Trekking in Bhutan amongst the lofty ridges of the Himalayas, breathtaking views abound as we witness a rich Buddhist culture, friendly people, and few other visitors.

The Kingdom of Bhutan is ancient Asia's last enclave, hidden in the mighty Himalayas. It is a land that will captivate your senses and one where strangers are still treated as guests. Our 13-day adventure along Bhutan's premier trekking route leads us into a breathtaking Himalayan valley, to the base of Bhutan's most sacred mountain, Chomolhari (23,997'). We follow the path of nomadic yak herders, hiking through wild rhododendron forests, and alpine meadows carpeted with wildflowers, over trout-filled streams, and into pure Himalayan grandeur. We catch a glimpse of nomadic life as we see locals making butter and cooking over open fires. In the days before and after our trek, our itinerary allows time to visit the cultural centers of Paro and Thimphu, with their distinctive architecture, welcoming people, and fascinating sites.

Days 1-2: Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Acclimatization hikes into the surrounding countryside to temples and monasteries accessible only on foot, including the famous Tiger's Nest Monastery. Visit Bhutan's national museum and the Paro Dzong.

Days 3-10: Trek in style as our support team takes care of all the details. Our route leads us through remote villages and climbs from thick forests into the alpine zone and to the base of Bhutan's most sacred mountain, Chomolhari (23,997'). Explore this magnificent landscape and spend evenings enjoying varied and delicious camp meals, and conversation with your Bhutanese guides under starry skies.

Days 11-13: Emerge from the mountains in the village of Gangkha, where transport awaits to return us to Thimpu. Here we have time to visit the city's rich cultural sites. During the remaining days in Paro, visit Tiger's Nest monastery, the Paro Dzong, and the national museum. At a final celebration, we toast our adventures in Bhutan and our trek through this mystical kingdom, before departing on our flight to Bangkok.

EARLY BOOKING RECOMMENDED

It is important to reserve your trip early, as the Bhutanese national airline has a new ticketing policy and will only accept reservations with the full payment of the ticket. Therefore we are unable to hold group seats in advance of reservations.

Bhutan is an off-the-beaten-path destination, and our trek steps even further into this magical Himalayan kingdom. Our eight day trekking route allows enough time to immerse yourself in the mountain culture and offers spectacular Himalayan scenery, while not subjecting you to monotonous routes that some other companies offer. Time spent in the mountains, combined with explorations of the cultural centers of Paro and Thimphu, is the perfect adventure through Bhutan and the mighty Himalayas.

The Boundless Journeys Advantage

• A passion for travel. Simply put, we love to travel, and that is woven into every one of our journeys.
• Unique, award-winning itineraries. Our flexible, hand-crafted journeys have received accolades from the world’s most revered travel publications.
• Insider connections. There is simply no substitute for traveling with a knowledgeable insider.
• Small groups. We tread softly, and our average group size is just 6-8 guests.
• Flexibility to suit your travel style. We offer both small-group departures and Private Collection trips, so that you can choose which works best for you.
• Customer service that goes the extra mile. There is no request that is too big – or too small – for our staff to handle.
• Sustainability. We are committed to traveling responsibly – striving to preserve traditions and cultures around the world, and to protect fragile natural habitats.

Most Convenient Airport:
Bangkok International Airport, Bangkok, Thailand (airport code BKK)

Meeting Place and Time:
Your Boundless Journeys guide will meet you at the Paro, Bhutan airport upon the arrival of your flight from Bangkok. Please be sure to be at the Druk Air (national airline of Bhutan) check-in counter at the Bankgok International Airport two hours before your scheduled flight on Day 1 of our trip. The airline tickets for your flight from Bangkok to Bhutan will be purchased for you in advance by Boundless Journeys.

Departure Place and Time:
Paro, Bhutan; in time for the departure of your flight to Bangkok.

