Itinerary -
Day 01: Bagdogra – Phuentsholing drive 175km /apprpx 3.5-4hrs drive
Namoh guide will meet you at a pre designated point in Siliguri near the Bagdogra airport & NJP railway station. We will start on the drive to Phuentsholing by 2 p.m. The drive today is through the mighty plains of Bengal amidst many tea gardens, small towns and villages until you reach Phuentsholing which is the Indo-Bhutan border, a bustling commercial town. Free to explore the town on your own. Overnight in a hotel
Day 02: Phuentsholing – Paro drive 180km /5 to 6hrs, hike / 2-3 hrs
After breakfast and completing some permit formalities, you now ascend into the hills of the magical land of Bhutan. The drive takes you to heights of 2800m in about 4 hrs from sea level, with altitude changes the flora and fauna of the region. You come across the towns of Gedu, Chukha and many small settlements along the route. We will have lunch enroute and reach our destination, Paro around early evening. Paro is a beautiful town set in a majestic valley with the meandering Paro river flowing through it. We check into the hotel and without wasting anytime get down to business. We set out on a walking tour of Paro. Overnight in a hotel
Day 03: Paro sightseeing & hike to Taktsang hike 3 / 4 hrs & drive to Thimphu Drive 45 mins
Today is a special day as you hike up to one of the most famous sight & monastery in Bhutan, Taktsang (Tiger Nest) monastery. After an early breakfast we take a short drive to the starting point and from there take a hike to the Taktsang Monastery. Guru Padmasambhava or Guru Rimpoche did his meditation here for 3 months. The hike takes about 3 – 4 hrs depending on the capability of the hikers. This is also a photographer’s delight; the monastery is adorned with prayer flags and the stands in the cave of granite rocks 300m above the valley floor. Tea/Coffee will be served in the viewpoint cafeteria. We finish the trek and on the way back to the hotel visit the Kichu monastery which is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built in the 7th century by the Tibetan King Songsten Genpo who built 108 monasteries around the region with the last being Lhasa in Tibet. We will also visit Drugyal Dzong at the end of the valley to complete our exploration of Paro valley. Later we will drive to Thimphu. Overnight in a hotel
Day 04: Thimphu – Genekha drive / approx. 1.5 hrs & trek to Gur (3290m) / 3-4 hrs
After an early breakfast, drive to Genekha (3 hrs). Genekha is a beautiful village and is the starting point of the trek. Today’s trek starts with crossing a beautiful river using a suspension bridge and from there entering a thickly forested region. Two hours of gradual uphill walk will get us to a huge rock platform which has picturesque view of the valley below and the Genekha village set in it. After a brief stop we continue our hike towards Gur which is a small clearing in the forest with a beautiful campsite. Flowers are abundant in spring time & in September. We set up a camp here. Overnight in trekking tents.
Day 05: Gur – Labatama (4100m), Trek /6-7 hrs
On the trail today after walking for some time we get great views of the Jomolhari peak & Kanchenjunga. Initially the hike is through a thick forest section and gradually shifts to some really interesting ridges where the vegetation is varied. There are Blue Pines, Birch, Spruce and Rhododendron trees along the trail. First section of the trail till we reach Pangalabtsa (4200 m) pass is very rugged and changes completely once we cross the pass into lush green meadows. The pass here is symbolized by huge cairn and one gets spectacular view of the whole Dagala range, meadows and yak herders camp. Lunch at nearby yak herder’s camp. After lunch, walk across hills and meadows to reach the base of the valley and then move up the valley to a campsite near Yutsho Lake where golden trouts are in abundance.
Day 06: Labatama (4100m) – Lake Exploration – Utsho Lake (4076 m) Trek / 3-4 hrs approx
It’s going to be a memorable hiking day today. After breakfast we will set out for the day’s trek. On this day we will explore several countless lakes in the region. Enjoy picnic lunch by the lakeside. For the adventurous there are several options to gain altitude by climbing one of the mountains in the vixcinity. Today we will camp by the side of lake Utsho.
Day 07: Utsho Lake – Panka (4000m), Trek / 5-6 hrs
After the lake tour we descend through undefined trails to join the Dochha Chhu (river) where we meet the regular trail. From here we walk down to the beautiful campsite at Panka. During the descend you will have a fantastic view of the majestic Himalayan peaks all way down.
Day 08: Panka (4000m) – Talekha (2925m), Trek / 6-7 hrs
This day you walk for the longest duration with lots of it being downhill and your knees are sure to complain. This difficulty aside it’s another day in paradise. We cross a couple of very interesting passes, each presenting great views and photo opportunities. There are good chances to spot pheasants and birds and also variety of flowers. First half of the trek is a mix of gradual uphill, downhill & level walking through beautiful meadows. We finally reach Talekha.
Day 09: Talekha – Chamgang – Thimphu Trek/1-2 hours & drive/ 45 minutes, Thimphu sightseeing
On this day after breakfast we will start descending towards Chamgang. Its all downhill walk to Chamgang. The trail is well marked and has beautiful vegetation all along. Variety of trees and flowers which is the highlight of trekking in Bhutan Himalayas are found in full glory here. In some time we reach the quaint village of Chamgang. Here resides probably the world’s most scenicly located prison. At Changang we board the awaiting vehicle and drive for about 45 mins to reach the capital, Thimpu where a hot shower and amazing experiences wait for us. Post Lunch we will set out for a sightseeing trip to Thimphu. Overnight in a hotel.
