Accommodations
Meals
As our flight nears Bhutan we can enjoy amazing views of the Himalayas including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks. At the airport, we will be greeted by a representative from ABC Trek who will take us to our hotel. Today, we will visit Rinpung Dzong which was built in 1646 and now houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag. We will also visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country and Drugyal Dzong, built in 1646 to commemorate Bhutan’s victory over Tibetan invaders during the 1600s. Overnight in Paro.
After breakfast, we hike for around 4 -5 hours to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery, which is Bhutan’s most famous monastery situated at 3,180 meters. Guru Rinpoche (spiritual master) is said to have flown on the back of a tigress to meditate in a cave where Taktsang Monastery now stands. Lunch will be served in the Cafeteria Restaurant, located about halfway up on the mountain. The monastery is perched on the edge of a steep cliff, about 900 meters above Paro Valley. After having explored the monastery, we hike down to the valley floor. Overnight in Paro.
First we are going to drive to the point where we start our trek to Jele Dzong (3400 m). From there, we hike for a short while (around an hour) to the Dzong. The trail ascends gently through a forest before reaching our campsite. Above the camp on top of the hill is Jele Dzong. From here, the Paro valley can be seen with snow-capped mountains as its back drop. Built in the 15th century, Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins but there is a Lhakhang (Buddhist Temple) with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Overnight camp at 3,300 m.
Today we embark on about 2 hours of trekking. We begin with a gradual ascent (310 m) then descend (50 m). The trail passes through thick alpine and rhododendron forests and reaches Jangchulakha. We still walk for some time and arrive at the campsite, which offers scenic views of the amazing landscape below. You can also see yak herders around our campsite at the height of 3,600 m.
Today we ascend 330 m and descend 310 m. The trail begins with a short climb and follows a ridge. From the top on a clear day, we get amazing views of the beautiful Mt. Jumolhari and other Himalayan ranges. After a short descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake (3,700 m) and take lunch. Then, the trail descends further down towards Langrithang through fir forests. Overnight camp at 3,500 m.
On our hike today, we descent 800 m. The trail passes through fir and rhododendron forests and follows a stream before reaching the Tsaluna Monastery, a sacred site of Guru Rinpoche from 8th century. Further down the trail is the Tsaluna Village with beautiful farms. Then we drive to Thimpu. While there, we visit the King’s Memorial Chorten (built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned from 1952-1972) and the majestic Tashichho Dzong. In the evening, we enjoy strolling in the streets of Thimphu and observe the local lifestyle. Overnight in Thimphu.
Today we bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom and her friendly people. After early breakfast, we leave Thimphu for Paro airport. Generally departs in the early morning to avoid adverse weather conditions. Therefore, after taking breakfast, we will be taken to the airport in the morning for final departure.
Included in the Cost
- Bhutanese visa fee
- Pickups and drops from hotels and airports
- Government approved A and B category hotels in the cities and camping(tents) during trekking on twin- shared basis
- All meals, tea and snacks
- Transportation in comfortable private vehicle(s)
- English speaking, trained and experienced local guide and staff
- All entrance and permit fees for visits to monuments and museumsFull board camping
- Tents and Kitchen utensils for trekking
- Company services and all required Bhutanese government taxes/royalties
