Bhutan Trekking Adventure
A step back in time
Tengboche Temple, Everest Base Camp Trek
The elite Kingdom of Bhutan is renowned for it's immaculate preservation of culture, customs and unclimbed sacred peaks over 7,000m. This is an extraordinary place to visit – an untouched world!
This is a once in a lifetime trip but does come with a price tag. The King of Bhutan is determined to preserve his elite haven and thus the government has taken great measure to preserve the nation's traditions, cultures and identity. This includes an expensive visa cost (per day which does include a package deal with local guide, food, permits and accommodation) but unfortunately is not so 'backpacker friendly' for independent travellers on a shoestring budget thus the only way to travel here is by an organised tour. This ensures Bhutanese nationals are used as guides and it is far more regulated than tourism in other parts of the Himalayas & Asia.
On this trip we explore further into the kingdom on a long 17 day trek taking in the breath-taking, pristine unclimbed sacred peaks of the Bhutanese Himalayas. We trek to Chomolhari Base Camp and cross many stunning mountain passes including the 4800m – Nyelela Pass and 4960m Shingela Pass. Experience unique fauna and flora and even take a dip in beautiful hot springs surrounded by the untouched world of Bhutan!
Trek Itinerary
- Day 1
- Arrive Kathmandu
Pick-up from airport, transfer to hotel, trek briefing.
Welcome dinner at Kathmandu's finest Nepali restaurant.
- Day 2
- Kathmandu - Half Day City Tour/Sightseeing
Visit the ancient temples and monuments of old Kathmandu.
Lunch and trek briefing with free time for sightseeing.
- Day 3
- Transfer to Airport and flight to Paro (2200m)
Orientation and introduction to Bhutan.
- Day 4
- Sightseeing in the Paro Valley
We visit the famous monastery of Taktsang – 'The Tiger's Lair'.
- Day 5
- Car to Drukyul Dzong (2300m) and trek to Shana (2575m) (5-6hrs)
We Trek from Drukyul Dzong, a small temple that over looks the Pahchu valley making our way up through wheat, millet & rice fields crossing a river arriving.
- Day 6
- Trek to Soithangka (3520m) (7-8hrs)
The trek runs through beautiful pine and Rhodedendron forests. We arrive at camp with stunning views of Chomolhari towering at the head of the valley.
- Day 7
- Trek to Jangothang (Chomolhari Base camp 4040m) (5-6hrs)
We trek above the treeline into the alpine zone and take in sublime views of towering peaks and share rockfaces. We come to open pastures where the Bhutanese graze their yaks and arrive at camp.
- Day 8
- Rest day in Jangothang
Rest and acclimatisation day and chance to explore Tsophu Lake.
- Day 9
- Trek to Lingshi (3980m) via trek to Nyelela pass 4800m
We trek leaving the last settlements capturing views of snow-capped peaks and awesome views of Jichu Drake. A crossing of Nyelela pass is made and we descend with more epic views including Lingshi Dzong, an old fortress that protected the trade route between Bhutan and Tibet.You may also spot Himalayan Griffons & Marmots!
- Day 10
- Trek to Chebisa (3850m)
We will trek through Lingzi Dzong & Village to Goyul at 3870m and arive at the Chebisa Valley where few tourists visit. You will have the opportunity to interact with locals & visit a Bhutanese house or two!
- Day 11
- Trek to Shomulthang (3960m) via Gobula pass 4365m
We start with a steep ascent and as we trek much fauna & flora abound including some Bharal – or blue sheep and trek through beautiful Rhododendron forests. We cross Gobula pass delivering us to Shomulthang.
- Day 12
- Trek to Roluthang (4130m) via Jarila pass 4600m
The day starts by climbing up towards Jarila pass in which we will see views of Gangchhenta 'Great Tiger Mountain' at 6,840m and meet local
Layap people who differ from most Bhutanese in costume & culture.
- Day 13
- Trek to Lamithang (4100m) via Shingela pass 4960m
We climb our final & highest pass of the trek close to 5000m altitude taking in spectacular views and earn a good rest & stay at Lamithang.
- Day 14
- Trek to Laya (3720m)
We awake to views of Gangchhenta from our camp and make the short hike to the village of Laya.
- Day 15
- Rest day in Laya with entertainment
We have the opportunity to rest & explore the traditional village of Laya.
You can hike up the ridge behind Laya for great views towards Tibet and of the towering mountain of Masang Gang at 7,165m.
- Day 16
- Trek to Konea (3220m) trek through forests
We will see many different bird species and deer trekking on a good trail though forest to the trekking permit checkpoint.
- Day 17
- Trek to Gasa (2210m) through the Balela pass 3780m
The team treks further on to the well-deserved hot springs in Gasa. After a soak we can visit Gasa Dzong, an old fortress that was used to protect the old trade route to Tibet and the Gasa Bazaar.
- Day 18
- Trek to Damji
We trek to our penultimate destination taking in more beautiful scenery.
- Day 19
- Trek to Tashitang-Thimphu
A short walk to Tashitang and car ride onto Thimphu, the cute Capital of Bhutan.
- Day 20
- Sightseeing in Thiumphu, night drive to Paro
We celebrate with the Trekking team at our farewell dinner & party – Bhutanese style!
- Day 21
- Fly Paro to Kathmandu/ Farewell Dinner/Party
Stay in a traditional hotel in Kathmandu to chill out, relax and do some further sightseeing having a good look around.
- Day 22
- Departure
Onward travel or return home to catch-up with friends and family.