Bhutan Tour with Trekking-14 days

Tiger Monastery Bhutan

Phuentsholing Buddha Temple

Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan

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Trip Introduction

Experience the wondrous Bhutanese culture and countryside with our 14-Day Bhutan Tour with Trekking. Closed to the outsiders for centuries, Bhutan has been long been a mysterious land for the foreigners. The package combines both trekking through rugged mountain terrains and a journey into the mystical Buddhist cultural towns. Wedged between two Asian giants - India and China, Bhutan is blessed by nature with a diverse topography and rich culture in the Himalayas. Bhutanese call their country the Druk Yul and follow their own trademark of Mahayana Buddhism with exotic monasteries and lifestyle. The country is also recognized by UNESCO as one of 10 centers for bio-diversity. Our 14-Day Bhutan Tour with Trekking combines Bhutan’s cultural and natural grandeur so that you would be able to make the most out of your Bhutan trip.

The package includes cultural tours to important Bhutan towns, day hikes to the monasteries and trekking along a soothingly calm Himalayan trail. The tour begins in the scenic Paro Valley with a hike to the famous Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang) monastery. Then we trek for the next few days, from Day 3 to Day 10. After visiting Thimphu, a unique capital city that has a blend of traditional and modern touch, we drive across the picturesque Dochu La Pass into the subtropical valleys of Punakha. En route relish the startling views of of Jichu Drake (6989m) and Tshrim Khang (6789m), among others.

Important Note and Optional Activities
Your safety is of paramount concern whilst traveling with Himalayan Glacier. Please note that your leader has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the itinerary if it is deemed necessary due to safety concerns. Every effort will be made to keep to the above itinerary; however, as this is adventure travel in remote mountain region, we cannot guarantee it! Weather conditions, health condition of a member, unexpected natural disasters, etc., can all contribute to changes in the itinerary. The leader will try to ensure that the trip runs according to plan, but please be prepared to be flexible if required.

Day to Day Itinerary

DAY 01: Arrive Paro (2250m / 7382ft):
Crossing over the Himalaya Mountains, the flight to Paro offers spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by the guide and transferred to the hotel. Later in the afternoon, you can visit shops in Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 02: Acclimatization Hike to Tiger’s Nest (3180m/10,430 ft):
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, Bhutan's most famous monastery. The hike also gives you acclimatization for the next day’s trek. The 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Explore the Monastery hike back to Paro. In the evening you can explore Paro Town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 03: Paro-Shana (Distance 17 km, Time 5/6 hours) Trek starts:
The trek starts from Drugyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees. Camp at an altitude of 2850m.

Day 04: Shana- Sio Thangthangkha (3750m/12300 ft):20 km, 7/8 hours:
The trail again follows Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.

Day 05: Sio Thangthangkha- Jangothang (4,040m/13250 ft): 19 km, 7/8 hrs:
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder’s camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jumolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Day 06: Jangothang –Lingshi (4000m/13120 ft): 7/8 hrs/18 km:
The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jumolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an altitude of 4000m.

Day 07: Lingshi- Shodu (4,100m/13450ft): 8/9 hrs/22km:
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jumolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jumolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten.

Day 8:: Shodu-Barshong (3,600m/11810ft): 6/7 hrs/16km:
At this place, one comes back to tree line. The path follows Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunches will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of riversides. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m.

Day 09: Barshong-Dolam Kencho (3,600m/11810ft): 5/6 hrs/15km
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu. It stays on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m.

Day 10: Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu (2350m / 7710ft): 3 hrs/8km Trek ends:
The trail goes in and out steeply to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2,600m where you will be picked up by Bhutan Travelers transport to drive to Thimphu. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the life style of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 11: Thimphu Sightseeing (2320m/7610ft):
After breakfast, we visit Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972), Changangkha Monastery, Takin reserve, Nunnery temple and Folk Heritage Museum. After relaxing lunch, you will visit traditional paper factory, majestic Tashichhodzong and giant Buddha statue on a hill overlooking Thimphu which is reputed to be the largest Buddha Shakymuni in the world. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu city and absorb the lifestyle of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 12: Thimphu-Punakha (Dis.76km, Time 3 hrs):
After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. After lunch, you will visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 13: Punakha-Paro (Dis.116Km, Time 4 hrs):

Today, you will return to Paro. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to the Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. If you wish, receive the blessing from the Lama’s wooden phallus! Lunch will be served at Dochula. At Dochula, you can also visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery, which is the only of its kind in the country, with elaborate paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works. Then continue drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 14: Depart Paro:
Drive to airport for departure. Today you will bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. Druk Air generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport in the morning depending on the flight schedule and your destination. Our representative will bid you farewell.

What's Included

All meals, tea & snacks
Government approved A & B category hotels on twin sharing basis in city and camping during trekking
Roundtrip airport transfers and other transport as per itinerary
Experienced English speaking guides and local staff
All city tour
Government taxes, permits, sightseeing entrance fees for museums and monuments
Bhutan Visa fee
Porter and pack animals for the trekking
Trekking equipments like 2-men sleeping tents, dining tents, kitchen tents, toilet tents, and sleeping mats

What's Not Include

Airfare to/from Paro, Bhutan
Items of a personal nature (personal gear, telephone calls, beverages, internet , laundry etc.)
Trip cancellation and Medical/Evacuation Insurance
Tips for Staff/guide

Tour Cost

1-2 pax= US $ 4810 per person
3-12 pax = US $ 4160 per person
( Note! above price valid until end of 2013 )

Accommodations

Hotels in Bhutan are approved and classified by the government as grade A, B and C. These government approved hotels are equivalent to 3-4 star hotels elsewhere. Based on availability at the time of your booking, we provide grade A grade hotels in Paro and Thimphu and B grade hotels in Punkha. We use Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort or similar in Paro, Hotel Migmar or similar in Thimpu, Meri Puensum Resort or similar in Punakha and camping (tent) during trekking. Since the Bhutan Tour with Trekking is designed on twin sharing basis, you share room with your fellow traveler but in case you prefer single rooms we charge USD 270 as single supplement.

Meals

A variety of meals are available in most hotels – the most popular being Indian, Chinese, and the more common continental food. Non vegetarian dishes are generally available in most parts of Bhutan - pork, beef, chicken, and fish. The best advice is to ask the hotel and restaurant to recommend what is fresh and in season. For the actual trekking days, our company will send wide assortment of food. You will be provided 3 meals a day – breakfast, hot picnic lunch on the way, and dinner at the campsites with evening tea and snacks. Our trekking cooks are well trained and can whip up delicious meals at any altitude. If you have any special dietary needs, please let us know prior to the trek departure so that we would be able to take care of it. For the first few days during trekking, you will be served fresh foods and meats and towards the end of the trek, you will be served with high quality tinned foods.

Equipments & Packing List

While packing for Bhutan Tour with Trekking certain equipments are essential. Please Click here for this trip's comprehensive checklist.

Trip Start Dates

We will organize this trip on the dates requested by you. Please contact us for your customized departure date. You can join our Bhutan Tour Programs as per your convenience. Spring season (March to June) and in the autumn season (September to November) are the best time for tour and trek in Bhutan. The months of April and May offer the natural grandeur of rhododendron blooms. The spring season also observes the biggest festivals of Bhutan.

Additional Information

Our website contains as much information as possible about this trip. However, if you wish to discuss any aspect of this trip or your suitability for it please contact us.

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