This six-day trek takes you into an area adorned with a multitude of pristine, crystal clear lakes. As you walk amidst the shimmering lakes you’ll be treated to stunning views of the entire Himalayan mountain range and some of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest, Jomolhari, Masang Gang, Jichu Drake, Gangche Ta and many more.
During the trek an entire day will be dedicated to visiting some of the more picturesque lakes, fishing and resting. The trail also takes you through several Bhutanese villages so you can get a good idea of traditional Bhutanese village life as you make your way back from the lakes.
While this is a somewhat strenuous trek, it is well worth the effort because of the tranquility and beauty of natural landscape that you will enjoy during the journey. The best time to embark on this trek is between April-June and September –October.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL, PARO TO THIMPHU
Welcome to Bhutan. “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Provided the weather is good on your flight from Bangkok the view of the eastern Himalayas is absolutely spectacular (from the left hand side of the airplane).
Upon arrival, your tour escort from Bhutan Endless Journey welcomes you at the airport. Then we will drive to Thimphu (one-hour drive) and transfer you to the hotel. After lunch, rest for 3 hours before continuing with sightseeing.
In the evening (around 5 pm) visit, Tashi-Chho Dzong (Thimphu Dzong): A 17th Century religious and administrative building initially constructed in 1641 and rebuilt by King JigmeDorjiWangchuck in the 1960s. It is also the summer residence of the Central Monk Body.
Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 2: IN THIMPHU
Thimphu has a special charm and it is fascinating to sit and watch a gathering of local people in the town square, wearing their traditional dress (Gho and Kira) and going about their business in a typically unhurried Bhutanese way.
After breakfast, embark on a private guided tour of the city including a visit to Institute of ZorigChusum, Commonly known as the Painting School, or the School of the Thirteen Arts.
Continue exploring the region with visits to the Buddha-point (Kuenselphodrang) to see the biggest statue of Buddha along with the view of Thimphu valley and to the Takin preserve center, the home of Bhutan’s national animal Takin.
Later stroll around Thimphu City for shopping or coffee, as there are few good café in Thimphu. Also, witness the National game, Archery (only if local people are playing). Overnight in Thimphu.
DAY 3: THIMPHU – GYNEKHA
It takes 45-minute drive to reach the starting point of the trek. After walking through terraced fields and coniferous vegetation for about 4 hours. A day’s trek will end near the Genekha School where the camp is set.
DAY 4: GYNEKHA- GUR
(Distance seven km, five hours, 550m ascent, 210m descent, camp altitude 3,290m). The trek starts from beautiful Gynekha village with a short descent down to the river. From here – after crossing the river – you start climbing till you reach a huge rock platform from where you have a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach Gur, some yak pastures below the main trail.
DAY 5: GUR – LABATAMA
(12 km, 5 hours) (Distance 12km, six hours, 1,220m ascent, 110m descent, camp altitude 4,300m). While trekking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. The path winds through flowers and wild asparagus (in spring). The meadows are refreshing and inspiring. The first pass symbolized by a huge cairn gives a spectacular view of Kanjenjunga (Sikkim) and more or less all the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending the pass one will see the whole Dagala range, meadows and yak herders camp. Once descended into the Labatama valley you ascend gradually through the valley passing some yak herder huts till you reach UthsoTsho (lake). The campsite is right next to the lake.
DAY 6: HALT AT LABATAMA (OPTIONAL)
Relaxation day at Labatama. This day is ideal for an excursion to any of three lakes: ReliTsho, Hen Tsho and JamaTsho. The day and place is also ideal for trout fishing.
DAY 7: LABATAMA – PANKA
(Distance 8km, six to seven hours, 260m ascent, 520m descent, camp altitude 4,000m). The trail climbs along the western side of DalaTsho up to a saddle at 4,520m from where you have again a majestic view of Himalayan peaks during descent. This point is around 4,460m. The mountain peaks include Everest (Nepal), Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tsende Gang and Gangche Ta. If you want better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle with an altitude of 4,720m. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to DocchaChhu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach Panka with some ups and downs on the way.
DAY 8: PANKA – TALAKHA
(Distance eight km, five to six hours, 180m ascent, 110m descent, camp altitude 3,080m). This day entails the crossing of several passes, none of them affording a major climb. Search for different varieties of blue poppy (June-July) and mountain birds. After crossing the last pass, Tale La (4,180m) you start a long descent to TalakhaGompa. You will camp right beside the monastery and wake up with the early morning prayers of the monks. One has a great view of Bhutan’s capital Thimphu.