What to Expect

Trip Rating
Boundless Journeys’ trips are designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active and have a spirit of adventure and a positive attitude. The Chomolhari Trek is rated 4+, strenuous, on a scale of 1-5 (with 5 being the most strenuous). The difficulty rating of this trek takes into account the distances hiked each day and the fact that on several days, trail conditions can be very muddy, with rocky pitches that make progress difficult.

In addition, most hiking is done between 8,000 and 14,000 feet, which adds to the strenuous nature of the hiking. For the most part, you can hike at your own speed; the group will spread out along the trail during the day to cover about 6 to 13 miles per day (4-9 hours of hiking). There are significant elevation gains and losses each day, often 2,000 to 3,000 feet, as our trail contours up and down steep hillsides.

Trip members carry only a daypack for a jacket, water bottle, camera, and whatever else they like to have with them on the trail. Pack animals carry our camping equipment, and a camp cook prepares all meals. On the trek, we use modern Mountain Hardware tents for singles or doubles/twins.

The typical trekking day begins shortly after 6 a.m. with “bed tea” and warm washing water brought to each tent. We are served a light breakfast while the camp crew packs our gear. We begin walking by 7 to 8 a.m., stopping around 11 a.m. for lunch and a good rest. Our afternoon walk begins around 1 p.m.; we arrive at camp by tea time (about 4:30 p.m.). Dinner is served around 6:30 p.m. At each camp we provide a toilet tent (with seat) and the occasional shower tent for when time and water permits.

Preparing for this Trip
We recommend that you get in top physical shape for the trip. It is very important that you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. The more well prepared you are for the activities on this trip, the more safe you will be, and the more you will enjoy yourself! Please engage in moderate aerobic activities (hiking, jogging, or cycling) for at least 30-45 minutes several times a week for 4-6 weeks before the trip. If you live in a flat area, try to incorporate some stairs into your workout, or use a treadmill with varying incline capability. Consult your doctor before undertaking any new fitness programs.

We encourage you to speak with your physician and one of our staff if you have any doubts regarding your physical match with this tour.

Horse/Mule Allergies
As this trek is fully supported by the help of some local 4-legged friends, we need to urge those with any equine-related allergies to take caution when deciding if this trip is right for you. Your gear will be in constant contact with either support horses or trail mules, and in the event that you need emergency assistance, these animals will also be your transportation.

Weather
The mountainous areas of Bhutan have pronounced rainy and dry seasons. The dry season lasts from October through May. Days tend to be warm with nighttime temperatures dropping significantly. Please be prepared to expect extremely vacillating weather in this environment. Any time of year, dressing in layers is a good strategy, so that you can shed or add clothing as the day heats and cools.

At altitudes of 8,000 to 10,000 feet, daytime temperatures range in the 50’s and 60’s with nights dropping to the 40’s. Clouds often form in the afternoons, disappearing at night to reveal starry skies.

At altitudes above 10,000 feet, daytime temperatures can be in the 60’s but as low as the 30’s and 40’s if it is windy. Evening temperatures at these higher altitudes often drop to around 15ºF and sometimes lower. Rain and snow are not uncommon at any time of year, making waterproof rain gear a necessity for any trek in Bhutan.

Trail Assistance
Our hikes on the Chomolhari route take us far into the Bhutanese wilderness, in and out of large valleys and up over remote passes; therefore no vehicle assistance is feasible during the trek. If possible for the day’s conditions, one or more of the gear animals with a member of the camp staff will be sent back to join the group after dropping off equipment at the next camp site to see if a hiker needs to take a break and ride for awhile. This option may not be available everyday, and should not be used as a replacement for the proper level of fitness for the Chomolhari Trek.

Traveler’s Responsibility
Trip participants have certain responsibilities to both Boundless Journeys and your fellow travelers. This includes understanding the conditions described in the trip itinerary and making sure it is appropriate for your interests and abilities, based on a review of the trip ratings, consultation with Boundless Journeys’ staff, and perhaps your doctor. In addition, trip participants are responsible for preparing for a trip by undertaking the proper fitness training. At the guide’s discretion, a participant may be asked to leave the trip if the guide feels that the person’s further participation may be detrimental to the individual or to other trip participants. If you have any questions about the difficulty level of the trip you have chosen, please contact Boundless Journeys to speak with one of our Destination Managers.

