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FIRST STEPS HIMALAYA

DAY 1, Paro – Thimphu, Bhutan

Fly to Paro (7,500'), Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. If the weather cooperates, you might have spectacular views of four of the ten highest peaks in the world—Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—plus peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. After meeting your Peak Freaks local trip leader at the Paro airport, we drive into town for lunch. We then drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, where we check into our hotel. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax. 

DAY 2, Thimphu

After breakfast we drive to the north end of the road to Dodina (8,600') and hike an hour up a steep hill to visit Cheri Monastery, or Goemba, built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and established with an original staff of 30 monks. Nowadays the monastery serves as the main meditation center of the country and has more than 70 monks undergoing their three-year, three-month retreat. Inside is a silver chorten holding the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. On our return we’ll visit Tango Goemba (another steep one-hour climb), founded in the 12th century (the present building was constructed in the 15th century). It is now a Buddhist institute for higher learning. 

(1 hour driving; 4 hours hiking.) Return to Thimphu for dinner and overnight.

B,L,D…Druk Hotel

DAY 3, Punakha, Bhutan

Our morning tour will include a visit to the School of Arts and Crafts (or “painting school”), where Bhutanese children can follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. We’ll also visit the Textile Museum, National Institute of Traditional Medicine, and Folk Heritage Museum. Afternoon drive across the Dochu La (“la” means “pass”) at 10,000 feet, where we might view the snow-covered peaks of the eastern Himalaya (weather permitting). The pass is marked by hundreds of colorful fluttering prayer flags and is an awesome sight. Continue to Punakha, winter seat of the highest lama in Bhutan until the 1950s. 

 Morning drive across the Dochu La pass at 10,000 feet, where we might view the snow-covered peaks of the eastern Himalaya (weather permitting). The pass is marked by hundreds of colorful fluttering prayer flags and is an awesome sight. Continue to Punakha, winter seat of the highest lama in Bhutan until the 1950s. We will visit the ancient Punakha Dzong dating back to the 17th century, which is spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Phu Rivers.  

DAY 4, Punakha

In the morning, we will visit the ancient Punakha Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery) dating back to the 17th century, which is spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Phu Rivers. We will also have an optional short hike across the rice paddies to visit nearby Chimi Lhakhang, a lovely temple built by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Legend has it he subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his “Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom.” A wood effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint. 

DAY 5, Paro

Morning drive to Paro. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. Time permitting, we will also visit the Paro Dzong, built in 1644 (8,000') by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

DAY 6, Hike to Taktsang Monastery 

Today we’ll take a steep, 1-hour hike to a teahouse, where we enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means “tiger’s nest”), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. Our hike follows a steep switchback trail through the forest. After a break with tea and cookies, you have the option to sit outside the tea house and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Much of Taktsang was destroyed by a fire in April 1998, but it is now completely rebuilt. We’ll have some time in the afternoon to explore Paro on our own.

DAY 7, Departure

Transfer to the airport and fly to Bangkok.

DAY 1, Paro – Thimphu

Fly to Paro, Bhutan, on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you

 might have spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalaya, including Cho Oyu, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Kanchenjunga—five of the highest peaks in the world—and peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, we drive into town for lunch. Afterward, we drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, set at 7,725 feet in the Wang Chu Valley. The remainder of the day is free to rest and relax.

B,L,D…Hotel

DAY 2 , Thimphu

After breakfast we drive to the north end of the road to Dodina (8,600') and hike an hour up a steep hill to visit Cheri Monastery, or Goemba, built in 1620 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and established with an original staff of 30 monks. Nowadays the monastery serves as the main meditation center of the country and has more than 70 monks undergoing their three-year, three-month retreat. Inside is a silver chorten holding the ashes of the Shabdrung’s father. On our return we’ll visit Tango Goemba (another steep one-hour climb), founded in the 12th century (the present building was constructed in the 15th century). It is now a Buddhist institute for higher learning.

Time permitting, we’ll visit Tashichho Dzong, seat of the royal government and central monastic body, upon our return from the hike. (1 hour driving; 4 hours hiking.)

