This outing is a connection to the Jumolhari venture. We can get to see the National Animal (Takin) and the National Flower (Blue Poppy) on this trip. This trek is one of the most loved trips in Bhutan that provides us with a great variety of Bhutanese landscapes and is surely one of those exceptionally attractive & unspoiled hiking zones throughout the Himalayas.
This one-of-a-kind almost 02-week trip gives us rare chances to hike across some of Bhutan's most favored spots and we also bask in the mind-boggling diversity of the mountains and the natural ecosystems this area offers. We visit Taktsang Monastery and this gives us the necessary acclimatization for a pleasant hike from Drugyal dzong towards our campsite at Shana at (2800m) and we then move on to Soi, Thangthangkha, and then to Jangothang. A day to chill out in Jangothang acclimatizes us totally for our forays to Lingshi, Shodu, Barshong, and finally Dodina.
Mount Chomolhari at (23,997′), as we know it, is the sacred abode of the goddess Chomo, which seems to tower as a mighty guard on Bhutan’s Tibetan frontier, ruling over numerous icy summits and deep, supernatural forests where snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep wander around free. We hike through traditional hamlets, untamed rhododendron forests, and sublime alpine meadows laden with wildflowers to Jangothang at (13,250′), right at the foothills of Chomolhari, with a reverse route through the far-flung Yaksa Valley (“Valley of Yaks”). The Bhutanese are ferociously conservative of their natural heritage, and their mountains say it all, preserving a wealth of flora and fauna unmatched in the Himalayas. With Great Everest Trek’s camping and guidance, this is your gateway to savor an unforgettable experience of Himalayan trekking in an almost hypnotizing kingdom to remember for a lifetime to come…
Great Everest Trek is sure that you enjoyed this amazing cultural and historical tour which has given you many deep insights into this fantastic little Himalayan kingdom, you can now return to Nepal for some other great holidays or proceed further to your destination of choice. Sayonara friends! We do hope to meet you someday again. Doing a trip to Bhutan is ideally started in Kathmandu, or ends in Kathmandu…Nepal has so many programs to give you holidays that only dreams are made of…get in touch with us at Great Everest Trek we’ll give you holiday options that are not only thrilling but also pocket-friendly with our no-frills costs.
Day 10: Thimphu(2350m) and after lunch drive to Paro
Day 11: Sightseeing in Paro
Day 12: Departure for Kathmandu
Price Includes:
Hotel accommodation on a twin-sharing basis; a single supplement is available upon request with an extra surcharge as applicable.
Meals; B=Breakfast, L=Lunch; D=Dinner and evening tea with biscuits.
Transport within Bhutan.
Trekking equipment like sleeping bags, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, mattresses, etc.
Services of experienced licensed English-speaking guides.
Trekking cooks and trek assistants.
supply of pack and riding ponies.
Bhutan visa fees.
Royalty and taxes.
Price Excludes:
Departure Tax where applicable.
Airfare.
Travel insurance.
Rescue operations by helicopters.
Excess baggage charges.
Mineral water, soft drinks, alcoholic beverages, cigarettes, laundry, telephone calls, tips, and any other personal expenses.
Nepal Visa (if entering Bhutan through Nepal)
Any services in Kathmandu/Nepal (hotels, transport, etc)
Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in the program, delays due to landslides/ road blockage, or otherwise.
* This tour can be fully customized as per your requirement.
Day 01: Arrive at Paro
As your flight lands in Paro. You will meet our representative at the airport and will be driven to Thimphu. Check into your hotel. If time permits Sight Seeing in Paro. Overnight In Hotel.
Day 02: Paro – Sharna Zampa 17Km (2870m) 5-6 hrs
Your trek starts from the historic Drugyel Dzong (2,580m). The Dzong is a 12km drive to the north of Paro Valley from the hotel. You will meet your trekking crew here. After a short while, you will start walking on a wide trail that tracks along the Pa Chhu (Paro River). The trail will slowly ascend where you will be walking through the countryside with views of rice paddies and fields of millet. As the valley widens you will find apple orchards, traditional Bhutanese farmhouses, and a few small settlements of Mitshi Zampa and Sangatan. Following the route through the blue pine forest, you will be brought to the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m where your trekking permits will be checked and stamped. You will then climb towards Sharna Zampa (2,870m) after crossing Pa Chhu on a wooden bridge. You will be camping at Sharna Zampa in the meadows among the trees for the night.
