| # | Itinerary | Program |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival, drive to Thimphu | Arrive by flight at Paro Airport and drive to Thimphu. If arriving by land, cross the border from India at Phuntsholing/Jaigaon and drive approximately 5 hours to Thimphu. ➜ Stop at Tachog lhakhang to see traditional bridge made using ancient iron chains. ➜ On working day, you might visit Postal Museum to learn about the colorful history of Bhutan's postal service. You can also have the stamps with your own face printed and send postcards to your friends and family back home! ➜ You might also like to see Khaja Throm market where residents make their grocery shopping and where you might try some snacks as well. ➜ Visit to Tashichho dzong castle, the seat of the king and government. ➜ Optionally celebrate arrival to Bhutan in popular Blackout Rooftop Bar or other popular venue. ➜ Day's program is subject to arrival time. |
| 2 | Thimphu – Jakar | Today, you will spend whole day in the car, driving to central Bhutan. Drive will take 8 to 10 hours over 265 kilometers, crossing number of mountain passes. ➜ Your first stop to stretch the legs after parting Thimphu will be Dochu La (3,010 m) with the large stupa consisting of 108 small stupas and enjoy the mountain panorama in clear weather! Even the Gangkhar Puensum peak can be seen from here in a clear day! ➜ Descend to subtropical Wangdue valley and start ascending again to Pele La pass (3,540 m), ancient border between western and central Bhutan. ➜ Continue drive on scenic road with stop at Chendebji chorten which was built to resemble Boudhanath stupa of Kathmandu. ➜ Another important stop would be Trongsa viewpoint to see the full extent of the Trongsa castle, which you will visit some more drive afterward. This is the place from where the royal dynasty of Bhutan had risen. ➜ Finally in the evening reach to Jakar over Yotong-la pass (3550 m). Take a rest after long drive. |
| 3 | Jakar – Nasiphel drive, Trek Nasiphel – Sadduksum | Distance: 11 km | Time: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 450 m | Loss: 150 m. Easy day starting with a ride from Jakar to the trail head at Nasiphel (2,850 m). ➜ In Khaktang military camp the trekking permits will be checked and soon one can start trekking through the forest along Chamkhar chu river with some gentle ups and downs. ➜ Camping at Sadduksum (3,125 m) by the confluence with Gumthang Chu is comfortable enough with the fireplace and small cabin available for sleep and cooking. |
| 4 |
Trek Sadduksum – Tsampa
|
Distance: 13 km | Time: 5-6 hrs | Elevation Gain: 650 m | Loss: 50 m. Another relatively easy day trekking mostly gently uphill and offering stunning views of the narrow valley with rapidly flowing river. One will experience first signs of high altitude. ➜ In Tsampa (3,700 m), the permits will be once again checked at the advanced military camp. There are a number of holy spots related to Terton Pema Lingpa and Drukpa Kuneley to see. Tsampa Lhakhang is definitely worth a visit. |
| 5 |
Trek Tsampa – Shingo
|
Distance: 9 km | Time: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 500 m | Loss: 20 m. Continue trekking uphill following Chamkhar Chu, passing through the Tsampa Lhakhang. There are a number of seasonal herders’ settlements on the way. ➜ Also pass around the source of mineral water. The trail gently ascends through forest until it finally reaches the zone of shrubs and the undisturbed albeit relatively distant view of Ganghar Puensum opens further north. ➜ Reach to Shingo (4,200 m) herders settlement and camp, taking a good rest. |
| 6 |
Trek Shingo – Bamurpa
|
Distance: 5 km | Time: 3 hrs | Elevation Gain: 500 m | Loss: 0 m. This is going to be a short hiking day following the river through the wide open valley with the Gangkhar Puensum gradually disappearing from the view, giving a way to Melunghi Khang, neighbouring seven-thousander to the east. ➜ Upon reaching Bamurpa campsite (4,500 m), this is the mountain which will dominate the horizon to the north. Gangkhar Puensum can only be seen when hiking a bit uphill towards the east. ➜ Spend rest of the day in leisure, taking a rest or with a gentle hike, to get proper acclimatisation to high altitude. |
| 7 |
Bamurpa halt & explore
|
For the acclimatization day, several hiking routes offer excellent options. The most favored choice involves hiking north to Boortsam, which provides a vantage point overlooking the Chamkhar glacier and lake. Alternatively, groups can choose to hike to the viewpoint hills situated about 5,000 meters east or west of the Bamurpa camp. |
| 8 |
Trek Bamurpa – Zhogye Phu
|
Distance: 5 km | Time: 3 hrs | Elevation Gain: 500 m | Loss: 20 m. The hike from Bamurpa to Zhogyephu is relatively short, and the path is well-maintained, but the high altitude makes it somewhat challenging. ➜ After arriving at the campsite (5,000 m), you are free to explore the valley further. It is expansive and relatively flat, even though rugged, featuring several scattered ice lakes. Guidebook writer Bart Jordans nicknamed it “Jumbo Jet Valley”, supposedly because it is large enough for a big aircraft to land. There are many scenic viewpoints to be found and enjoyed throughout the afternoon. |
| 9 | Trek Zhogye Phu – Kilkor Thang | Distance: 8 km | Time: 6 hrs | Elevation Gain: 300 m | Loss: 650 m. Start hiking towards the western edge of the valley, keeping the large ice lake on your left, then gradually turn south and climb to an elevated shelf, passing a smaller lake. The steep ascent to Oro La (5,285 m) begins here over a rugged boulder field. ➜ At the top, a stupa clearly marks the pass summit, offering scenic views of the ranges towards Lunana in the west and the Zhogye Phu lakes back to north. The descent is initially easier, later becoming more demanding while crossing large, sometimes loose, boulders. ➜ Finally, you reach Kilkor Thang (4,600 m), an elevated strip overlooking the Mangde Chu valley. Stop to observe the glacier and the monumental Gangkhar Puensum peak to the north. Camp by the stream or close to the small lake. |