B,L,D…Hotel

DAY 3, Paro

Morning drive to Paro. In the afternoon, we’ll visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. Time permitting, we will also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644 by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

B,L,D…Hotel

DAY 4, Hike to Taktsang Monastery

Today we’ll take a steep, 1-hour hike to a teahouse, where we enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means “tiger’s nest”), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. Our hike follows a steep switchback trail through the forest. After a break with tea and cookies, you have the option to sit outside the building and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, to continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. Much of Taktsang was destroyed by a fire in April 1998, but it is now completely rebuilt. We’ll have some time in the afternoon to explore Paro on our own.
B,L,D… Hotel

 DAY 5, Haa Valley (9,400')

Drive about three hours to our camp in the Haa Valley, lying along the western border of Bhutan. Haa was closed to all visitors until five years ago. Our camp is in a beautiful grassy spot at the edge of a blue pine forest overlooking Haa La, and we may be able to visit a local family. Afternoon visit to Lhakhang Karpo (“temple of the white dove”), a monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery.

B,L,D…Camp

DAY 6, Begin trek – camp below Saga La (11,800')

We begin our trek by walking gradually uphill through a blue pine forest and farmland. As we climb it gets a little steeper and we walk along streams past rhododendron, juniper, spruce, and birch trees. Lunch in a grassy meadow at about 11,200', then continue to our camp at 11,800', about 45 minutes below Saga La (pass). Weather permitting, we’ll take an afternoon hike up to Saga La for views of sacred Chomolhari (24,000') and several other peaks. We’ll also have panoramic views of the Haa Valley. (4½-5 hours hiking.)

B,L,D…Camp

DAY 7, Ningula (12,300')

In the morning, we hike once again up to Saga La and then follow the ridge up and down to 13,200' (we may be able to catch a glimpse of Taktsang Monastery from here). Continue steeply through dwarf rhododendron to 13,700' and down through narrow grazing paths. Camp at Ningula in rhododendron forest from where you have a beautiful view of the peaks of Chomolhari and Jichu Drakye. (5-6 hours hiking.)

B,L,D…Camp

DAY 8, Kung Karpo (13,500')

Climb steeply back up to the ridge and cross the Kale La at 12,900', with its views of Paro and the Haa Valley. Weather permitting, we’ll have a terrific view of the Paro Dzong and surrounding peaks including Kanchenjunga (28,208'), the third highest peak in the world.

Continue climbing up to Kung Karpo at 13,500', with views of the mountains and both valleys again (weather permitting). Descend and traverse toward the Chele La (13,080'). Along the way, we pass a place where Mahayana Buddhists offer their newborn child to God; the Bhutanese do not participate in cremation and believe that if they offer their child to the God after their death, they will be born again very soon. All day today, we will have clear views of the mountains and the Paro and Haa Valleys (weather permitting). Once at the Chele La, we meet our bus and drive two hours to Paro. (6-7 hours hiking, 2-hour drive.)

B,L,D… Hotel

DAY 9, Departure

Very early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure on your Druk Air flight

Day 1 Paro

Early morning flight to Paro by Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan. (If you get a seat on the left side of the plane and the weather cooperates, you might have spectacular views of the high peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang.) After clearing customs and immigration, we drive into town for lunch. We’ll visit the National Museum, housed in an old watchtower above the Paro Dzong. The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. Time permitting; we will also visit the Paro Dzong itself, built in 1644 by the Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

B, L, D Hotel (8,000')

 Day 2 Paro - Trongsa

Early Morning after breakfast we will drive to Trongsa takes appro.8 - 9 hrs. Stop lunch  at chendepji ..or if late will stop at wangdi..

After passing through the domain of yak, sheep and short bamboo brush, past the Nikkarchu bridge is the Trongsa district; as you approach Trongsa you cannot miss viewing the never reaching Trongsa Dzong in the distance, visible yet elusive before you actually get near it. It used to be the old gateway between the east and the west. The dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal is the masterpiece in architecture.

