Home > Asia > Bhutan > Travel Ideas > Trekking Route

---

TREKKING ROUTES

 

Trekking in Bhutan is a unique experience unlike many of the more crowded treks offered in Asia. The treks range from a simple 3-days trek from the district of Thimphu to Paro (or vice versa) to the 25-days legendary Snowman's Trek that takes veteran trekkers through some of the most exquisite sports in the country. The snowman Trek is also labelled as the world's toughest trek as it goes over 12 mountain passes, all of them over 4,500m above sea level.

The trails pass grasslands and pastures for livestock, and meadows of wildflowers,butterflies, and grazing animals. You pass through the remote ancient monasteries, through deep forest and close to the villages. Some of the treks offer majestic views of the Himalayan peaks.

Altitude sickness is an acute problem. Almost all the designated trekking routes go above 3,000m.

Acclimatization is strongly recommended before embarking upon a trek.

On a logistical note, the facilities enroute are as high as the mountains. Trekking parties are led, organized and accompanied by veteran guides, competent assistants, experienced cooks and a horseman. Yaks and ponies shoulder provisions, equipments abd trekkers normally prefer to carry a daypack with cameras and films.

Meals are meticulously planned and sumptuously cooked by the support crew. They walk ahead and scout spots; pitching tents, camps and an ad hoc kitchen. Breakfasts are served hot. Dinners include with choices of dishes. All staffs are trained to observe hygiene, practice eco-friendly waste disposal and ensure minimal impact on local norms and mores.

Trekking permits are required for all parties.

Trekking Routes in Bhutan

You would require a few days before and after the actual trekking days to arrive to the trek starting point and to return to the point of your departure.

Difficulty grade of treks : S - Strenous, M - Moderate, E - Easy

 

Two New Trekking Routes

1. BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

This trek passes via several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside. The route provides plenty of opportunity to visit villages, Ihakhangs (temples) and other places of cultural interest, justifying its name. The best season for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Bumthan	Nganglhakhang (12km/4.5hrs)
02	Nganglhakhang	Ugyenchholing (17km/7-8hrs)
03	Ugyenchholing	Jakar (15km/5-6hrs)

2. GANGTEY WINTER TREK

This trek in Phobjikha valley (3,000m) is in one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan. The region is the chosen home of the rare black-necked cranes who migrate here during the winter months from the Tibetan plateau. This moderate trek passes through fascinating villages, meadows and forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons. The best time for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Gantey Gompa	Gogona (15km/6-7 hrs)
	The trek commences from Gantey village (2,830m) traversing through meadows, fields and mixed forests of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolia, later ascending to Tselela pass (3,400m). After passing through several meadows, the trail reaches Gogona village (3,100m), the beautiful hilltop campsite situated among fluttering prayer flags.
02	Gogona	Khotokha (16km/6-7hrs)
	The route further passes through forests of fir, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, cypress and juniper leading to Shobjula pass (3,400m) and later to a Chhorten Karpo (group of four chhortens dedicated to previous chief abbots). Campsite is at an altitude of 2,790m, near forests of large blue pine overlooking the valley and village of Khotokha.
03	Kothokha	Chzomsa, Wangdi via Nizergang (12km/5 hrs )
	A short steep ascent leads to Tashila pass (2,800m) leading downhill through beautiful forests of rhododendron, magnolia, ferns and dwarf bamboo. The trail is also one of the most interesting bird watching areas in the country and few species in this region include: laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. Later the route traverses further along the west ridge crossing the Tang Chhu River, reaching to the district of Wangduephodrang.

3. THE ANCIENT ROYAL ROUTE: TONGSA TO BUMTHANG TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Trongsa	Shopjapang
02	Shopjapang	Domkhar
03	Domkhar	Jakar

4. CHILELA NATURE TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro	Chonana
02	Chonana	Domselha
03	Domselha	Kichu/Paro

5. PUNAKHA WINTER TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Khuruthang	Limukha
02	Limukha	Chungsakha
03	Chungsakha	Samtengang
04	Samtengang	Wangdi-Punakha

6. SINCHULA TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Thimphu/Kabjesa	Sinchula
02	Sinchula	Dupsingpang
03	Dupsingpang	Chorten Nebu
04	Chorten Nebu	Kabje Sirigang

7. DONGLA TREK FROM LHUENTSI TO TASHIYANGTSE

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Lhuntsi	Wangsi Lhakhang
02	Wangsi Lhakhang	Pemi
03	Pemi	Toupang
04	Toupang	Tashiyangtse (Chorten Kora Camp)

