Trekking

Trekking in Bhutan is a delight to nature lovers and adventure seekers. 65% of the country under forest covers with 675 species of birds, 178 species of mammals and countless exotic Himalayan plants. Unlike other places, there is no lodge house in Bhutan’s trek routes. You will camp throughout the trek in tents. You will camp and trek through breathtaking landscape, pristine lakes, awesome white water, amazing environment and, view majestic mountains.

The altitude for treks range from 2350 mts to 5150 mts. Due to the introduction of many farm roads, we stopped operating the cultural treks and winter treks.

For luggage transportation, we use horses and yaks to carry the entire load. You will carry your bag pack with camera, medicines, water and other essentials for the day. The remaining load can be handed over to our trekking crew and they will bring it on the horse back.

Our treks are planned with great details keeping in mind the requirements of our guest. Our seasoned guide will lead your way through the wilderness defying your imagination of nature’s beauty. Trekking offers you the best opportunity to interact with our staff, see the splendour of nature up-close and refresh your mind from all the maddening crowd and sound.

DAY 1. ARRIVE PARO BY DRUK AIR
The flight offers you beautiful view of the Himalayan ranges. Weather permitting views of Mt. Everest and Kanchenjunga will be visible. On arrival and after visa formalities the Khamsa Tours Team will receive you. Afternoon / evening time at leisure.

DAY 2. DAY HIKE TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY
The uphill hike takes about 2 /3 hours through pine forests. The monastery, which clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley was devastated by fire in 1998 but the Royal Government, has taken immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original splendour. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months. The demons that were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism to the Paro valley, were subdued. During the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint meditated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time. Stroll back to your Hotel.

DAY 3. DRUGYEL DZONG AND TREK TO SHANA CAMP
Drive to Drugyel Dzong where the trek begins. The path goes upstream of the Pachu River through villages gradually ascending to 2800 meters at Shana camp. Walking time 5/6 hours.

DAY 4. TREK FROM SHANA TO SOI THANTHANGKHA
The trail again follows the Pachu river ascending through pine, oak and spruce forest. Lunch will be served near a traditional wooden bridge. The camp is at an altitude of 3800 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

DAY 5. TREK FROM SOI TO JANGOTHANG
Climb slowly for a while till you reach an army camp. Then follow the river above the tree line with stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch will be served inside a Yak herder’s camp. After an easy walk you will reach Jangothang at an altitude of 4050 meters. The view of Chomolhari (7320 meters) and Jichu Drake (6900
meters) is superb. Both the mountains are still virgin peaks. Walking time 4/5 hours.

DAY 6. A REST DAY AT JANGOTHANG
Explore the surrounding areas like Tshophu lake, visit Yakherders or simply relax.

DAY 7. TREK FROM JANGOTHANG TO LINGSHI
The trail follows the stream for half an hour and then crosses a bridge to the right-hand side. Climb up the ridge and enjoy stunning views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Khang mountains. Then walk through the wide-open valley sometimes coming across herds of blue sheep. The climb upto the Nyele la pass at 4700 meters is not too difficult and the view is breathtaking. After the pass its a gradual descent through the valley with beautiful views on all sides. Nearing the camp you will see the Lingshi Dzong perched on top of a hill with a commanding view of the valley. Arrive camp at 4100 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours.

DAY 8. TREK FROM LINGSHI TO SHODU
Today is an early start we begin walking gradually through the valley until we start a stiff climb to Yale la pass at 4950 meters the highest point of the trip. The panoramic view of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang is breathtaking. After the pass it’s a long descent to the camp at 3750 meters. Walking time 7/8 hours.

DAY 9. TREK FROM SHODU TO BARSHONG
The path follows the Thimchu river descending through rhododendron, Juniper and pine forests. The view of the cliff facing rocks and waterfalls are stunning. The trail gradually ascends after 3/4 hours to the ruins of Barshong Dzong reaching the camp at 3500 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

DAY 10. TREK FROM BARSHONG TO DODINA AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU
The path descends for a while joining the Thimchu river and then gradually ascending and descending through thick bamboo and pine forests. From Dolemkencho the trail descends all the way to Dodina where the coach will be waiting for our return. Walking time 7/8 hours. Drive 1 and half hour to Thimphu (capital city).

DAY 11. SIGHTSEEING IN THIMPHU AND DRIVE TO PARO
AM stroll around the market and do some sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu and drive 2 hours to Paro. PM Paro sightseeing. 

DAY 12. TRANSFER TO AIRPORT FOR DEPARTURE

 We provide the following facilities:

  • Sleeping tent on twin sharing basis (when not in Hotel).
  • All meals with evening camp tea.
  • Boiled water every morning for the day.
  • Dinning tent
  • Common Toilet tent
  • Chairs, tables and all dining equipments
  • Rubber sleeping mat.

Things you must bring;

  • Personal medication
  • Sleeping bag
  • Torch or flash light with enough battery
  • Rain gear and clothing
  • Walking sticks
  • Sun block cream, sun hat and goggles
  • Trekking footwear
  • Toiletries and small knife
  • Towel and soaps.
  • Good durable water bottles.
  • Candy and energy bars.