Trek 1 : GANGTEY/GOGONA/KHOTOKHA TREK

Day1
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you. The drive to hotel through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to Ta-dzong (museum). Overnight at hotel.

Day2
Paro/Thimphu. This morning follow the winding road beside the Pa chu (chu means river of water) down stream to its confluence with the Wangchu, then up-valley to Thimphu, the capital. After lunch visit the Memorial Chhorten, here the faithful circumambulate the shrine dedicated to the Late King. Overnight in hotel.

Day3
Thimphu/Gangtey Gompa. After breakfast leave for Gangtey. The road winds through the forests to dochula (la means pass), where in good weather almost 200 of the Himalayan summits are in view. After driving 3 hours you will reach Wangdue. Lunch at Wangdue. After a further 3 hours drive you will reach Gangtey. Overnight in camp.

Day4
Gangtey Gompa halt. Hiking down to the river can do good fishing. Day hike in and around Gangtey valley can also be done to stretch the legs for onward trek.

Day5
Gangtey Gompa/Gogona. A moderate trail winds through meadows and fields, then ascends the Tselela pass through mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The people of Gogona speak a language called Bjopkha, the language of nomads. Their life in the isolated valley has encouraged them to continue using their ancient dialect. Distance is bout 15 kms. about 6-7 hours.

Day6
Gogona/Khotokha. A gentle climb leads to Shobjula, 11,155ft. The descend leads to a wide valley, reminiscent of the big sky views of mountains. Overnight in tent. Distance is about 15/16 kms., about 6-7 hours.

Day7
Khotoka/Chuzomsa/Wangdue via Niizergang. A short ascend leads to Tashila, 9,200 ft. be sure to fill your water bottle shortly after crossing the pass, as the descend is dry. Walk down through ever changing vegetation into the drainage of the Dang Chu. Overnight at the hotel.

Day8
Wangdue / Thimphu. After breakfast drive to Punakha dzong viewpoint at the north end of the valley. It was the nation's capital until 1955. The Je-Khenpo, the head abbot of country and most of the monks of Thimphu occupy this dzong throughout the winter. Return over the Dochula pass and stop at cafeteria for a hot cup of tea and some snacks and also if the weather is clear you will have beautiful views of a wide range of snow capped mountains. Continue drive to Thimphu, the present capital of Bhutan. Overnight in hotel.

Day9
Thimphu/Paro airport. Drive to Paro for onward flight.

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Trek 2 : BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

Starting out from the splendid Bumthang valley, this three-day trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through the Bumthang countryside. This trek provides on exceptional opportunity for contact with rural way of life in Bhutan. The best time to trek is from Feb-May & Sept-Dec.

Day1
The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Everest, Kanchenjunga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as the Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang.The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. You will be traditionally received by our representative and driven to the hotel.

Day2
Paro sightseeing: morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tigerís nest). The climb up to the viewpoint will take around 3 hours.Enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigress in the 8th century, and meditated for three months. The monastery was later built in this holy place in 1684. After tea in the cafÈ walk back to the road point and drive to hotel for lunch.
Afternoon visit the Ta-dzong built in the 17th century as a watchtower for the Paro dzong. This dzong was converted into the National museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to the Rinpung dzong, built in 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. Overnight at Paro.

Day3
Paro/Thimphu. Drive to Thimphu (54 km.), the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 2 hours. Check in the hotel. After lunch, visit the Memorial stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the Indigenous Hospital, where traditional medicine is still practiced, and the Painting School, where children still learn the ancient art of painting. O/N at hotel.

Day4
Thimphu/Trongsa. Drive to Trongsa via Dochula pass (altitude 3050 meters). From here on a clear day one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan, such as the Gangkar Puensum, table mountain, Jeje Khang, Masakhang Gangchey ta.

Noon: Pack lunch en-route to Trongsa. Walk around in Wangdue Phodrang . After lunch drive on to Trongsa (129 km), via Pele la pass at an altitude of 3,150 meters. Arrive Trongsa for overnight stay.

Day5
Trongsa/Bumthang. Drive to Bumthang (68km), around 3 hours. After lunch visit the Jakar dzong, built in the 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the fires religious King of Bhutan. The dzong is now used as administration centre of Bumthang valley. Then drive to Kurjey monastery, where Guru Padmasambava left his body imprint. The temple was later built in the 17th century, Overnight at the lodge.

Day6
Jakar/Nagang lhakhang. The trek route follows the Chamkhar chu river, coming across many villages and temples. This is a very easy and relaxing day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2900 meters. Walking time around 6 hours.

Day7
NgangLhakhang/Ugyenchholing. The trail ascends gradually towards the Pele la pass, going through the forest of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude 3340 meters. After the pass descend to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2850 meters. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day8
Morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing dzong. Visit the dzong and the surrounding village, then drive to Jakar following the Tang Chu river until you arrive at the main road junction. On the way visit the Meebartso (Burning lake), where Terton Pemalingpa, the reincarnation of Guru Padmasambava, is supposed to have discovered religious treasure in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and is visited by many Bhutanese during auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge.