8. DRUK PATH TREK

It is a relatively short, soft trek leading from Paro valley to Thimphu Valley or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that spearates the two valleys. The route passes through sparseley populated places. One of the interesting features of this trek is the presence of beautiful lakes enroute teeming with fish. Also this area is particularly famous for spectacular rhododendron forests which run riot in the month of May. The best time for this trek is March to May and September to November.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro	Jele Dzong (8km/3 hours)
	The trek is rather gradual up till a fortress in ruins (3,400m). Campsite for the day is reached after crossing the 3,400m Jele La pass, arriving at Jele Dzong which is mostly in ruins.
02	Jele Dzong	Jangchulakha (10km/3-4 hrs)
	The route climbs through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons to a saddle at 3,590m. Stunning views of Mount Chomolhari (7,314m) and the surrounding mountains can be seen from the trail. The beautiful Monal pheasant can also be seen during the day. Campsite at 3,780m near yak herders' camp.
03	Jangchulakha	Jimilangtsom(11km/4 hrs)
	The trek follow the ridge to a saddle at 4,040m, then drops a bit and follows the ridge back to Jangchu la pass (4,180m). Camp is near Jimilang Tsho (Sand Ox Lake) known for its giant size trout. Also there are good views of Mount. Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro Valley.
04	Jimilangtso	Simkota (11km/4 hrs)
	The trail traverses through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetsho Lake and passes by yak herder camps. It is a short climb along the side of the ridge and then a short, steep descent to camp at 4,040m which is near Simkota Tsho Lake famous for its trout.
05	Simkota	Phajodingm (10km/3-4hrs)
	The day begins with a gradual climb to a saddle at 4,180m crossing Phume la pass (4,210m) marked by prayer flags. If weather permits, there are enchanting views of Mount Gangkhar Puensum (7,541m) and other Himalayan peaks here. The trail then descends past Thujidrag Goemba, a meditation centre hanging on the side of a precipitous rock face, continuing further through juniper trees to the campsite near Phajoding Goemba (3,870m), an important pilgrimage site.
06	Phajoding	Thimphu (5km/3 hrs)
	Todays's trek is all downhill through forested areas of mostly bluepine.

8. RODUNGLA TREK

This trek across the top of eastern Bhutan is on the important trade route that was used, prior to the construction of the National Highway. The trek provides the opportunity to visit remote dzongs (fortresses/monasteries). The best season for this trek is March, April and October.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Bumthang	Nganglhakhang (12km/4 hrs)
02	Nganglhakhang	Ugyenchholing (17km/7-8hrs)
03	Ugyenchholing	Phokpey (17km/6hrs)
04	Phokpey	Pemi (20km/7hrs)
05	Pemi	Khaine Lhakhang (21km/7-8 hrs)
06	Khaine Lhakhang	Tangmachu (18km/6-7 hrs)
07	Tangmachu	Menji (16km/5 hrs)
08	Menji	Pemi (20km/7 hrs)
09	Pemi	Taupang (21km/7-8 hrs)
10	Taupang	Trashi Yangtse (24km/8 hrs)

10. DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK

This relatively moderate trek passes through various picturesque high altitude lakes so named as the Thousand Lakes Trek. Also the route is particulary rich in bird species, alpine flowers and attractive meadows. The route also presents fascinating views of prominent eastern Himalayan peaks such as Mount Everest, Mount Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Jichu Drake, Masang Gang, Tsenda Gang and Gangchhenta. The best months for this trek are April and October.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Thimphu	Geynekha (14km/4 hrs)
02	Geynekha	Gur (15km/4 hrs)
03	Gur	Labatama (12km/5 hrs)
04	Labatama	** Halt
05	Labatama	Panka (8km/4 hrs)
06	Panka	Talika (8km/4 hrs)
07	Talika	Simtokha (3km/2 hrs)

11. DUR HOT SPRING TREK

This trek is particularly famous for its hot springs. Walking across forests of Cyprus, juniper, spruce, hemlock and maple, the route also offers opportunity to view interesting fauna such as Musk deer, Blue sheep and Himalayan black bear. The best season for this trek is March to April and September to early October.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Bumthang	Gorsum (18km/7 hrs)
02	Gorsum	Lungsum (12km/5 hrs)
03	Lungsum	Tsochenchen (15km/6 hrs)
04	Tsochenchen	Dur Tsachu (17km/7 hrs)
05	Dur Tsachu	** Halt
06	Dur Tsachu	Tsochenchen
07	Tsochenchen	Gorsum
08	Gorsum	Bumthang

12. BHEY LAGA TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Wangdi	Rifakha
02	Rifakha	Bhey Niuley
03	Bhey Niuley	Bhey Riju
04	Bhey Riju	Bhey Namtokha
05	Bhey Namtokha	Peyra Camp
06	Peyra Camp	Sintha Camp
07	Sintha Camp	Tempey Tsho
08	Tampey Tsho	Morathang
09	Morathang	Nikkachhu/Wangdi

