The tour offers experience on both wilderness and cultural aspects of Bhutan. The tour begins from Paro, a picturesque valley dotted with farmhouses and turquoise colored Pachu river meandering through the valley.
This is a short trek passing through picturesque high altitude lakes. The trek is off the beaten track and offers ample opportunity to witness birds and flowers in spring. Besides you can have spectacular views of high mountains in Bhutan, Sikkim and Nepal.
The trek is medium-hard with mostly short trekking days but few steep climbs. After the trek, we will also explore some cultural highlights of Thimphu and Punakha valleys.
ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Paro
The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including Mt Jumolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by our guide, and escorted to the hotel.
After lunch, visit the Ta Dzong, once a fortified lookout tower that is now the National Museum. The museum has wide assortment of ancient paintings, masks, and armour. There is also a natural history corner that showcases plants and animal specimens.
Afterwards you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and the most sacred temples in the country.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 02: Paro. Acclimatization hike to Tiger’s Nest Monastery
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, Bhutan’s most famous monastery which stands at 3180m, and is perched precariously on the edge of a cliff. The 8th century Spiritual Master, Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands.
After the hike, drive to Thimphu and time permitting, take a stroll of the Capital city in the evening.
Overnight in Thimphu.
START OF GENEKHA TREK
Day 03: Genekha to Gur
The trek commencing point is a 45 km drive from Thimphu. Today’s trail is all through terraced fields and conifers vegetation. The trek starts from beautiful Genekha village at 2800m, with a short descent down to the river. After crossing the river, it’s a climb till a huge rock platform at 3350m from where there is a picturesque view of the valley below. After another two hours you reach the campsite Gur amidst yak pastures at 3290m.
Overnight in tent
Day 04: Gur to Labatama
While trekking across the ridges, one enjoys the beauty of the rugged mountain vegetation. Today’s trek is amidst flowers, wild asparagus (in spring) and large meadows. Weaving through tiny streams, a gentle climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons brings you to Pagalabtsa pass at4,250m, marked by huge cairns. From the pass, thee are spectacular views of Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, and most of the Bhutanese Himalayan peaks. Descending from the pass will afford panoramic views of the whole Dagala range meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. Descending into the Labatama valley and ascending gradually through the valley will bring you to Utsho Lake at 4,300m, where golden trouts are in abundance. The campsite is right next to the lake.
Overnight in camp
Day 05: Halt and exploration day at Labatama
Hiking uphill to Sertsho Lake is easy and interesting. Afterwards, a walk over a small ridge and a short descent will bring you to Jagetsho Lake. You may also attempt to climb the Jomo, a 5500m peak if you wish, but you will have to schedule extra day for this. Lunch at the summit with spectacular views around can be memorable experience. Return to your camp and prepare for the next day.
Overnight in camp.
Day 06: Labatama to Pankha
The trail climbs along the western side of Dala Tsho up to a saddle at 4520m from where you can have majestic view of Himalayan peaks during descent. The mountain peaks include Everest in Nepal, Kanchenjunga in Sikkim, and Jumolhari, Jitchu Drake, Tshering Gang, Khangbum, Masang Gang, Tshenda Gang and Gangche Ta, which are all in Bhutan. Climbing a peak close to the saddle at an altitude of 4720m affords better view of these peaks. From the saddle the path descends, passing some yak herder huts to Docha Chu. You follow the river for a while, but stay higher up on the slope to reach camp at Pankha .
Overnight in camp
Day 07: Pankha to Talakha to Chamgang to Thimphu
An early start today entails the crossing of several passes, each one more impressive than the other. The trail is dotted with different varieties of Blue Poppy in June to July. After crossing the last pass Tala La at 4180m, a long descent to Talakha monastery is a long walk through mixed vegetation and apple orchard, to arrive at the main motorable road of Chamgang.
This is the end of the trek and your transport will be awaiting to transfer you to Thimphu.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 08: Thimphu
After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu include the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan; Zilukha Dratshang, a beautiful temple that houses a nunnery; the traditional paper factory, the majestic Tashichhodzong, and the giant Dordenma statue, which is reputed to be the largest statue of Buddha Shakymuni in the world.
In the evening, a stroll through Thimphu city provides good opportunity to absorb the lifestyle of the people.
Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 09: Thimphu to Punakha
After breakfast, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop at Dochu La at 3,100 meters, from where you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas on clear days. From the pass, it is a drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock until Metshina Village.
An afternoon hike after lunch will take you to Chimme Lhakhang temple, dedicated to the great Yogi Drukpa Kuenley, or the “Divine Madman,” who is believed to bless women who seek fertility.
You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha river.
Overnight in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha to Paro
After breakfast, visit the Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in the conjunction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers. The return drive back to Paro via Dochula Pass will afford opportunity to visit the new Druk Wangyal Monastery with its wall paintings depicting the lineage of the present monarchy and their visionary works.
There will be a stopover in Thimphu for lunch before continuing the drive to Paro.
Overnight in Paro.
Day 11: Depart Paro
Your tour guide will set your departure time from the hotel to escort you to the airport for your journey back home.
