Day 2 Paro Hike to Tiger's Nest
After an early light breakfast we will start for the Taksang Monetary
The most cherished and holy place to visit in any Bhutan travel is the famous Taktsang Monastery, which is popularly called Tiger’s Nest Monastery. It is said that Guru Rinpoche came here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this place. The monastery is built astonishingly on a straight 900m cliff in 1692. It was damaged in a fire in 1998 and was restored to its former glory in 2005. This is the most sacred site which is visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On a sunny day it is advisable to carry sun screen, water, walking stick and a hat basically your regular trekking gear. There is about a one hour climb to reach cafeteria from where one can enjoy the captivating view of the monastery as well as flying prayer flags, some tied in seemingly most impossible to reach places. This would also be a good acclimatisation hike on your Bhutan trekking trip. Paro Dzong: This a magnificent structure built in true Bhutanese style. Its original complete name is Ringpung Dzong, which means ‘the fortress of the heap of jewels’. It was built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Nawang Namgyal. The Paro Dzong was almost burnt in an accidental fire in 1906. The Thongdrol a 20X20 meter-wide Thangka, could only be salvaged. It is displayed annually during Paro Tshechu which is celebrated from the 9th till the 15th of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese calendar (usually in March or April of the Gregorian calendar). National Museum of Bhutan: Paro has the famous National Museum situated in a round fortress the Ta Dzong. In 1968 with the aim to showcase countries rich cultural heritage the Kingdom of Bhutan inaugurated this museum. It showcases artefacts dating back to 1st century. Kyichu Lhakhang: This is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built around the 7th century and was later visited by Guru Rinpoche who brought Buddhism to Bhutan.

Day 3 Thimpu
Next leg on your Bhutan travel is Thimpu. After breakfast of continental and choicest of Bhutanese local dishes, you will be taken to Thimpu, the capital city of Bhutan. First stop; Kings Memorial you would be taken to the Kings Memorial built in the memory of the third Dragon King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who ruled the country for three decades from 1952-1972 and was grandfather to the present King of Bhutan. Thimpu Dzong: Thimpu Dzong built in 1216 is not the original fortress because it had to be rebuilt many a times, as it has been destroyed in fire and other unfortunate accidents on many occasions. Thimpu Dzong is also known as Traschicho or Trasi Chhoe Dzong, ‘fortress of glorious religion’. It is north of the city on the west bank of Wangchu(Thimpu) river. Traditional handmade paper making factory: here one can see the subtle art of paper making by hand, which has been passed from one generation to other over centuries. National institute for Traditional Medicine: Here a variety of medicine of traditional secret formula origin are available for public and tourist alike and one can purchase traditional medicine for ailment or beauty treatments here. You will have picnic lunch at one of many spots in the city. In the evening you can go about the local market of Thimpu and experience life in Bhutan first hand, also last minute shopping for any knick knacks you might want for your trek staring tomorrow.. Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Thimpu.

Day 1: Arrive Paro
Day 2: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu - Punakha – Tashithang
Day 4: Tashithang - Damji – Gasa
Day 5: The day at Gasa Tsachu
Day 6: Gasa Tsachu - Geon Damji
Day 7: Geon Damji - Tashithang - Punakha
Day 8: Punakha- Thimphu
Day 9: Thimphu – Paro
Day 10: Depart

Mount Jumolhari Trek

Travel Bhutanwith Bhutan Travel Packages.Jumolhari Mountain has been restricted from being conquered about three decades back. Local yak herders believed it to be the abode of their legendry Goddess.Bhutan Travel Packages will guide you to the base camp of this imposing and beautiful mountain. Bhutan Travel Packageswill providewith experiencedguides, cooks, crew and beast of burden.

