11 Days Mountain Hiking in Bhutan Itinerary
Day 01. Arrival at Paro:
Upon arrival at Paro airport, received by our representative and transfer to the hotel.
After lunch, visit the Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which has been since 1967, the National Museum of Bhutan followed by visit Rimpung Dzong (Paro Dzong) built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong presently houses administrative offices.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography. Dinner and overnight in Hotel Tashi Namgay Resort.
Day 02. Hike to Taktsang Monastery:
Day hike to Taktsang monastery, the famous “Tiger’s Nest”. The hike which is all uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests.
On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo.
- By far, Kichu Lhakhang is one of Bhutan’s oldest monasteries built by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo in 659 AD. He decided to build 108 Temples in a single day to pin the Ogress to the earth forever and, at the same time, convert the Tibetan people to Buddhism. 6 (six) of these Temples lie in Bhutan, most prominent of them are Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang and Kichu Lhakhang in Paro. Kichu Lhakhang is said to hold the left foot of the Ogress and Jambay Lhakhang pins the left knee.
Pilgrims circumambulate around the temple spinning its many prayer wheels, seeking blessings and offering prayers.
Upon entering the inner courtyard you’ll see a mural to the right of the doorway of King Gesar of Ling, the popular Tibetan warrior-king, whose epic poem is said to be the world’s longest.
Drive to the ruins of Drukgyel dzong, now in ruins was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate the victory over the Tibetan invaders in 1644.
Day 03. Paro – Shana – Thang thangkha (Start of Jomolhari Trek):
After breakfast, drive to Shana (22 km). The trail follows the river through a heavily forested area with a few isolated farmhouses. It narrows and closes in and the trail winds up and down along the drainage. We pass a junction en-route, where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Camp is in a meadow with a stone shelter.
Altitude: 3610 m; Distance 22 Km; Time: 7 – 8 hours. (Ascent 770 meters, Descent 10 meters).
Day 04. Thangthangka – Jangothang:
In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at the Jomolhari base camp (4,115 m). High mountains overlook the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old fortress used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Altitude: 4080 m; Distance 19 Km; Time 5 – 6 hours. (Ascent 480 meters).
Day 05. Jangothang – Lingshi:
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right side. Start the climb up to the first ridge with a breathtaking view of Jomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsherim gang. Then walk towards the valley, almost flat for a while, until the climb to the Nyeley la pass at an altitude of 4,700 meters. After the pass it’s a gradual descent to the Lingshi camp, enjoying the panorama view of the peaks and Lingshi dzong.
Camp altitude is 4010 meters. Distance: 18 km; Hiking time: 6-7 hours; Ascent 840 meters, Descent: 870 meters.
Day 06. Lingshi – Shodu:
The trail today climbs to Yalila Pass (4930 m), from where on a clear day, impressive views of Mount Jomolhari, Tserim Kang and Masagang can be seen. Dinner and over night in Camp.
Camp at Shodu: 4080 meters. Distance: 22 km, Hiking time: 8-9 hours walk. (Ascent 940 meters, Descent 920 meters).
Day 07. Shodu – Barshong:
This is the place where one comes back to the tree line. The path follows the Thimphu River, descending through rhododendron, juniper and other alpine forest. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. Hot lunch will be served by the riverside. After lunch the trail gradually ascends to the ruins of the Barshong dzong, reaching the camp. Dinner and over night in camp.
Camp at Altitude: 3710 meters. Distance: 16 km; Walking time: 5-6 hours; Ascent 250 meters, Descent: 670 meters.
Day 08. Barshong – Dolamkencho:
The road descends through alpine forest and we once again join Thimphu river for a while. After lunch climb up to Dolamkencho camp.
Camp at the altitude 3320 meters. Distance: 15 kms. Walking time: 4-6 hours. Ascent 290 meters. Descent 640 meters.
Day 9. Dolamkencho – Dodena – Thimphu:
The path descends through bamboo forests finally joining Thimphu River again. Arrive at Dodena where you will be picked up for the drive to Thimphu.
After lunch, visit to the Craft Bazaar and free to stroll in the town for shopping and photography. In the evening, visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at Hotel Galingkha.
Distance 8 km, Hiking time: 4 hours. Ascent 500 meters, Descent 930 meters.
Day 10. Thimphu sightseeing:
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
After lunch, visit to the tallest statue of sitting Buddha, Buddha Dorderma, witness Archery match at the Changlimithang stadium. Overnight in Hotel Pedling.
Day 11. Departure:
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.
4.8 / 5.0