13 Nights | 14 Days
Highlight:
- Deluxe, outfitted high altitude trek into the remote highlands Lingshi
- Cultural touring and sightseeing in 3 different districts of Bhutan; visit ornately carved, splendidly painted ancient Buddhist monasteries, Dzongs (fortress-monasteries).
- Attendance at one of Bhutan’s largest and most colorful annual festivals.
- The enigmatic and gravity-defying Taktshang (Tigress’s Nest) monastery.
- Insight into one of the Himalayan’s most distinct and traditional culture.
Experience the Bhutan that only Few Travelers Get to See!
From the ruins of 17 century Drukgyal Dzong (fortress of the Victorious Drukpas), now standing in a evocative ruin, below such beautiful peaks as Chomolhari and Jichu Drakay, You will hike through the heart of wildlife-rich Jigme Dorji Wangchuk National Park, where you keep your eyes peeled for rare Blue sheep, musk deer, snow leopard, black bear and takin. The sky-piercing peaks, thunderous waterfalls, turquoise lakes and streams, rolling meadows filled with wildflowers and dense forests of rhododendron, juniper and fir provide the backdrop for this challenging adventure. You will be rewarded with close views of Bhutan’s two most beautiful sacred peaks – Chomolhari and Jichu Drakye near the foot of Bhutanese-Tibetan border and have the opportunity to experience the unique lifestyle and culture of the people of Lingshi (Bjobs). The unhurried pace of life and the tradition of hospitality of the Bjobs ensures you a warm welcome. Lives of the Bjobs are centered on their yaks. The yak butter, cheese and meat are exchanged for food and provisions. The yak hair is spun into the fabric for tents, ropes, clothes and blankets. The yak dung is collected to be burned for warmth and cooking.
We begin trekking from Drukgyal Dzong in Paro through small villages, old forests and wildflower-filled meadows into a true wilderness. We gradually ascend towards the Bhutan/Tibet border and Chomolhari Base Camp. After resting a day at Chomolhari Base Camp, we hike to the 600-year old Lingshi Dzong, one of the remotest and most beautiful fortress-monasteries in the country. From Lingshi, after a steep climb to Yelila Pass (4,820m), the trail winds up and down through forest of juniper, fir and rhododendron. It continues past the ruins of Barshong fortress, and eventually drops steeply to the Wangchu River and the road head at Dhodina, the upper part of the Thimphu Valley.
Important Note
Most of our trips take place during busy and festival season so it is difficult to secure reservations on Druk Air and Hotels in every places. We request you to book as far in advance as possible to confirm the reservation you choose and do not hesitate to contact us at the last minute if free time suddenly comes your way.
14 Day Moderate Touring & Difficult Trekking
| Trip Duration | 14 days |
| Trekking Days | 9 days |
| Trekking Grade | Difficult |
| Season | April to June & September to November |
| Min. Group Size | 2 participants |
Brief Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Paro by Druk Air
- Day 2: Paro sightseeing
Trek Begins
- Day 3: Drukgyal Dzong to Shana (Distance: 15 km; Time: 5-6 hours)
- Day 4: Shana to Thangthangkha (Distance: 16 km; Time: 7-8 hours)
- Day 5: Thangthangkha to Jangothang (Distance: 11 km; Time: 4-5 hours)
- Day 6: Rest day at the Base Camp with optional day hikes
- Day 7: Jangothang to Lingshi (Distance: 12 km; 5-6 hours)
- Day 8: Lingshi to Shodu (Distance: 19 km; 6-7 hours)
- Day 9: Shodu to Barshong (Distance: 16 km; 5-6 hours)
- Day 10: Barshong to Dolam Kencho (Distance: 15 km; 5-6 hours)
- Day 11: Dolam Kencho to Thimphu (Distance: 8 km; 3 hours)
Ends of the Trek
- Day 12: Thimphu sightseeing
- Day 13: Thimphu to Paro
- Day 14: Depart by Druk Air
Choosing a Trek by Trip Rating
Important Note
Anyone who has no problem with an all-day hike should find our easy treks manageable. And anyone with backpacking experience and who is in good shape generally should have no trouble with a rigorous trek.
Trekking Grade: Difficult
Physically more challenging and more suited to regular hill walkers who are used to extended days and who are competent over difficult terrain. The trek involves several days of camping at high altitudes.
Trip Overview:
Moderate Touring with Challenging Trekking Adventure
Trekking (with only a light daypack) 4-7 hours per day over varying terrain.
Lodging Overview:
8 nights tent camping during trek and 5 nights in best available hotels and resorts on double occupancy basis with private bath
Meals
Our selected hotels and restaurants offer delicious Chinese, continental, Bhutanese and Indian Cuisine. On trek, well trained cooks prepare dishes suitable to western taste ranging from Continental to Chinese and Bhutanese to Indian.