Mount Jumolhari trek is one of the most popular trek in Bhutan, and yet it is one of the most exotic Bhutan trekking experience one can ever experience in a life time. If trekking is your passion, then your life journal is incomplete before you this trek in Bhutan.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro
Your Bhutan Travel experience starts much prior to your entering Bhutan’s air space. During the flight, you can see breath-taking views of the Himalaya Mountains, including the Mount Everest, sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by Bhutan Travel Packages representative and transferred to your hotel at Paro. In the afternoon after lunch and much needed rest from the long travel to Bhutan.Youwill visit The Ta Dzong, built in 17thcentury, as watchtower to defend Paro Dzong (fortress) and the valley from invading Tibetans. This fortress was converted into a museum in 1968 and over a period it has gathered over 3000 fascinating artefacts, some dating back about 2000 years. Thereafter you will visit the Ringpung Dzong meaning the “fortress of heap of jewels”. Later you will visit the local Paro market. Dinner and overnight stay, at the hotel in Paro.

Day 2 Acclimatization hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery
This early morning you will hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery. Bhutan’s most revered monastery. The location and setting of this monastery standing almost a kilometre on a vertical rockface above the valley floor is absolutely breath-taking. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche came here to meditate riding on back of a tigress from Tibet in 8th century. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant 25 minutes from the monastery. The Cafeteria also presents a beautiful view of the Taktsang. After reaching assigned vehicle you will leave for KyichuLhakhang one of the oldest temple in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight stay in hotel in Paro.

Day 3 Paro-ShanaZampa (17 km, 5-6 hours) Trek starts
Early morning you will drive to Drukgyel Dzong from here your trek starts. Paro Drukgyel Dzong to SharnaZampa (Distance a17km, trek time 4 to 5 hours, camp altitude 2,850m). The walk trek will start on a wide trail through rice and millet field and would gently climb into apple orchards. The trail follows Paro Chu (river). Soon you will reach the army post of Gunitsawa at 2810m. This is the last stop before Tibet. There are several meadows to camp in beyond Shana Zampa for the night.

Day 4 ShanaZampa-SioThangthankha (16 km, 4-5 hours)
SharnaZampa- Thangthangkha (Distance 16km, 6 to 7 Hours, camp altitude 3,750m). The trail will again follow the Pa Chu (river) with lots of ups and downs, the trail will enter the JigmeDorji National Park, you will be served lunch after crossing the bridge towards the left side of Pa Chu. Finally will reach Thangthankha, this place is also from where you will have your first view of the sacred Jamolhari.

Day 5 Thangkhankha-Jangothang (19 km, 5-6 hours)
(Distance 19km, 5 to 6 hours,camp altitude 4,080m). Early morning while having tea/coffee you will have another chance to have a great view of Mount Jomolhari. The trek will continue up the Paro Chhu valley, which widen into patches of alpine meadows and scattered forest tree patches. Your lunch would be served in one of the many yak herder’s camp.The trek will continue and you will pass the villages SoeTakethang and Dangochang. You will eventually reach your camping site, Jangothang, one of the most beautiful camping site in the Himalayas. Again you will be graced by spectecular view of Mount Jomolhari and Jichu Drake

Snowman Trek with extension to Mount Gangkar Puensum

Travel Bhutan with Bhutan Travel packages and do Snowman trek: easily one of toughest and the rarest of high altitude treks one can attempt in a lifetime, if Everest is the Mecca of summits then this sure should be the Mecca of trekking. Snowman trek is approximately 350KM over pastures, passes and ridges. One has to go over 11 passes most of them over 4,500m spend 20 odd days at high altitude. Thin and frigid air, days away from the nearest help in case of emergency, altitude sickness, twisting an ankle, breaking a limb, so on and so forth all real possibilities. Yet some 2,500 tourist have completed Snowman trek successfully .Numerous mountain people have done it over millennia as most of the trek route was a major trade route between China, Tibet and Bhutan. And it’s the decedent of these mountain people who would be accompanying you on this awe inspiring trek as your trek guides and crew. Most of them would have completed The Snowman Trek on number of occasion in past. Bhutan Travel Packages will make all arrangements and meticulously plan the trek with you. Bhutan Travel Packages will also provide you with experienced guide, cook and crew capable of handling most emergencies so that this Bhutan trekking experience is one of the most memorable one ever.

