Trekking

Trekking

With its natural environment pristine and protected Bhutan is one of the best trekking destinations in the Himalayan region.

Trekking routes pass through pastoral settings, temperate and alpine vegetation and to the base of mountain peaks, the home of nomadic communities that rear yaks.

Hiking and trekking routes vary from hour long to half-day hikes to month long expeditions. Some go through wilderness while others bring you in touch with rural life.

Trekking in Bhutan is challenging so physical fitness is a must. Some trekking routes go over mountain passes which are more than 4,000 metres high and the terrain can get extremely rugged. Acclimatization to the altitude is essential.

Routes are graded from easy, moderate to strenuous depending on the altitude, daily walking hours and length. Easy routes generally involve walking three to four hours a day at a steady altitude.

All treks are guided and nights are spent in tents at a designated spot where water and meals will be served. Equipment and supplies are carried by pack animals.

Treks can be customized to suit preferences in facilities to number of days. Luxury trekking packages are also available with beds and hot shower inside a tent.

Experienced and trained guides and chefs, well versed with all the trekking routes and in handling emergencies, accompany all trekking tours.

Standby helicopter evacuations to address medical or natural emergencies is a standard prerequisite that comes together with the overall trekking package and insurance requirements.

Spring and Autumn are the best times to trek in Bhutan. The weather is clear, there is plenty of sunshine and the daytime temperatures are just right.

SAMPLE ITINERARY – DRUKPATH TREK

SUMMARY

Category – Easy to moderate

Druk path trek is an easy to moderate trek through alpine woods with lush open meadows and a gradual ascend to above the tree line.

Campsites are next to an old monastery and some mountain lakes. The trail offers beautiful views of snow-capped mountain from several points.

This trek is more of a leisure walk over gentle terrain following age-old yak trails. After the initial climb the route is not too hard and, if needed, one can descend to lower altitudes from several points.

WHY BOOK THIS TOUR

• Short, moderate trek passing through picturesque landscapes with views of high peaks and a chance to step into old forts and temples.
• In April and May, the trail is beautified by rhododendrons.
• Try traditional hot stone bath called Dotsho, which helps to relax the body and mind. River stones are heated and put into a wooden tub of water. Farmhouse stay to experience real Bhutanese way of living.
• Day hike to “Tiger’s Nest” monastery that clings to a sheer cliff 900m above Paro valley.

TOUR OUTLINE

DAY 1: ARRIVR PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR

DAY 2: PARO ACCLIMATIZATION HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST

DAY 3: PARO – JELA DZONG (3400m): APPROX 4 HR WALK

DAY 4: JELA DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA (3600m): 4 – 5 HR WALK

DAY 5: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO (4000m) APPROX 4HR WALK

DAY 6: JIMILANGTSHO – SIMTOKHA (3800m): APPROX 4HR WALK

DAY 7: SIMKOTA – PHOJODHING – THIMPHU: APPROX 6HR WALK

DAY 8: THIMPHU (2320m)

DAY 9: PARO DEPARTURE

DETAILED ITINERARY

DAY 1: ARRIVR PARO (2280m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU: 65KM/APPROX 1HR

On arrival at Paro airport you will be greeted by our representative who will drive you to your hotel.

After refreshments you will visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred monument built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to pin the left foot of an ogress, believed to be obstructing the spread of the Buddha Dharma.

It is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region. The rest of the monasteries are in other neighboring countries.

You will also visit Drugyel Dzong which fended off invading Tibetan armies in the 17^th century. Here you can view mount Jomolhari (7314m) on a clear day. In the evening, stroll in Paro town.

Overnight in hotel, Paro.

DAY 2: HIKE TO TIGER’S NEST

Today, you will drive through Paro valley to take the hike to Taktshang monastery or Tiger’s Nest. The hike goes through a well-maintained uphill path and takes around 3-4 hours at moderate pace. The trail climbs through pine forests, with many trees adorned with Spanish moss at the higher altitude. Rest and refreshments at the Taktsang cafeteria. The primary temple was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684.

Taktshang clings to a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 A D, flew here on the back of a flying tigress.

In the afternoon drive to an ancient watchtower, known as Ta-Dzong, which now serves as a museum and displays aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating to the 7th century. From here, take a short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong, the district administrative and religious center. Dinner and a night halt at a Bhutanese farmhouse can be arranged.

Overnight in Paro.

DAY 3: PARO – JELA DZONG (3400m): 4 HR WALK

The trek begins with a 90-minute climb and then a gradual ascent. The trail goes through thick pine forests and rhododendrons to Jili Dzong. From here, Paro valley can be seen. Overnight in tented camp at 3,480m.

DAY 4: JELA DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA (3600m): 4 – 5 HR WALK

The trail goes through thick alpine and rhododendrons. Most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. Mount Jomolhari is visible if skies are clear.

Overnight in tented camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite at 3,770m.

DAY 5: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO (4000m): 4HR WALK

The trail follows the ridge with beautiful views of the mountains and valleys and of the 6,989m Jichu Drake peak, which represents the protective deity of Paro.

Overnight in camp at 3,870m.

DAY 6: JIMILANGTSHO – SEMTOKHA (3800m): WALK 4HR

Today, the trail passes the glacial lake of Jimilangtsho, famous for giant-sized trout, dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho lake. You will also come across some yak herder’s camps.  Overnight camp is close to Semtokha Lake.

DAY 7: SEMTOKHA – PHAJODHING – THIMPHU: 6HR WALK

The trail starts with a gradual climb with majestic views of Mount Gangkar Puensum and other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a community hall near Phajodhing. Walk downhill to Thimphu through a bluepine forest. On arrival, check into hotel in Thimphu. Overnight stay at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 8: THIMPHU (2320m)

Begin Thimphu exploration with a visit to a National Memorial Chorten, a stupa dedicated to world peace and prosperity and built in 1974 in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Then visit the Folk Heritage Museum, for an insight into Bhutan’s rural past.

Visit the 12^th century Changangkha Lhakhang, a fortress likes temple perched on a ridge above Thimphu and the place where people of the valley get their names from.

Next, visit the Takin Preserve to see the national animal of Bhutan.

Next, visit a nunnery and Tashichhodzong or “the fortress of the glorious religion” which is Bhutan’s administration and religious centre and houses the throne room of His Majesty the King of Bhutan. It is also the summer residence of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot.

Overnight stay at hotel, Thimphu.

DAY 9: PARO DEPARTURE

Morning depart for Paro International Airport for your onward journey.