 B, L, D Hotel           

 Day 3  Trongsa-Bumthang

From Trongsa drive to Bumthang takes approximately 2 ½ hrs. Bumthang is the cultural heart of Bhutan and is considered the most beautiful

 valley in the country, a haven for hikers and religious pilgrims. Numerous monasteries and pilgrimage sites are located here, making it the cultural and historic center of Bhutan. One could spend months exploring this fascinating valley: almost every little valley or hill has a background of interesting myths and legends. Bumthang is dotted with the religious relics left by the famous Guru Rimpoche and his reincarnation, the Treasure-Finder, Terton Pema Lingpa, who is known to have found the sacred Ters of Buddhist texts after diving into Membartsho Lake (which we will visit on an optional hike). Places of interest are the Jakar Dzong, the Jambey and Tamshing Lhakhangs, two of the oldest temples dating as far back as the 7th century, and Kurje Lhakhang. While in Bumthang, if time permits we will visit the many temples and monuments of this picturesque valley.

B,L,D Hotel

*Before driving to Bumthang we will visit the Trongsa Meseum.. or you can visit on your way back to Thimphu.

 Day 4 -Bumthang

Morning after breakfast we will visit the Kurjey Tsechu. The temple is located at Kurje in the Chokhor valley in Bumthank district. It is a 15 minute drive from Chamkhar town. 

The history of the temples at Kurje is associated with Sindhu Raja and Guru Rinpoche. Sindhu Raja invited Guru Rinpoche from Nepal to Bhutan. Upon invitation, Guru Rinpoche visited Bumthang and meditated in a cave that resembled a pile of vajras (dorjis). After subduing the evil spirits and emons, imprints of the Guru Rinpoche's body remained. Thereafter, the name came to be known as Kurje meaning-imprint of the body. The present place of the Lhakhang remains as a blessed and historical site.

There are three main temples in Kurje. The oldest temple was constructed by the Minjury Tenpa in 1652 on the site where Guru Ringboche medicated when he was serving as the first Trongsa Penlop (Governor of Trongsa). 

The second temple was founded by Gongsa Ugyen Wangchuck in 1900 while serving as the 13th Trongsa Penlop. This temple is the most sacred as it was built in the place where Guru Ringpoche left his body imprint. 

The third temlple was built in the 1990s. It was sponsored by the Queen Morther Ashi Kezang Cholden Wangchuk. It houses the images of Guru Rinpoche, King Thrisong Detsen and Pandit santarakshita and the Sixteen arhats or the Siddhis. 

In front the temples are Chortens dedicated to the first three kinds of Bhutan. 

Kurje festival is an important festival for local people of Bumthang and also for the rest of the Bhutanese. Many tourists and Bhutanese come together to witness the colorful festival for blessing and appreciation of the different mask dances. One will not only get the blessings by witnessing the age old mask dances and traditional Bhutanese dances but also enjoy this unique culture while also enjoy the beauty of Bhutan's spiritual district. 

B, L, D…Hotel

Day 5- Bunthang - Gangtey

Morning after breakfast we will drive to Gangtey, Gangtey is one of the most beautiful open valleys in Bhutan, Gantey is the winter home to the rare and endangered Black Necked Cranes (gurus nigricllis) which migrate to Bhutan around mid November from Tibet, and central and eastern Sikang, Yunna and Tonkin in China. Cranes have for centuries captured the human imagination with their intelligence, poise, several myths, legends, folktale and songs. The Bhutanese have their songs of the crane popular among village folks. By first week of March, the cranes fly back across the Himalayas to their summer home towards Tibet and China . The small village is dominated by the yellow roofed Gangtey Monastery, said to be  one of the Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan headed by the Gantey Tulku (ninth reincarnation to bear the name). Overnight in hotel.

 Day 6 Gangtey ~ Wangdue Phodrang

After breakfast we’ll retrace much of our route across the country to Wangdue Phodrang, the site of an impressive monastery perched on a promontory above the river. Wangdue Phodrang Dzong is noted for its silver-shingled roof and narrow courtyards with long balconies.