Day 10: Thimpu – Punakha (1250 m) – Thimpu, drive 80 kms one way
After breakfast you have the option today to drive to Punakha valley and visit the beautiful Punakha Dzong and Chimey Lhakhang/Monastery. The dzong here is surely the most beautiful one in Bhutan. Punakha used to be the capital of Bhutan between 17 – 19th century. This trip takes about 2 to 2.5 hrs one way and goes through the famous Dochula pass from where one gets very good views. The dzong here is a sight to behold and a presents a memorable cultural insight into the unique culture of Bhutan. People not interested in going to Punakha can explore the beautiful outskirts of Thimpu today. There are several wonderful trails all around. Overnight in a hotel
Day 11: Drive back to Bagdogra/NJP/Siliguri from Thimpu, Drive / 8-9 hrs
Today we start from Thimpu at around 5 a.m and reach Siliguri by 1 or 2 p.m. we have breakfast enroute.
Trip Ends With Sweet Memories !!!
List of Essentials
Mountain/adventure travel requires one to be adequately equipped with the right kind of personal gear. Since one is travelling in the wilderness there will be hardly any opportunity to buy anything once you hit the trail so we urge you to carefully pack everything into your bags. Also please keep in mind you can rent out or purchase equipment from our Gear Store, if required.
Shirts / T-shirts – 2/3
Jeans / Trekking Pants - 2
Windproof jacket of decent quality (no flimsy wind cheaters please!) preferably with a hood
Warm and thick Fleece / Full-sleeve Woollen sweater
Thermal inner wear (upper & lower)
Woollen cap
Woollen gloves
Woollen socks & regular socks (3-4 pairs)
Scarf/muffler (optional)
Comfortable Trekking/Hiking shoes (shoes with a thick sole are recommended)
Lightweight floaters/sandals/slippers
Raincoat / Poncho
Small light weight towel
Water bottle (sturdy ones, no empty Bisleri bottles!!)
Cap / Hat to keep the strong sun away from your face
Sun glasses
Walking stick / Trekking pole
Sunscreen Lotion
Lip Balm
Torch / Flashlight (with extra batteries)
Medicines, if requiring any specific medication
Personal toiletries
Books, if you like reading
Day pack/small bag which you will carry on your back every day and keep your essentials in it
Keep a few poly bags or waterproof bags in your bag in which if required you can put your belongings in case of heavy rain
Camera if you like (with fully charged batteries)
…LOADS OF ENTHUSIASM!! AND A PLEDGE TO LEAVE NO TRACE
Carry your stuff in a duffel bag, soft shoulder bag or a rucksack. Avoid suitcases, trolleys or any other hard luggage. As you will be walking long distances carrying a rucksack, avoid bringing unnecessary items on the trek. Please avoid carrying expensive watches, jewellery and electronic items on the trek.
For Departure Dates just call 7350530009 / 7350540009 / 7350550009
Transport Options (Arrival & Departure from Bagdogra)
For travel to Bagdogra & back one can choose between air and rail. For air travel, Bagdogra is well connected to Delhi and other parts of the country by Indigo, Air India, Jet Airways and other commercial airlines. Train travel is also recommended with a number of options available with the closest railway station being New Jalpaiguri.
Weather Details
The climate in Bhutan varies widely depending on the elevation. In the southern border areas it is tropical; at the other extreme, in the high Himalayan regions, there is perpetual snow. Temperatures in the far south range from 15°C in winter (December to February) to 30°C in summer (June to August). In Paro the range is from -5°C in January to 30°C in July, with 800mm of rain. In the high mountain regions the average temperature is 0°C in winter and may reach 10°C in summer, with an average of 350mm of rain. Rain occurs primarily during the southwest monsoon season from June to September.
Please keep in mind that the above information is not exact and does not account for sudden changes. Whatever the temperatures and conditions rest assured we will be prepared to handle it with ease as we use equipment of very high specifications.
Duration: 11 Days
Season: Apr-Jun, Sep-Nov
Grade: Moderate +
Region: Bhutan
Description
Bhutan is undoubtedly the most exotic region in the entire Himalayas. What sets it aside from the other Himalayan regions, other than its stunning landscapes, is the presence of an extremely rich culture & the beautiful & ever welcoming people that inhabit this land. The experience Bhutan presents is magical, very different from anything else and one which lingers on for a long period. Everything here has a past and an interesting story around it. So for people who love mountains and the stories that have existed within these mountains for centuries, this is a perfect destination
One visit to Bhutan and the word Lush Green would have a completely different meaning for you. Just six hundred thousand people within its boundaries and a culture which loves conservation has ensured that the forests and foliage is absolutely untouched and pristine. The land is blessed with several high valleys characterized by vast flat undulating meadows which play host to quaint villages. The wide valleys here are something very rare in other regions of the Himalayas
This trip is beautifully crafted for people who love trekking in the mountains. In this trip there is a main trek called the Dagala 1000 lakes trek which is of moderate+ difficulty (with long walks on 3 days) and is an absolutely stunning trek in complete wilderness. There are many high altitude lakes, beautiful meadows, undulating valleys, inviting forest hikes and views of majestic snow clad Himalayas and not to forget the yaks and the Yak herders adding character to the trek. As part of this trip we also explore Thimpu, Paro, Haa & Punakha valleys. Within these valleys lies a treasure of culture, beauty and mystery. We explore these valleys (lot of it by foot) and the small villages, town and cities that lie within them. As part of the trip we hike up to Bhutans most famous sight and monastery, Taktsang or tigers Nest. We visit 3 majestic Dzongs (forts) in Thimpu, Paro & Punakha & also explore the beautiful towns of Thimpu & Paro, which surely are the most beautiful Himalayan towns across the Himalayas
Bhutan is easily accessible from India. You can fly directly from New Delhi, Mumbai, Calcutta & Bagdogra and join the group at Paro OR you could fly in or take a train to reach Siliguri (Bagdogra airport & NJP railway station are very close by) and from here drive to Paro as mentioned in the itinerary.