| Difficulty | Moderate – suitable for ones with average fitness level |
|---|---|
| Length | Total 9 Days / 8 Nights Trek duration: 5 Days Sightseeing: 3 Days |
| Elevation | Max Elevation: 4,720 m Min Elevation: 2,250 m |
| Location | Paro & Thimphu |
| Price | Prices for a trip like this start at about US$ 2,240 per person for a group of three or more people during peak season (read more about Pricing & Accommodation Choices for our bespoke trips) |
| Suitable Dates | March-May & September-November |
AT A GLANCE
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO
DAY 02: PARO
DAY 03: PARO – GENEKHA (2,800 m) – GUR (3,290 m)
DAY 04: GUR (3,290 m) – LABATAMBA (4,100 m)
DAY 05: LABATAMBA (4,100 m)
DAY 06: LABATAMBA (4,100 m) – PANKA (4,000 m)
DAY 07: PANKA (4,000 m) –TALAKHA (4,180 m) & DRIVE TO THIMPHU
DAY 08: THIMPHU – PARO
DAY 09: DEPART PARO
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO, PARO
The flight into Paro is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country as the flight offers magnificent views of the Himalayas. After an exciting descent into Bhutan, you will be met on arrival by our guide and transferred to your hotel for a brief rest. In the afternoon we will visit Rinpung Dzong- the imposing fortress of Paro, Ta Dzong- the national museum and enjoy a leisurely stroll in Paro town.
DAY 02: PARO
Acclimatization hike to Taktsang Monastery which is commonly known as the Tiger’s Nest, the most awe inspiring monastery and probably the most photographed one in Bhutan. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery, hence it is called “Tigers Nest”. Option to visit a farmhouse or stroll around Paro town in the evening.
DAY 03: PARO – GENEKHA (2,800 m) – GUR (3,290 m)
Distance: 7 km
Time: 5 hours
Ascent: Ascent 550 m, Descent 210 m
Camp Altitude: 3,290 m
In the morning, we will drive to Genekha village to start our trek. The trek begins at the lovely Genekha village and descends toward the river after which we will begin climbing until we reach a huge rock platform. From here, you will have a panoramic view of the whole valley. After another 2 hours of trekking, we will reach our campsite at Gur – an open area of yak pastures, located right below the main trail.
DAY 04: GUR (3,290 m) – LABATAMBA (4,100 m)
Distance: 12 km
Time: 5 hours
Ascent: Ascent 1,220 m, Descent 110 m
Camp Altitude: 4,300 m
Today the trek will be more challenging as we need to cross high ridges to see the rugged beauty of the whole region and the mountain vegetation. The trail is adorned with wild flowers, and after the first mountain pass, we will be able to enjoy the magnificent view of Kanchenjunga (Sikkim) and some other Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Upon descending toward Labatama, we will even see the entire Dagala mountain range, with several yak herder huts on the way. Your campsite is next to Uthso Tsho Lake.
DAY 05: LABATAMBA
The third day is scheduled for you to enjoy the thousand lakes and a stunning panoramic view of the Himalaya mountain range and other world-class pinnacles. There will also be options available to undertake an excursion to any of three nearby lakes: Reli Tsho, Hen Tsho and Jama Tsho which are usually teeming with mountain trout.
DAY 06: LABATAMBA (4,100 m) – PANKA (4,000 m)
Distance: 8 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Ascent: Ascent 260 m, descent 520 m
Camp Altitude: 4,000 m
Today is the highlight of our trip, as we will take you to see some of the world’s highest mountain peaks, including Mt. Everest (Nepal), Mt. Kanchenjunga (Sikkim), Mt. Jomolhari, Mt. Jichu Drake, Mt. Tshering Gang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Masang Gang, Mt. Tsende Gang and Mt. Gangche Ta. You can climb a peak close to the saddle for a better view. Our path will then descend through Dala Tsho and follow the Doccha Chuhu to reach Panka.
DAY 07: PANKA – TALAKHA & DRIVE TO THIMPHU
Distance: 8 km
Time: 5-6 hours
Ascent: Ascent 180 m, descent 1,110 m
Camp Altitude: 3,080 m
The route today leads north to a crest at 4100m where several trails lead off in different directions. The trail to Talakha climbs steeply up a slate slope and it's then a long traverse to Tale La at 4180m. The area is also a habitat of the rare blue poppy, the national flower of Bhutan. Along the way, we can get spectacular views of the Dagala Range and of Thimphu, far to the north. We then descend through bamboo forests to the Talakha Goemba (monastery) where our vehicle will await us to drive 30 minutes to Thimphu for a hot shower and a comfortable rest at the hotel.
DAY 8: THIMPHU – PARO
Transfer from Thimphu to Paro Distance from Thimphu- Paro: 52 km / 1 hr. Drive
- Sightseeing options in Thimphu before driving to Paro for departure tomorrow:
- National Memorial Chorten - Stupa dedicated to the Third King of Bhutan, father of modern Bhutan.
- Zorig Chusum – a state-run institution that teaches the 13 traditional Arts & Crafts of Bhutan.
- Giant Buddha Dordenma Statue at Kuenselphodrang that offers panoramic views of the capital city.