B,L,D Hotel

DAY 7  Wangdue Phodrang-Thimphu

Morning after breakfast on our way to Thimphu we will take a hike to Chimi Lhakhang (temple), built by Lama Drukpa Kunley. Legend has it he subdued the demoness of the Dochu La with his “Magic Thunderbolt of Wisdom.” A wood effigy of the lama’s thunderbolt is preserved in the lhakhang, and childless women go to the temple to receive a wang (blessing) from the saint.

 After lunch, we return to Thimphu,

B,L,D…Hotel

DAY 8 Thimphu

We’ll spend the morning exploring Thimphu, Today’s sightseeing includes the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the royal government and central monastic body. It was rebuilt in the early 1960s after a fire destroyed most of the building. We’ll also visit the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in the memory of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. You can always find archers at play in the Changlimithang ground that is located close to the hotel. If time permits we will visit the Folk Heratage Meseum, where you will experience the traditional way of Bhutaness way of living..

In the afternoon we’ll visit the School of Arts and Crafts (or “painting school”), where Bhutanese children can follow an eight-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. Late afternoon drive back to Paro

B,L,D…Hotel

DAY 9 – Paro Taktshang (Excursion)

A day hike to Taktshang, Tiger’s Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 9700ft above the valley floor. Legend says that Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of the tigress hence the name to meditate. The tigress was actually his favorite consort, Yeshey Tshogyel. Lunch at the tea house. Overnight hotel

DAY 10 –  Bangkok

Very early morning (Depending on Flight timing)transfer to the Paro airport for departure on your Druk Air flight.

DAY 1, Paro

Fly to Paro (7,500'), Bhutan , on Druk Air, the national airline of Bhutan . If the weather cooperates, you might have spectacular views of the

 high peaks of the eastern Himalayas, including peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. After visa formalities at the Paro airport, we drive to our hotel overlooking the beautiful Paro Valley . We’ll have a late afternoon visit to the National Museum , housed in an old watchtower above Paro Dzong (a dzong is a fortress-monastery). The museum’s collections include displays of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan ’s beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang ( Temple of the Tree of Wisdom), with its carvings depicting the history of Buddhism. We will also visit the Paro Dzong (Rinchen Pung Dzong, means “fortress in a heap of jewels”), built in 1644.

 DAY 2, Paro

Drive about nine miles north of Paro town to the trailhead where we start our one-hour hike to a tea house, where we enjoy a great view of Taktsang Monastery (its name means “tiger’s nest”), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. Our hike follows a steep switchback trail and serves as a great warm-up for our trek. After a break with tea and cookies, you have the option to sit outside the building and admire the monastery and its beautiful surroundings or, if you feel energetic, to continue another hour to a closer viewpoint. After lunch at the tea house we descend to the valley floor. Drive back to Paro.

B,L,D… (8,000')

 DAY 3 ,Begin trek – Sharna Zampa (9,450')

We drive about a half hour to Drukgyel Dzong (8,500'), about nine miles north of Paro, where our pack ponies are loaded up with all the gear for our

 trek. We begin by walking along the Paro River , following it as it winds past traditional farmhouses with cultivated fields of red rice, chilies, potatoes, and millet. After about five hours of walking, we arrive at our first campsite by the river near the village of Sharna at 9,450 feet. (10½ miles, 5½-6 hours hiking.)

 DAY 4, Soi Thangthangkha (11,840)

We continue up through the valley of the Paro River , which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. The trail becomes very rocky and strenuous, climbing up and down while slowly gaining altitude. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Chomolhari (if the weather is clear), a mountain that is sacred to the Bhutanese. This is a long, hard day

with lots of ups and downs and rock hopping. We camp at Soi Thangthangkha (11,840'). (13½ miles, 8½-9 hours hiking.) 

 DAY 5, Jangothang (13,382')

We continue following the Paro River on a demanding, rocky trail, and then the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high snowcapped ridges. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be lucky to try some of their dried yak cheese. Camp at Jangothang (13,382') below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari. (11½ miles, 5½-6 hours hiking.)

