hours drive.Drive to Punakha via Duchula pass,Lunch at Punakha and half day sightseeing,Overnight Hotel.

Day 12. Punakha – Bumthang.215 Kms,8-9 hours drive.
After early breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangduephodrang valley and then drive up hill till Pelela pass about (11300).Lunch at Trongsa and continue your journey to Bumthang across Yutongla pass and finally to Bumthang valley.Dinner and overnight at Bumthang.

Day 13. Bumthang .
Full day sightseeing.Overnight Hotel.

Day 14.Bumthang–Punakha.
Drive back to Punakha and overnight,Hotel.

Day 15. Punakh –Paro.
Drive to Paro via Duchula pass and overnight,Hotel.

Day 16. Departure.

Jhomolhari

FULL ITINERARY

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. Your Bhutanese escort from Chhundu Travel will greet you on arrival, then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.

Day 02 Paro

Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Our next 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.

The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district.

Day 03 Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery

A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour horse ride till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Satsam Chorten for the drive to the hotel.

Day 04 Paro – Shana (Start of Trek)

Our trek to Shana starts at Drukgyal Dzong following the Paro river and we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. Overnight at camp Shana. Altitude 2,820 m; Distance 14 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.

Day 05 Shana – Thangthangka

The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction enroute, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter. Altitude 3610 m; Distance 21 Km; Time 7 – 8 hours.

Day 06 Thangthangka – Jangothang

In the morning after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jhomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. Altitude 4,115 m; Distance 15 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours.

Day 07 Jangothang (Halt)

A rest day. A chance to walk up to the Jhomolhari glacier or to the Tsho Phu lakes on the opposite direction.

Day 08 Jangothang – Thangthangka

Day 09 Thangthangka – Shana

Day 10 Shana – Paro – Thimphu (End of Trek)

Our transport will be waiting (at Drukgyal Dzong) to take us to Thimphu, capital of Bhutan. It takes two hours drive to Thimphu.

Day 11 Thimphu

After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese Paper Factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale.

Day 12 Thimphu – Paro Airport

We leave Thimphu early to catch your onward flight from Paro airport where our BTB representative will bid you farewell. Good-bye and happy journey back home. Tashi Delek.

Camping by Lake in Bhutan

This trek is considered to be one of the most picturesque treks to choose from in Bhutan. It takes 15 days, starting from the base of the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong in Paro and ending in Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. Occasional parts of the trek can be demanding while the greater part is moderately strenuous. You will be rewarded for your efforts by the magnificence of some of Bhutan’s highest peaks and passes, charming little hamlets in the wilderness, yak herders in their homes, ruins of old settlements, and perhaps rare sightings of some of the rarest animals on earth such as the Red Pandas, Blue Sheep, Snow Leopard and other wildlife. Accompanying you throughout this experience will be our trained and experienced guides, camp crew, and horses.

FULL ITINERARY

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. Your Bhutanese escort from Chhundu Travel will greet you on arrival, and then drive you the short distance to the Hotel.

Day 02 Paro
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong, 16 km up the valley. The Dzong was built in 1647 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. It was destroyed by a fire, said to have accidently started from the embers of incense offerings. Since then, it remains in ruins, a lasting reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts as you walk around the ruins, and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).

Our next visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the center of civil and religious authority in this district. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilever 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.

The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main town.
Day 03 Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
Today will be an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery. After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten. From there, a trail climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional cluster of fluttering prayer flags. We will stop for light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) from where we can see, clearly and seemingly within reach, the breathtaking Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, the monastery clings to the edge of a cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tigress. Experiencing the special atmosphere and the backdrop of the monastery, flying tigers do not seem so unlikely after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria.

The trek up and back will take up most of our day.

Day 04 Paro – Shana (Start of Trek)
Our trek to Shana starts at the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong. The trek follows the Paro river upstream. We will pass through paddy fields, apple orchards, and small villages. Just before reaching the camp, we will pass through an army check post, where our guide will produce your trekking permit.

Altitude: 2820 m Distance: 14 Km Time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 05 Shana – SoiThangthangka
The trail today follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It closes in and winds up and down along the river. We will come to a junction about 2 ½ hours into the trek, where a trail branches off to lead north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Our camp will be in a meadow in a stone shelter.

Altitude: 3610 m Distance: 21 Km Time: 7 – 8 hours

Day 06 Thangthangka – Jangothang
In the morning after passing a small army post, the we will gradually climb into a beautiful valley, winter home of yak herders. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. You will come across herds of yaks along the way. Our camp will be at Jangothang, literally meaning ‘plain of ruins’. Nearby, there are the ruins of an old fortress believed to have been used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. On a clear day, a short walk from the camp will bring you face to face with the majestic Mt. Jhomolhari.