| 10 | Trek Kilkor Thang – Tsachu Gonma | Distance: 10 km | Time: 3-4 hrs | Elevation Gain: 50 m | Loss: 940 m. Enjoy the views of Gangkhar Puensum in the morning sun! You might want to walk to the northern viewpoint close to the base once again. Since this day's distance is relatively short and easy, you could first explore the area towards the Gangkhar Puensum glacier, looking for another scenic point. ➜ Then, trek down from Kilkor Thang to Mangde Chu and follow the trail through rhododendron and juniper bushes, while crossing a few streams. Wading shoes and ice spikes (if the river is frozen) might be helpful here. Finally, reach the mixed forest and continue, gradually descending with some ups and downs until you arrive at Tsachu Gonma (3,700 m) on the western side of the river, accessed by a wooden bridge. ➜ Explore the area and enjoy the bath if possible! |
| 11 | Trek Tsachu Gonma – Dur Tsachu | Distance: 6.5 km | Time: 3 hrs | Elevation Gain: 220 m | Loss: 600 m. Enjoy another short day! Have a bath in a hot spring in the morning, or hike towards Dur Tsachu and enjoy the hot spring bath there! ➜ The trail goes through a mixed forest in a deep valley, gradually descending with numerous ups, downs, and side-streams. After crossing the river over a solid bridge, you will pass the Snowman Trek junction. ➜ Dur Tsachu (3,330 m) has a solid house for sleeping and cooking, and a local shop with some basic supplies might be open. The pools are hot and enjoyable, though quite small. |
| 12 | Trek Dur Tsachu – Tshochenchen | Distance: 11.5 km | Time: 7 hrs | Elevation Gain: 1,500 m | Loss: 680 m. This will be a difficult day, starting with a steep, long climb to Kutong La pass (4,420 m). ➜ The first half of the ascent goes through the forest, which gives way to shrubs higher up. Innumerable unnamed peaks can be seen towards the west. ➜ After the pass, you enter a serene sanctuary dominated by a large lake. Soon after, you start another ascent to Juli La pass (4,700 m). The summit is marked by a stone stupa and seating further below. The views are breathtaking. ➜ Start descending to a wide Dur chu valley and beautiful sunny campsite. |
| 13 | Trek Tshochenchen – Chochomey | Distance: 14 km | Time: 6 hrs | Elevation Gain: 100 m | Loss: 970 m. This is a relatively easy day, continuing to trek through the wide valley of the Dur Chu stream. You will pass around the junction towards Thole La and Tsampa, reaching the mixed forest soon after. ➜ Finally, you will reach Chochomey (3,140 m) clearing for the last night in the mountains. |
| 14 | Trek Chochomey – Dur, drive to Jakar | Distance: 10 km | Time: 4-5 hrs | Elevation Gain: 80 m | Loss: 600 m. This is a very short day, mostly descending steeply down to Dur village through the pine forest with occasional views around the snowcovered Bumthang hills. ➜ Once you reach Dur (2,720 m), you will part final goodbye to your horse party and drive to Jakar! ➜ Enjoy the hotel facilities and celebrate the successful conclusion of the trek in popular Café Perks restaurant! |
| 15 | Jakar – Paro | Drive back to Paro takes full day over three hundred kilometers on the winding roads. You can make a few short stops for brief sightseeing. ➜ You can consider visiting Trongsa's Ta Dzong hosts number of interesting artifacts related to royal dynasty, history of Bhutan and many religious statues and temples. ➜ Alternatively, if you start early, include Wangdue's Chhimmy Lhakhang temple, devoted to the 15th century saint Drukpa Kunley, known as “Divine madman”, who allegedly taught Buddhism by singing, drinking and scandalous sexual exploits. Way to temple is perched by houses decorated with phallic symbols, as commemoration of the saint's antics. ➜ You might also considering taking domestic flight isntead of land jorney (extra costs, subjet to availability). |
| 16 | Departure | If time permits, visit the uniquely designed Dumtse Lhakhang, built by the 15th-century lama Thangton Gampo, also known as the "Iron Bridge Builder" or "Leonardo da Vinci of the Himalayas." ➜ Another option is the National Museum of Bhutan in the Ta Dzong watchtower, which features valley views and a Natural History gallery. You may skip the main building's religious artifacts if they are not of interest. ➜ Last-minute shopping in town is also an option. ➜ A stop at the Paro airport viewpoint offers a look at one of the world's most demanding international runways. ➜ Finally, depart from Paro by flight or take a 5-hour drive to the Phuntsholing border. |
Tour variants, extensions and combinations:
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Add extra day(s) in Paro for Tiger's Nest hike and other sightseeing: Tour is designed purely around the trekking mainly for those who already visited Bhutan and don't need to cover the essentials. Anyway, tour can be extended by additional day for Tiger's Nest hike and even more days for further sightseeing, hiking or other activities.
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Skip the Bamurpa halt: While the halt is generally recommended for the sake of high altitude acclimatisation, the physically strong and healthy group would most likely be able to skip this halt day.
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Two nights in Kilkor Thang and then directly to Dur Tsachu: Kilkor Thang is such a beautiful place that two nights with a full day dedicated to exploration will definitely be welcome. While the next days plan, trekking directly to Dur Tsachu might be demanding, it should be feasible for the strong group.
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Extend trek from Tshochechen till Dur: Skipping the last day and finishing the trek day earlier is tempting as the last day is relatively easy. Anyway, only strong groups should attempt this.