Camping and Mountain Hiking
Overview
Camping and Mountain Hiking Tours is perfect for those who want to fully bask in the mountain air during their Bhutan travels. The untamed wilderness beckons on our camping and hiking adventure. Journey to the heart of towering Himalayan peaks trailed by peaceful valleys and adorned with rhododendrons. Hike through lush landscapes, conquer scenic slopes, and discover forgotten villages untouched by time. With every step, you will feel the spirit of this mountain kingdom. On your way, befriend yaks, reflect by tranquil lakes, and bask in the beauty of the Himalayas. This unforgettable journey combines the thrill of exploration with the serenity of camping during your stay in Bhutan.
Trip Highlights
- Hike through lush landscapes, conquer scenic slopes
- Hike through Himalayan peaks, serene valleys, and vibrant rhododendrons
- Enjoy camping beneath a starry sky
- Explore villages and experience unique rural life.
- Visit historic Buddhist monasteries
- Hike to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery
Duration
6 Nights/ 7 Days
Tour Difficulty
Easy/ Moderate
Walking Hours
5-6 Hours
Group Size
2 & above
Accommodation
Hotels/Camping
Best season
Mar-May
Sep-Nov
Route Map
Our representative will meet you at Paro airport exit doors following customs formalities.
After lunch enjoys afternoon sightseeing around Paro, including a visit to the Ta Dzong Museum and visits the Rimpong Dzong to see the painting of the great saint Milarepa. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Afterward, you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country.
Afterward, drive to the capital, Thimphu (1.5 hours) following the Pachu River. Before dinner at the hotel, there will be an orientation on Bhutanese etiquette by your guide. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
Enjoy a full day of sightseeing, including a visit to the National Memorial Chorten, completed by the Royal Queen Mother as a memorial stupa for the Third King who passed away in 1972. Continue on to the 12th-century Changangkha Temple and the Zilukha Nunnery. In the afternoon, Visit the School for Arts and Crafts, The National Library housing the collection of Bhutanese scriptures dating back to the 8th century, the Traditional Paper Factory and a fascinating replica of a medieval farmhouse at the Folk Heritage Museum.
If there is time, you may visit the nursing pen for the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan, and Tashichhodzong. Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
If your visit to Thimphu coincides with the weekend, you can walk through the Thimphu Market (Open only from Friday until mid-Sunday). Overnight at your hotel in Thimphu.
After breakfast, drive for about 1 & half hour to Punakha. Climb up the mountain road to Dochula La at 3140m. On clear weather, the pass commands a wonderful panorama of the Eastern Himalayas. From the pass, descend through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha. Take a short hike through beautiful rice fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Then drive to Punakha. Afternoon: visit Punakha Dzong located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive Dzong in the country. Overnight at Hotel (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner included)
Then we will return to Paro, a drive of approximately 4 hours. In Paro visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. Then you can visit a local farmhouse for tea or dinner allowing you to experience traditional Bhutanese village life. Take the opportunity to try the restorative properties of a hot stone bath! Overnight in Paro.
Today we will drive to Haa at 2670 meters – the drive is around 3 hours and crosses the Chele La. We will visit the sensational views of Haa Valley, In the afternoon explore the Haa Valley.
Your trek begins in the Haa Valley (2670m) through an unpaved motor road for less than hour keeping yourself on the left side of the villages. Taking the trail on the right side of the village, you will climb up gradually through yak herders camp till you will be met by two different trails. (The trail towards the left that goes to the summer yak herding camp and to the border of China is to be avoided). We take the right trail to make your final climb towards your camp at Sagala (3,150m).
12 km/ 5 hours/ 950 m ascent/ 250 m descent
In the morning we begin our journey upward towards Sagala pass (3550 m) for about half an hour. On a day with clear weather, one can have a stunning view of Mt. Jumolhari (7315 m) and Jitchu Drake (6989 m).
After crossing the pass, we will trek along the right side of the ridge, through rhododendron and meadows, finally reaching on top of a ridge at 4100 meters. The entire Haa valley can be seen from this point. The rest of the journey again involves occasional ascents and descents through forests of Hemlock and Juniper until we reach Nyingula, our campsite for the night at an elevation of 3850 meters.
13 km/ 7 hours/ 500 m ascent/ 360 m descent
As you trek after breakfast, you will start descending for a few minutes, before following the ridge which traverses through meadows of yak herder’s camp. At the end of the meadow, the ascend towards Kung Karpo begins through tall rhododendron trees and meadows with stone cairns. It would take about 2 hours. A spectacular view of Haa valley is sighted as you climb up through these stone cairns and reach a pass before Kung Karpo. The next highlight is Kung Karpo (Sky Burial at 4350 meters). At Kung Karpo, one can scale and reach the top of the mountain to see the Sky Burial. From Kung, Karpo begins a trail that ascends and descends. All along the route, you will see Paro valley on the left and Haa valley on the right. You can also feast on a view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery. Once you reach the final ridge, your trek is downhill until you reach the Chelela pass (3980 meters). It takes about 90 minutes to reach Chelela pass from Kung Karpo. From Chelela pass, your car will be waiting for you to drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro.
After breakfast drive towards the base camp of Taktsang for the hike up to the Taktsang Monastery-Tiger’s Nest. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 2 hours uphill. From this point, enjoy the spectacular view of the monastery, The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The Monastery is also an important pilgrim site for the Buddhists. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. He then mediated in a cave there for three months where the monastery was later built. The cave is said to be the origin of Buddhism in Bhutan. In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong. In fine weather, the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop. On the return drive to Paro, visit other sights in Paro valley. Overnight at your hotel in Paro.
Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to the airport for flight to your onward destination. Tashi Delek!
COST INCLUDES
- Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 Per night per person
- Visa
- Accommodation
- Transportation
- All meals
- Certified English Speaking Bhutanese Guide
- Entrance fees
- All internal taxes & charges
- Mineral Water
COST EXCLUDES
- Flight tickets
- Insurance
- Drinks and Beverages
- Tips
- Internet and Phone bills
- Other personal expenses