Altitude: 4115 m Distance: 15 Km Time: 5 – 6 hours

Day 07 Jangothang (Halt)
A rest day. A chance to acclimatize and walk up to the Tshophu Lake or to relax at the camp site.

Day 08 Jangothang – Lingshi
We will have a good day’s walk ahead of us with spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang. We start climbing towards the first of several passes that we will cross along the trek. After some 3 to 4 hours, we cross the Nyelela pass (4,700 m) and then descend to our camp. We will get our first views of the Lingshi Dzong atop a hill.

Altitude: 4000 m Distance: 17 Km Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 09 Lingshi – Chebisa
The walk today will be leisurely. Leaving Lingshi behind, the climb will be gentle and leads us to a delightful village, Gom Yu, which is set right below a 300 m cliff. Another hour’s walk brings us to the valley of Chebisa, with a huge waterfall at one end. We will camp by the side of the river.

Altitude: 3780 m Distance: 12 Km Time: 4 -5 hours

Day 10 Chebisa – Shomuthang
We climb up to the Gokula pass (4,320 m) and then descend through forests of dwarf rhododendron towards our campsite near the riverbed. You will see some yaks and probably meet a few yak herders along the way.

Altitude: 3890 m Distance: 17 Km Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 11 Shomuthang – Robluthang
Today will be slightly strenuous. We will cross the Jarela pass at 4,640 m and then drop down through a forest trail to the Tsarigathang valley, where herds of Takin are seen in summers. We make a short climb up once again to reach Robluthang where we camp.

Altitude: 4100 m Distance: 22 Km Time: 7 – 8 hours

Day 12 Robluthang – Lemithang
This is one of the hardest days of the trek. We climb up to Shinchela pass at 4,870 m and are rewarded with stunning views of mountains, including the spectacular Gang Chen Ta at the head of the valley. On a clear day, practically all the mountains on the northern border are visible. Eagles, griffin vultures, blue sheep and yaks abound in this area. We descend down to camp on a lovely spot by the riverbank.

Altitude: 4040 m Distance: 17 Km Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 13 Lemithang – Laya
We walk along the river, one of the tributaries of the Mochu and through a forest of rhododendron and silver fir and then enter the village of Laya. The people of Laya are culturally distinct in their beautiful vertical stripe yak hair clothing and conical bamboo hats. The women wear their hair long and with turquoise and jade jewelry. The rest of the day is spent at leisure or visiting village houses and meeting Layaps, as the people in Laya are referred to.

Altitude: 3880 m Distance: 10 Km Time: 4 – 5 hours

Day 14 Laya (Halt)
We have a day at Laya to explore the place and meet local people.

Day 15 Laya – Koena
The trail winds along the river valley, and you will be treated to breathtaking views of the river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Along the way, the trail branches into one going to Lunana (the Snowman trek, said to be the toughest trek in Bhutan) and one taking us to our campsite in Koena.

Altitude: 3300 m Distance: 19 Km Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 16 Koena – Gasa Tsachu
We gradually climb up to Balela pass at 3,740 m and then descend to Gasa village. The first sight of the Gasa Dzong perched on the hillside over the village is an impressive sight indeed. There is a steep drop down to the river for an hour before we reach our camp near the Hot Spring – an occasion for a good, hot soak!

Altitude: 2638 m Distance: 15 Km Time: 6 – 7 hours

Day 17 Gasa Tsachu – Goen Damji – Punakha (End of the Trek)
We will climb away from Gasa Tsachu, after which the trail winds through rolling hillsides of oak and pine. We will reach the village of Damji. From here, we will drive for two and a half hours to reach our hotel in Punakha.

Altitude: 2280 m Distance: 21 Km Time: 7 – 8 hours

Day 19 Punakha – Thimphu
In the morning, we will visit the Punakha Dzong. The Dzong was built in 1637 and is an impressive display of Bhutan’s traditional architecture. In the winter, the monastic body moves from Thimphu to the Punakha Dzong. After lunch, a 3 hour drive takes us to the capital, Thimphu. On the way, we will drive over the Dochula Pass (3000 m) and to our hotel.

Day 20 Thimphu – Paro
After breakfast, we will explore the capital. We will visit the National Memorial Chorten which was built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Textile Museum, the Folk Heritage Museum, the National Library, and the Handicrafts Emporium. We can also walk in the main street with its mixture of quaint little shops and larger shopping centers. After lunch, we will leave for Paro.

Day 21 Paro – Airport
In the morning, our Chhundu representative will bid you farewell at the Paro airport.

Good-bye and happy journey back home. Tashi Delek.