Chelela Nature Trek is the destination for adventure lovers and this trek is one the best ways to experience Bhutan’s varying landscape. A haven for naturalists and botanists, it is very popular for its pristine trails that lead through the Himalayan wilderness full of some of the most exotic and endangered species of flora and fauna.
Trip length: 12 Days
Level: Easy
Season: March to May and September to December
ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive Paro
The flight into Bhutan takes you to the great Himalayas, offering the most scintillating scenery of the world's highest glacial peaks. On arrival, you will be warmly welcomed by the tour representative, and escorted to the hotel.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
Today’s sightseeing starts with a morning visit to Ta Dzong, a medieval watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century. It now houses Bhutan's National Museum, and contains arts and artifacts of significant historic values .An optional walk to the Rimpung Dzong after the museum visit affords panoramic views of the underlying valley.
Afternoon drive to the site of Drugyel Dzong, a fortress very famous for repelling several Tibetan armies during 17th century. A wrap up of the day’s sightseeing by visiting the Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in the Kingdom.
Overnight in Paro.
START OF TREK
Day 3: Paro – Chonana.
Alt. 3500m.
Distance 14 km.
Time 4-5 hours
The trek starts from Olathang, about 15 minute drive from Paro town. Most of the day’s walk is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Along the trail, there is an opportunity to walk into some beautiful farmhouses built in typical Bhutanese architecture. The view of the Paro valley from the trail is excellent.
Overnight in camp.
Day 4: Chonana – Jebkarpo
Alt. 3500m
Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 hours
Today’s trek is mostly a gentle uphill walk all the way to the Chele La Pass at 3900m. The trail is through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. After crossing the pass, the trail traverses along the Chelela ridge with beautiful views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Overnight in camp.
Day 5: Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula
Distance 15 km.
Time 5-6 hours
In the morning, the view of Mount Jumolhari, Tserim Gang, Jichu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. Today it is a gradual walk, and the trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley.
Overnight in camp.
Day 6: Mingula – Thong
Distance 16 km
Time 5-6 hours
Today is another easy day of trekking with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, there is a very good opportunity of seeing yaks.
Overnight in camp.
Day 7: Thong –Paro- Thimphu
The last day of the trek is a short descent to get to the Paro valley. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong and it is about 25 minute drive to Paro town. After lunch at Paro, it is a 65 km drive to reach Thimphu.
Thimphu is the Capital of Bhutan and houses the Secretariat, the King’s office, and other administrative offices.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 8: Thimphu
Sightseeing in Thimphu encompasses the tour of Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building which houses the office of the king; the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed; and Painting and Woodcraft school where the tradition of Art and Painting are kept alive.
Afternoon visit include the Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of the third King of Bhutan, and also commemorates world peace and prosperity; the National Library which houses the World’s largest book, and where ancient manuscripts are preserved; and Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 AD.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 9: Thimphu – Punakha and back
Today, a full day excursion to Punakha entails a drive over Dochula Pass at 3000 m and a later visit to the Temple of Fertility, attributed to Drukpa Kuenley the crazy saint.
After lunch, visit the Dzong at Punakha, often considered the most beautiful Dzong, before returning back to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 10: Thimphu - Paro
In the morning, take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town to do some shopping, visit the Post Office to do your philatelic purchases. After lunch, drive to Paro and visit the Tachogang Lhakhang en route.
In the evening, a visit to a traditional farm house will offer opportunity to mingle with local people and get ideas on their lifestyle.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Paro (Hike to Tiger's Nest)
Today is a big day to hike up to Taktsang Monastery, one of the most venerated sites of the Himalayan world. Perched precariously on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 3000 m, legend has it that the site was chosen after Guru Rimpoche, one of the Patron Saints of Bhutan, meditated here in the 8th Century.
An evening stroll in town will give you opportunity to buy souvenirs and mingle with the townsfolk.
Overnight in Paro
Day 12: Depart Paro
Depending on your flight schedule, your tour guide will escort you to the airport, facilitate your check in, and bid you farewell.
