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TREKKING ROUTES

 

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience unlike many of the more crowded treks offered in Asia. The treks range from a simple 3-days trek from the district of Thimphu to Paro (or vice versa) to the 25-days legendary Snowman's Trek that takes veteran trekkers through some of the most exquisite sports in the country. The snowman Trek is also labelled as the world's toughest trek as it goes over 12 mountain passes, all of them over 4,500m above sea level.

The trails pass grasslands and pastures for livestock, and meadows of wildflowers,butterflies, and grazing animals. You pass through the remote ancient monasteries, through deep forest and close to the villages. Some of the treks offer majestic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem. Almost all the designated trekking routes go above 3,000m.

Acclimatization is strongly recommended before embarking upon a trek.

On a logistical note, the facilities enroute are as high as the mountains. Trekking parties are led, organized and accompanied by veteran guides, competent assistants, experienced cooks and a horseman. Yaks and ponies shoulder provisions, equipments abd trekkers normally prefer to carry a daypack with cameras and films.

Meals are meticulously planned and sumptuously cooked by the support crew. They walk ahead and scout spots; pitching tents, camps and an ad hoc kitchen. Breakfasts are served hot. Dinners include with choices of dishes. All staffs are trained to observe hygiene, practice eco-friendly waste disposal and ensure minimal impact on local norms and mores.

Trekking permits are required for all parties.

Trekking Routes in Bhutan

You would require a few days before and after the actual trekking days to arrive to the trek starting point and to return to the point of your departure.

Difficulty grade of treks : S - Strenous, M - Moderate, E - Easy

 

No

Trek Name

Days/Grade

Alt.M

Season

Start-End

Scenes en-route

1 Bumthang Cultural 03-E H:3353
L:2800
May-June Sept-Nov Bumthang - Jakar Farm houses, fields, temples
3 Gangtey Winter 03-E H:3203
L:1370
Mar-June Sept-Nov Gangtey-Chuzomsa/Wangdue Fields, villages, temples, forests
3 Chilela Nature 03-E H:3845
L:2200
May-June Sept-Nov Paro-Paro Farm houses, wildflowers
4 Punakha Winter 04-E H:1800
L:1350
Jan-Mar Nov-Dec Thimphu-Wangdue Villages, temples, rhododendron, chirpine forests
5 Sinchula 04-M H:3600
L:1350
Mar-May Sept-Nov Thimphu-Punakha Mixed forests, villages, small lakes
6 Dongla 04-S H:3170
L:1780
Apr-May Sept-Nov Lhuentse-Trashi Yangtse Villages, temples, mixed forests
7 Druk Path 05-M H:3400
L:2200
Apr-June Sept-Nov Paro-Thimphu Blue pine forests, rhoddendron, yak herders, lakes
8 Rodungla 06-S H:3170
L:1780
May-June Sept-Nov Bumthang-Lhuentse Villages, temples, mixed forests
9 Dagala Thousand Lakes 07-M H:4420
L:2210
Mar-May Sept-Nov Chhuzom-Simtokha Villages, forests, lakes, fishing
10 Dur Hot Springs 08-S H:3400
L:2800
May-June Sept-Nov Bumthang-Bumthang Mixed forests, villages, temples, bule sheep
11 Jhomolhari 10-S H:4820
L:2200
Apr-June Sept-Nov Paro-Dodena/Thimphu Yak herders, fishing, blue sheep, musk deer
12 Beautiful Laya Gasa 15-S H:4600
L:1350
Apr-June Sept-Nov Paro-Punakha Villages, Yak herders, hot springs at Gasa
13 Lunana Snowman 25-S H:5100
L:1370
May-June Sept-Oct Paro-Bumthang Forests, hot springs, yak herders, blue sheep

Two New Trekking Routes


No.

Trek Name

Days-Grade

Alt. M.

