This trek is exclusively designed for those who wish to explore the most of Bhutan on foot within the short span of time. Exploration begins with a hike to Taktsang monastery. This helps you in getting acclimatized for trekking to Drugyal dzong, Shana Shana, Soi Thangthangkha, Jangothang, Dumzo Dhumzo, Thombu Shong, Shana Zam and then back to Drugyal dzong. Breathtaking views of towering rugged peaks like Chomolhari (7320m.), Jichu Drake (6900m.) and Tshrim Khang, ruined forts, pristine villages, rivers, lakes, lush forests of oak, pine, rhododendron and spruce and abundant wildlife provide the trip with constantly changing sceneries and experiences along with a special connection with nature. This 11 day trek gives you exhilarating and rewarding way to experience some of the most captivating and wondrous areas of Bhutan.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: 11 Days
Grade: Moderate
Starts in: Paro (Bhutan)
Ends in: Paro
Group size: Maximum 12
Transportation: Private Vehicle or, Car
Accommodation: Hotel & Tented Camp
Maximum altitude: 4900m.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • Easy trek from Drugyal Dzong to Shana Zam with plenty of opportunity to view Chomolhari (7320m.) and Jichu Drake (6900m.), nomadic yak herders camps, pristine hamlets and exotic flora & fauna
  • A hike to Takstang Monastery
  • Complete acclimatization in Jangothang
  • An invaluable insight into the way of Bhutanese life style

Trip Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport. Meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery.
Day 03: Drive from Drugyel Dzong to Shana.
Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha.
Day 05: Soi – Jangothang.
Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang.
Day 07: Jangothang – Dumzo.
Day 08: Dhumzo – Thombu Shong.
Day 09: Thombu Shong – Shana Zam.
Day 10: Trek from Shana Zam – Drugyel Dzong and drive to Paro.
Day 11: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Includes:

  • All land transportation: Transfers and sightseeing by a deluxe vehicle and Airport /Hotel/Airport & tours & trekking pick up & drop).
  • Hotel accommodation at all places and 3 meals; breakfast, Lunch and dinner.
  • 1 Professional English speaking local tour guide & all temples, monuments entry fees.
  • Bhutan visa, tourism development fees, government royalty fees.
  • Fully catered camping trek supported by English speaking trekking guide, 1 Cook, helpers and porters (or vehicles for load) as per itinerary.
  • All applicable taxes.
  • Daily wages for support crews and their health insurance.
  • Basic first aid Medical Kit Box for support crews.
  • All official taxes and service charge.

Bhutan Tour & Trek Cost Doesn’t Include:

  • Personal transportation except above programs.
  • Personal tours & trekking gears as well as sleeping bags.
  • Personal Nature expenses. (Extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, accidents, road blockage, and other occurrences beyond our control.)
  • Emergency evacuation (If incase).
  • Drinks except tea and coffee.  (Bar Bill, laundry and telephones calls.)
  • Airfare: to & from your country and internal domestic flights.
  • Personal travel insurance. (Liability for insurance against sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, loss of life and medical expenses if any kind etc.)
  • Tips for support crews.

Note: If Traveling Bhutan via Nepal

  1. All land transportation by private vehicle tourist Bus (Airport /Hotel/Airport & trekking pick up & drop).
  2. Sightseeing activities in Kathmandu with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees.
  3. Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed & Breakfast basis.
  4. Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu – Nepal.
  5. Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes. (t is suggested you apply for a multiple entry visa for Nepal initially saving you the Nepal re-entry fee).
  6. Personal nature’s expenses and transportation except given programs.

Detailted Itinerary :

Day 01: Arrival at Paro airport. Meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Arrival at Paro by Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchanjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake. The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonus. Our representatives will escort you to Kichu Resort. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong. O/N Kichu Resort.

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang Monastery.
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger’s den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours. The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the 17th century. Stroll back to Kichu resort. Leisure at evening.

Day 03: Drive from Drugyel Dzong to Shana.
Trek begins from Drugyal Dzong – Shana and the walking distance is 16 kilometers and takes 5/6 hours. The path leads down to the Pa chu river and runs on the left side passing villages and scattered farmlands. Before reaching the camp you will cross a military camp and trekking permits have to be produced. A nice campsite known as Shana Zam at an altitude of (2800m.) is located just beyond the military camp.

Day 04: Shana – Soi Thangthangkha.
The trail is rather gradual without any steep climbs through dense forest of oak, pine and spruce. Camp lies on the left side of the river at an altitude of (3600m.) marked with two stone shelters of (3800m.) near a stone shelter. Walking distance is 22 kilometers which takes 8/9 hours.

Day 05: Soi – Jangothang.
The path ascends for a while till you reach a army camp. After a kilometer pass a village called Jampu towards the north. From here you will be above the tree line enjoying the stunning views of the Rocky Mountains. Occasionally pass by solitary houses of the yak herders before you finally reach the old ruins of the fort known as Jangothang at an altitude of (4050m.) with a community hall. This is also the Chomolhari base camp. Walking distance is 12 kilometers which takes 4/5 hours.

Day 06: Rest day at Jangothang.
Jangothang halt – Options: Excursion to the nameless view point at an altitude of (5250m.) offering beautiful view of Mt. Chomolhari & Kungphu. Tshophu Lake filled with giant rainbow trouts provided clients bring their own equipment or relax at the camp.

Day 07: Jangothang – Dumzo.
The walking distance is 18 kilometers which takes 6/7 hours crossing a pass known as Bhonte la at an altitude of (4900m.). This day offers beautiful views of Mt. Chomolhari, Kungphu, Jichu Drake from the Two lakes and wonderful landscape. The ascent is about 800m in altitude, the descent 1,090m in altitude. Before reaching the camp you will pass the Soi Yaksa village and one kilometer further cross a bridge to reach the campsite at an altitude of (3800m.)

Day 08: Dhumzo – Thombu Shong.
This stage offers a lot of scenic beauty. You will have good views into the valley and from the Thombu la pass at an altitude of (4520m.) views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake can be seen. From the pass its all the way down hill till camp at an altitude of (4180m.) situated above tree line. The difference in altitude (ascent) is (700m.) The walking distance is 13 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk.

Day 09: Thombu Shong – Shana Zam.
The first part especially the walk on the ridge offers beautiful views partly to the mighty ice giants in the Chomolhari region. The second part consists of a steep descent which lacks interesting views. At end of the descent you will come across the same military camp as you entered. Many possible camps can be found if you walk further down. Walking distance 15 kilometers about 5/6 hours walk.

Day 10: Trek from Shana Zam – Drugyel Dzong and drive to Paro.
Our Vehicle will be waiting for your return at Drugyel Dzong and then proceed to Kichu Resort for O/N.

Day 11: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.