5-10 days tours

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HAA VALLEY-NUB TREK

Duration: 6-7 Days. Total Distance: . Maximum Elevation: 4271m. Grade: Moderate/Demanding. This trek starts just north of Haa town and take an easterly direction for three days, followed by a three day return journey that ends at Lukha village near Haa. There are seven passes to be crossed, ranging from 3900m-4256m. Nub Tshona Patta Tsho (lake) is the point of return, where a day is recommended. Several routes leads to this lake.

Day 01. Kajenang Village to Tshokam: 10kms, 4-5.5 hours, 785m ascent. Drive to the starting point near the village of Kajeneng 2750m, and start climbing to Djanag Dingkha lhakhang 3230m. Continue climbing on the ridge till you come to a trail junction, the left trail leads you to the camp of Tshokam at 3536m, in a small meadow.

Day 02. Tshokam to Wanjithang: 16kms, 6-7 hours, 267m ascent, 419m descent. A gradual ascent leads to the pass of Chozu La 3900m. Then slowly descend on the other side to Yulo meadow at 3840m. To the west, lies the pass for today, Tsabjo La 4107m, leading to Wanjithang Camp at 3688m.

Day 03. Wanjithang to Nub Tshona Patta: 18kms, 6-7 hours, 366m ascent, 160m descent. The trail keeps high up on pasturelands with yaks to reach Gongche La 4231m, the first pass of the day then follows a steep descent to the meadow of Chhosho Lumpa. Ascend again to the meadow via Ghoom Maru to Tshejay La 4237m. From this pass, there are great views of the snow-capped mountains including the Kanchenjunga 8586m/28,160ft; the third highest mountain in the world o the border of Sikkim/Nepal. Gangkar Puensum 7541m/24,735ft; the highest unclimbed peak in the world in Bhutan, Jitchu Drakey 6850m/22,470ft. Descend for a while and another ascent to Dankha Bjodo ridge 4120m and a final descent to the camp at Lura 4076m.

Day 04. Tshona Patta Halt: Explore the valley and hike to the lake below but make sure the deity of the lake is not offended.

Day 05. Tshona Patta to Rigona Tsho: 14kms, 5-6 hours, 85m ascent, 65m descent. The trail is a very good one in the northern direction crossing Dong Kacheydo La 4158m, with views of Kanchenjunga, and then descend to the camp at Rigona at 4090m.

Day 06. Rigona Tsho to Yulo: 16kms, 6-7 hours, 165m ascent, 416m descent. The route now takes an easterly direction,There is a hard start to the day, climbing on rocks to the pass Bjara La, the highest pass of the trek. Great views of snow-capped mountains are visible. After some hours the second pass of the day is reached, Tshabjo La4115m. Then further down is Yulo meadow, tonight’s camp 3840m.

Day 07. Yulo to Lukha/Haa: 20kms, 7-8 hours, 1128m descent. A long day of descent through silver fir and pine forests, finally reaching the village of Lukha, near Haa town.

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7 Days AUTHENTIC BHUTAN

Explore the Authentic Bhutan with a comprehensive 7-day tour offering a blend of cultural and historical experiences. Begin your journey with the arrival in Bhutan, transferring to your hotel and delving into the local sights of Paro. The itinerary includes a diverse range of activities from sightseeing in Thimphu to a unique overnight stay at Phajoding Monastery. Embrace the Bhutanese lifestyle with a farmhouse stay in Punakha, participate in an archery session, and unwind with a traditional hot stone bath. The tour culminates with a hike to the iconic Tiger's Nest before your departure.

DAY01: Arrival, transfer to hotel, visit the National Museum and Rinpong Dzong. Evening at leisure.

DAY02: Drive to Thimphu, visit Tamchog Lhakhang and other historical sites. Cultural program and dinner.

DAY03: Sightseeing in Thimphu, including the Buddha Dordenma Statue and traditional arts institutes. Hike to Phajoding Monastery for an overnight stay.