Season

Start-End

Scenes en-route

A The Ancient Royal Route 03-E H:3330
L:1800
Apr-June Sept-Nov Tongsa-Bumthang Forest, farmhouses, village, monastery
B Bhey-Laga 09-S H:4700
L:1350
Apr-May Sept-Oct Chuzom/Wangdi
Nikachu/Wangdi
Forest, village, yak herders, lakes, blue sheep


1. BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

This trek passes via several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. The route provides plenty of opportunity to visit villages, Ihakhangs (temples) and other places of cultural interest, justifying its name. The best season for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Bumthan Nganglhakhang (12km/4.5hrs)
02 Nganglhakhang Ugyenchholing (17km/7-8hrs)
03 Ugyenchholing Jakar (15km/5-6hrs)

2. GANGTEY WINTER TREK

This trek in Phobjikha valley (3,000m) is in one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. The region is the chosen home of the rare black-necked cranes who migrate here during the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek passes through fascinating villages, meadows and forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The best time for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day Start Camp/End
01
Gantey Gompa Gogona (15km/6-7 hrs)

The trek commences from Gantey village (2,830m) traversing through meadows, fields and mixed forests of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolia, later ascending to Tselela pass (3,400m). After passing through several meadows, the trail reaches Gogona village (3,100m), the beautiful hilltop campsite situated among fluttering prayer flags.

 

02
Gogona Khotokha (16km/6-7hrs)

The route further passes through forests of fir, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, cypress and juniper leading to Shobjula pass (3,400m) and later to a Chhorten Karpo (group of four chhortens dedicated to previous chief abbots). Campsite is at an altitude of 2,790m, near forests of large blue pine overlooking the valley and village of Khotokha.

 

03
Kothokha Chzomsa, Wangdi via Nizergang (12km/5 hrs )

A short steep ascent leads to Tashila pass (2,800m) leading downhill through beautiful forests of rhododendron, magnolia, ferns and dwarf bamboo. The trail is also one of the most interesting bird watching areas in the country and few species in this region include: laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. Later the route traverses further along the west ridge crossing the Tang Chhu River, reaching to the district of Wangduephodrang.

 

3. THE ANCIENT ROYAL ROUTE: TONGSA TO BUMTHANG TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Trongsa Shopjapang
02 Shopjapang Domkhar
03 Domkhar Jakar

4. CHILELA NATURE TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro Chonana
02 Chonana Domselha
03 Domselha Kichu/Paro

5. PUNAKHA WINTER TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Khuruthang Limukha
02 Limukha Chungsakha
03 Chungsakha Samtengang
04 Samtengang Wangdi-Punakha

6. SINCHULA TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Thimphu/Kabjesa Sinchula
02 Sinchula Dupsingpang
03 Dupsingpang Chorten Nebu
04 Chorten Nebu Kabje Sirigang

7. DONGLA TREK FROM LHUENTSI TO TASHIYANGTSE

Day Start Camp/End
01 Lhuntsi Wangsi Lhakhang
02 Wangsi Lhakhang Pemi
03 Pemi Toupang
04 Toupang Tashiyangtse
(Chorten Kora Camp)

8. DRUK PATH TREK

It is a relatively short, soft trek leading from Paro valley to Thimphu Valley or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that spearates the two valleys. The route passes through sparseley populated places. One of the interesting features of this trek is the presence of beautiful lakes enroute teeming with fish. Also this area is particularly famous for spectacular rhododendron forests which run riot in the month of May. The best time for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro Jele Dzong (8km/3 hours)

The trek is rather gradual up till a fortress in ruins (3,400m). Campsite for the day is reached after crossing the 3,400m Jele La pass, arriving at Jele Dzong which is mostly in ruins.

 

02 Jele Dzong Jangchulakha (10km/3-4 hrs)

The route climbs through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons to a saddle at 3,590m. Stunning views of Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) and the surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The beautiful Monal pheasant can also be seen during the day. Campsite at 3,780m near yak herders' camp.

