Bhutan: Land of the Thunder Dragon (Spring)

2007 Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Flight to Paro, Bhutan

• Your trip begins today with an early morning flight from Bangkok, Thailand to Paro, Bhutan.  REI Adventures will be making the round trip flight reservations for you. The early flight from Bangkok to Paro (~ 8,000’) on Druk Air is a befitting introduction to the Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan. On arrival you are met by your Bhutanese leader, who is typical of the hospitable and charming people here. We transfer to our hotel in Paro and check in prior to visiting the Paro National Museum and other city and festival sites.  Breakfast on your own. Lunch and dinner included. Then, all meals included through breakfast on Day 14.

• Day 2 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery and Paro Festival

• After breakfast we drive from Paro, then hike 2 hours through a pine forest past fluttering prayer flags to reach the famous Taktsang Monastery (also called the Tiger’s Nest).  Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 2,700’ into the valley below. In the afternoon we take in the colorful festivities of the Paro Festival. Monks and locals dress in impressive costumes and wear masks of ancient deities (can you tell which ones seek revenge and which bring peace?). They re-enact the legends and history of Buddhism in the Dragon Kingdom. The festival celebrates the deeds of Padmasambava (Guru Rinpoche), who is credited with introducing Buddhism to Bhutan. Enjoy seeing the locals take part in the fun in all their finery.  After a full day of exploration, we return to our hotel in Paro. 

• Day 3 Begin Chomolhari Trek. Drukgyal Dzong - Shana Zampa.

• Today we start the trek from Drukgyal Dzong (8,591’) to Shana Zampa (9,557’). Before leaving Paro there may be the opportunity to visit the festival site and view the giant Thangkha (90’ x 70’) that is displayed from the roof of a four story building. Shown only before sunrise, this Thangkha is embroidered in silk with the images of eight manifestations. It is more then 300 years old. Then … it’s on the road for a short transfer to the trailhead and the beginning of our trek. We follow the Paro River Valley past traditional farms and chortens through the blue pine and rhododendron forests to Shana Zampa for the evening.  Trek 10.5 miles, 7 hours. 

• Day 4 Shana Zampa - Thangthangkha

• The trail continues its gradual climb alongside the Paro (‘Paro’ means river) Chhu through conifers and rhododendron. The rocky trail enters Jigme Dorji National Park and continues ascending through oak and blue pine forests, across several small streams. After a long day of strenuous hiking, we arrive at Thangthangkha (12,088’) where we will camp for the evening. Trek 13.6 miles, 8-9 hours.

• Day 5 Thangthangkha - Jangothang

• Today’s trek is all about big mountain vistas – breathe in the clean air, take in the immense beauty! You’re definitely at altitude today so no need to hurry – take it slow, drink lots of water. Along the way, we visit with yak herdsman and purchase some of their hard and very tasty cheese (when available). We camp below a ruined fortress at Jangothang (13,415’), the Chomolhari base camp. From here the views of Chomolhari, the Goddess Peak, and other significant mountains (such as Jichu Drake) are superb. Trek 8 miles, 5-6 hours.

• Day 6 Rest day in Jangothang

• This is a layover day to rest or day hike. Rest or pick from a variety of awesome hikes. Chomolhari and its subsidiary are directly west. Jichu Drake is to the north and un-climbed summits and sawtooth ridges are to the east.  Trek up to Tsophu Lake at 14,500’ to try your luck with trout fishing. Or, you may choose to settle back at camp and simply soak up the fabulous mountain scenery that surrounds you.

• Day 7 Jangothang - Dhumzo

• Today is an exciting full day as the trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Cross the river and ascend to a large cirque and Tsophu Lake (14,367’). Another steep push takes us to the breathtaking scenery of Bhonte La (La means “pass”); at 16,040’ this is the highest point of the trek. We wind our way through endless yak pastures to Dumzo (12,464’) where we camp for the evening. Trek 10 miles, 8-9 hours. 

• Day 8 Dhumzo - Thombu Shong

• Our trek takes us across Thombu La and more beautiful scenery, (14,826’). A steep descent brings us to our camp at Thombu Shong, (13,710’). Be sure to use those trekking poles today. Trek 7 miles, 6 hours.

• Day 9 Thombu Shong - Shana

• Climb out of the valley to a crest at 14,300’, then make a steep descent along the ridge, to conclude today’s trek at the helipad at Gunitsawa (8,955’).  We cross the river and go upstream to camp at the same place as Day 5. Enjoy a final evening celebrating a wonderful adventure with our Bhutanese trekking crew. Trek 8 miles, 6 hours.

• Day 10 Shana - Thimphu

• Today we start the trek from Shana Zampa (9,557’) to Drukgyal Dzong (8,591’), the reverse of the trek on Day 5. Bid farewell to your trekking crew and drive about 2 hours to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and home to the revered Bhutanese royal family. We spend the night in a local hotel. Enjoy that warm shower you so well deserve! Trek 10.5 miles, 5-6 hours.

• Day 11 Thimphu Sightseeing

• Spend a full day visiting such fascinating places as an indigenous hospital, textile museum, paper making factory and a heritage museum. In addition, we visit the Thangkas painting school, where the art of painting the sacred Buddhist scrolls is kept alive. Each of our stops opens another door to learning about and better understanding the Bhutanese culture and its fascinating history. Of course, there’s time for shopping. Overnight local hotel. All meals included.

• Day 12 Thimphu to Punakha

• After breakfast we depart for Puankha and Wangdue Valley stopping along the way to visit the ancient Punakha Dzong, spectacularly situated at the confluence of the Mo and Po Rivers. We visit the ancient (if not infamous!) monastery of Chimi Lhakahng built in 1499 by one of Bhutan’s favorite Buddhist saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, often called the Divine Madman for his outrageous teachings. Overnight in Punakha. All meals included.

• Day 13 Punakha - Paro

• The drive to Paro takes us about 4 hours. En route, we stop at Simtokha Dzong. Built in the 1627 it is the oldest dzong in the land and currently houses a school for Buddhist studies. In the evening we enjoy a farewell dinner with our Bhutanese hosts and spend the night at a local hotel.

• Days 14 Paro

• We say our good-byes to Bhutan today, and board a flight for Bangkok. Any hotel stay in Bangkok is not included, please make reservations if needed.  Breakfast included.

2007 Itinerary:

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• Day 1 Flight to Paro, Bhutan
• Day 2 Excursion to Taktsang Monastery and Paro Festival
• Day 3 Begin Chomolhari Trek. Drukgyal Dzong - Shana Zampa.
• Day 4 Shana Zampa - Thangthangkha
• Day 5 Thangthangkha - Jangothang
• Day 6 Rest day in Jangothang
• Day 7 Jangothang - Dhumzo
• Day 8 Dhumzo - Thombu Shong
• Day 9 Thombu Shong - Shana
• Day 10 Shana - Thimphu
• Day 11 Thimphu Sightseeing
• Day 12 Thimphu to Punakha
• Day 13 Punakha - Paro
• Days 14 Paro

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are travelling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted above. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is one-half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

Accommodations in Bhutan, all meals while in Bhutan as outlined above, all transfers as per the itinerary, English speaking guide, monument entrance fees and government taxes, all trekking equipment except sleeping bag, kitchen staff, porters and animal pack.

Air transportation to/from Bangkok, Bangkok hotel or meal costs, flight Bangkok-Paro-Bangkok, airport taxes, Bhutanese visa fee of $20 payable upon arrival at airport, tips to Bhutanese staff, cost of obtaining a passport, insurance, medical immunizations, items of a personal nature like liquor or laundry fees.

This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. Trekking in Bhutan is for active people in good health, who are strong hikers. There is very little level hiking in Bhutan, and considerable time is spent at altitudes between 8,000 and 16,040 feet. A good, physical conditioning program must be undertaken to get into shape for the trip. Swimming, jogging, cycling and hiking can increase lung capacity, circulation and overall fitness. Consult your physician for advice.

Thimphu and Paro are both at about 8,000’. Daytime temperatures range from 65-70° F. Evenings are 55-60° F. While trekking, our highest camping location is 13,700’ and our highest point is a 16,040’ pass. Daytime temperatures of 45-55° F are usual. Nighttime is generally around freezing (32° F). Weather, especially in the mountains, can be quite unpredictable and there is always the possibility of snow at higher elevations. During cloudy or snowy conditions, evening temperatures can drop into the 20s.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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