Day 03: Sharna Zampa – Soi Thangkha 22km (3750m) 7-8 hrs
Just like the previous day, we will be following the trail following the Pachhu (Paro River). We will be ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. You will reach Shingkharap after 2 hours of hiking and crossing several streams. This is a stone house at 3110m. You will then cross the bridge towards the left side of the river where you will be served a hot lunch. A little walk ahead is the trail junction. The left road is an old trade route to Tibet and the right route leads to the wooden bridge. We will be taking the latter route. After climbing through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, we reach our camp at 3750m, which is amidst beautiful meadows.
Day 04: Soi Thangkha – JangoThang Base Camp 19Km (4040m)) 5-6 hrs
Today is not a long trekking day but it will involve a significant gain in altitude as your trail goes above the tree line. As you take the path that ascends from our camp you will be brought to an army camp. Then you will follow the river above the tree line as well as enjoy the spectacular view of the surrounding mountain peaks. After walking through a very muddy section and passing a mani wall you will enter yak country. Inside a yak herder’s camp, you will be served a hot filling lunch. After lunch, we walk past the yak herder settlements of Soe and Takethang. Some common crops that people grow here are barley, potatoes, and turnips. After your lunch, you will walk across a plateau and up a streambed. You will pass Dangochang village to the beautiful campsite of Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the views of Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake will take your breath away.
Day 05: Jangothang Acclimatization:
Today, you will do a four-hour-long acclimatization hike to the north of your camp. There isn’t a trail but you will climb on an open and endless slope till you see the view of Mt Jichu Drake (6989m). You can hike further up to 4895m (higher than Mount Blanc) to see the amazing view of Mount Jumolhari. You are likely to spot rare blue sheep, Himalayan rhubarb, griffon vultures, golden eagles, and our national flower – the blue poppy. In the foreground below the colossal Mount Jumolhari and its neighboring mountain, Jichu Drake is the Jangothang base. It is flat grassy land with the ruins of an old fortress on a hillock. It is highly recommended that all trekkers halt here as most people show signs of mountain sickness at this altitude. You will have the option to hike or simply rest in camp. Both ways, it will be a very memorable day.
Day 06: Jangothang – Lingshi: 18Km (4010m) 6-7 hrs
Today’s trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. You will then start to climb up to the first ridge where you will be greeted by a breathtaking view of Jumolhari (7314m), Jichu Drake (6989m), and Tshering Gang (6789m). You will then be walking on an almost flat track for some time towards the valley and then you will have to climb to Ngye La pass at 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the camp. You will get to enjoy the spectacular panoramic view of the peaks here and the Lingshi Dzong. If time permits, you can take a detour to this tiny fortress that sits on a hilltop overlooking Lingzhi village. For centuries, Lingzhi Dzong was a way station for weary Buddhist pilgrims and was a defense fort against Tibetan and Mongol invaders. You will camp today at an altitude of 4010m.
Day 07: Lingshi – Sdhodu 22km (4100m) 7-8 hrs
The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari trek here. This trek route ascends towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, it then turns south, up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail remains on the west side of the largely treeless valley and you will be climbing steadily above Mo Chhu for a short distance. The trail then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yele La pass (4,820m). If it is a clear day you will be able to see Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang, and Masang Gang Mountains from this pass. You will then make a descent alongside a stream to a shelter. Walking further downstream you will reach the campsite at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten.
Today you will come back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper, and other alpine forests. You will be able to see stunning views of rocky cliffs and waterfalls. You can rest by the riverside and enjoy a hot meal. After lunch, you will gradually ascend to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Continue to your campsite near a river, Domshisa which is at 3,400m.
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch, and conifers, and then ascends till you meet the dirt road. Walk along the dirt road for a while and then descend keeping Thimchu River on the left. You will be picked up by car for transfer to Thimphu for a night halt. Relax in the hotel after a nice warm shower.
Day 10: Thimphu(2350m) and after lunch drive to Paro
Today you will do Thimphu sightseeing till lunch.
Memorial Chorten where the older people continuously circumambulated, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s 3rd king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.
Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit the Folk Heritage Museum, a fascinating testimony of the Bhutanese material culture and living traditions.
Phelchey Toenkhyim (Folk Heritage Museum), is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs, and documentation of rural life. The principal exhibit in the museum is a restored three-story traditional building, rammed with mud and timber, which dates back to mid 19th century. To present a typical Bhutanese rural setting flavor, paddy, wheat, and millet fields, a traditional watermill (with millstones that dates back more than 150 years), traditional style kitchen gardens with vegetables that were grown and consumed over 100 years, and the famous hot stone bath complement the museum building and exhibition within.