 

03 Jangchulakha Jimilangtsom(11km/4 hrs)

The trek follow the ridge to a saddle at 4,040m, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu la pass (4,180m). Camp is near Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake) known for its giant size trout. Also there are good views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro Valley.

 

04 Jimilangtso Simkota (11km/4 hrs)

The trail traverses through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake and passes by yak herder camps. It is a short climb along the side of the ridge and then a short, steep descent to camp at 4,040m which is near Simkota Tsho Lake famous for its trout.

 

05 Simkota Phajodingm (10km/3-4hrs)

The day begins with a gradual climb to a saddle at 4,180m crossing Phume la pass (4,210m) marked by prayer flags. If weather permits, there are enchanting views of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m) and other Himalayan peaks here. The trail then descends past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation centre hanging on the side of a precipitous rock face, continuing further through juniper trees to the campsite near Phajoding Goemba (3,870m), an important pilgrimage site.

 

06 Phajoding Thimphu (5km/3 hrs)

Todays's trek is all downhill through forested areas of mostly bluepine.

 

8. RODUNGLA TREK

This trek across the top of eastern Bhutan is on the important trade route that was used, prior to the construction of the National Highway. The trek provides the opportunity to visit remote dzongs (fortresses/monasteries). The best season for this trek is March, April and October.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Bumthang Nganglhakhang (12km/4 hrs)
02 Nganglhakhang Ugyenchholing (17km/7-8hrs)
03 Ugyenchholing Phokpey (17km/6hrs)
04 Phokpey Pemi (20km/7hrs)
05 Pemi Khaine Lhakhang (21km/7-8 hrs)
06 Khaine Lhakhang Tangmachu (18km/6-7 hrs)
07 Tangmachu Menji (16km/5 hrs)
08 Menji Pemi (20km/7 hrs)
09 Pemi Taupang (21km/7-8 hrs)
10 Taupang Trashi Yangtse (24km/8 hrs)

10. DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK

This relatively moderate trek passes through various picturesque high altitude lakes so named as the Thousand Lakes Trek. Also the route is particulary rich in bird species, alpine flowers and attractive meadows. The route also presents fascinating views of prominent eastern Himalayan peaks such as Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang and Gangchhenta. The best months for this trek are April and October.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Thimphu Geynekha (14km/4 hrs)
02 Geynekha Gur (15km/4 hrs)
03 Gur Labatama (12km/5 hrs)
04 Labatama ** Halt
05 Labatama Panka (8km/4 hrs)
06 Panka Talika (8km/4 hrs)
07 Talika Simtokha (3km/2 hrs)

11. DUR HOT SPRING TREK

This trek is particularly famous for its hot springs. Walking across forests of Cyprus, juniper, spruce, hemlock and maple, the route also offers opportunity to view interesting fauna such as Musk deer, Blue sheep and Himalayan black bear. The best season for this trek is March to April and September to early October.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Bumthang Gorsum (18km/7 hrs)
02 Gorsum Lungsum (12km/5 hrs)
03 Lungsum Tsochenchen (15km/6 hrs)
04 Tsochenchen Dur Tsachu (17km/7 hrs)
05 Dur Tsachu ** Halt
06 Dur Tsachu Tsochenchen
07 Tsochenchen Gorsum
08 Gorsum Bumthang

12. BHEY LAGA TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Wangdi Rifakha
02 Rifakha Bhey Niuley
03 Bhey Niuley Bhey Riju
04 Bhey Riju Bhey Namtokha
05 Bhey Namtokha Peyra Camp
06 Peyra Camp Sintha Camp
07 Sintha Camp Tempey Tsho
08 Tampey Tsho Morathang
09 Morathang Nikkachhu/Wangdi