B,L,D…Camp

 DAY 6, Rest day (13,382')

Today is a free day to rest and explore. There are many optional hikes in the area where you can gain altitude quickly, which is good for acclimatization. Of course, you can also opt to stay at camp, take in the views, and rest for the challenging day ahead. B,L,D…Camp

 DAY 7, Lingzhi (13,152')

Climb steeply up to 14,661 feet and head into a glacial valley with many moraines. As we near the ridge we can see the snowy peaks of Tsering Kang (22,268') and Jichu Drakye (22,924'). Continue up to the Nyile La (15,980'), about four hours from camp. From here the views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang are spectacular (weather permitting!). Descend along scree slopes to a side valley at 14,596', traverse a hillside, then descend on switchbacks to another side valley. Camp at Lingzhi (13,152'). (11 miles, 7-7½ hours hiking.)

 DAY 8, Rest day (13,152')

A free day at this campsite gives us a chance to relax and make an optional visit to the Lingzhi Dzong (13,900'), a frontier guide post from the 17th century, and Lingzhi village. The afternoon is free to rest for the next day’s pass!

 DAY 9, Shodu (13,382')

We climb about 300 feet to a white chorten, then hike into the beautiful, remote Mo Chhu Valley. Continue up the valley for about three hours, then make an exhilarating, steep climb up to the Yeli La (16,170'). From the pass we can have views of Chomolhari, Tsering Kang, and Jichu Drakye (weather permitting). Descend to a camp at Shodu (13,382'). (13½ miles, 8½-9 hours hiking.)  B,L,D…Camp

 DAY 10, Barshong (12,200')

From camp, the trail traverses under some steep yellow cliffs with a few meditation caves. We continue along the Wong Chhu, crossing the river seven times on log bridges and hiking up and down through fir forests. During the last hour or so, we’ll make a steady climb up to the ruins of a small dzong and reach camp. Camp at Barshong at about 12,200 feet. (10 miles, 6-6½ hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

 DAY 11, Dolam Kencho (11,200')

Descend through forests of rhododendron, birch, and pines back to the Wong Chhu. Follow the river over ridges and side streams to Dolam Kencho (11,200’). (9 miles, 5-6 hours hiking.) B,L,D…Camp

 DAY 12, End trek – Thimphu

Hike through side valleys and up through a thick rhododendron forest. We cross two small passes between 10,000 and 11,000 feet, then descend very steeply to the river and follow it to the trailhead (8,600'), where we’ll have lunch. (5 miles, 4-4½ hours hiking.) Meet with vehicles and drive to Thimphu . The remainder of the afternoon is free to shop in Thimphu . Festive farewell dinner with our Bhutanese hosts.

DAY 13, Thimphu ~ Paro

In the morning you can take a self-guided ten-minute walk from the hotel to the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in the memory of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Many Bhutanese people gather here to pray every day. We’ll then begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Textile Museum and, time permitting, the Traditional Hospital of Herbal Medicine. In the afternoon we’ll visit the School of Arts and Crafts (or “painting school”), where Bhutanese children can follow an eight-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. In the late afternoon we’ll drive two hours to Paro.

 DAY 14, Departure

Very early morning transfer to the Paro airport for departure on your Druk Air flight to Bangkok .

Day 01    Arrive Paro by Druk Air Flight

 During this flight, you will get a breathtaking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks that include the sacred Mt. Chomolhari and Mt. Jitchu Drake of Bhutan .  You will be received at the airport by our guide and driven to your hotel through the beautiful Paro valley.  Overnight in hotel.

 Day 02            Paro – Sightseeing

 You will be driven up the winding northwest road up the Pa chu (Paro river) to Drugyel Dzong, the victory fort, which is now in ruins.  The fort was built to commemorate Bhutan ’s victory over Tibet .  On a clear day you will see Mt. Chomolhari , the sacred mountain.  On the drive up you will also see Taktshang - the tiger’s nest-, one of the most astonishing monuments of Bhutan .  From Drugyel Dzong you will be driven to Ta Dzong ( Paro Museum ). 

 Day 03 Paro – Shana

 Drive up to Drugel Dzong where the road ends.  Your trek starts from here.  You will begin by following the Paro river which gradually descends down as you proceed.  You will be camped beside an army post. 