13. CHOMOHARI TREK

This nine days trek offers a rare glimpse of the High Himalayan landscape. Passing through scattered hamlets, farmland and densely forested tracts, the trek terminates into a fabulously colorful high alpine pastureland. The ideal season for this trek is April to May and September to November.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro (Drukgyel Dzong)	Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02	Shana Zampo	Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8 hrs)
03	Soi Thangthangkha	Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04	Jangothang	** Halt
05	Jangothang	Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06	Lingshi	** Halt
07	Lingshi	Shodu (22km/8-9 hrs)
08	Shodu	Barshong (16km/5-6 hrs)
09	Barshong	Dolam Kencho (15km/5-6 hrs)
10	Dolam Kencho	Dodena - Thimphu (8km/3 hrs)

14. BEAUTIFUL LAYA/GASA TREK

This trek route offers great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes. Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan's most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Mount Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake, are also the features of this trekking route. Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the outlandish village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en-route.

Wildlife such as the blue sheep, marmots, musk deer and the national animal, the takin, can be seen. One should also not rule out the possibility of the rare sighting of a snow leopard, great Himalayan bear or even the yeti!

The best season for this trek is April to May and mid-September to mid-November.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro	Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02	Shana Zampa	Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8 hrs)
03	Soi Thangthangkha	Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04	Jangothang	Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
05	Lingshi	Chebisa (10km/5 hrs)
06	Chebisa	Shomuthang (17km/7 hrs)
07	Shomuthang	Robluthang (18km/6-7 hrs)
08	Robluthang	Lemithang (19km/7 hrs)
09	Lemithang	Laya (10km/5 hrs)
10	Laya	** Halt
11	Laya	Koina (19km/6-7 hrs)
12	Koina	Gasa Tsachu (14km/5-6 hrs)
13	Trek to Gasa (Hot Springs) 2 hrs	** Halt
14	Gasa Tsachu	Goem Damji (18km/6 hrs)
15	Goem Damji	Tashithang - Punakha (16km/5 hrs)

15. LUNANA SNOWMAN TREK

This trek goes up to the remote Lunana distrct in orthern Bhutan and is considered as the toughest trek in the country owing to distances, altitudes and its remoteness. The best season for Snowman trek is mid-October.

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro	Shana Zampa (17km/5-6 hrs)
02	Shana	Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8hrs)
03	Soi Thangthangkha	Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04	Jangothang. Day for fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake in shape of bowl which has good supply of spotted trout.	** Halt
05	Jangothang	Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06	Lingshi	Chebisa (10km/5 hrs)
07	Chebisa	Shomuthang (17km/7 hrs)
08	Shomuthang	Robluthang (18km/6-7 hrs)
09	Robluthang	Limithang (19km/7 hrs)
10	Limithang	Laya (10km/5 hrs)
11	Laya	** Halt
12	Laya	Roduphu (19km/7 hrs)
13	Roduphu	Narethang (17km/6 hrs)
14	Narethang	Tarina (18km/6-7 hrs)
15	Tarina	Woche (17km/6 hrs)
16	Woche	Lhedi (17km/6 hrs)
17	Lhedi	Thanza (17km/6 hrs)
18	Thanza	** Halt
19	Thanza	Tsorim (19km/8-9 hrs)
20	Tsorim	Geshe Woma (19km/8-9hrs)
21	Geshe Woma	Warathang (19km/8-9 hrs)
22	Warathang	Dur Tsachu (16km/5 hrs)
23	Dur Tsachu	Tsochenchen (18km/8-9 hrs)
24	Tsochenchen	Gorsum (12km/4-5 hrs)
25	Gorsum	Bumthang (12km/4 hrs)

16. JHOMOLHARI TREK

Day	Start	Camp/End
01	Paro	Shana (17km)
02	Shana	Soi Thangthangkha (22km/7-8hrs)
03	Soi Thangthangkha	Jangothang (19km/6-7 hrs)
04	Jangothang. Day for fishing expedition to Tshophu, a high altitude lake in shape of bowl which has good supply of spotted trout.	** Halt
05	Jangothang	Lingshi (18km/6-7 hrs)
06	Lingshi halt	Lingshi
07	Lingshi	Shodu (22km)
08	Shodu	Barshong (13km)
09	Barshong	Dolam Kencho (11km)
10	Dolam Kencho	Thimphu (14km)

ALL INFORMATION ARE GIVEN FOR YOUR REFERENCE. THEY ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT GIVING PRIOR NOTICE.

 

 

Tel: +852-9039 9428   +852-9727 3927 E-mai: info@exotic-holidays.hk

Newsletter Subscription: 訂閱最新旅遊資訊

Site Map · Privacy Policy 私隱政策（只附英文版）

© 2020 Exotic-Holidays.hk · All Rights Reserved