Total Trip: 9 Nights / 10 Days
2 Nights Hotels/Lodges
7 Nights Camping
Trekking Max. Altitude: 2400M
After about two hours trek from Phokpey is Rodungla pass (4,160m) marked by a chorten with a long, steep descent of nearly 2500m to the valley floor. There are small meadows enroute along with the forests of pines and conifers. Camp at an altitude of 2,950m.
Day 01 : Arrive Paro
Druk Airways flight into the kingdom of Bhutan is one of the most spectacular experiences in the entire Himalayas. Get mesmerized with the aeronautical feats that offer an exciting descent into the Kingdom, whether you are flying along with the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkata. On arrival at Paro airport, complete the immigration and customs formalities, and then you will be received by our representative and transferred to the hotel. The evening takes a stroll around the town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 02 : Paro
Take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest) in the morning. Legends say that Guru Padmasambhava came here flying on the back of a tigress and landed at the spot where the monastery was later built. The monastery is now one of the most visited tourist destinations in the kingdom. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in the 17th century; which served the purpose as a watchtower to defend Paro Dzong and the Valley. In 1967, this fortress was converted into the National Museum, and it holds antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons, and Bhutan’s renowned postage stamps. Below the Ta Dzong, lies the fascinating Rinpung Dzong (fortress of the heap of jewels), which has a long and fascinating history. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 03 : Paro to Thimphu (55 km, 2 hours)
Morning drive to the Drukgyel Dzong, which is the ruined fortress from where Bhutanese repelled many invasions by Tibetan armies. Also en route Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. Next, drive to Thimphu and visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest fortress of the Kingdom built in 1627, and now houses the School for Buddhist Studies. Evening visit to Memorial Chorten, the stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s Third King. Then visit Tashichho Dzong, one of the most iconic fortresses in the kingdom. The fortress serves as the office of His Majesty the king and other Government officials. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 04 : Thimphu to Trongsa (200 km, 6 hours)
Morning visit to The National Library, The Arts and Crafts School; and The Textile and Folk Heritage Museum. Then drive to Trongsa, across Dochula Pass (3,050m) and Pele la pass (3,300m). Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.
Day 05 : Trongsa to Bumthang
Morning visit to the Trongsa Dzong, which is the largest fortress in the Kingdom and ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family. Then visit Ta Dzong, built as a watch tower to guard Trongsa Dzong. After that, proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon, visit the Jakar Dzong (Castle of the White Bird) built in the 17th century. Followed by a visit to the Kurjey Monastery where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in the 17th century. Later visit Jambay Lhakhang. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 06 : Bumthang to Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chhu river, coming across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine, and scrub bamboo. Today is a very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at an altitude of 2,900m. Walking time is about 6 hours.
Day 07 : Ngang Lhakhang to Ugyenchholing
The 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 descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyen Choling village. Camp by the side of the river at an altitude of 2,850m. Walking time 7 / 8 hours.
Day 08 : Ugyenchholing to Phokpey, 17 km, 6 hours
The beginning of the trek is muddy and slippery, and about 3,400 m the route crosses a meadow with dwarf bamboo. Then climb through the meadow and traverse through forest to another steep, high meadow. The trail leads to a summer pasture surrounded by forests and the ground is dotted with tiny blue alpine flowers.
Day 09 : Phokpey to Ungaar, 20 km, 8 hours
Continue ascending for half an hour until you reach Rodungla (4,100m), followed by a steep descent to the valley floor. There are few small meadows en route. After a short wander through dwarf bamboo you get to see pine trees surrounding the campsite.
Day 10 : Ungaar to Taskila, 21 km, 8 hours
This trail, like a wave, winds up and down till Drula village and Khaine Lhakhang en route. It is one of the oldest temples, built in the mid 7th century by the King Songtsen of Tibet to subdue demons.
Day 11 : Taskila to Lhuntse
Next from Taskila, proceed to Lhuntse guest house for lunch, followed by leisure time.
Day 12 : Lhuntse to Menji, 16 km, 5 hours
Arrive at Kuri Zam and the trek from here is gradually up through the paddy fields and villages. Camp is at 1,850m near Menji village, beside the Darchu Pang Lhakhang situated amidst a garden full of flowers of marigold, geraniums, dahlias, and nasturtiums.
Day 13 : Menji to Pemi, 20 km, 7 hours
From Menji continue uphill through the humid forest packed with dense foliage of ferns and creepers and a constant whistle of cicadas. Follow to climb steadily for two hours to a ridge top meadow, then plunge back into the forest to reach the camp at Pemi (2,400m) on a narrow ridgetop clearing with a view out to a forested gorge and mountains.
Day 14 : Pemi to Taupang, 21 km, 7-8 hours
Continue upwards till Dong la (3,900m) which presents enchanting mountain views. On the opposite side of the pass, the trail traverses nine passes, called the nine sisters of Dong la. Finally descend steeply through thick evergreen forests on a trail strewn with rocks, logs to a ridge top meadow. The camp is at Taupang (2,460m), a clearing in the forest with a cowherd’s wooden shelter.
Day 15 : Taupang to Trashi Yangtse, 24 km, 8-9 hours
Today en route you will come across huge ferns, red-berried palms, and occasional leeches. Two hours of trek brings you to the village of Shukshing, a cluster of bamboo huts on the hillside, surrounded by cornfields, banana trees, and grazing cows. The trek ends at Trashi Yangtse Dzong.Today en route you will come across huge ferns, red-berried palms, and occasional leeches. Two hours of trek brings you to the village of Shukshing, a cluster of bamboo huts on the hillside, surrounded by cornfields, banana trees, and grazing cows. The trek ends at Trashi Yangtse Dzong.
Day 16 : Trashi Yangtse to Trashigang
Morning drive to Trashigang. Vist Trashigang Dzong and the local market. Overnight at the lodge.
Day 17 : Trashigang to Bumthang (289 km, 10 hours)
After breakfast, drive back to Bumthang en route to visit Mongar Dzong and the town. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 18 : Bumthang to Punakha (205 km, 6 hours)
The morning after visiting Bumthang market, then drive to Punakha. Lunch would be served en route at one of the famous restaurants in Trongsa town. En-route at Wangduephodrang take a short break for tea/coffee and then proceed to Punakha hotel for an overnight stay.
Day 20 : Paro Depart
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for a flight to an onward destination.