Exotic Bhutan Tours and Treks

Chilila Nature Trek

Karma and Linda are happy trekkers

Day 1: During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari. "Mountain of the Goddess" and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, your visa is processed and you are then received by a representative. Drive to your hotel, check-in and enjoy Bhutanese lunch. We then visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a small hill just above the Paro River (Pachu) in the Paro valley. You have to walk about 15 minutes by crossing an ancient wooden bridge with shingle roof built in typical Bhutanese architect. The Dzong houses the district administration office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD. We next visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watchtower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong and was converted into the National Museum in 1965. Return to hotel. Tonight we visit quaint Paro village for dinner at a local cozy restaurant. Overnight hotel.

Day 2: After breakfast we depart the hotel to visit Kyichu Lhakhang (monastery). The monastery was built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet as one of the 108 such monasteries he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is located between Paro Town and Drugyal Dzong and is considered one of the holiest monasteries in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. We then drive
up to Satsam Chorten and from there hike (or ride a horse) up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means " Tiger's Nest ". We enjoy lunch at the viewpoint cafeteria. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 4000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and river. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is believed that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated in the spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a tigress. Today is good preparation for our trek beginning tomorrow. Return to hotel for dinner and itinerary overview with our guide. Sleep well, tomorrow we begin our trek!

Day 3: Your trek begins today at Hotel Olathang; leaving Paro for Chonana. Mostly today your trek is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Bhutan is the least deforested country in the world, with over 70% virgin blue pine forest. We will walk today about 4 hours. Along the trail, you pass beautiful farmhouses built in typical Bhutanese rural architect. On our path we may be greeted by local farmer and herder. Greet them in Drupka, they love it! The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent. Overnight in camp in your high quality altitude tents, warm sleeping bags and gourmet Bhutanese campfire cookout. Song and dance, local beverages are offered.

Day 4: After our hearty breakfast we depart Chonana for Jebkarpo, which offers a superb trekking route, approximately 6 hours. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chilila pass, at 12,150 ft. The trail takes you through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. After crossing the pass, the trail goes along the ridge of Chilila with clear views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Overnight in camp, altitude of 12,300 ft.

Day 5: Today we rise early and enjoy morning views from our camp site, of Mount Chomolhari (Divine Mountain of the Goddess ),Tserim Gang (Glacier of long life), and the famous mountain Jichu Drake.. absolutely breathtaking. Hearty Bhutanese breakfast and depart Jebkarpo for Lower Mingula. The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley; spectacular! The days trek is about 5 to 6 hours. Overnight in camp at altitude of 12,500 ft. You are warmed by the fire and dine on wonderful a Bhutanese meal, perhaps tonight enjoy Mo Mos. Forklore, dance, beverage optional.

Day 6: Buckwheat breakfast entices you from your tent. Depart lower Mingula on a 5 hour trek today to Thong. Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, you will see lots of yaks. These burly beast, are unique to the Himalayan lifestyle. Utilized for pack animal, as well as the hair used for woven clothes, backpacks and tent. Yak tea is extremely popular, butter and cheese. Watching the yaks roam and run through a meadow is a delight. Laya yak herders migrate to the valleys in the harsh winters of the high Himalayans with the herds. Laya people speak their own dialect and live remotely. Overnight in camp, at altitude 12,700 ft.

Day 7: Depart Thong to return to Thimphu, the Capitol of Bhutan. A short descend and you are in beautiful Paro valley. The trek ends at Drugyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro. Lunch in the quaint village of Paro and drive on to Thimphu. Here in Thimphu you will refresh yourself after check in at hotel. After lunch you have leisure time to shop; perhaps the famous weekend Thimphu market; an unusual Bookstore, incense factory, archery match, paper factory, or casual shopping for thangkas, mask and fabric. Your Bhutanese guide will assist you in your request. Tonight we enjoy a reception dinner at Soenams House, your Bhutanese host.

Day 8: Today after a leisure breakfast we enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. A visit to the Bank of Bhutan and the post office where you can purchase collector item Bhutanese stamps, gorgeous! We visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and the living quarters of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the Painting and Wood craft school where the traditional art and painting is kept alive.The Tarkin Zoo is home to the National animal of Bhutan, unique! Lunch at a local restaurant. Visit the Memorial Chorten ( a huge Stupa ) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. The National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved is most interesting, and visit Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 AD. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic schools in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

Day 9: Thimphu-Punakha-Wangdiphodrang. A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan and
Wangdi Phodrang. Punakha dzong was built in 1637 and is situated between two rivers, Pochu and Mochu, male and female. Today is a most impressive photo journey. You will visit the Dzongs in both Punakha and Wangdi as well as other interesting sites. Wandgi Dzong is strategic in its location, a mountain top fortress. Lunch at Punakha and return to Thimphu. Evening: Leisure evening on your own, perhaps a visit to The Health Spa, or meet with fellow travelers in lounge.

Day 10: Thimphu -Paro. Take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town to do some shopping for handcrafted Bhutanese
Items and converse with locals. After lunch tour the exceptional Royal Textile Museum featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. Depart Thimphu and drive to Paro.
Farewell dinner at hotel in Paro.

Day 11: Depart Bhutan Paro International Airport.

 

Tashi Delek!
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