Druk Path Trekking ( 8 nights/9 days)

It's a short trek but be ready to walk 8 km over higher altitude. This trek is usually possible from February to June, and from September to December. During day is normally warm but very cold in the night as well snow in the winter. Avoid monsoon season of July and August.

Itinerary Details
Day 1 : Arrive Paro On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2 : Early sightseeing and drive to Taa Dzong. Trek starts to Jili Dzong (10 km, 4 hours) Make short walk - Jili Dzong passing above Paro, then come across site of yak pasture at 3450 m. Above the camp in Jili La (3490 m) and Jili ruin Dzong there is Monestry woth the statue of Lord Buddha. If the weather is clear you can see the Paro valley and Jumolhari.

Day 3 : Trek Jili Dzong to Jangchu Lakha (10 km, 3-4 hours) By now you will be climbing thick alpine forest and rhododendron at 3590 m. After climbing further up coming across yak camp at Jangchu Lakha. From here you will view Jumolhariand snow peaks.

Day 4 : Jangchu Lakha to Jimilang Tsho (11 km, 4 hours) It come across Jimiland Tsho(Sand Ox Lake) at 3880 m, named after bull emerged from this lake. Giant trout are available here. There is good view of Jiche Drake 6989 m, this peak represents deity of Paro and went. The route come through Lhakhang on the site of cave where Guru Rinpoche had meditated in 14th Century.

Day 5 : Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho (11 km, 4 hours) It begins with climbing up 4180 m. Crossing small lake climb to Phume La at 4210 m, greeted by prayers flags. In the fine weather you can view Gangkhar Puensum and other mountans ranges, looking below sees eautiful Thimphu valley.

Day 6 : Simkota to Phajoding (10 km, 3-4 hours) Trek is downhill all over through forest coming across the road of old Motithang hotel.

Day 7 : Phajoding to Thimphu (4-5 km, 3 hours). Trek ends and drive to Thimphu.

Day 8 : Thimphu sightseeing.

Day 9 : Drive to Paro Airport for departure

This trek goes to the remote lunana district and considered as the most difficult trek in Bhutan. The attributes those make it a tough trek are; distances, altitudes, weathers and remoteness.

Season: The Snowman trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter. The recommended season for this trek is mid June to mid October.

Itinerary Details
Day 1 : Arrive Paro - Thimphu
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2 : Thimphu
Full day city tour of Thimphu. Visit the Memorial Chorten, Tashichhodzong, National Library, Painting School, Traditional Medicine Institute and Handicrafts Emporium. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.

Day 3 : Thimphu - Punakha - Tashithang
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3100m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can have the panoramic view of eastern Himalayan peaks and enticing view of the Lunana route. Picnic lunch at Punakha by the riverside. Enjoy the view of Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung. The Dzong is now used as the winter residence of monk body and administrative centre of the district. After lunch drive on to Tashithang following the Mo Chu river. Camp at Tashithang at the end of road at an altitude of 1600m.

Day 4 : Tashithang - Damji
The trek starts by the riverside, following a well made path through semi tropical forest. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to be careful of leeches. Also for flower lovers there is abundant of wild orchids here. They days walk is fairly gentle climbing upto Damji village. Camp at Damji at an altitude 2250m. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 5 : Damji - Gasa
The path continues through sub-tropical forests and villages upto Gasa
Tshachu (hot spring). The Tshachu is a famous place where people from all over the country come to have bath, due to its curative powers. Here there are four pools of different temperature from mild to hot. Hot lunch will be served close to spring. After lunch two hours stiff climb to Gasa Dzong. Camp below the Dzong at an altitude of 2900m. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 6 : Gasa - Chamsa
After breakfast, visit the Dzong which was built in 17th century, to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with stiff climb upto Bele la pass (3700m) through bamboo, rhododendron, juniper and fir forests. Then descend for about half an hour to camp at Chamsa at an altitude of 3650m. Walking time 6/7 hours.

