Overview
Embark on a 13-day trek through the stunning landscapes of Bhutan, exploring its vibrant culture and awe-inspiring nature. Beginning in the capital city of Thimphu, visit historical sites such as the weekend farmers market, folk heritage museum, and the Takin Reserve. After driving over the Dochula Pass, visit the Chhimi Lhakang temple and raft the Lower Pho Chhu in Punakha. Trekking from Gunitsawa to Gunitsawa, experience stunning views of Mount Chomolhari and camp at some of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas. On day 13, depart from Paro airport, feeling fulfilled from a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Highlights
- Trek through stunning landscapes and experience Bhutan's vibrant culture, including historical sites and temples.
- Raft the Lower Pho Chhu in Punakha and camp at some of the most beautiful campsites in the Himalayas.
- Witness stunning views of Mount Chomolhari and explore pristine alpine forests on the trek from Gunitsawa to Gunitsawa.
- Depart from Paro airport feeling fulfilled from a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Itinerary
Arrive Paro and drive to Thimphu the capital of Bhutan. Drive time is about 1 hour.
Afternoon sightseeing around Thimphu – visit weekend farmers market, folk heritage museum
and the Takin Reserve. Overnight at hotel in Thimphu.
Morning drive/bike over the Dochula Pass towards Punakha. Enroute stop at the top of
Dochula pass and visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakang (temple) and the 108 Stupas (Bhuddhist
commemorative monuments). Once you reach the Punakha/Wangdue valley visit the Chhimi
Lhakang also known as “the Temple of the Divine Madman”. On a clear day, you can see
majestic views of the Eastern Himalayas from the top of the Dochula Pass. Overnight at a hotel
in Punakha.
Punakha. Morning short hike or bike through forests and small villages to the put in of
the Lower Pho Chhu at Samdenkha. Raft the lower Pho Chhu (Class II/III). Afternoon/Evening
visit the Punakha Dzong or do a short hike to Khamsum Yulley Monastery perched on a hill
overlooking the Punakha valley. Overnight at lodge/camp in Punakha.
Punakha to Paro. After breakfast head back over the Dochula Pass for lunch at
Thimphu. Spend sometime after lunch in Thimphu and drive to Paro for the night. Overnight at a
hotel in Paro.
Taktsang Day Excursion Paro. Drive 9 miles north of Paro town to the trailhead where you start a 1½ hr hike to the viewpoint of Taktsang Monastery (aka Tiger’s Nest) perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the valley floor. Legend has it that Guru Rimpoche arrived here on the
back of one of his consorts who was in the guise of a flying Tigress sometime in the 7th century.
Evening, relax at the hotel, sort kit etc. to commence our trek the following morning.
Gunitsawa to Shingkharap. Approx 9 to 10 km, 3 hours. Camp at 2,850 metres above
sea level.
The trek begins at Gunitsawa village where you pass the army outpost and the trail continues
with lots of ups and downs following the Paro Chhu until you reach a small meadow and
settlement at Shingkharap, where we camp for the night at 2,850 metres above sea level.
Shingkhaprap to Thangthangkha. Approx 11 km, 4 hours.
The trail for the days keeps following the Paro Chhu with several ups and downs through
prestine alpine forests until you reach an opening with a small chorten where on a clear day you
get your first glimpse of Mount Chomolhari. A mountain in the Himalayas, straddling the border
between Tibet, China and the Thimphu district of Bhutan. Camp for the night is a little further
up, at 3,610 metres.
Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Chomolhari Base Camp). Approx 19 km, 5 hours.
If you did not see Mt.Chomolhari the previous evening, you will have a chance to get a great
view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens
into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint
along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In
this area, yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the
villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang,
one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of
Mount Chomolhari. Camp at 4,080 metres above sea level.
Rest day and excursion around Chomolhari Base camp. Spend the day enjoying the
sights around Jumolhari base camp or do a day trip up towards the base of Mt. Jiichu Drake.
Night at base camp.
Jangothang to Yaksa: Approx 15 km, 6 to 7 hrs. Camp at 3800 metres above sea level.
The trail leads to one of the last settlements in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the
lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 metres, the
highest point of our trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you will trek downstream
passing the few houses of Soi Yaktsa to arrive at our camp soon after.
Yaksa to Thongbu. Approx 11 km, 4 to 5 hours. Camp at 4,180 metres above sea level.
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La
pass (4,520m) where you descend to Thombu Shong and camp for the night.
Thongbu to Gunitsawa. Approx 12 km, 5 hours
Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) descend down towards Gunitsawa, where we come to the
end of our trek. Vehicles will pick up the group and drive back to Paro for the night. A nice hot
shower and relax for the night awaits you at a beautiful hotel in Paro.
Morning drive to Airport for departure flight out of Bhutan.