Trekking In Bhutan

Transfer to hotel and check-in.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Today we have an unescorted free day to further explore the delights of Kathmandu and the surrounding area. You may wish to take an optional flight to see Mount Everest (weather permitting), affording some quite outstanding views of the Himalayan peaks.  Depending upon your interests you might like to spend it visiting the almost perfectly preserved Newari town of Bhaktapur in the eastern corner of the Kathmandu Valley. Also known as Bhadgaun or the City of the Devotees, Bhaktapur evokes the feel of a medieval village, a snapshot of a time when the city lay along the prosperous trade routes between Tibet, China and India. The ancient centre of the town is a dazzling collection of temples, palaces and monasteries that have earned it a place on the UNESCO list of World Heritage Sites. A wander through this cultural gem affords an opportunity to take in its beguiling charms and enjoy the site of artisans going about their craft much as they have for generations. You can watch potters throwing clay on traditional wooden wheels, watch jewellers and artists as they go about their daily business and wander through the handicraft shops and stalls seeking out some exquisite bargains. Another alternative for this afternoon is a trip up to the nearby the hilltop temple of Swayambunath, the captivating ‘Monkey Temple’, whose all-seeing Buddha eyes gaze out across the Kathmandu Valley. The temple is aptly named and the cheeky monkeys that inhabit its ancient walls are not averse to trying to relieve passers by of food, bags and cameras, so be warned.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Leaving Kathmandu behind we fly to Paro, beautifully set amidst the wooded valleys of Western Bhutan. It lies along the banks of Paro Chu River, overlooking terraced farmland, and is home to some of the largest and oldest of Bhutan's majestic dzongs. On arrival we will be met by our Bhutanese tour leader and transfer the short distance to our hotel and if time allows we shall visit Paro Museum.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we make the walk up to Taktsang Monastery, the 'Tigers Nest' which is perched seemingly impossibly on a cliff face high above the Paro Valley.  The walk is a steep climb but we take our time and enjoy the viewpoints across to the monastery. Leaving Paro we drive to the capital, Thimpu, occupying the wooded, western banks of the Wang Chhu. Our journey winds its way past paddy fields and apple orchards, forests of pine and tiny hamlets whose houses are decorated with the Tashi Tagye, the 8 symbolic signs of Himalayan Buddhism. On arrival we aim to pay a visit to the King Jigme Dorij Wangchuk memorial, a Tibetan-style chorten built to commemorate the country’s third king and today one of the centre points of daily life in the city.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we take a short drive from Thimpu to Punakha where we visit the spectacularly located dzong.  Set at the confluence of two rivers, with a stunning mountainous backdrop, the dzong is as imposing as it is beautiful.  After visiting the Dzong we take a walk to the Chhimi Lakhang monastery.  This small monastery is named after Bhutan's mad monk and is said to be the place to offer prayer for fertility.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we pay a visit to the Monarchy Museum in Tongsa which has 2 galleries showcasing the last 100 years of monarchy in Bhutan. We then leave Tongsa and continue  our way to Bumtang, visiting a Yarthra weaving centre in the Chumney Valley along the way.  Weaving is an ancient tradition in Bhutan with techniques and silks being passed through generations. We reach Bumthang in the early afternoon and time is left free to explore at leisure.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We have a full day to explore Bumthang, and a chance to stretch our legs in preparation for the trek.  There is the option to visit the Jambay Temple, one of the oldest in Bhutan or alternatively we can take a walk through the Jakar valley and visit the Kurjey Lakhang monastery, dedicated to the Patron Saint of Bhutan, Guru Rompochey.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we have a long drive as we make our way to Mongar. Although long the drive is incredibly scenic and we pass through lush forests, quaint towns and cross high passes. We make plenty of stops to make the most of the views.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A short drive this morning as we transfer to the town of Tashigang. Our afternoon is free to prepare our trek kit and before our trek begins tomorrow.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast we take a short transfer to Phongmey where we say goodbye to our transport and begin our trek. We follow level paths through forests, terraced hillsides and pastureland until we reach the village of Joenkhar.  The village is home to both Brokpa and Sharchopa people and has a small school and clinic.  On arrival we get our first taste of the differences between west and east Bhutan, in particular the style of dress worn in the east, not the traditional gho and kira, but instead trousers and kimono style coat made of thick felt to withstand the cold winter months. Approximately 5 hours walking / 9kms.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning starts with a steep climb out of camp until we reach a ridge, we then descend to walk alongside the Gamri Chh River.  We take lunch by the river and then continue on with a gentle ascent for most of the afternoon.  We pass through Thakthri shortly before reaching Sakteng village.  We will set up camp on the outskirts of the village. In the evening we will be welcomed with a cultural performance and learn about the ceremonies and dances traditional in this region.   Approximately 7 hours walking / 10kms.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Sakteng is a large and beautiful nomadic village comprising of about 200 farm houses.  We spend the morning exploring the village and getting to know the locals.  We then leave the village and begin the days trek.  Today is a shorter day and after a quick descend out of the village we follow a gentle ascent for the rest of the trek.  We pass through a wildlife sanctuary, said to be home to the yeti!  If we are lucky we may spot a red panda as we walk.  We camp today in a large clearing, known to locals as Miksa Teng. Approximately 3.5 hours walking.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

A tougher day today as we may our way to the village of Merak.  After breakfast we leave the forest path and begin to ascend until we are above the tree line. The path is rocky in places so we take things slowly and take in the views as we walk. After approximately 3 hours walking we reach the top of a ridge, the Nagchungla Pass.  After admiring the view and catching our breath the rest of the walk is downhill as we make our to Merak Village. Again our campsite is located on the outskirts of the village and we receive a warm welcome from the Brokpa people who inhabit the village.  After a long day walking we settle down to take tea and learn about the culture and lifestyle of these remote villagers.  Approximatey 7.5 hours walking.
Approximately 7 hours walking.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After spending the morning exploring the village of Merak we leave and walk the final section of the trek to Damnonchu.  The trail follows a riverbank and for the most part is fairly level, there is a short but gentle descent as we leave Merak and join the river.  Once we reach Damnonchu we are joined by our vehicles and a short drive brings us to Tashigang where a hot shower awaits. Approximately 5 hours walking. 

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our final breakfast in Bhutan before we make the journey to the border at Samdrup Jongkar and then transfer to the Indian ciy of Guwahati.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning is free to explore this busy Indian city. You may wish to visit the Queen Bhuvaneswari Temple, the Navagraha Temple perched on Chtirachal Hill which is dedicated to the planets or just wander through the bazaars and soak up the city atmosphere.  In the afternoon we fly to Delhi where we are free on arrival. 

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

 Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast