BHUTAN
Land of Druk Yul. Travel to Druk Yul and discover
the muth of a hidden country! Ancient land of Druk
Yul now known as Bhutan is still behind the cloud.
Despite fast changes engulfing the region it has managed
to retain its heritage, green valleys, clean rural
setting and colourful culture. It is a natural paradise.
Buddhism has deep impression on all aspects of its
culture. It is indeed true, Druk Yul is the only country
with stage religion of tantric (Lama) Buddhism apart
from Tibet under Dalai Lama.
Northern belt is mountainous country with peaks that
reache height of 7000 m. Elevation from central belt
rises dramatically from 3000 to 4000 m. Ther eare
very few villages and well marked trail unlike in
the mountains of Nepal. The high mountain to the north
are inhabited by nomads and yak herders. We arrange
trek in this area of western Bhutan. Guided tour on
comfortable bus are in the central valley of western
region where it has important cultural centres like
Paro, Thimpu (capital), and Punakha; and further east
is Wangdi and Bumtang. These places are linked with
its history and advent of Buddhism in Bhutan. After
visiting Bhutan you will discover the reason why its
valley was chosen to preserve tantric Buddhism.
Lingshi-Laya Trek
This route takes one upstream along the Paro Chu and
the ancient caravan route to Tibet, through the Seo
valley, deep into the shadows of Mt Chomolhari (7314
m) Mt Jitchu Drake (7000 m) and over Nele La pass
(4250 m) into Linghshi valley. The inhabitants of
these two valleys are nomads subsisting almost entirely
on the produce and products of sheep and yaks. The
many lakes in Seo valley are every anglers wildest
dream come true. Almost every cast brings in a fish
which can weigh upto 18 lbs. At Linghshi the picturesque
remnant of a once mighty border fortress is now the
residence of the valley administrator. From this hill
a day's trek is all it takes to cross over the plateau
of Tibet. Heading East over the 3 high passes of Gobula
(4350 m) Jarila (4600 m) and Shinjela (4900 m) lies
the valley of Laya. Herds of the rare Tarkihn can
be seen enroute to Tsai Jathang valley. Laya lies
in the Masakhang mountain region which is the source
of the Mo Chu flowing through Punakha. The inhabitants
of Laya as an ethnic group, are quite different from
the rest of the Bhutanese peole. Like the people of
Seo and Lingshi they too are nomads. Along the way
down to Punakha, the old capital, lies the historic
Gasa fort and the famous popular hot springs of Gasa.
Day 1. Arrival Paro.
Day 2. Sightseeing in Paro.
Day 3 to 14. Trek commences
Shana, Seo Thangtnanks, Jangotnang, Chebisa, Shomuthang,
Robluthang, Laya, Konar, Gasa Dzong Tashith end in
Punakha valley
Day 15. Khuruthang to camp
overnight at Khuru camp.
Day 16. Drive to Wangdi Phodrang
and visit the castle and Dochula pass for lunch. Proceed
on to Thimpu.
Day 17. Full day sightseeing
at Thimphu.
Day 18. Depart early in the
morning to Paro airport.
Black Mountain and Rhodedron Trek
Bhutan's attractions are said to be the upspoilt rich
culture, majestic beauty, and friendly people who
take great pride in their hospitality. This combination
tour and trek covers cultural sights in township as
well as villages, where life goes on as it has for
centuries. When this trail was first discovered it
was called the Rhododendron Trek, although other species
of flora are abundant.
Day 1. Arrive at Paro.
Day 2. Paro sightseeing.
Day 3. Paro-Taktsang excursion.
Day 4. Thimpu sightseeing.
Day 5. Thimpu.
Day 6. Punakha and Wangdi valley excursion.
Day 7. Trek begins. Wangdi
to Khotakha ( 6 to 7 hrs I. Cross Tashila pass.
Day 8.Khotakha to Gogona 1
5 to 6 hrsl. Cross Shobjula pass.
Day 9. Gogona to Gangte gompal
5 to 6 hrs) Cross Ttselela pass.
Day 10. Trek ends. Gangte Gompa to Rukhubji
village( 5 to 6 hrs}.
Day 11. Drive to Jakar(Bumthangl. Enroute visit
Tongsa Ozong.
Day 12. JakarlBhumthang) sightseeing.
Day 13. Day at leisure.
Day 14. Drive to Thimphu.
Day 15. Paro departure.
Requirements : Minimum 2 persons
The trek is not strenuous and anyone who is in good
health and condition can easily participate. You will
require a good sleeping bag for trek. ( A detailed
list of required equipment and clothing for trekking
will be sent on booking).
Season : Open all year round but best in April
and May for flowers.