DAY04: Drive over Dochula Pass, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, and stay overnight at a Punakha farmhouse.

DAY05: Participate in an archery session, prepare a hot stone bath, and enjoy cooking with locals.

DAY06: Visit Punakha Dzong and a nunnery before returning to Paro.

DAY07: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) and visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Evening at leisure.

DAY08: Departure.

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6 DAYS/5 NIGHTS CULTURAL TOUR PACKAGE

Bhutan, nestled in the heart of the great Himalaya, has for centuries remained aloof from the rest of the world. Since its doors were cautiously opened in 1974 visitors have been mesmerized: the environment is pristine, the scenery and architecture awesome and the people hospitable and charming.

THE HIDDEN LAND

DAY1: ARRIVE IN THE HIDDEN LAND
The flight into Bhutan offers great views of the Greater Himalayas. Visit the National Museum and Rinpong Dzong. Proceed to Thimphu with an evening guide briefing.
O/N at hotel in Thimphu. Elevation: 2,320m.

DAY2: THIMPHU HALT
Drive to Dodena and hike to Cheri Goemba. Visit Pangri Zampa Lhakhang, the Institute of Traditional Medicine, and the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory. O/N at hotel in Thimphu.

DAY3: THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA OVER THE DOCHULA PASS
Drive to Punakha valley, stop at Dochula pass, visit Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, and hike to Chimed Lhakhang. Visit Punakha Dzong.
O/N at hotel in Punakha. Elevation: 1,200m.

DAY4: PUNAKHA TO PARO
Hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgyal Chorten and return to Paro over the Dochula pass.
O/N at hotel in Paro. Elevation: 2,280m.

DAY5: PARO HALT
Hike to Taktsang and visit local historical sites. Evening stroll in Paro town.
O/N at hotel in Paro.

DAY6: DEPARTURE
Farewell and guide-led departure to the airport.

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10 Day Tour in JAMBAY LHAKHANG DRUP/FESTIVAL

Explore the rich culture and stunning landscapes of Bhutan during the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang Drup/Festival. This 10-day journey takes you through historic sites, serene monasteries, and lively festivals, offering a glimpse into the heart of Bhutanese heritage.

DAY 01. ARRIVE AND TRANSFER TO THIMPHU.

Begin your adventure with a refreshing visit to the National Museum and a scenic drive to Thimphu, punctuated with historical and architectural wonders like the Tamchogang Lhakhang and the Iron Chain Bridge. En route, marvel at the convergence of architectural styles at Chuzom and the ancient Semtokha Dzong.

DAY 02. THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING.

Immerse yourself in the country’s history at the National Memorial Chorten, then witness the grandeur of the Giant Buddha Statue. Discover the Takin Preserve, Drupthob Nunnery, and the artistry at Zorig Chussum.

DAY 03. THIMPHU TO PUNAKHA.

Cross the Dochula pass, visit the esteemed Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, and experience the splendor of Punakha Dzong after a serene hike to Chimmi Lhakhang.

DAY 04. PUNAKHA TO BUMTHANG.

A journey through Trongsa and the cultural heartland of Bumthang, with a stop at Chumey’s weaving centre.

DAY 05. BUMTHANG SIGHTSEEING.

Discover the Tamshing Lhakhang, hike to the Kurjey Lhakhang, and dive into the vibrant Jambay Lhakhang festival.

DAY 06. BUMTHANG FESTIVAL.

Enjoy the festival's colorful displays or explore the sacred Mebar Tsho.

DAY 07. BUMTHANG TO PHOBJIKHA.

Traverse mountain passes to the serene Phobjikha Valley and the imposing Gangtey Monastery, with a hike through pine forests home to the Black Necked Cranes.

DAY 08. PHOBJIKHA TO PARO.

Return to the historical and spiritual landmarks of Paro, preparing for the iconic hike on the following day.

