Himalayan Wilderness Tour

Detail Itinerary

Day 1Arrive ParoDuring the flight, if weather permits, you can see breathtaking views of Himalaya Mountains, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. On arrival you will be greeted by representative of Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition then transferred to hotel. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 2Hike to Taktsang Monastery After breakfast hike to Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan 's most famous monastery. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown on the back of a tigress from Singye Dzong in Lhuntse to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. It is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. Lunch would be served in the Cafeteria on the way. Hike back to Paro and in the afternoon and visit Kichu Lhakhang and Drugyel Dzong. Overnight hotel in Paro.

Day 3Paro-Jele Dzong Today is a short trekking day. The day starts with a short climb to Jele Dzong. The trek trail is rather gradual up till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele La Dzong (3,400m) and Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp at 3300m.

Day 4Jele Dzong-Jangchulakha Begin with an hour and half climb and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons and arrives at the Jangchulakha. After walking for some time, you will arrive at the campsite, which offers scenic views beneath. You can also see yak herders around your campsite ((3600m).

Day 5Jangchulakha-Jigmelangtsho- LarithangAfter a short climb trail follows a ridge, which on a clear day you can have sensational views of Mont Jumolhari and other Himalayan ranges. After a short descent, you will arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3700m) where you will be served your lunch. Then the trail descends further down to Langrithang through fir forests. Overnight camp at 3500m.

Day 6Laritahng-Tsaluna The trail takes you through forests of fir and rhododendrons following the stream and arrives at Tsaluna Monastery (sacred site of Guru Rinpoche from 8th century). Further down, you will reach Tsaluna Village, were you can see beautiful farms. In the evening, you will explore nearby villages to experience the lifestyle of rural farmers. Overnight camp (2700m).

Day 7Tsaluna-ThimphuYou will walk along the farm roads through the village (option: ride a car). After few hours of leisurely walk, you can ride a car to Thimphu for lunch. After relaxing lunch, visit the famous Weekend Market. Stroll through the market to see the variety of food of the country, including basket upon basket of fiery chilies, fresh cheese, and mangoes. In addition, many stalls contain Bhutanese handicrafts and household items. This is perhaps good opportunity for photography and to mingle with locals who comes from the nearby villages to sell their farm products. In the evening, you can stroll through Thimphu town and absorb the life style of the people. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8Thimphu-Punakha After breakfast this morning, enjoy the scenic drive to Punakha with a stop for tea at Dochu La (3,100 meters), where on a clear day you can get spectacular views of the Himalayas. From the pass, drive downhill through the forests of rhododendron, fir and hemlock. You will arrive at Punakha after traversing through rice field and along the bank of Punakha River. On the way, you will stop at Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple dedicated to Devine Madman or Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Receive a special fertility blessing from Lama’s wooden phallus if you wish. After lunch, you will visit Punakha Dzong, which is stunningly situated in between the male and female rivers like an anchored ship. Overnight hotel in Punakha.
Biking options: Downhill from Dochula Pass to Punakha valley and round Punakha valley including to and fro 12 km north of the valley till Gasa-Damji road head.

Day 9Rafting at Pochu RiverAfter breakfast, you will hike through a forest of pines and farmlands along the bank of Pho Chu River for about 2 hours till you reach Samdhingkha (put in). Your rafting crew will be waiting here for you. Then start rafting along the Pho Chu River coming across stretches of Class II and IV rapids. Upon arriving at a beach-like stretch of sand, some distance from a Chorten, you will be served lunch on the sandy embankment. The post-lunch rafting session will continue till you reach the relatively placid section of the river below the Punakha Dzong. Overnight hotel in Punakha.

Day 10Punakha-BumthangAfter breakfast you will drive to Bumthang, the cultural heartland of the country. The route is along a spectacular winding road, crossing 3,300-meter-high Pele La pass, and at certain times of year it's possible to see yaks. You will stop in Trongsa for lunch. After lunch you'll visit Trongsa Dzong, the masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture. Then you'll proceed to Bumthang with lush valleys and hilly forests. Along the way you will stop at a yathra (textile weaving) factory, where the yathras are designed with patterns unique to Bumthang, and you can even watch some of the weavers at their looms. Check into hotel on arrival. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Biking options: The drop from Pele La to Trongsa, a distance of 70km is said to be the longest downhill stretch in the world. Downhill ride from Yotong La Pass (3,425 meters) to Getsa. From Getsa valley you can bike along the valley till Jakar.

Day 11Bumthang Sightseeing and free day biking in the broad valley of Bumthang. Overnight hotel in Bumthang.
Biking options: The largest and broad valley of Bumthang offers very good opportunity for biking in Bhutan. You can bike in the around Bumthang.

Day 12Bumthang-Wangdue Morning visit to Jambay Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. Then drive to Punakha with lunch en route. While in Wangdue you will also visit the typical Bhutanese town of Wangdue. Overnight hotel in Wangdue.
Biking options: Downhill Yotong La Pass to Trongsa and Pelela La Pass to Wangdue.

Day 13Wangdue-Thimphu After breakfast visit Rinchengang Village on the opposite side of the Dzong which is known for their slate and stone carvings. Then drive to Thimphu across Dochula Pass. On arrival check into hotel. Evening is free time for shopping in town. Overnight hotel in Thimphu.
Biking options: You can ride bikes downhill from Dochula Las Pass and along the new express before reaching Thimphu and also in and around Thimphu city in the evening. Last day of biking in Bhutan.

Day 14Depart ParoAfter breakfast drive to the airport for departure. Pink Mountain Treks and Expedition's representative will bid you farewell.