Day9
Morning free to relax. Afternoon drive to Trongsa (68km). If time permits, visit the Tadzong (watchtower), which was used to defend the Trongsa dzong in the 17th century. Overnight at lodge.

Day10
Drive to Thimphu (198 km). Drive to Thimphu via Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, and presently the winter residence of the central body. Arrive Thimphu and stay overnight at the hotel.

Day11
Early morning drive to Paro airport to catch Druk Air flight. Your guide will escort you to the Paro Airport and bid you farewell!

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Trek 3 : DRUK PATH TREK

Day1
Arrive Paro by Druk Air. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you. Drive through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to the Ta-dzong (museum). Overnight at hotel.

Day2
Paro sightseeing. Drive the winding road Northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyal dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back visit of typical Bhutanese farmhouse.

Day3
Paro.Excursion to Taktsang. Spend whole day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 300 mt. above the valley. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress for the purpose of his journey. When the Guru finished his meditation, he instructed that the monastery to be built. Overnight in hotel.

Day4
Paro/Jele dzong Distance - 6/7 kms. Alt.8500ft. Today is a short trekking day. The trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with its snow capped mountain backdrop.

Day5
Jele dzong/Jangchulakha. Distance -10 kms. Alt.9500 ft. you begin with about an hour and half's climb then ascends gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Day6
Jangchulakha/Jimilangtso. Distance -11 kms. Alt.11000ft. The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso.

Day7
Jimilangtso/Simkota. Distance -11 kms. Alt. 11500ft.The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake.

Day8
Simkota/Phajoding. Distance -10 kms. Alt. 9500 ft. today you begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan, and other peaks from the Dochula pass. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.

Day9
Phajoding/Thimphu. Distance -7/8 kms. Alt.8050ft. The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon: Free to relax. Overnight in hotel.

Day10
Thimphu sightseeing. Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around town; visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced. Afternoon: visit Tashichhodzong and Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the hotel.

Day11
Thimphu/Punakha/Wangdue and back. Excursion with pack lunch to Punakha and Wangdue valley. Visit Punakha dzong when the monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu and overnight in hotel.

Day12
Thimphu/Paro airport. Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight

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Trek 4 : SNOWMAN TREK WITH GANGKAR PUENSUM EXTENSION

Day1
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air either from Bangkok/Calcutta or Delhi/Kathmandu. The flight from Delhi/Kathmandu is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. One can see Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu, Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and other Himalayan peaks. Our representative will receive you and escort you to the hotel for overnight stay. Paro altitude 2,300m.

Day2
Early morning start from the hotel and drive to the ruins of Drukgyal dzong to see the view of Mt. Chomolhari (7240). Drive back to Satsam Chhorten and walk up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger nest) view point. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche, who brought Trantric Buddhism to Bhutan in the 8th century, meditated here. The monastery was built later in the 17th century on the same site. After tea at cafÈ, walk back to road point and drive to hotel for lunch. After lunch drive to Thimphu (2 hrs.) and stay overnight. Altitude 2,380 m.

Day3
Drive to Punakha via the dochula pass (3050 m), through magnificent forests of rhododendron and magnolia. From the pass one can see the panoramic view of the eastern Himalayas and enticing view of the Lunana route. Picnic lunch at Punakha by the riverside. Enjoy the view of the dzong, built in 1637 during the time of Shabdrung. The dzong is now used as the winter residence of the Mo chu river. Camp at Tashithang on the road end. Altitude 1,600m.

Day4
The trek starts by the side of the river, following a well-made path through semitropical forests. This part of the area is quite wet and one has to watch out for leeches. There are also lots of wild orchids around for those who love flowers. The days walk is fairly gentle, climbing up to Damji village. Camp at Damji. Altitude 2250m. 5-6 hours of walking time.

Day5
Danji/Gasa. The path continues through subtropical forests and villages up to Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). The Tsachu is a famous place where many people from all over Bhutan come to bathe for its curative powers. There are four pools, ranging from mild to hot to suit the temperature. Hot lunch will be served here. After lunch, 2 hors stiff climb to Gasa dzong and camp below the dzong. altitude 2,900m. walking time 6-7 hours.

Day6
Gasa/Chamsa. After breakfast visit the dzong which was built in the 17th century to protect the valley against Tibetan invaders. The path starts with stiff climb up to Bele la pass (3,700m) through bamboo and rhododendron to juniper and fir forests. The climb up to pass will take around 5 hours. The descend for about half and hour to camp at Chamsa. Altitude 3650m. walking time 6-7 hours.

Day7
Chamsa/Laya. The path starts by descending to the bank of Mo chu river. It goes up and down again to detour back up the hillside, to avoid the steep spur. Lunch at the side of the bridge across the river. After lunch climb up gradually to Laya, crossing the army camp. Camp at Laya village. Altitude 3,800 m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day8
Rest day at Laya for acclimatization. One can go around the village visiting the houses and people. The Laya people are very fascinating and friendly and will happily pose for photographs. The women in Laya wear a very special dress. Cultural evening with local girls dancing by the campfire. This is the place where one can try local alcohol (ara and chang).

