Day 1: Arrival in Paro, Bhutan
Welcome to Bhutan, “The Land of the Thunder Dragon”. Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges and imposing monasteries provides a breath-taking first impression.
Upon arrival, your tour executive from Bhutan Endless Journey welcomes you at the airport and transfers you to hotel.
Continue exploring the region with visits to the oldest temple in Bhutan, Kichu lhakgang, built in seventh century by a Tibetan King to pin down a giant demon. In the evening walk around Paro town and interact with the local people. Overnight in Paro (altitude 2,280m).
DAY 2: HIKE TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY (TIGER NEST)
After breakfast, you will be driven to the starting point of a hike to view the spectacular Taktsang 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 Taktsang Monastery.
Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest in Paro, Bhutan)
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. Overnight in Paro.
START OF THE TREK
This 5-6 days’ trek is wonderfully varied: beautiful scenery, good views of the snow-capped Himalayan peaks, monastery high up in the mountains, and visit to the dzong. There are campsites next to monastery, and also some beautiful lakes.
Drukpath trek route is very popular because of its length and its proximity to Paro and Thimphu.
- Grade: Moderate
- Distance: 30 miles / 48 km
- Altitude gain: 7,400 feet / 2,256m
- Altitude loss: 6,271 feet / 1,912m
DAY 3: NATIONAL MUSUEM– CAMP BELOW JELE DZONG
| Time | : 4 – 5 hours |
| Distance | : 5 miles / 8 km |
| Altitude gain | : 3,503 feet / 1,068 m |
| Altitude loss | : 269 feet / 82 m |
| Overnight | : Camp below JeleDzong (11,270 feet / 3,436 m) |
Drive to Ta-Dzong, and at the National Museum you will meet your trekking staff, the horsemen and the pack animals. At the start of the trek the staff always takes some time to get organized. Our trek starts from the museum and our trek climbs non-stop for over 1065m before dropping down few meters to camp. The trail winds its way steeply through blue pine forest and around several farmhouses and fenced apple orchards (some owned by the royal family). The area is called Tsachhugang. Along the way we pass a monastery (KuengaLhakhang).
After one hour or so of steady climbing, there will be nice views over the Paro valley and visible above is the Jele Dzong (Jili Dzong). The trail continues steeply up through the forest. Just before reaching a small pass below the Dzong, the route opens up a bit.
Tonight’s small campsite is a little way down from the pass. Overnight wilderness campsite.
DAY 4: BELOW JELE DZONG – TSHOKAM
| Time | : 4 – 5 hours |
| Distance | : 5.5 miles / 9 km |
| Altitude gain | : 1,726 feet / 526 m |
| Altitude loss | : 0 feet / 0 m |
| Overnight | : Campsite at Tshokam(12,995 feet / 3,962 m) |
Leaving the dzong we walk north for about 10 mins on the ridge with a beautiful before disappearing into the forests which looks rather bleak as a result of damage by bark beetles. We then go up and around a small peak and looking back we see part of Paro valley and to the south, the Dagala range is possible. After a 4 hours trek we reach our campsite for the day at Tshokam. Overnight wilderness campsite.
DAY 5: TSHOKAM – JIMILANG TSHO
| Time | : 6– 7 hours |
| Distance | : 6 miles / 10 km |
| Altitude gain | : 700 feet / 213 m (or 1,475 feet / 450 m if opting for the highest trail) |
| Altitude loss | : 0 feet / 0 m |
| Overnight | : Campsite at JimilangTsho (12,726 feet / 3,880 m) |
The ridge walk followed by trekkers is about 2 hours longer than then the pack animals’ route and it is more spectacular and on a fine day, there are several views of snowy peaks on the north and a grand view down into the valleys.
Once again we proceed north most of the day and looking east is our tonight’s campsite and tomorrow’s route is visible as well. We then pass through a small campsite at Labana and further along out trek several monasteries are visible at the far end of the valley. We keep climbing slowly on the ridge and on the opposite side there is a view of Jimilang Tsho and we camp for the night near the lake.
Overnight wilderness campsite.
DAY 6: JIMILANG TSHO – SIMKOTRA TSHO
| Time | : 3– 4 hours |
| Distance | : 4.5 miles / 7 km |
| Altitude gain / loss | : Several ups and downs |
| Overnight | : Campsite at SimkotraTsho (13,415 feet / 4,090 m) |
We walk around the lake to its far (western end) and we start to climb up above the lake through the bushes and later good views opens up. On our way, many beautiful lakes are visible and we pass through a wide stone path between rhododendron bushes. We then climb up a ridge and soon we can see SimkotraTsho which will be our campsite for tonight. Overnight wilderness campsite.
DAY 7: SIMKOTRA TSHO – PHAJODING
| Time | : 5hours |
| Distance | : 6 miles / 10 km |
| Altitude gain | : 755 feet / 230 m to the viewing point |
| Altitude loss | : 1,330 feet / 405 m |
| Overnight | : Campsite at Phajoding (12,103 feet / 3,690 m) |
The trail is good with several minor climbs before we finally look down to Phajoding monastery and Thimphu valley. We descend down to Phajoding Monastery and later one can explore the surroundings visiting some of the old temples.
Overnight wilderness campsite.
DAY 8: PHAJODING – RADIO TOWER OR MOTITHANG
| Time | : 2 – 3 hours |
| Distance | : 2.5 miles / 4 km |
| Altitude gain | : 0 feet / 0 m to the viewing point |
| Altitude loss | : 2,860 feet / 872 m or 3,705 / 1,130 m |
| Overnight | : Hotel in Thimphu (2,320 m) |
Today is the easy trek down the mountain through dense forests till we reach the road above the Takin Sanctuary from where our driver will take us to our hotel in Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. Thimphu has a population of about 150,000 people. Overnight in the hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 9: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA (2.5 HRS DRIVE)
After breakfast, start the incredible drive up to the 3,150meter high mountain pass of Dochu La with its forests of fluttering prayer flags, maze of memorial chortens and, on a clear day, sweeping views of the main Himalayan range. Stop to walk around the Druk Wangyel Chorten at Dochula pass.
After lunch, embark on a private guided tour to Punakha Dzong (fortress) wearing the traditional dress of Bhutan. This fortress is located between the male (Pho) and female (Mo) rivers. Built in 1637 and still serves as the winter residence for the monastic body.
In the evening start hiking to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of the Divine Mad Monk): It takes around 40 minutes across the paddy fields and small village starting from the road. The famous saint, Lama Drukpa Kuenley, constructed it. Overnight in Punakha.
DAY 10: PUNAKHA – PARO
The day will begin with a drive retracing the route over the Dochu La for a second chance of the incredible view of the Himalayan range (weather permitting).
Later, In Paro, visit the iconic 17th century Paro Rinpung Dzong which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” A quick descent takes us to covered cantilever bridge marked with giant stupas. Later, visit Kyichu Lhakhang (built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo in the 7th century).
Paro Valley
Before returning to hotel, visit local farmhouse to try the local rice wine (Ara) and Butter tea with cereals. The farm house offers services like hot stone bath. If interested, it’s best to do on the next day, especially after climbing tiger nest. (Additional surcharge applies). Overnight in Paro.
DAY 11: DEPARTURE
You will be transferred to the Paro International Airport after breakfast for your flight home.
Tashi Delek!!!
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 |
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)
SERVICE NOT INCLUDED IN THE ABOVE MENTIONED COSTS:
- Travel and Medical Insurance.
- Bar bills, Telephone bills, Personal expenses, and Laundry. 3. Tips $10/per person/per day
4. 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
