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

Leaving Paro this morning 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. We take lunch here before continuing on to Punaka where we visit the Dzong. Built on a sandbank at the confluence of these two rivers sits the majestic 17th century Punakha Dzong, once the seat of Bhutanese government, but today the winter retreat of His Holiness the Je Khenpo, the Chief Abbot of Bhutan. A superb example of Bhutanese monastic architecture, the dzong presents us with a collection of tiered halls, inner courtyards and golden spires that have managed to survive numerous fires, floods and earthquakes over the intervening centuries.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Punaka we make the scenic journey crossing three high passes before reaching Tongsa. The town is dominated by the Dzong, which is perched on top of the hill and can be seen from every approach to the town.  In its time it was a formidable fortress.

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 begin making 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.  We take lunch here before saying goodbye to our transport and beginning the trek. We follow level paths through forests and pastureland until we reach the village of Joenkhar.  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 Sakten village. 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 day exploring the village and getting to know the locals.  In the evening we will be welcomed with a cultural performance and learn about the ceremonies and dances traditional in this region.  There is also the option to take a day hikes to Guru Gompa, a small temple overlooking the village.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Leaving Sakten this morning we trek to Rinagpo. Much of the route is uphill through thick forest of pine, spruch and rhododendron making way for clearer pastures where we have plenty of chances to witness the yaks along with their yak herders. Rinagpo is the highland pasture land for the people of Merak and Sakteng. Approximately 5 hours walking / 9kms.

Overnight Basic Camping Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our last day of trekking takes us to Radi on the outskirts of Tashigang. We pass through bamboo and pine forests before reaching the village where we meet our transport.  A short drive brings us to Tashigang where a hot shower awaits. Approximately 7 hours walking / 10kms.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we take the short flight from Tashigang to Paro. On arrival we have free time for sightseeing.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we fly back to Nepal. Today is free to explore the city. There is the option to visit the Temple of Pashupatinath on the banks of the Bagmati River, the oldest and holiest Hindu shrine in Nepal and regarded by many as the most revered temple of Shiva on the planet. The river is considered holy because its waters eventually flow into the sacred Ganges, and the ghats - steps leading down to the river - are regularly swamped by pilgrims bathing in the waters. This area is also one of the city’s most important cremation areas, where both royalty and the common people have their ashes sprinkled on the waters of the Bagmati, to make their way downriver towards the sacred Ganges. Alternatively visit the stupa of Bodnath, at 40m the highest in the Kathmandu Valley and one of the largest on the planet. Revered by Buddhists this remarkable structure is a dazzling vibrancy of prayer flags, monks and pilgrims, all overlooked by the ever-present and all seeing eyes of the Buddha himself.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

Tour ends after breakfast.

Included meals: Breakfast