DAY 09. HIKE TO TAKTSANG (TIGER’S NEST).

Challenge yourself with a hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest, and explore the ancient Kyichu Lhakhang.

DAY 10. DEPARTURE.

Conclude your Bhutanese odyssey with a departure from Paro, carrying memories of a lifetime.

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CROSS CULTURE JOURNEYS WITH FESTIVALS

Cross Culture Journeys with Festivals

Duration: 9 Days, 8 Nights

Hike, Visit Dzongs (fortresses), Temples, and Mingle along with the locals at the Festivals.

Note: Festivals in Bhutan are wonderful opportunities to witness authentic centuries-old traditions. They are not held for tourists-we are simply welcome guests at a sacred Bhutanese celebration. Festivals are centered around dances held annually at important religious sites.  They are performed by monks and locals dressed in brightly colored silk robes and masks. Dances are enactments of visions of ancient saints and dharma lessons that remind people of the frailty of life and the need for proper living to attain a higher realm of existence in future lives. Shops, games and food stalls are set up to create a country fair atmosphere. 

Day 1. Arrive in Bhutan

On Arrival at the airport, after immigration and customs formalities, your guide-for the whole trip, will receive and escort you to a restaurant in town for lunch.

After lunch proceed to Thimphu, the capital city, 46 miles, 1.5 hours. With a population of about 100,000, it is like no other capital city- the valley is unique, displaying harmony of tradition and modernity. There are no traffic lights and policemen direct traffic at intersections. Yet it is the biggest city in the country and seat of the government as well as the main hub of commerce in the country.

• Other sights en route include 15^th century Tamchog Lhakhang, three types of stupa s at Chunzom ( the confluence of the Pa Chhu and Wang Chhu, rivers from Paro and Thimphu).
• In the evening your guide will brief you on the upcoming days.

Day 2. Thimphu Halt.

Today is the second day of the annual festival of Thimphu, attend the festival performed at the courtyard of the Tashichoedzong.

The most popular religious festival are the dromche and tshechus (religious dance festival) which are held annually in different parts of the country. Thimphu’s annual festival and Paro Tshechu are the most popular festivals that attract thousands of crowds from the remotest of villages and tourists alike. It is believed by attending them one gains merit and blessings and at the same time take respite from the hard mountain life. It is a good time to see relatives in a jovial atmosphere outside their fields and offices. They rejoice and feast, and exhibit their best hand-woven dresses and precious jewelry.

• In the afternoon, visit the Tashichoedzong, the summer seat of the Je Khenpo- the head Abbot, and the central monastic body, the Golden Throne and the Office of the King.
• The Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third King, his Majesty Jigme Singye wangchuck, lovingly known as the Father of Modern Bhutan. It is one of the few stupa’s that has an inner sanctum of temples.

Day 3. Thimphu Halt.

• Attend the festival in the morning until lunch.
• Later visit the Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, where you can see the traditional way of making papers from the bark of Daphne plants. Bhutan in ancient days was the biggest supplier of paper in the Himalayan region for printing religious scripture and prayers.
• Drive to Kuenselphodrang to see the giant Buddha (169ft/51m) and enjoy the view with the scenic walk.
• Visit the Takin preserve, which showcases Bhutan’s National Animal, the Takin, along with some Deer species and Himalayan Goats.
• Then visit the Drubthob Nunnery, where you can see young and elder nuns practicing the dharma teachings.

Day 4. Thimphu to Punakha.

This morning we drive to the beautiful Punakha valley over the spectacular Dochula Pass (3,150m), beautifully decorated with the Druk wangyal Chortens (108 stupas), and the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, situated on the hillock above. We stop for pictures and visit the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang, on a clear day the pass heralds the most enchanting view of Bhutan’s Himalaya peaks including the highest unclimbed mountain in the world, Gangkar Puensum 24,835ft/7,5600m.