• ·         Altitude 2,800 m. 

• ·         Distance 17 kms. 

• ·         Approximate time 5-6 hours.

 Day 04 Shana-Soi Thangthankha

 Continue uphill through the river valley that gradually narrows and closes in after which the trail winds up and down along the drainage.  The trail is sloppy but one is mostly engrossed in the surrounding vegetation. You will camp in a meadow with stone shelter. 

 Day 05            Soi Thangtahnkha – Jangothang

 You will trek up the valley towards the source of the Pa Chu. On the way you will see a small army post from where the valleys widens again.  You will see high ridges and snow-capped peaks all around.  You will also encounter yaks, herders and their settlements. Small, scattered herds of Blue sheep are often sighted. Camp beneath a fortress at the base of Mt. Chomolhari . This is a light day and most refreshing after the previous day’s walk.

•  ·         Altitude 4,040 m. 

• ·         Distance 19 Kms. 

• ·         Approximate time 5-6 hours.

Day 06            Jangothang – Lingshi

 On the way you will see wide yak pastures.  Nomadic yak herders are camped at the base of most of these passes at certain times of the year. Tsherimgang and its descending glaciers at the north end of the valley are a constant sight.  If the weather is clear, you will get great views of the Lingshi Dzong and the Lingshi basin.

Overnight at the camp.

• ·         Alt.4,150m

• ·         Distance 19kms

• ·         About 5-6 hours.

 Day 07 Lingshi – Chebisa

 Today is the shortest walking day. On reaching the camp at Chebisa village you can visit the village houses. Chebisa is a picturesque village with a waterfall in the backdrop. Today’s walk is the best for photographing Blue Sheep.

• ·         Alt.4,260m

• ·         Distance – 19km

• ·         About 5-6 hours.

 Day 08 Chebisa – Shomuthang

 The walk is through wild high pastures crossing Gobu-La ( pass).

• ·         Alt.4,260m

• ·         Distance – 15km

• ·         About 5 hours.

 Day 09 Shomuthang – Robluthang

 Starting earlier than usual and after crossing Jarela pass Alt. 15,088ft/4600m, you drop to Tsharijathag, the valley where herds of Takin are normally seen in the summer. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan . Overnight in the camp.

• ·         Alt. 14,400ft.

• ·         Distance – 15kms

• ·         About 5 hours.

 Day 10 Robluthang – Lemi Thang

 After crossing Shinchela pass Alt. 4,900m you drop down again and follow the valley. Camp at Lemithang beneath Gangchetag Ta ( Great Tiger Mountain ). Overnight at camp

•  ·         Alt. 13,567ft

• ·         Distance – 19kms

• ·         About 7/8 hours.

 Day 11 Lemithang – Laya

 Today is all the way down hill along a narrow river valley. You camp on a high flat bench above the east end of the Laya village.

• Alt. 1,268ft

• Distance -  10 kms

• About  5/6 hours.

 Day 12 Laya – Halt

 Visit the village houses or hike in and around the camp

  Day 13 Laya – Koena

 The trail winds up and down the river valley, crossing natural obstacles and witnessing breathtaking views of water falls and swift streams. Camp at altitude 12,682 ft, Dist. 19 km in about 7 hrs.

 Day 14  Koena - Gasa

 Scaling the Belela pass, alt 12,267 ft, the trail descends until you reach camp near the Gasa Dzong – alt 9250 ft dist. 17 km in 6-7 hrs.

 Day 15 Gasa – Tashithang - Thimphu

 The trail descends gradually into the lush semitropical warmth of the Punakha valley, where you find wild bananas, creepers, monkeys and totally different vegetation. After about 17 km in about 5 – 6 hrs we reach Tashithang where you will be picked up for your onward journey. Over night in hotel.

 Day 16  Thimphu – Sightseeing

 The sightseeing includes the textile museum, painting school, handicrafts emporium and in the late afternoon stroll in town. You have a option to Drive to Paro or spend the night in Thimphu.

 Day 17 DEPARTURE

For more information and to book contact

becky@peakfreaks.com