Today, Bhutan or the land of the Thunder Dragon is one of the most highly acclaimed travel destinations. This is a land of remarkable natural beauty with a pristine and intact environment and a friendly, tradition-bound people. To the discerning international traveler, Bhutan has become an exotic and enticing final frontier.
Bhutan’s present travel status comes as no surprise given that this tiny kingdom, the size of Switzerland, was zealously sequestered from the world for centuries. The door to this mythical Buddhist kingdom was opened to limited tourism only three decades ago. Travel to Bhutan is still regulated through a policy of high value tourism.
At this time and age when tourism most often dictates national economics, travel to Bhutan is a refreshing experience. Here, a deeply ingrained sense of hospitality, a universally acknowledged ecosystem and a living culture ensures every traveler the best that any nation has on offer. Travel to Bhutan is really an exploration.
Explore a tradition and culture that has been preserved through the centuries. In Bhutan, it is not about seeing a display showcased for tourists but living and sharing an experience with the Bhutanese. From religious festivals to a celebration on a farm or a game of archery, become a part of it all. This is true interactive travel.
Bhutan Travelers is a product of the very evolution of tourism in the kingdom. From state-run tourism in the early years to privatization, Bhutan Travelers has always been there. Its strength lies in the deep understanding and insight of the nation and its people and the knowledge of clients acquired through years of experience.
Travel to Bhutan with Bhutan Travelers and we will accompany you through the most satisfying and memorable journey. We will unravel every myth and mystery and open the doors to untold adventures. Come and explore this bewitching land and leave knowing that you will return again, and again.
Bhutan Travelers packages are specially designed to suit the needs of every traveler. You can either travel to Bhutan as an individual or in large groups; we will be there every step of the way. Besides treks and tours, we also offer customized packages according to the wishes of the individual or group.
The abode of the Goddess beckons
20 Aug - 03 Sept 2007
TRIP LENGTH: 15 Days / 14 Nights
COST: 1 person US $3080, 2 persons US $2940 each, 3 more US $2520
COST INCLUDES: Government royalty, all meals, tea and snacks, accommodations, transport, entrance fees, guide services, mineral water and sightseeing.
On trek it includes: Sleeping tents, dinning tent, toilet tent, sleeping pad, utensils, cook, assistant and pack animals.
Cost does not include: Druk Air fares, visa fee, airport tax, sleeping bags (on trek), drinks and other personal bills.
Trip facts Discover the sacredness of Bhutan 's unclimbed summit. The Jhomolhari trek takes you near the base camp of the second tallest unclimbed peak in Bhutan . Your trek starts at a historic ruin - the Drukgyal Dzong in Paro, once a look out for invading forces from the north. The trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley. You will also walk through high alpine pasturelands where yak herders graze their animals. The trek offers a sampling of the diverse variety Bhutan 's stunning landscape. Your camp at Jangothang will give you a splendid close view of Mt. Jhomolhari , and trekkers can walk two to three hours to reach the base of the mountain.
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Paro
During the flight, on a clear day, you can see breathtaking views of the Himalaya Mountains , including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan . On arrival you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17 th century, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong (fortress) and the valley. This fortress was later converted into the National Museum in 1967 and is filled with antique thangka paintings, textiles, weapons and Bhutan 's renowned postage stamps. Below Ta Dzong, is fascinating Ringpung Dzong meaning " fortress of heap of jewels". Visit, Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan . Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Paro
After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, the most famous monastery in Bhutan . Guru Rinpoche, a great spiritual master, is said to be have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in eastern Bhutan to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley . The hike through a pine forest to reach the viewpoint to the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion. Hike back to Paro. In the evening explore Paro town. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro-Shana (17 km, 5/6 hours)
The trek starts from Drukgyal Dzong at 2,580 m with a downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail climbs gently traversing through well-maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. The route later enters an area of apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens and you reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2,810m. This is the last stop before Tibet . At 2,870m, just beyond Shana Zampa, there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Day 4: Shana- Sio Thangkha (20 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail again follows Pa Chhu ( Paro River ), ascending and descending through pine, oak and spruce forests. Hot lunch will be served after crossing the bridge towards the left side of the river. After lunch follow the river climbing up through rhododendron forests and finally crossing the bridge again, reaching to the campsite at the altitude of 3,750m.
Day 5: Sio Thangkha- Jangothang (19 km, 7/8 hours)
The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line enjoying the stunning view of surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a yak herder's camp. A short walk into the valley will take you to the camp at Jangothang at an altitude of 4,040m. From here, the view of Mt. Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Day 6: Rest day at Jangothang.
Acclimatization. Explore near by mountains and lakes.
Day 7: Jangothang -Lingshi (18 km, 7/8 hours)
The trail follows the stream or half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshering Gang. Then Walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Ngye La pass at an altitude of 4,700m. After the pass, it is a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panoramic view of the peaks and Lingshi Dzong. Camp at an altitude of 4000m.
Day 8: Lingshi- Shodu (22 km, 8/9 hours)
The Laya Gasa route leaves the Jhomolhari trek here. The trek route climbs towards a small white Chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chhu valley. The trail stays on the west side of the largely treeless valley, climbing steadily a short distance above Mo Chhu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli La pass (4,820m). From the pass, on a clear day, you can see Jhomolhari, Gangchen Ta, Tshering Gang and Masang Gang. Descend alongside a stream to a shelter, and then further downstream to a camp at Shodu (4,100m), a meadow with a Chorten.
Day 9: Shodu-Barshong (16 km, 6/7 hours)
At this place, one comes back to tree line. The path follows Thimphu River , descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls is stunning. Hot lunches will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of riversides. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong, reaching the camp at an altitude of 3,600m.
Day 10: Barshong-Dolam Kencho (15 km, 5/6 hours)
The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chhu. It stays on river left, climbing over ridges and descending to side streams. Then traverses steep cliff to Dolam Kencho, a camp among pastureland at 3,600m.
Day 11: Dolam Kencho-Dodena-Thimphu (8 km, 3 hours)
The trail goes in and out steeply to the river and follows it southward to the road head at Dodena, elevation 2,600m where you will be picked up by Bhutan Travelers transport to drive to Thimphu . Overnight at hotel in Thimphu .
Day 12: Thimphu-Punakha
Morning sightseeing in Thimphu valley includes a visit to; Memorial Chorten, Tashichodzong, National Library, Art School, Traditional Medicine Institute, Handicrafts Emporium and the Textile & Folk Heritage Museum . Afternoon drive to Punakha across Dochula Pass (3150m), where on the clear days you will see the ranges of Himalayan Mountains . On arrival in Punakha, check into the hotel. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 13, 20 April : Punakha with excursion to Wangdiphodrang
Morning sightseeing in Punakha includes visits to: Punakha Dzong (ancient capital of Bhutan ), Chime Lhakhang (temple dedicated to Devine Madman). Afternoon excursion to Wangdiphodrang to visit the town, Wangdi Dzong and Rinchengang village. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Day 14 : Punakha-Paro
Drive to Paro with stop in Thimphu for lunch. Visit Simtokha Dzong en route, which is the oldest fortress built by Shabdrung in 17 th century. In Paro, stroll freely in town and if you wish you can visit the farmhouse and enjoy the traditional Bhutanese dinner. Overnight hotel in Paro.
Day 15 : Paro Depart
After early breakfast, drive to Paro airport for flight to onwards destination.