Day9
Laya/Rhodophu. From Laya descend to army camp and continue following the river till the turn of point to Rhodophu. After lunch continue the climb through rhododendron bushes until the camp. Altitude 4,350 m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day10
Rhodophu/Tarina. This is the longest day of the trip and therefore very essential to start very early. We start at 5 am by climbing to Tsimola (4,700 m). After crossing the first pass and at the little summit one can have a superb view of Lunana. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another four hours till the climb to kangla Karchula pass (5,080 m). The view from the pass is breath-taking. The whole range of mountains, including Masakang, Tsendegang, Teri Gang can be seen. After the pass there is a very long descent to Tarina valley. Altitude 3,980 m. walking time 10-11 hours.

Day11
Tarina/Wache. The day is much easier as the path follows the river down valley. Lunch at the lowest Point (3,500 m). After lunch climb up about 300 metres to the village of Woche. Altitude 3,800 m. Walking time 6-7 hrs.

Day12
Woche/Lhedi. The trek starts through juniper and fir forests and then through rhododendron gushes. We climb up to Keche la pass (4,480 m) where one can have a great view of the mountains. After the pas, descend to the riverside walking through the village with stunning views of Table Mountain and others. Follow the river, one of the main sources of Pho chu, till Lhedi village. Altitude 3,650 m.

Day13
Lhed/Thanza. The trek continues following the river, rising gradually to Choejong village. After lunch visit the Choejong dzong and continue towards the wide valley. Cross the bridge to reach Thanza camp 4,000 m. Walking time 7/8 hours.

Day14
Rest day at Thanza. One can walk around or climb up the ridge to see the view of the lakes and mountains.

Day15
Thanza/Tsorim. The trek starts with climb up to the ridge with great view of the table mountain and Thanza valley below. The ridge altitude is 4,500 m and rises gradually up to 4,650 m near by the Foot Bridge. After lunch walk up towards the left side of the bridge enjoying the views of the snow peaked mountains. Climb up ridge after ridge until you reach the camp at Tsorim at the altitude of 5,150 m. Then down to the camp at 5125 m. Walking time 8-9 hours

Day16

Tsorim/Gangkar Phuensum barse camp. This is the highlight of the trip and we start the day with a short climb to the Tsorim lakes. Walk on the side of the lake enjoying the panoramic views of the Gophula ranges. The last climb to Guphola pass (5,230 m) is very short. After the pass descend to the base camp walking along the ridge. Enjoy the great view of Gangkar Phuensum. Those with a lot of energy can divert to the left side to the left side to climb up the pyramid peak for better view, others can go down to the base camp nearby Sha Chu at the altitude of 4,970 m. Walking times 6-7 hors.

Day17
Rest day at the base camp. Enjoy the great view.

Day18
Base camp/Geshe Woma. Time to leave the beautiful mountains, but the trek is far from over. The path follows the Sha chu and descends gradually to Geshe Woma at the altitude of 4,200 m. Walking time 6-8 hours.

Day19
Geshe Woma/Warathang. The path continues following Sha chu for two and half-hour's until the stiff climb to Sakala begins. Visibility along the sakala trail is poor so one must watch the top of the ridge for guidance. Lunch nearby a yak herderís camp. After lunch climb up to Sakala pass at the altitude 4,800m. Descend to the lakes and another short ascent to Wartangle pass (4,590 m). The scenery once again is stunning with small lakes and the mountain peaks. Camp at the altitude of 4,000m. Walking time 8-9 hours.

Day20
Warthang/Dur tsachu. A short half hour climb to Juelela (4,400m). After the pass descend to the riverside through dense rhododendron, juniper and conifer forest. After the bridge a little climb to Dur Tsachu hot spring, where Guru Padmasambava is supposed to have bathed in the 8th hot spring. Walking time 5 hours.

Day21
Dur Tsachu/Tshochenchen. Today we go across the last pass of the trip (Juelela pass). From the spring it is a long and steady climb again with great views of the mountains in Lunana. One comes across blue lakes and yak herders camps to arrive at the Thochechen camp at an altitude of 3,850 m. walking time 8-9 hours.

Day22
Tshochenchen/DurJakar. This is the last day of the trek. Here we change from yak to pack ponies for carting trekking gear. The path follows the Chamkhar chu, descending gradually with few climbs. The trek ends when you arrive at Dhur village.

Day23
Jakar/Wangdi. Start early to visit some of the famous monasteries in Bumthang and drive to Trongsa (70 km) for lunch at local hotel. After lunch drive on to Wangdi (130 km) via Pelela. Overnight at the lodge.

Day24
Drive to Thimphu (68 km). Afternoon free time for shopping.

Day25
Early morning drive to Paro airport to catch flight to DEL/KTM or BKK/CCU

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