A 13-Day Journey into the Heart of Mountain Culture
Overview
Experience Bhutan not just as a tourist, but as a guest of the high-altitude communities that call the Himalayas home. This trek culminates in a two-day celebration at the base of Mt. Jhomolhari, honoring the sacred bond between the local people, the mountain and the elusive snow leopard.
Highlights
- The Highland Festival: A two-day event at the base of Mt. Jomolhari featuring traditional folk songs, dances, and nomadic sports.
- Nomadic Life: Encounter yak herders in their traditional wool tents and visit high-altitude villages to experience life at the edge of the world.
- Sacred Icons: Hike to the legendary Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang), a masterwork of Bhutanese architecture perched on a cliffside.
- Living History: Explore ancient fortresses (Dzongs) and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in the Kingdom.
Itinerary
Day 1 (Oct 11): Arrival in Paro After a scenic flight, meet your guide and visit the Rinpung Dzong, an "impressive fortress on a heap of jewels". Explore the National Museum and the 7th-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples. Overnight in Paro.
Acclimatize with a 5-hour round-trip hike to the legendary Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest). Later, visit a traditional farmhouse for a hot stone bath and help prepare a traditional Bhutanese dinner with a local family. Overnight in Paro.
Day 3 (Oct 13): Sharna Zampa to Thangthangkha Drive 2hrs to the trek starting point. Begin your trek with a 22 km (7–8 hour) hike through conifers and rhododendrons along the Paro Chhu river. Camp at 3,610 m in a cedar grove. Overnight at campsite.
Trek 19 km toward the base of Mount Jomolhari. Pass high-altitude villages like Soe and Takethang, where yaks with their herders, and snow-capped peaks become your constant companions. Overnight at campsite.
Day 5 (Oct 15): The Jhomolhari Highland Festival Halt at the Jangothang base camp (4,080 m) for the festival. This "exquisitely themed" event celebrates nomadic culture and the elusive snow leopard through folk songs, dances, and traditional sports. You can also hike toward Jomolhari’s glaciers or visit nearby trout-filled lakes. Overnight at campsite.
Day 6 (Oct 16): Jangothang to Lingshi Climb to the Nyile La pass (4,870 m) for spectacular views of Mt. Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Look for blue sheep on the slopes before descending toward the historic Lingzhi Dzong. Overnight at campsite.
A challenging 22 km day crossing the Yelila pass (4,930 m), the highest point of your trek. Enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayan giants before a steep descent to Shodu. Overnight at campsite.
Follow the Thimphu Chhu river through vibrant rhododendron forests and waterfalls. The path leads to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Overnight at campsite.
Day 9 (Oct 19): Barshong to Thimphu Finish the final leg of the trail and drive 2 hours to Thimphu, the capital city. Relax at your hotel after your mountain journey. Overnight in Thimphu.
Visit the 51-meter gold-gilded Buddha Dordenma and the Bhutan Postal Museum to create your own personalized stamps. Try your hand at archery (the national sport) at the Simply Bhutan Museum. Overnight in Thimphu.
Drive over the Dochu La Pass (3,150 m), adorned with 108 stupas. In Punakha, walk through paddy fields to Chimi Lhakhang, the famous "Fertility Temple" of the Divine Madman. Overnight in Punakha.
Hike to the Khamsum Yulley Namgyel Chorten for valley views and enjoy a picnic lunch. Spend the afternoon at the Punakha Dzong, a massive fortress situated between the "Male" and "Female" rivers. Overnight in Thimphu.
Final breakfast before your drive to Paro International Airport (1 hour 20 mins), where your guide bids you Tashi Delek (Good Luck) for your journey home.
Cost
The Cost Includes
- Your expedition is fully supported by an elite trek crew, including:
- Expedition Leadership: One dedicated Trekking Expedition Leader and an off-trek professional Guide.
- Logistics: Dedicated SUV for transfers, airport transfers, camp kitchen support crew, horses and porters for all gears ( Quality Sleeping, Dinning, kitchen, toilet/shower & Tents), First Aid Medical Kit.
