Bhutan's Sacred Summit Trek
Druk Yul means 'Land of the Thunder Dragon', the local name for the country known to the world as Bhutan. It lies in the heart of the vast Himalaya and to both its west and east, rugged mountain ranges stand between it and the hill districts of India. Towering to the northwest, the stark and dramatic mountains of the Chomolhari Range form the frontier with Tibet. Very few visitors have entered this tiny Himalayan kingdom and even fewer have been privileged to trek into her high mountains. Of the few areas open to trekkers and climbers the route to the base camp of Chomolhari (7314m), the sacred mountain of Bhutan, is probably the most aesthetically beautiful. Bhutan is not just about scenery and unbelievable mountains; it is also about friendly people and an enduring and living Buddhist faith with magnificent monasteries, rich religious traditions and about a turbulent past. The great fortresses or 'dzongs' found throughout the country are mute testimony to the wars, sieges and attempted invasions in times gone by. Today the country is a stable and peaceful kingdom where the king is revered and the economy is measured in 'Gross National Happiness'! Trekking through the dense forests, walking above the tree line with the nomadic yak herders, enjoying rare sightings of musk deer and blue sheep, and standing beneath the dramatic ice peaks of Chomolhari - these all make this one of the most rewarding treks in the entire Himalaya.
Itinerary
| Day Number(s) | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | (Tue) Arrive in Paro and transfer to hotel. |
| 2 | Explore Paro and surrounding valley. Hike to Tiger's Nest Monastery. |
| 3 | Drive to Drukgyel Dzong and start trek to Shana. |
| 4 | Steady ascent through the Paro Valley, with chance sightings of wildlife. |
| 5-6 | Break above the tree line to Chomolhari Base Camp (4050m), close to a massive icefall. Rest day at Jangothang. |
| 7 | Short trek to the lakes at Tso Phu, with views of snow-covered peaks. |
| 8 | Trek over Bang Tue La (Pass) at 4700m. Descend to Soi Yaksa Valley and camp by river. |
| 9 | Climb over Takalung La (Pass) (4330m) then descend to Thangbue Valley with pastures full of yaks. |
| 10 | Descend to pine forest and trek back to Shana. |
| 11 | End trek and travel to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital. Visit handicraft centres. |
| 12 | Experience the attractions of Thimphu, including the Weekend Market. |
| 13 | Transfer to Paro Airport where trip ends (Sun). |
Trip Highlights
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At A Glance
Trip Length |
13 days |
Trip Code |
PHBC |
Activities |
|
| Trekking (Strenuous), Culture (Easy) | |
| Min Altitude | Max Altitude |
| 2280m | 4700m |
Countries Visited |
|
| Bhutan | |
Start City |
|
| Paro | |
End City |
|
| Paro | |
