If you're looking for a Himalayan trekking experience away from the crowds and in a remote and fascinating region, then Bhutan may be for you. Treks proceed north of Thimpu and Paro to the Himlayan peaks near the border with Tibet. Crossing alpine meadows and rhododendron forests, you'll pass over numerous passes between 4,000 and 5,000 metres, amidst the backdrop of stunning 7,000 metre plus peaks like Chomolhari and Jichu Drake. Culturally these treks are just as fascinating as you will encounter secluded settlements, monasteries and yak herder encampments before reaching the unique towns of Paro and Thimpu.
Location:
Bhutan
Travel to Bhutan Himalayas
Organised group tours: The following tours for Bhutan Himalayas are available:
Where else but the happiest country in the world could you trek among the Himalayas, smiling the whole time at the sheer beauty of the temples and landscapes around you? This active tour will get you out and about to visit some of the most gorgeous temples and monasteries in this part of the world. Trek sacred mountain passes of the celebrated Druk Path, ascend to the profound Taktshang Monastary (Tiger's Nest), and explore the unique beauty of the city of Paro. Bhutan is the only place in the world just waiting for you to walk all over its happiness. (Warning, it's contagious here.) | |||||||||||
North of the idyllic settlement of Paro, with its dramatic, cliff-side Taktsang Monastery, the pristine valley of the Paro Chu provides a passage between Himalayan foothills to the high peaks on the border with Tibet. This excellent trek follows the river upstream for 3 days to the meadows at Jangothang, the basecamp for Chomolhari. Then, after a day for exploration above this camp, we turn away from the valley trail and climb to the picturesque Tsho Phu lakes. From here, we ascend to cross the airy Bonte La (4890m) and have increasingly impressive views of Chomolhari and of the imposing spire of Jitchu Drake. At high level now, we trek via hidden valleys and along scenic ridges to reach the stunning campsite on the yak pastures of Thongbu, before descending on herders' trails to Drugyel Dzong. Few trekking groups have completed this superb circuit, which is one of the best short treks in Bhutan. The October departure visits the Thimpu Festival. | |||||||||
Following the ancient high-level route between Paro and Thimpu, the Druk Path is a simply excellent short trekking experience in Bhutan. The first day's walk leads to the ruined Jeli Dzong which sits on a high ridge above the Paro Valley and commands breathtaking views across to Chomolhari. During the succeeding 4 days of trekking, we climb above the tree-line and cross several passes, including the Phume La (4210m). En route, we camp beside clear mountain lakes, visit yak herders' encampments and enjoy splendid panoramas of the peaks on the border with Tibet, including Jitchu Drake and Gangkar Puensum. Also included is the chance to hike to Taktsang Monastery in the Paro Valley, visit Thimpu's impressive Tasichoedzong and take an excursion to the stunning Punakha Dzong, Bhutan's traditional winter capital. Offering easy trekking within a pristine landscape, this popular trip provides a taste of the unique and fascinating culture of Bhutan. | |||||||||
This classic Bhutan trek, from Paro to Thimpu via the village of Laya and the Punakha Valley, is acknowledged to be one of the world's great treks. It has everything; from picturesque farmland and ancient forest, to alpine pasture and quite challenging high mountain passes. Spectacular campsites beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks, including Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake, are amongst the many highlights of this trekking circuit. Whilst a number of strategically located fortress-monasteries (dzongs) and scattered settlements including Laya Village, close to the Tibetan border, provide a full measure of cultural interest. The magical descent of the Punakha Gorge, via the imposing dzong and refreshing hot springs at Gasa, is a fitting climax to the trek. With time for sightseeing in the Paro Valley and at the winter and summer capitals of Thimpu and Punakha, this is a superlative 3 week trekking adventure. Our early October departure combines this trek with a visit to the Thimpu Tsechu, a colourful annual festival of masked dances and ceremonies. | |||||||||
Quite possibly the greatest trail on Earth, Bhutan's incredible Snowman Trek follows the spine of the Himalaya between Bhutan and Tibet, from Paro in the west to Trongsa in the east. During the course of this 26 day trek we will cross 11 passes in excess of 4500 metres including 5 over 5000 metres and visit the almost separate mountain kingdom of Lunana, one of the remotest inhabited valleys on the planet. Along the way we journey through fabled villages such as Laya and Tanza, walk beneath peaks six and seven thousand-metre peaks, including Chomolhari, the astounding Jitsu Drake and the World's highest unclimbed peak, Gangkar Puensum. Not for novices this tough trek is the holy grail for seasoned Himalayan trekkers. | |||||||||