Day 7 : Chamsa - Laya
The trail starts by descending to the bank of Mo Chu river. Lunch will be served at the side of bridge, across the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya crossing the army camp. Overnight camp at an altitude of 3800m. Walking time 8/9 hours.

Day 8 : Rest day at laya for acclimatization
One can go around the villages, visiting houses and the people. Laya people are very friendly and will happily pose for photographs. Women of Laya wear a special dress and typical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise and silver ornaments. Cultural evening with dances performed by local girls.

Day 9 : Laya - Rhodophu
From Laya we descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn off point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes till we reach the camp at altitude 4,350m. Walking time
8/9 hours.

Day 10 : Rhodophu - Tarina
Today is the longest day of the trip and it is important to start early. Start at about 5 a.m. by climbing to Tsimola (4700m). After crossing the first pass and the little summit, one can have superb view of Lunana, Mount. Chomolhari and Mount. Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till climb to Kangla Karchula pass (5080m) is started. The view from the path is breathtaking and whole range of mountains including Masagang, Tsendgang, Teri Gang can be seen. After the path, it is very long descent to Tarina valley. Camp at an altitude of 3980m. Walking time 10/11 hours.

Day 11 : Tarina - Woche
The walk leads down through conifer forests following the upper reaches of the Pho Chu. The trail then climbs over a ridge and drops to Woche at 3,800m. Walking time is 6/7 hours.

Day 12 : Woche - Lhedi
The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and further ahead through rhododendron bushes. Climb up to Keche la pass (4,480m) where one can have the great view of mountains. After the pass, descend to the riverside walking through the village with stunning view of table mountains and others. Follow up the river till Lhedi village, which is one of the main
source of Pho Chu. Camp at an altitude of 3,650m.

Day 13 : Lhedi - Thanza
The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch, visit the Choejong Dzong and continue walking towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp at an altitude of 4,000m. Walking time is 7/8 hours.

Day 14 : Rest Day At Thanza
One can walk around or climb up the ridge for fascinating view of lakes and mountains.

Day 15 : Thanza - Tsorim
The trek start by climbing the ridge, with great view of the table mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500m and it rises gradually upto 4,650m. After lunch walk upwards the left side of the bridge enjoying the view of snow capped mountains. Further after climbing ridges, you reach the camp site of Tsorim at altitude 5,125m. Walking time 8/9
hours.

Day 16 : Tsorim - Gangkar Puensum Base Camp
This is the highlight of the trip and day starts with a short climb to the Tsorim lake. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the panoramic view of Gophula ranges. The last climb to the Gophula pass (5230m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp, walking along the ridge and enjoying the great view of Gangkar Puensum. If interested, one can divert to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for a better view or you can go down to base camp nearby Sha Chu at the altitude of 4,970m. Walking time
is 6/7 hours.

Day 17 : Rest Day At The Base Camp Enjoying The Great View

Day 18 : Gangkar Puensum Base Camp - Geshe Woma
Its time to leave beautiful mountains, but the trek is not yet over. The trail further follows the Sha Chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at the altitude of 4200m. Walking time is 6/7 hours.

Day 19 : Geshe Woma - Warathang
The path continues following Sha Chu for two and a half hours until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the Sakala trail is poor so one must see top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herders camp. After that climb up to Sakala pass at an altitude of 4800m. Descends to the lakes and another short ascent leads to Wartangle pass (4590m). Scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and the mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m. Walking time is 8/9 hours.

Day 20 : Warthang - Dur Tshachu
A short half hour climb leads to Juelela pass (4400m). After the pass descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forests. After the bridge a short climb leads to Dur Tshachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambhava is suppose to have taken bath in 8th hot spring. Walking time is 5 hours.

Day 21 : Dur Tshachu - Tshochenchen
From the pring it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. You also come across blue lakes and yak herders camp at altitude of 3850m. Walking time is 8/9 hours.