• Good part of the drive after Dochula Pass, in the right season offers vista of blooming giant magnolias, fields of rhododendrons, mountain lilies, primroses and many other flowers, it is also a paradise for bird lovers/watchers.
• Explore the Royal Botanical Park at Lampelri, to see the rhododendron garden and visit the Visitors Information Centre. 
• An hour and half downhill from here will bring you to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, where we stop for lunch.
• Visit the Punakha Dzong, it is one of the most magnificent dzongs in the country, located on a strategic point  at the confluence of the Pho Chhu (male) and the Mo Chhu (female) rivers connected by a traditional cantilever bridge over the Mo Chhu. Punakha played an important role in the history of Bhutan, it served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government.

Day 5. Punakha Halt.

Today we are attending the annual festival of Wangdiphodrang, the whole day at the festival. In the afternoon hike to Chimed Lhakhang, a popular destination for fertility blessings including foreigners.

Day 6. Punakha Halt.

Today is the last day of the Wangdiphodrang festival, attend the festival and if you think you had enough of the festival you can opt to drive to Gangtey/Phobjikha Valley and visit the Gangtey Sangnacholing monastery.

• Hike the Nature Trail maintained by the RSPN Centre, which is a good walk downhill through farmhouses, pine forest covering 4.1kms.
• In the evening drive back to Punakha.  

Day 7. Punakha to Paro

After breakfast retrace the road back to Paro, once again over the Dochula Pass, another chance to see the mountains if you missed the last time. Stop for lunch at the Pass or in Thimphu, before continuing to Paro.

• In the evening witness some locals practicing archery near the Paro town.

Day 8. Paro Halt.

• Hike to Taktsang (literally translated as tiger’s Nest), built on an impossible perch in a cliff, it is a sight to behold. One of the most famous temples of Bhutan, especially to the outside world, is perched 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche, the Tantric saint who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, is believed to have arrived here on the back of tigress and remained in meditation for about three months. Revered as one of the most sacred place, many saints from Tibet and India travelled here on pilgrimage.
• It is a 5 hour hike including visit to the lhakhang.
• On the way back visit the kyichu Lhakhang, a 7^th century Buddhist temple, founded by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo to overcome a demoness who was trying to stop the spread of Buddhism in Tibet and the Himalayas.

Day 9. Depart.

Your tour to the Mystical Bhutan ends today, your guide will see you off at the Paro airport. 

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DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK

This trip is combined with the Dagala thousand Lakes Trek and visit to some of the sacred temples and massive fortresses (dzongs) of the country. A short trek near Thimphu, to a large number of lovely, high-altitude lakes (far fewer than the name suggests).

Total distance: 37kms. Grade: Medium. Altitude gain: 2,381m. Altitude loss: 2,381m. Best Season: April, September-October.

Trekking Habits

On a typical trek day, we will be woken at 6:00 am, by a member of the camp crew bringing bed tea (into your tent), followed shortly by a bowl of hot washing water. By 7:00 am, when breakfast is ready, we will have packed ready for the day’s activity (day pack and main luggage). We leave with our guide just before the camp crew at 8:00 am, and spent the rest of the day at an unhurried but steady pace. We stop for about an hour for lunch, which will be carried by camp crew and continue for the next campsite. The crew will break down the tents, load the horses, overtake us and have the camp ready for our arrival. A hot drink will be ready when we arrive, followed by wash water and our evening meal. After dinner, we will discuss for the following day with our guide before retiring to bed. This will sound familiar to anyone who has trekked in Nepal, the main difference being that camp crew is smaller in Bhutan and there are no tea houses along the way.

*Note: Use designated campsites only approved by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. No campfires and cooking fires at the campsites. Usage of LPG (liquid petroleum gas) is mandatory for cooking. Pack out solid waste (pack it in and pack it out), should not bring out flora and fauna produce, respect the nature and the culture of the area. Most trekking routes are in the National Parks and Reserves.

