Trekking in Bhutan

This trek is extension of Jumolhari. If your are luck enough you can see National Animal (Takin) and National flower (Blue Poppy). You will also have chance to see Layap people and hot spring in Gasa. The snowfall may close the higher passes but generally open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November. Well, the best trekking month in Laya is April. The trek begins from Drugyel Dzong.
Mount Chomolhari (23,997'), sacred abode of the goddess Chomo, stands as a mighty sentinel on Bhutan’s Tibetan frontier, reigning over countless icy summits and deep, magical forests where snow leopards and Himalayan blue sheep roam. Our fantastic 9-day route brings us through traditional hamlets, wild rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers to Jangothang (13,250'), right at the base of Chomolhari, with a return route through the remote Yaksa Valley (“Valley of Yaks”). The Bhutanese are fiercely conservative of their natural heritage, and their mountains are truly pristine, preserving a wealth of flora and fauna unrivaled in the Himalayas. With Wilderness Travel’s famous full-service camping, this is a chance to experience superb Himalayan trekking in a magical realm.
| Day 01. | ARRIVE PARO Arrive at Paro Airport (7,000ft) where the representative from Bhutan Lha-Yul Tours & Travels will receive you and drive to the hotel. Stroll around Paro town in the evening. |
| Day 02. | PARO SIGHTSEEING A day of acclimatization. Visit Drugyel Dzong, the ruin fortress that once defended the valley from Tibetan invasions in the 17th century. On a clear day, one can get a good view of Mount Chhomolhari, Mountain of Goddess (24,000 ft). Visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse on the way back to town. Visit Ta Dzong, the watchtower that now houses the National Museum and see a traditional wooden bridge. |
| Day 03. | PARO EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG Spend a full day hike to Taktshang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. The monastery unfortunately got burnt in 1998 and has recently been reconstructed. |
| Day 04. | PARO - SHANA Drive to Drugyel Dzong and where the motor road ends the trek begins. The trail follows the river uphill through a narrow agricultural valley. Camp is just beyond an army post. Altitude 9,500 ft / 2,800 m. Distance - 17 kms. (Approx. 5 - 6 hours). |
| Day 05. | SHANA - SOI THANGTHANGKHA The path leads uphill through the river valley and along the river drainage. The trail passes through conifer and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a great view of Mount Chhomolhari. Camp will be set up in a meadow with stone shelter. Altitude - 12,664 ft / 3,860 m. Distance - 19 kms. (Approx. 6 -7 hours). |
| Day 06. | SOI THANGTHANGKHA - JANGOTHANG Follow the river and pass a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. The view of the high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude, one will also be able to see the yaks and yak herders. Camp will be set up beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Chhomolhari. Altitude - 13,255 ft / 4,040m. Distance - 19 kms. (Approx. 5 - 6 hours.) |
| Day 07. | JANGOTHANG - HALT One can trek up to Tsophu for fishing or hike in three directions - Mt Chhomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east. |
| Day 08. | JANGOTHANG - LINGSHI The trail climbs gradually to Nyilila Pass (Alt. 15354 ft / 4,680 m). Wide yak pastures can be seen all along the trail. If the weather is clear, one can get a great view of the Lingshi Dzong as one descends into the Lingshi basin. Tserim Kang and its descending glaciers can be seen at the north end of the valley. Camp is in a stone shelter. Altitude - 12,844 ft / 3,915 m. Distance - 19 kms. (Approx. 5 - 6 hours.) |
| Day 09. | LINGSHI - HALT During the day halt at Lingshi one can do a day excursion to Tsekha (Lahe) i.e. base camp of Jichu Drake. During the excursion, hundreds of blue sheep and musk deer may be seen on the way. Altitude - 14,764 ft / 4,500 m. Distance - 15 kms. (Approx. 4 - 5 hours.) |
| Day 10. | LINGSHI - SHODU The trail ascends up to the Yalila Pass (Alt 15,814 ft / 4,820 m). From the pass, Mount Chhomolhari, Tserim Gang and Masa Gang can be seen on a clear day. Altitude - 12,516 ft / 3,815 m. Trek - approx. 6 - 7 hours. |
| Day 11. | SHODU - BARSHONG This trail goes along the Thim-Chhu and through forests filled with rhododendrons and water falls. The trail ascends up to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. The camp, which is a stone shelter, is just below the ruined fortress. Altitude 12,090 ft / 3,685 m. Distance - 13 kms. (Approx. 3 - 4 hours.) |
| Day 12. | BARSHONG - DOLAM KENCHO The trail follows the Thim-Chhu and through forest of thicker rhododendrons and into pastureland. Camp will be set up at a meadow. Altitude 11,247 ft / 3,428 m. Distance - 11 kms. (Approx. 3 - 4 hours.) |
| Day 13. | DOLAM KENCHO - THIMPHU This is the last day of the trek and the path goes over a small pass and through forests. Wild animals may be seen along the way. Your transportation will be waiting for you at Dodena and will take you to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu. Distance - 14 kms. (Approx. 4 - 5 hours.) |
| Day 14. | THIMPHU Sightseeing includes visit to the National Library, Memorial Chorten, Zelukha Nunnery and the Handicraft Emporium. Stroll through the Thimphu town. |
| Day 15. | THIMPHU - PARO - DEPARTURE Early morning drive to Paro Airport. Your escort will see you off at the airport. |
| » | Airport pick up and drop |
| » | All accomodation |
| » | All Melas (breakfast/Lunch/Dinner) |
| » | All Transportation by car van/Bus/Coaster |
| » | One English Speaking Guide |
| » | Sightseeing Entry fee |
| » | Bhutan Travel Pernit |
| » | Equipment: Trekking tents, Dining tent, Kitchen Tent, Toilet Tent, Table and chairs, Mattresses during the trekking |
| » | All Food for trekking ( Breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by our cook |
| » | Staff: 1 Trekking Guide, 1 Cook, 1 Kitchen & necessary porters |
| » | All transportation by car/ van/ bus |
| » | Trekking crews of insurance |
| » | Trekking allowance, food allowance for trekking crews |
| » | Airfare |
| » | Bhutan Visa fee (USD 20.00) |
| » | Tourism Development fund(TDF USD 10.00) |
| » | Emergency Rescue evacuation |
| » | Trekking Sleeping bag |
| » | Personal expenses |
| » | Tipping (Tips) |
| » | Bar bills & beverage |
Champawati Tours specializes in tailor made programmed for individuals and group which include cultural tour, Heritage tour, special interest tours, Sightseeing tour, Adventure tours, trekking, wildlife Safari,Rafting,Climbing,Expedition,Hiking , educational tours, honeymooners packages, ayurveda and pilgrimage tours in Nepal/Tibet/Bhutan & India.
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