- Base camp Luxury: 3-star hotel stays and high-quality camp accommodation with all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea/coffee).
- Seamless Entry: Full handling of VISA processing, Sustainable Development Fees (SDF), and all Park/Monument and Trekking permits.
The Cost Excludes
- Your package does not include:
- International Airfare: Flights to/from Paro (Drukair or Bhutan Airlines).
- Personal Expenses: Alcohol, bottled drinks, laundry, and customary tips/gratuities for your guide and trekking crew. Travel Insurance: Highly recommended for high-altitude trekking.
FAQs
General
Yes. All international visitors (except citizens of India) require a visa to enter Bhutan. Your licensed Bhutanese tour operator will arrange the visa on your behalf before your arrival.
The Sustainable Development Fee (SDF) is a daily fee charged by the Royal Government of Bhutan to support sustainable tourism, environmental conservation, healthcare, education, and infrastructure development.
The main international gateway is Paro International Airport. Direct flights operate from selected cities in Thailand, Nepal, India, Singapore, and other regional destinations.
Yes. Bhutan is one of the safest travel destinations in the world, known for its low crime rate, friendly people, and peaceful environment.
The official currency is the Bhutanese Ngultrum (BTN). Indian Rupees are also widely accepted in most places.
Major hotels, shops, and restaurants in larger towns accept credit cards. However, carrying some cash is recommended when traveling to remote areas.
Pack comfortable walking shoes, layered clothing, a light jacket, sunscreen, sunglasses, a reusable water bottle, and any personal medications. Trekking tours may require additional gear.
Most cultural tours stay at comfortable elevations. However, high-altitude destinations and treks may reach over 3,000 meters, where some travelers may experience mild altitude-related symptoms.
Yes. Paro Taktsang, commonly known as Tiger's Nest, is Bhutan's most iconic attraction and can be visited as part of most itineraries.
The national language is Dzongkha. English is widely spoken in tourism-related services, hotels, and schools.
Absolutely. Bhutan offers family-friendly cultural experiences, nature walks, wildlife encounters, and comfortable accommodations suitable for travelers of all ages.
Visitors can choose from boutique hotels, luxury resorts, heritage homestays, traditional farmhouses, and comfortable trekking camps depending on their itinerary.
Yes. Comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and evacuation is highly recommended for all visitors.
A stay of 5–10 days is ideal for first-time visitors, allowing enough time to explore major cultural attractions, scenic valleys, monasteries, and local traditions.
Yes. Most tour operators offer tailor-made itineraries based on your interests, travel dates, budget, and preferred activities.
Bhutan hosts vibrant religious festivals called Tshechus throughout the year, featuring masked dances, cultural performances, and local celebrations.
Yes. Bhutan is renowned for its pristine trekking routes, ranging from short scenic hikes to challenging high-altitude expeditions, including the famous Snowman Trek.
Bhutan is the world's only carbon-negative country and is internationally recognized for its philosophy of Gross National Happiness, strong cultural preservation, and commitment to sustainable tourism.
Simply contact a licensed Bhutanese tour operator, choose your preferred itinerary, submit your passport details, and your visa and travel arrangements will be organized for you.
Booking Requirement
Payment Transfer: Upon confirming your booking, tour costs must be transferred in
advance to finalize visa processing and reservations.
- Passport Documentation: Please submit a clear, color photo-page scan of your
passport along with a passport-sized digital photograph to initiate visa processing. - Optional Flight Ticketing: If requested, we can arrange your Drukair or Bhutan
Airlines flights. Please share your preferred travel dates, preferred route, and travel
class.
To make the best experience of your trekking tour, please prepare:
- Gear: Lightweight waterproof hiking boots, hiking poles, 3-liter water capacity, sunglasses and day-pack with rain cover.
- Clothing: Layers for temperatures ranging from sub-tropical to high-alpine, waterproof jacket & pants, and winter hat & gloves.
- Camp: Headlamp (with extra batteries), camp shoes, reading material and a journal to document the journey.