13. CHOMOHARI TREK

This nine days trek offers a rare glimpse of the High Himalayan landscape. Passing through scattered hamlets, farmland and densely forested tracts, the trek terminates into a fabulously colorful high alpine pastureland. The ideal season for this trek is April to May and September to November.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro (Drukgyel Dzong) Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02 Shana Zampo Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8 hrs)
03 Soi Thangthangkha Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04 Jangothang ** Halt
05 Jangothang Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06 Lingshi ** Halt
07 Lingshi Shodu (22km/8-9 hrs)
08 Shodu Barshong (16km/5-6 hrs)
09 Barshong Dolam Kencho (15km/5-6 hrs)
10 Dolam Kencho Dodena - Thimphu (8km/3 hrs)

14. BEAUTIFUL LAYA/GASA TREK

This trek route offers great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en-route.

Wildlife such as the blue sheep, marmots, musk deer and the national animal, the takin, can be seen. One should also not rule out the possibility of the rare sighting of a snow leopard, great Himalayan bear or even the yeti!

The best season for this trek is April to May and mid-September to mid-November.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02 Shana Zampa Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8 hrs)
03 Soi Thangthangkha Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04 Jangothang Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
05 Lingshi Chebisa (10km/5 hrs)
06 Chebisa Shomuthang (17km/7 hrs)
07 Shomuthang Robluthang (18km/6-7 hrs)
08 Robluthang Lemithang (19km/7 hrs)
09 Lemithang Laya (10km/5 hrs)
10 Laya ** Halt
11 Laya Koina (19km/6-7 hrs)
12 Koina Gasa Tsachu (14km/5-6 hrs)
13 Trek to Gasa (Hot Springs) 2 hrs ** Halt
14 Gasa Tsachu Goem Damji (18km/6 hrs)
15 Goem Damji Tashithang - Punakha (16km/5 hrs)

15. LUNANA SNOWMAN TREK

This trek goes up to the remote Lunana distrct in orthern Bhutan and is considered as the toughest trek in the country owing to distances, altitudes and its remoteness. The best season for Snowman trek is mid-October.

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02 Shana Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8hrs)
03 Soi Thangthangkha Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04 Jangothang.
Day for fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake in shape of bowl which has good supply of spotted trout.
** Halt
05 Jangothang Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06 Lingshi Chebisa (10km/5 hrs)
07 Chebisa Shomuthang (17km/7 hrs)
08 Shomuthang Robluthang (18km/6-7 hrs)
09 Robluthang Limithang (19km/7 hrs)
10 Limithang Laya (10km/5 hrs)
11 Laya ** Halt
12 Laya Roduphu (19km/7 hrs)
13 Roduphu Narethang (17km/6 hrs)
14 Narethang Tarina (18km/6-7 hrs)
15 Tarina Woche (17km/6 hrs)
16 Woche Lhedi (17km/6 hrs)
17 Lhedi Thanza (17km/6 hrs)
18 Thanza ** Halt
19 Thanza Tsorim (19km/8-9 hrs)
20 Tsorim Geshe Woma (19km/8-9hrs)
21 Geshe Woma Warathang (19km/8-9 hrs)
22 Warathang Dur Tsachu (16km/5 hrs)
23 Dur Tsachu Tsochenchen (18km/8-9 hrs)
24 Tsochenchen Gorsum (12km/4-5 hrs)
25 Gorsum Bumthang (12km/4 hrs)

16. JHOMOLHARI TREK

Day Start Camp/End
01 Paro Shana (17km)
02 Shana Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8hrs)
03 Soi Thangthangkha Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04 Jangothang.
Day for fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake in shape of bowl which has good supply of spotted trout.
** Halt
05 Jangothang Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06 Lingshi halt Lingshi
07 Lingshi Shodu (22km)
08 Shodu Barshong (13km)
09 Barshong Dolam Kencho (11km)
10 Dolam Kencho Thimphu (14km)

ALL INFORMATION ARE GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT GIVING PRIOR NOTICE.

 

 

 

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