This trek is ideal for average walkers, as the altitude does not go over 3,360m. There are no views over the high peaks, but the trek crosses several villages and winds through the Bumthang countryside, giving an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with the rural life.

This trek is named because the opportunities to visit villages and Lhakhangs are greater than on most other treks in Bhutan. Though it is a short trek, the Bumthang trek is strenuous because it involves a 500m climb to Phephe La, 3,360m.

Duration: 9 Days
Max. Altitude: 3,360m.
Best Season: March - May & September - November

Minimum Pax: 2 persons

ITINERARY

This is a short trek, near Thimphu, to a large number of lovely high altitude lakes. You pass through terraced paddy fields and through coniferous forests, to the settlements of Geynikha, 2,500m. The trail leads up the ridge and across meadows to a pass at 4,240m with a spectacular view of the whole Dagala range. You will pass through several yak herders camps en-route the broad Labatama valley at 4,050m. The lakes are flourished with brown trout. Near the lakes is a mass of wild alpine which flowers in September. The routes are not well marked; it is more of a cross-country traverse. The trail descends steeply through mixed forest of rhododendron.

Duration: 11 Days
Max. Altitude: 4,240m.
Best Season: April - October

Min. Pax: 2 Persons

 

This is a short trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu, or vice-versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although there are very few houses to see, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish at 4,000m (13,000 feet) and spectacular rhododendron forest that bloom in the month of May. In winter and in clear weather, there is a magnificent view over the high Himalayas. A climb through thick alpine forest and rhododendron to a saddle at 3,590m, following in north to yak herder camps. You pass through Jimilang Tsho Lake (Sand Ox Lake) named for a bull that emerged from the lake and joined the cattle of a family that uses the area as a summer grazing ground. The lake is also known for its giant trout. Depending on the weather, good views of the Mt. Jichu Drake 6,989m can be seen, the peak that represents the protective deity of Paro to the west. The route passes Tsalu Ney, a 14th century Lhakhang (temple) on the site of a cave. You also pass through another lake, Simkota which is also a fishing spot. The route passes through a pilgrimage site, Phajoding Monastery and Thujidrag Goemba (monastery), a meditation center that hangs on the side of a precipitous rock face.

Duration: 10 Days
Altitude: 4,040m.
Best Season: February - June & September - December
Min. Pax: 2

 

Day 03: Fly to Bhutan's Paro Airport and transfer to Thimphu. Overnight in hotel.
Day 04: Dhopushare to Jili Dzong 3,450m.
Day 05: Jili Dzong to Jangchu Lakha 3,780m.
Day 06: Jangchu Lakha to Jimmelang Tsho 3,880m.
Day 07: Jimilang Tsho to Simkota Tsho 4,040m.
Day 08: Simikota Tsho to Phajoding 3,870m.
Day 09: Phajoding to Thimphu 2,320m.
Day 10: Drive to Paro Airport for departure flight or fly back to Kathmandu.

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This trek is the old expedition route to Gangkar Phuensum and, with special permission; it might be possible to extend the trek to the base of the mountain itself, though this is rough, difficult route. The route is through a forest of Cyprus, juniper, spruce, hemlock and maple. Along this part of the trail between Tsochrnchen to Duer Tsa chhu, it may be possible to see musk deer, Himalayan bear, and herds of blue sheep.

Duration: 13 Days
Altitude: 3,780m.
Best Season: March - April & September - November
Min. Pax: 2

ITINERARY