Small group travel affords us the opportunity to seek out the most remote and exotic destinations on the planet. Often we are exploring these locales with just 6-12 guests. The nature of active group travel is such that not all participants have the same ability level or interests. Traveling at a pace that is comfortable for the entire group, with a spirit of flexibility and adventure are all part of this intimate experience.

Overview:  To complement our full service camping, we’ve chosen some of the country’s most comfortable and beautifully situated hotels for this journey. All with private baths.

Nights 1-2:  Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

Nights 3-9:  Chomolhari Trek Camping
Full service camping.

Nights 10-11:  Hotel Migmar
Thimphu, Bhutan

 

Night 12: Janka Resort
Paro, Bhutan

(see nights 1 and 2)

DAY 1
Arrival in Paro, Bhutan; visit Kyichu Lhakhang and the Paro Dzong

Walking – easy to moderate, 1-3 hours.

Our flight from Bangkok, Thailand into Bhutan provides spectacular views of Bhutan’s landscape as we approach the airport in the Paro Valley. The valley is a green bowl surrounded by jagged Himalayan mountains and forested hillsides, crossed by beautiful rivers, and dotted with medieval fortresses. The first thing that we notice as we disembark in Bhutan is the absence of noise and a feeling of peacefulness that is rare in most other Asian cities. The Paro Valley has kept its bucolic nature and is one of the most scenic valleys in Bhutan. The houses are considered to be among the most beautiful in the country, and Paro is believed to be one of the first valleys to have received the imprint of Buddhism.

We are greeted with a warm Bhutanese reception and transferred to our first hotel where we enjoy a light lunch and afternoon tea. A short drive through town then takes us to Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu Lhakhang, meaning “twin temples,” is believed to have been built in 659 AD by King Songtsen of Tibet, and reflects the introduction of Buddhism to Bhutan. The temple is one of 108 that were built throughout the Himalayas in one day in an effort to subdue a mighty ogress; it is still believed to hold her left foot in place today. From here an easy walk leads us through Paro countryside and to farm fields of rice, mustard, buckwheat, eggplant, and, of course, chilies. We cross the Paro River on our way to the valley’s magnificent Rinpung Dzong. If we are fortunate we may get the opportunity to explore within the dzong’s mighty walls; however, if the Administrative Body is in session, we must admire from the outside.

We return to our lodge and relax with an orientation meeting and welcome dinner of Bhutanese cuisine.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 2
Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery; visit Bhutan’s National Museum

Hiking – moderate, 3-4 hours on trails; approximate elevation gain of 1,650'.

This morning we enjoy a hike to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. Entry into the monastery is now permitted, and we may be allowed to visit this sacred site. We enjoy lunch and the views of the valley below at the Taktsang teahouse before descending to the valley floor.

From here, a short drive brings us to the National Museum, housed in the round multi-storied Ta Dzong, built in 1775. The Ta Dzong was once the watch tower for the massive Paro Dzong, built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The museum’s collection includes ancient artifacts, weapons, a collection of antique thangkha (painted or embroidered religious pictures), textiles, and stamps.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAYS 3-10

Chomolhari Trek

This superb 8-day trek begins in Paro and leads us into northern Bhutan to a land of yak-herders and to the base of Mount Chomolhari (23,977 feet), which is the most holy mountain in Bhutan. From there our trek brings us to the remote Lingshi Dzong which once guarded the frontier with Tibet. This trek offers fabulous views of the mountains including Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsheringkhang beside stunning Himalayan scenery. We encounter many yak-herders and their camps but few villages along our route.

DAY 3
Paro – Shana

Trekking approximately 10 miles, 5-6 hours, 1000' of elevation gain.

