Tour available date | September-November | 2024 |
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2 Person | Per person USD 2750 |
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4-10 Person | Per person USD 2500 |
Day 1- Paro to Thimphu
You start your journey by flying into Paro on Druk Air/Bhutan Airlines, the national airlines of Bhutan. Upon arrival in Paro, there are visa formalities to be completed. Your guide from “Wildwing Adventure” will meet you at the airport, marking the beginning of your exploration in Bhutan. The journey from Paro to Thimphu includes sightseeing along the way. This drive offers an opportunity to soak in the beauty of the Bhutanese landscape, on a way with a walk to Tachog Lhakhang across the Paro River. This adds a cultural and historical element to your journey. Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan, is introduced as a city set at 7,725 feet along the Wang Chhu. This gives a sense of the altitude and the picturesque setting of the capital. This allows travelers to engage with the medieval ambiance and enjoy the surroundings before continuing the journey to Thimphu. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 2- Exploration in Thimphu
After breakfast, the day begins with a drive to Dodena (8,600'), located at the north end of Thimphu. A one-hour steep hike takes you to Cheri Monastery or Goemba, founded in 1620 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It was initially established with 30 monks and currently serves as the main meditation center of the country. More than 70 monks undergo a three-year, three-month retreat at the monastery. Inside the monastery is a silver Chorten holding the ashes of Zhabdrung’s father. Upon returning from the Cheri Monastery hike, the itinerary includes a visit to Tango Goemba. This involves another steep one-hour climb to the monastery founded in the 12th century (with the present building constructed in the 15th century). Tango Goemba is currently a Buddhist institute for higher learning. If time allows, there is a plan to visit Tashichho Dzong. Tashichho Dzong is the seat of the royal government and central monastic body, providing a glimpse into the political and monastic aspects of Bhutan. The total drive time for the day is estimated to be one hour. The hiking portion of the day is expected to take around 4 hours, considering the climbs to Cheri Monastery and Tango Goemba. The day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in Thimphu.
Day 3- Hike Taktsang Monastery
In the morning, there's a 2-hour drive to the trailhead in Paro, setting the stage for the hike to Taktsang Monastery. The main activity of the day is a 4 to 6 hours' hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger's Nest. The monastery is perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley. The hike follows a steep switchback trail through the forest, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience. After reaching Taktsang Monastery, lunch is planned at the tea house located below the monastery. This provides an opportunity to rest and enjoy a meal in a scenic setting. Following lunch, the descent back to the valley floor begins. The return journey allows for a different perspective of the landscape. After completing the hike and exploring Taktsang Monastery, there's a drive back to Paro. Once back in Paro, the itinerary includes a visit to the ancient Kichu Lhakhang. Travelers have the chance to learn about the legends connected to the construction of the temple in the 7th century.The day concludes with an overnight stay in a hotel in Paro.
Day 4- Haa Valley
A three-hour drive takes you to a campsite in the Haa Valley, which lies along the western border of Bhutan. The mention of the valley being closed to visitors until five years ago adds an element of exclusivity and recent accessibility. Later in the day, there's a visit to Lhakhang Karpo, also known as the "temple of the white dove." This monastery is believed to have been built in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Legend has it that he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place for the monastery. Stay in a hotel to relax on your own. The total drive duration for the day is estimated to be 112 km, taking approximately 4 hours. The day concludes with an overnight stay, either in a hotel in Haa.
Day 5- Beginning of your trek from Haa Valley to Sagala
The trek commences in the Haa Valley at an elevation of 3000 meters. You'll initially follow an unpaved motor road for less than an hour while keeping on the left side of the villages. After the motor road section, you'll take the trail on the right side of the village. The trail leads you to a gradual climb through a yak herder’s camp. Upon reaching a point where two different trails meet, it's emphasized that the trail towards the left, leading to the summer yak herding camp and the border of China, should be avoided. Instead, you'll take the right trail, which sets the course for the final climb towards your camp at Sagala. The day's trek concludes with the final climb towards the campsite at Sagala. The camp altitude is at 3,890 meters, marking a significant elevation gain from the starting point in Haa Valley.
Distance: 5 km
Time: 3 hours
Day 6- Sagala-Ningula
The day begins with a 30-minute climb to Sagala Pass. If the weather is clear, you'll be rewarded with superb views of Mount Jumolhari (7,314m) and Jitchu Drake (6,989m) from the pass. From Sagala Pass, the trail continues on the right side. The specific mention of the right side suggests the importance of following the designated path. The trek involves several ascents and descents as you traverse through rhododendron-filled trails and meadows. This part of the journey offers a diverse and scenic experience. After navigating through rhododendrons and meadows, you will reach the top of the ridge at an altitude of 4435m. This vantage point provides great views of the Haa Valley below. Continuing the trek, you'll make occasional ascents and descents through forests of hemlock and juniper. The varied terrain adds an element of adventure to the trek. The day's journey concludes as you reach your camp at an altitude of 4191m.
Distance: 12 km
Time: 5 hours
Day 7- Ningula via Kungkarpo Pass to Paro
The day begins with a descent for a few minutes, followed by following the ridge through meadows and yak herder’s camps. The trek continues with an uphill climb through a forest of tall rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial at 4458m. The climb offers spectacular views of the Haa Valley. At Kung Karpo, there is a notable sky burial site. Sky burials are a traditional Tibetan funerary practice where the deceased is placed on a mountaintop to decompose and be consumed by vultures. Stone cairns mark the path as you climb up towards Kung Karpo. From the sky burial site, the trek involves walking up and down with panoramic views of Paro Valley on the left and Haa Valley on the right. The trek offers spectacular views of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below, adding cultural and architectural interest to the journey. Continue walking further downhill until you reach Chelela Pass at an altitude of 3990m. Chelela Pass is known as one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. Your vehicle will be waiting at Chelela Pass to transfer you to Paro. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Paro at an altitude of 2200m.
Distance: 13 km
Time: 6-7 hours
Day 8- Paro Sightseeing
Explore the Paro Dzong, also known as the 'Fortress on a Heap of Jewels.' This 17th-century dzong is considered one of the best examples of Bhutanese architecture. The massive buttressed walls of Paro Dzong are visible throughout the valley and serve as the administrative seat of the district of Paro. Built in 1644 under the order of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the dzong holds historical and cultural significance. Visit Ta Dzong, a unique watchtower built in 1649 and later renovated in 1968 to house the National Museum. The museum is known for its comprehensive collection of historical items, offering insights into Bhutanese culture and heritage. Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, a sacred temple considered the Jewel of Bhutan, dating back to the 8th century. The temple was established by King Songstsen Gampo of Tibet and is believed to have been built to overcome obstacles to the spread of Buddhism. Embark on a hike from Nyemi Zampa to Juri Lhakhang, a journey that takes you through different levels along the slope with stunning views of the valley. Capture picturesque scenes, covering the settlement of Paro to the mountains. The day concludes with an overnight stay in Paro, providing time to reflect on the cultural richness and natural beauty experienced throughout the journey.
Day 9- Departure
Board your flight and bid farewell to Bhutan. If the weather is clear, you might catch some final glimpses of the Himalayan peaks as you fly out. Your Bhutanese adventure officially concludes upon reaching your destination.