Day 1: Arrive Paro
Flight to Paro is one of the most fascinating experiences of any mountain destination the Himalayas, you are treated to some of greatest snow-peaked mountains. On your arrival Paro International Airport, you will be received by Bhutan Travel Packages representative. You will directly be taken to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100m), you will have lunch here. Dochula is a beautiful spot , to have look of towering eastern Himalayan peaks and valleys. Dinner and overnight stay at a hotel in Punakha.

Day 2: Punakha/Tashithang
Post Breakfast you will be visiting the Punakha Dzong. Punakha Dzong is the second oldest and the second largest fortress in Bhutan. Punakha was also capital to Bhutan in ancient times. The Dzong is now used as winter residence of monk body, and also as the administrative centre for the district. After lunch you may visit the local market for any last minute shopping. Later in afternoon you will head to Tashithang to camp for the night.

Day 3: Tashithang - Damji – Gasa
Your Bhutan trek commence: Gasa Tsachu (Distance 16km, 4 to 5 hours, camp altitude 2,250m) The trail starts alongside the river Mo Chu (river). The area generously littered with abundant flora. It is an easy climb up to Damji Village (2,250m). the trek continues through subtropical forests and villages Gasa Tsachu (hot spring). Tsachu is a popular place with Bhutanese people, who come here for cure skin diseases as well as rheumatism. You will camp by the Dzong (fortress) for the night.

Day 4: Gasa - Chamsa
In the morning visit the Dzong built in early 17th century to protect the country from invading Tibetan forces. Thereafter a stiff climb to Bele La Pass (3,700m) through rhododendron, bamboo, juniper and fir forests. From the pass decent for about 30 to 40 minutes to reach the camping site, Chamsa (3,650). Trekking time 6 to 7 hours.

Day 5: Chamsa - Laya
First you descent to the banks of Mo Chu (Mother river). You will have lunch at the river riverside. Post lunch The trail starts by u will assent to Laya crossing the army camp. You will camp on the nearby meadow at an altitude of 3,800m. Trekking time 8 to 9 hours.

Day 6: Rest day at Laya
You will take a day off at Laya to acclimatise. Your guide will take you around the village to mix with locals, the locals are friendly here and will readily pose for camera. In the evening there will be a cultural programme of local folk dances.

Day 7: Laya - Rodhuphu
From Laya a descend to army camp, you will continue following the river till the turning point to Rhoduphu. After lunch continue climbing to reach the camp site at 4,350. Trekking time 8 to 9 hours.

Day 8: Rodhuphu - Tarina
Today is the longest day of the trek and you must start early in the morning. Climb to Tsimola (4,700m), after crossing the pass, on a clear day one will have breat-taking view of Lunana, Mount Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. The path is flat for another 4 hours till climb to Ganglapachung pass (5080m). The view from the path the panoramic view is spellbinding and whole mountains range including Masanggang, Tsendegang and Teri Gang can be seen. Later your descend to Tarina valley. Camp at altitude 3980m. Walking time 10 to 11 hours.

Day 9: Tarina - Woche
The trail leads down through the forests following the upper ridges of the Pho Chu (Father river). The path then climbs over a ridge and drops down to Woche (3,800m), we arrive at Gasa village. Camping altitude 3,800m. Walking hours 6 to 7 hours.

Day 10: Woche - Lhedi
The trek starts through fir forests and further ahead one walks through rhododendron bushes. Trek to Keche La pass (4480m) where one can have the great view of the mountain range. After the pass, you descend to the riverside and walk through the village. Follow up the river till Lhedi Village, which is one of the main sources of Pho Chu (Father river). Camp at altitude of 3,650m.