This trek follows an old expedition route to Gangkar Puensum.
Seasons: The recommended seasons are March to April and September to early November.
DAY 01: Arrival Paro, Bhutan
On arrival at Paro International Airport, the representative of Radhi Bhutan Tours will receive you and escort you/group to the hotel. Overnight at Paro, elevation 2280m.
DAY 02: Paro-Sightseeing
Drive to Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress where Bhutanese warriors fought off Tibetan invaders in 17th century. The snowy dome of sacred Jhomolhari, “mountain goddess” (7314 m) can be seen in all her glory from the approach road to the Dzong on a clear day. Along the way, visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King in 7th century. The building of this temple marks the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.
Later, visit Ta Dzong, originally built as a watchtower, which now houses Bhutan’s National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. Overnight at Paro.
DAY 03: Paro-Taktsang-Thimphu
Morning hike up to the Taktsang Monastery (Taktsang means Tiger’s Nest), which is 900m high above the floor of Paro valley. According to the legend, it is said that Guru Rinpoche, popularly known as second Buddha flew to the site of the monastery on the back of a flying tigress in 8th century, and mediated for three months. Afternoon – drive to Thimphu (60 KM), the capital town of Bhutan. Overnight at Thimphu, elevation 2320m.
DAY 04: Thimphu-Sightseeing
Visits:
- National Memorial Chorten (Chorten means Stupa). The monument was built in 1974 in memory of the 3rd King of Bhutan.
- Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.
- Handicrafts Emporium and local crafts shops known as Craft Bazar, which displays wide assortment of beautifully hand-woven textiles, crafted products, thangkas, masks, ceramics, slate and woodcarvings, jewellery, and other interesting items made from local materials by the local Artisans.
- Giant Buddha at Kuenselphodrang. This massive statue of Shakyamuni (51.5 meters), making it one of the largest statues of Bhutan in the world.
- Takin (national animal of Bhutan) preserve located in Motithang.
After 1700 hrs, visit Tashichhodzong, “the fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the center of government and religion, site of the monarch’s throne room and seat of the Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Later, depending on the interest of the group, short talk on the philosophy of Gross National Happiness in Bhutan can be arranged. Overnight at Thimphu.
DAY 05: Thimphu-Punakha (85 KM – 2 hrs drive)
Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass (3,140m). On a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. Afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, a massive structure built at the junction of two rivers. Punakha was Bhutan’s capital until 1955, and Punakha Dzong still serves as the winter residence of the central monk body. Bhutan’s first king, Ugyen Wangchuck, was crowned here in 1907. Overnight at Punakha, elevation 1240m.
Day 06: Punakha – Bumthang (212 KM – 5 ½ hrs)
Drive to Bumthang across Pele-la pass (3,420m). This pass is traditionally considered the boundary between western and central Bhutan. En-route visits Trongsa Dzong. The first and second kings ruled the country from this ancient seat. All five monarchs were invested as Trongsa Penlop (“governor”) prior to ascending the Throne. Later, visit Ta Dzong (watch tower) gives further insights into the significance of Trongsa in Bhutan’s history. Continue your journey to Bumthang crossing Yutong-la pass (3,425m). Overnight at Bumthang, elevation 2600m
Day 07: Bumthang-Sightseeing
Bumthang is the general name given to a group of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura, with altitudes varying from 2,600 to 4,000m.
- Visits: Holy monasteries including Kurjey Lhakhang, where the saint’s body is imprinted on a rock, Jambey Lhakhang built in 7th Century, Nunnery Monastery and Tamshing Monastery.
- Evening, mindfulness and meditation practice lead by the senior monks in the monastery and leisure in the town. Overnight at Jakar.
Trekking:
Day 08: Bumthang – Gorsum
18km, 6-7 hours
Drive to the starting point for the trek. The trail runs upstream along the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in trout. We camp overnight at 3,120m.
Day 09: Gorsum – Lungsum
12km, 5 hours
The trail takes through dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maple trees. The trail is rather muddy and ascends gradually to our campsite at 3,160m.
Day 10: Lungsum – Tshochenchen
15km, 6-7 hours
The path ascends gradually through dense vegetation to Tshochenchen (3,400m) where we camp overnight.
Day 11: Tshochenchen – Dhur Tshachu
17km, 7 hours
Trek uphill from Tshochenchen to Juli-la pass (4,400m). On a clear day, one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan. After crossing the pass, walk downhill till reaching our campsite at 3,300m. Musk deer, Himalayan bears and blue sheep can be seen along the trail.
Day 12: Dhur Tshachu rest day
Relax in the hot springs or hike around the camp area
Day 13: Dhur Tshachu rest day
Relax in the hot springs or hike around the camp area
Day 14: Dhur Tshachu – Tshochenchen
17km, 7 hours
Start early on the trek back up to Juli-la pass, from which we descend gradually to the campsite at Tshochenchen (3,400m).
Day 15: Tshochenchen – Gorsum
18km, 6 hours
Another early start, as we walk right through to Gorsum today. The path descends gradually through dense forest, and may be rather muddy in places after Lungsum. We camp overnight at Gorsum (3,120m).
Day 16: Gorsum – Dhur/Bumthang
9km, 3 hours
The trail follows the Chamkhar Chu, descending gradually to Dhur village, where Radhi Tour transport will meet you/group and drive to our Bumthang. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Day 17: Bumthang – Phobjikha/Wangduephodrang
Drive on a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan. Phobjikha is one of Bhutan’s few glacial valleys, and chosen winter home of black-necked cranes, migrating from the Tibetan plateau in winter. Explore Phobjikha valley and also visit Gangtey Gompa (Monastery). Overnight at Phobjikha, elevation 2900m.
Day 18: Phobjika/Wangduephodrang – Punakha – Paro
Drive to Paro. En route visit Chimmi Lhakhang, the Abode of the “Divine Madman & Fertility” and from Dochula pass, hike to Lungchutse Goemba, situated at 3566m. Two hours hike is one of the most rejuvenating and picturesque. Overnight at Paro, elevation 2280m.
DAY 19: Fly-Out
Drive to Paro international Airport for your onward flight.
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