DAY9: TALAKHA – THIMPHU – PARO
Two to three hours of walk downhill through mixed vegetation and apple orchard take you to the main road where your transport awaits. Drive to Paro via Thimphu. Evening free to relax. Overnight in hotel.
DAY10: HIKE TO TIGER NEST MONASTERY
After breakfast, you will be driven to the starting point of a hike to view the spectacular Taktshang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forests, passing trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
After a refreshment stop at a cafeteria on the way, you will continue for a short distance until you see, across a deep chasm but clearly and seemingly within reach, the Taktshang Monastery.
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Hike to the Tiger’s Nest
Built in 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. History states that Guru Padmasambhava, the Tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger.
In the evening, explore Paro town again for last minute shopping. Overnight in Paro.
FYI, clients can ride horses until the 1stview point only. From there everyone has to walk to the monastery and have to walk back until the base camp.
DAY11: DEPART
You will be transferred to the Paro Int’l Airport after breakfast for your return flight home.
TOUR NOTES:
- Our itinerary is generally longer and has more activities listed on each day. You should discuss your itinerary with your guide and prioritize the attractions which you prefer the most. We suggest that you use your itinerary as a guide rather than a fixed schedule. Unexpected stuffs always happen in the Kingdom of Bhutan.
- Please note, roads are bumpy and we suggest you to bring your own medication if you have motion sickness.
- Monastery, temple and Dzong opening days and times can and do vary with national holidays and events such a visit by a member of the Royal Family or auspicious ceremonies.
- Tiger Nest closes at 4pm every day.
- Museums remain closed on weekends and Takin preserve center is closed on Monday.
- All the meals are served in buffet.
- We advise you to bring good walking shoes, warm jackets, hats and sun cream.
- The nearest hospital is 30-minute drive from the hotel in Paro and 20-minute drive in Punakha and Thimphu. Consultation, treatment and medicine are free to locals and tourists too.
- Visiting time of monuments, 09.00 Am – 05.00 Pm except for Thimphu Dzong. Thimphu Dzong visiting time, 05.30 Pm – 06. 30 Pm.
HOTELS IN BHUTAN
| CITIES | HOTELS | HOTEL CATEGORY | ROOM TYPE |
| PARO | KHANGKHU RESORT OR SIMILAR | 3 STAR | STANDARD |
| THIMPHU | ARIYA HOTEL OR SIMILAR | 4 STAR | STANDARD |
| PUNAKHA | ZHIMKHAM RESORT | 3 STAR | STANDARD |
| TREKKING | TENT IN CAMPS | STANDARD |
WHAT TO BRING DURING THE TOUR IN BHUTAN
- Warm jackets
- Hiking/trekking boots
- Long and short t-shirts or cotton shirts
- Hats and sunglasses
- Personal Medicine
DRESS CODE FOR VISITING DZONG, MONASTERIES AND TEMPLES IN BHUTAN
- Shirt (either collar half shirt or full sleeve)
- Full pants/long skirts
- Any type of shoes with socks
- No Hats, No Umbrella, No Slippers, No t-shirts, No short skirt and No half-pants
- Photographs allowed in the courtyard only.
APPROXIMATE TEMPERATURE IN BHUTAN:
MAX: 18 – 30 DEGREE CELSIUS IN SUMMER
- MIN: (minus) 5 – 11 DEGREE CELSIUS IN WINTER
CANCELLATION CHARGES FOR YOUR TOUR PACKAGES (LAND TOUR)
- Within 30 days of start of program – No Charges.
- Within 25 days – 10% of daily tariff.
- Within 15 days – 20% of daily tariff.
- Within 7 days – 30% of daily tariff.
- Less than 7 days – 50% of daily tariff.
- After arrival in Bhutan or without notice – 100% of daily tariff.
Please note that airlines have different cancellation policy, depending on seasons.
PRICE INCLUDES:
- 3-star Accommodation (twin sharing/triple room)
- B/L/D (All meals) in local restaurants and hotels.
- Experienced English Speaking Tour Guide licensed by Tourism Council of Bhutan.
- Private transport within Bhutan (Toyota Bus).
- Museum & Monuments entrance fee.
- Mineral water during the tour.
- Sustainable Development Fes ($65/pax/night halt).
- Tourism Development Fund
- Visa Fees
- Air ticket (BKK-PARO-BKK)
- Trekking tents and trekking staffs
- Horses and porters
SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COSTS:
- Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Bar bills, Telephone bills, Personal expenses, and Laundry.
- Tips $10/per person/per day
- Single room supplement.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at [email protected] or call +975 1793 4039. Thank you for choosing Bhutan Endless Journey.
Tenzin Wangchuk (Mr.)
Founder / Managing Director