Fitness

It is essential that participants undertake regular walking and hiking in the months leading up to the start of the Tour so that you can enjoy to the full what the trip offers. The itinerary gives an indication of distances and elevations involved. Previous experiences of multi-day trekking as well as extended periods of camping over 3,000m is preferable.

Acclimatization

Every effort has been made to allow gradual acclimatization to altitude, but this is a factor which is unpredictable for anyone. Many folks have their own ideas of how to combat the effects of altitude and we always carry Diamox (Acetazolamide) with us and use it if we feel the need. If you plan to use such a drug for the first time, visit your doctor well in advance of the trip and ensure that you have a trail at home so that you understand the effects on you before administering at height. If anyone were to suffer bad reaction to altitude, and need to lose height the route of the trek allows us to do so at certain points of the trek.

Weather

At valley floor conditions are likely to be humid, even hot on sunny day, becoming less as we rise towards the tree line. We all appreciate that mountain weather is unpredictable, and difficult in areas we visit only rarely but our experience is that we should expect some rain at some point on most days, that snow may fall on high passes but not lie long, and that sunny, clear periods, usually from dawn into the mornings, when encountered, afford stunning views, memories and pictures.

Day1: Arrive in Paro, Bhutan

The flight to Bhutan takes you over the Himalayas, offering glimpse of the highest glacial peaks. On arrival at the airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your local guide-for the whole trip, will receive and transfer you to your hotel.

After check-in and refreshments/lunch, start exploring the Paro district. Visit the National Museum housed in a 17^th century watch tower which will serve as a great introduction to Bhutan before you delve deeper into the country.

Then visit the Rinpung Dzong, the medieval provincial capital fortress the watch tower protected for three hundred years of civil strife. Then take a short walk down to the Cantilever bridge over Nyemi zampa, which connects the dzong to the valley.

O/N at Hotel in Paro. Elevation: 2,300m.

Day2: Paro Halt

After breakfast, before the sun gets too hot, hike up to Taktsang (literally translated as tiger’s Nest), it is one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the world. Guru Rinpoche arrived to Taktsang riding on the back of a tigress, flying from Khenpajong in eastern Bhutan. It takes about two hours to climb up on a steep footpath through beautiful pine forest festooned with lichens (old man’s beard), and an hour to visit the shrines inside and another hour and half to descend down back to the car park.

After the hike, visit the ruins of Drukgyal dzong, at the northern corner of the valley, on a clear day Mt. Jumolhari (7,315m) is visible in the far north. On the way back, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, a 7^th century temple founded by the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that he built 108 of these temples throughout the Himalayas to overcome a giant ogress who was trying to stop the spread of Buddhism n the Himalayan region.

O/N at Hotel in Paro. Elevation: 2,300m.

Day3. Paro-Geynikha to Geynizampa. 3kms, 1-1.5 hours, 150m ascend, 150m descent.

Drive from Paro to the Geynikha primary school, where the horses and the crew meet you. And start the trek in the afternoon, start along the road for few meters, then leave the road and follow the trail that leads straight and level for half a kilometer to a chorten and through the Geynikha village. Descend down to Chokosen Chhu, and follow it down to a chorten with an excellent campsite in a forest of blue pines alongside the Geynitsang Chhu.

 O/N in Camp/Tent. Camp elevation: 2,800m.

Day4. Genizampa to Gur. 5kms, 4 hours, 550m ascent, 60m descent.

After crossing the suspension bridge, the trail turns south along the east side of the Geynitsang Chhu (river left) to a side stream, the Dolungu Chhu.  Cross the stream on a log bridge and start uphill on an eroded trail through an oak forest. The trail is used only by the yak herders, wood cutters and a handful of trekkers, but it was once a major trading route between Thimphu and Dagana. One can still see the walls, well crafted stone staircases and other developments along the route. A long climb leads to an outstanding lookout point at 3,220m. Another gentle climb brings you to the top of a ridge 3.550m, from here the trail slowly descends to the campsite at Gur 3,290m.