Our trek starts from Drukgyel Dzong (8,514’) with a short downhill walk on a wide trail. The trail then climbs gently through well maintained rice terraces and fields of millet. Later on we come to apple orchards and forests. Soon the valley widens, and we reach the army post of Gunitsawa (9,273’). This is the last stop before Tibet. We continue upwards to just beyond Sharma Zampa (9,471’), where there are several good camping places in meadows surrounded by trees.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 4
Shana – Soi Thangthangkha

Trekking approximately 12 miles, 7-8 hours, 2300' of elevation gain.

Today the trail follows the Pa Chu (Paro river), ascending and descending through pine, oak, and spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the waer, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests, and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite (12,375’).
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 5
Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang

Trekking approximately 12 miles, 7-8 hours, 1500' of elevation gain.

Our path ascends for a while until we reach an army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (13,332’). From here, the views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 6
Jangothang – Lingshi

Trekking approximately 11 miles, 7-8 hours, 2800' of elevation gain and 2900' of elevation loss.

This morning we start by following a stream for half an hour and crossing a bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, and Tserimgang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb up to Nyele-la pass (15,510’). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (13,200’), enjoying a panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 7
Lingshi – Shodu

Trekking approximately 13 miles, 8-9 hours, 3100' of elevation gain and 2900' of elevation loss.

The Laya-Gasa route leaves the Chomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steadily for a short distance above the Mo Chu. It then crosses the river, and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la (15,906’). On a clear day you can see Chomolhari, Gangchenta, Tserimgang, and Masagang from this pass. We descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (13,530’), where we camp in a wide meadow.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 8
Shodu – Barshong

Trekking approximately 10 miles, 6-7 hours, 1700' of elevation loss and 500' of elevation gain.

We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chu, descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. We stop by the riverside for a hot lunch, before gradually climbing upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong (11,880’), near which we camp for the night.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 9
Barshong – Dolam Kench

Trekking approximately 10 miles, 5-6 hours, 1400' of elevation loss.

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, and then drops steeply to meet the Thimphu Chu. The trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side streams run into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night at 11,880’.
Camping, Chomolhari Trek, Bhutan

DAY 10
Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu

Trekking approximately 5 miles, 3 hours, 750' of elevation gain and 2950' of elevation loss.

Our trail winds in and out of side valleys above the Thimphu Chu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 11,580’. The trail then drops steeply down to the river, following it southward to the road head at Dodena (8,580’). Our transport meets us here, and we drive to Thimphu where we overnight.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 11
Thimphu Sites

Easy Walking.

Thimphu is a city ideally explored on foot, and our walk today takes us between its many interesting sights. Before the day is through, we may visit the newly built textile museum, the Thimphu Dzong (seat of the government and main monk body), the School of Traditional Arts and Crafts, the Heritage Museum, and the Handicrafts Emporium, displaying the rich traditional crafts of the kingdom. Along the way we stop at a local restaurant for lunch before continuing our walk through the city.
Hotel Migmar, Thimphu, Bhutan

DAY 12
Transfer Thimphu – Paro

The morning is free to spend as you like before our afternoon return to Paro. There is time for walking, relaxing, or searching for the perfect traditional weaving in a Thimphu handicraft shop. Beautiful wool, silk, and cotton weaves, basketwork, silver jewelry, thangkas, and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom are available in various shops.

Tonight we share one last dinner as we celebrate our journey through this magical kingdom and the kind welcome that we have received from its generous people.
Janka Resort, Paro, Bhutan

DAY 13
Departure from Paro

An early morning departure from Paro returns us to Bangkok for departing flights.

 Please note that this is a typical itinerary, and actual activities may vary to take advantage of weather conditions, local events, and to allow serendipity to play a hand in your experience. Accommodations are as outlined in the itinerary, although we reserve the right to change these should the need arise.

$4,595 per person

• All accommodations
• All meals
• All transportation during the tour
• Expert local guides
• All activities as noted in the itinerary
• Bhutanese visa fees and departure taxes