Takin, the national animal of Bhutan is said to be created by Lam Drukpa Kinley. Later Visit Buddha point(Kuensel Phodrang). It is again a short drive from the town. You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley. After lunch drives back to Paro and visits the Rinpung Dzong.
Rinpung Dzong: Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels“stands on a hill above Paro Township. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls. The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above. Overnight in Hotel Jigmiling.
Day 11: Sightseeing in Paro
Taktshang: After an early breakfast visit the Tiger’s Nest(Taktshang)Hike up to the famous cliff hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face, high above the Paro Valley. The Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through a beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
Kyichu Lhakhang: This Lhakhang(monastery), built in the 7th century, is one of the two oldest and most sacred shrines in Bhutan (the other being Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). Kyichu Lhakhang is composed of twin temples. The first temple was built by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century. In 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, arranged for a second temple to be built alongside the first one, in the same style.
Day 12: Departure for Kathmandu
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and bid you farewell.
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Visa Information
Indian, Bangladeshis, and Maldivian nationals can obtain a visa at the port of entry by producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC). For other tourists, you will need to acquire visa clearance in advance. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent. Tourists are also required to book their holiday through a Bhutanese tour operator or one of their international partners. The tour operator will take care of Visa arrangements for visitors.
You are required to send the photo page of your passport (passport scanned copy) to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD 50 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours. At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter and the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Weather Information
There is no appropriate season which is to say that Bhutan’s warm and temperate climate, never-ending festivals, and rich and abundant heritage sites provide visitors with a wide array of experiences throughout the year across the country. Bhutan has all four seasons and the climate varies widely depending on the altitude.
Spring (March, April & May)
This time is considered the most beautiful time of the year, resplendent and ablaze with a spectacular array of bright colors. This is the time when the valleys are green with fresh vegetation and fruit trees are blossoming – the time when locals are naturally mirthful and cheery; when visitors are most welcome. Also, you can witness the famous Paro Tsechu festival.
Autumn (September, October & November)
Autumn is lovely with clear and crisp blue skies, providing a grand view of some of the tallest unclimbed mountains in the world. It is the best time for trekking and traveling. The climate is cool and temperate and you can get lovely photography opportunities of willows shedding their golden brown leaves, the solitude of parks, and somber views of dzongs and monasteries.
Monsoon (June, July & August)
During these months, Bhutan receives more rainfall than any other region in the Himalayas. Glorious sapphire skies and warm weather are a pleasant time to spend visiting places of cultural and historical interest though this season is not the best time for trekking. Enjoy a cup of warm, aromatic tea while watching the rainfall from your hotel window. Or if you possess an adventurous spirit, grab an umbrella/raincoat while it is raining and take a day tour through the town.
Winter (December, January & February)
Winter in Bhutan is sunny, cool, and agreeable to say the least. Much of the east-west highway remains snowbound during winter. It is the best time to tour the western districts of Paro, Wangdue, Punakha, Thimphu, and Haa. One of the chief attractions in winter is the beautiful Gangtey (Phobjikha) valley where you can expect to see a wide expanse of rolling plains with bamboo shrubs.
Safety Guidelines
Credit cards are not a convenient source of payment in Bhutan as only a handful of hotels in a few places provide this facility. Also, only MasterCard and Visa. US dollars are the most convenient currency and are cashed by most banks.
You should avoid drinking tap water altogether, but it is okay to use it for brushing your teeth. Bottled water is widely available and is best for drinking. It is also wise to carry water purification tablets when trekking in remote locations of Bhutan.
The local currency is the Ngultrum, which is pegged to the Indian Rupee. Note: The Indian Rupee in denominations of 500 and 1000 is no longer accepted in Bhutan.
Bhutan is the only country in the world that has banned the consumption and sale of tobacco, resulting in smoking being largely disallowed in public places. Having said that, consumption is not completely prohibited in Bhutan so if you want to smoke, bring your cigarettes and ask your guide where you can light up. (seal opened pack only)
Tuesdays are considered the national 'dry day,' with the sale of alcohol prohibited.
When taking photos/filming inside Dzongs, monasteries, temples, or any religious institutions, check with your guide whether it is permitted as some areas do not allow it.