 O/N in Camp/Tent. Camp elevation: 3,290m.

Day5. Gur to Labatama. 12kms, 5 hours, 1140m ascent, 110m descent.

After climbing back from the camp to the main trail the route continues gently up the ridge on a wide track.  The trail crosses a stream at 3,870m and begins a long gentle climb through scattered birches and rhododendrons towards the pass, weaving in and out of side valleys and crossing several tiny streams.  At Pangalabtsa, a small pass marked by cairns at 4,250m, there is spectacular view of the whole Dagala Range. Descend from the pass to the first yak herders camp at 4,170m down into the main valley floor, climb beside a stream to Labatama camp at 4,300m near Utsho Tsho Lake, known for its golden trout’s.

O/N at Camp/Tent. Camp elevation: 4,300m.

Day6. Labatama to Kiwi Tsowa . 11kms, 6 hours, 260m ascent, 520m descent.

There are two possible routes and the pack animals take the lower one. The trekking route is not well marked and is more of a cross country traverse.  The trail climbs along the western side of the Dajatsho Lake to a saddle at 4,520m, where there are great views of Jumolhari and Kanchenjunga. If you opt for a better view, climb up to the peak 4,720m to the east. From the pass the trail descends past several yak herder’s camp to the Dochha Chhu, rejoining the trail at about 4,200m. Follow the trail as it climbs over three ridges and descends to Pankha. Several short climbs follow in and out of minor valleys to Kiwi Tsowa.

O/N in Camp/Tent. Camp elevation: 4,030m.

Day7. Pankha to Talakha. 8kms, 6 hours, 180m ascent, 1100m descent.

The route leads north to a crest at 4,100m where several trails lead off in different directions. The trail to Talakha climbs steeply up a slate slope to the ruins of a house. It’s then a long traverse to Tale La at 4,180m. From here, there is a view of the Dagala range and of Thimphu, far to the north. It is then a long descent through bamboo forest to the Goemba at Talakha 3,800m.

O/N in Camp/Tent. Camp elevation: 3,800m.

Day8. Talakha to Chamgang. 6kms, 3 hours, 440m descent.

There is a steep eroded trail that leads to Simtokha, but there are numerous fences surrounding apple orchards along the way and there is no longer a direct route. It’s best to walk three hours down the road, with few short cuts to avoid switchbacks, to Chamgang at 2,600m to meet your vehicle and drive to the hotel.

O/N at Hotel in Thimphu. Elevation: 2,320m.

Day9: Thimphu Halt

Today we spend the day visiting the highlights of Thimphu, the sites include:

• The National Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of the third King, His Late Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

• The giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang (169ft/51m).

• Takin Preserve, which showcases the National Animal along with few species of deer and some mountain goats.

• Institute of traditional Medicine, where the ancient art of Bhutanese healing system called sowa rigpa is still practiced. The institute has an exhibition room that imparts excellent look into the tradition.

• School of Arts and Crafts, the school provides 3-8 years of training in the techniques of traditional art in religious and secular paintings, woodcarvings, clay sculptures, weaving and embroidery.

• Jungshi Handmade Paper Factory, to see the traditional way of making papers from bark of Daphne plants. Bhutan in ancient days was the biggest supplier of paper in the Himalayan region for printing religious scriptures and prayers.

• Textile Museum established in 2000, this is one theme museums in the city. It is dedicated to the rich skill of Bhutanese weaver, primarily women. The museum has good collection of samples including rare pieces and antiques, some belonging to the royal family.

• Later in the evening, visit the Tashichoedzong, the summer residence of the je khenpo-the Head Abbot, and the central monastic body, it houses some ministries, the Golden Throne and the office of His Majesty the King.

• O/N at Hotel in Thimphu. Elevation: 2,320m.

Day10: Thimphu-Paro Departure

Your trip to the mystical country ends today, after an early breakfast transfer to the airport for your onward destination.