Day 22 : Tshochenchen - Dur / Bumthang
This is the last day of the trek where you change from yak to pack ponies. The path follows the Chemkhar Chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dur village where our transport will pick you up and drive to the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 23 : Bumthang
Bumthang valley is center of cultural wealth. The hills around valley are filled with monasteries dedicated to Guru Padsambhava. Also it is home to one of the great Buddhist teachers, Pmalingpa, to whose descendants the present dynasty trances its origin. Explore valley visiting , Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, Jambet Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhanng. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 24 : Bumthang - Tongsa
Tongsa is the ancestral home of Bhutan's royal family. The crown Prince of Bhutan traditionally becomes Penlop, (Governer) prior to crowned as King. Tongsa Dzong, built in the master piece of Bhutanese architecture which has been traditional home of all four kings of Bhutan before they crowned as King. Standing above this fortress is, Ta Dzong which once guarded this place from internal rebellion and provides visitor more insight into the
historical significance of Tsonga in Bhutan's history. Overnight at the lodge in Bhutan.

Day 25 : Tongsa - Paro
After breakfast drive to Paro. Evening at lesiure or visit traditional farm house. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 26 : Paro Full day sight seeing in Paro. Visit Drukgyel Dzong, Ta Dzong (National
Museum), Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 27 : Paro Departure

The best time for this trek is April, September and October. A 29 km drive from Thimphu to junction of unpaved road. With 4WD vehicle you can driver 1.5 km through unpaved road to BHU at Khoma(2850 m).

Itinerary Details
Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Hotel.

Day 2 : Paro sightseeing & drive to Thimphu

Day 3 : Thimphu Sightseeing

Day 4 : Drive to Khoma - Trek to start - Geynikha(14 km, 4 hours)
Walk along the road, it comes along the paddy fields through coniferous forest, then to the settlement of Geynikha(2950 m). Then pass along the chorten be camping places.

Day 5 : Trek Gaynikha - Gur (5km, 4 hours)
Come across the suspension bridge, than climb steeply south to rock platform at 3200 meters. Making further walk come across camp in the forest clearing at 3350 meters.

Day 6 : Trek Gur to Labatamba (12km, 5 hours)
Make stiff climb leads up the ridge and across and come to view Dagala range at 4240 meters. Then climb beside stream at camp 4300m near Utsho Lake where you find golden trout. You can schedule extra days here to see numerous lakes and at the same time fishing.

Day 7 : Trek Labatamba to Panka (8km, 4 hours)
It takes western side of the lake at 4500 m, where you can see view of mountains. If you wish to see better view, it is possible by climbing top at 4700m peak to the east.

Day 8 : Trek Panka to Talakha (8km 4 hours)
The journey leads north crossing pass at 4000 m, then climbing side of ridge at 4270 m. From here you will see the Dagala range and view of Thimphu.

Day 9 : Trek Talakha to Simtokha (3km 3 hours)-Trek ends and drive to Thimphu
Here you have options, either you can arrange vehicle or walk down hill on a steep to mtokha, which come across medic forest of rhododendron and bamboo. Finally dropping through apple orchard and road head above Simtokha.

Day 10 : Drive to Paro Airport for departure

Bhumtang Cultural Trekking ( 10 nights/11 days)

Starting out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this three days trek passes through several villages in its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. This trek provides an xceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life

Season :The trek is recommended from March to May and then again from September to November.

Itinerary Details
Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 2 : Paro sightseeing
Paro sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 3 : Paro - Thimpu
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu, on a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress. After lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the Traditional Medicines are still practiced, the Painting School which is particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

Day 4 : Thimpu - Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Day 5 : Tongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje
monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 6 : Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.

Day 7 : Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing
A trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day 8 : Ugyenchholing - Bumthang
Morning walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12 century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 9 : Bumthang - Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 10 :Punakha - Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11 : Drive to Paro Airport for departure

Note: For details of Daily Programs, Please write us at: msherpa@wlink.com.np or info@guidenepal.com