9 Nights | 10 Days
The Chelila Nature Trek is of medium difficulty. The trek through the primula and rhododendron trail is a very beautiful and pleasant one. The views are spectacular. We provide a crew of specialized staff to assist you along the way.
Nature it is essential to become part of its silence. Trekking gives the nature admirer such an opportunity, to feel the power and unparalleled beauty and sanctity of the majestic Himalayas. If you are planning to go trekking in Bhutan you should be reasonably fit and bring along some basic trekking gear such as trekking shoes, water-proof clothes, ruck-sacks, etc.
DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO
Arrive at Paro. (The flight will be an unforgettable experience. You can see the enthralling peaks such as, Mt Everest, Jomolhari and others. The landing will also be a thrill.) You will be received by a representative of our company who will escort you to your hotel.
Visit Paro’s National Museum, which was once a watchtower (Ta Dzong) and Paro Rimpong Fortress (Castle on a heap of precious Jewels) in the evening. Visit Paro town.
Welcome dinner and overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 02: DISCOVERING PARO VALLEY
We will hike to Taktshang – “the Tiger’s Lair” – monastery. (A five hour round trek along an old trail, Taktshang is one of the most revered religious sites in the Kingdom. Perched on a hill about 1000meter and overlooking the valley, it is an architectural wonder. It is believed that the 8th century Indian Saint and Buddhist Master Guru Padma Sambhava came flying on a tigress, in a fiery form to subdue demons who were obstructing the spread of Buddhism.)
In the afternoon, we will visit the ruins of Drukgyel Dzong (Fortress of the Victorious Drukpa) and the 7th century Kyichu temple.
DAY 03: PARO – CHONANA
The trek will begin today after a visit to nearby villages.
The overnight camp is at Chonana (3,500m), about 14 kilometres from Paro.
DAY 04: CHONANA – JEBKARPO
We will scale Chelela Pass, which at about 4,000 meters is the highest road point in Bhutan. On a clear day, you can see a stunning view of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
The trek will be through forests filled with Primula, Blue Poppy and Rhododendrons during the flowering season.
Overnight: Camp at Jebkarpo.
DAY 05: JEBKARPO – MILUNGA
The trek traverses along trails that offer spectacular views of Mt Jomolhari (revered as the abode of Bhutan’s mountain Goddess, Aum Jomo), Tsering Gang (The Glacier of Long Life) and Jitchu Drakey.
Overnight camp at Milunga.
DAY 06: MILUNGLA – TONG
Another day with excellent views of mountains and valley, you may spot yaks, an animal that is exclusive to the Himalayan region.
Overnight camp at Tong.
DAY 07: TONG – THIMPHU
It is the last day of the trek and ends at Drukgyel. It is a descend all the way to Drukgyel.
After lunch at a hotel, you will move to Thimphu. A cultural entertainment will be hosted in the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in hotel, Thimphu.
DAY 08: THIMPHU – WANGDUEPHODRANG
You will visit the National Memorial Stupa, one of the most beautiful stupas of the Nyingmapa Sect of Buddhism, built in memory of the Father of Modern Bhutan, Third King Jigmi Dorji Wangchuck, in the morning followed by the National Handicrafts Emporium.
In the evening you will visit Tashichhodzong (Fortress), the power centre of Bhutanese government, which houses the King’s office, Throne Room, government ministries and is also the summer residence of the Chief Abbot.
Towards evening, you will be driven to Wangduephodrang over Dochula pass (3,100m)
Dinner and overnight stay at hotel in Wangduephodrang.
DAY 09: WANGDUEPHODRANG – PUNAKHA – PARO
We will visit ruins of the 18th century Wangduephodrang Dzong (Fortress), which was razed by a tragic fire in 2012 and then Chhimi lhakhang, the temple of fertility, and associated with Lam Drukpa Kuenley (Divine Madmonk).
The next stop will be Punakha Dzong, the ancient capital of Bhutan, an architectural masterpiece built at the confluence of two rivers, the Pho (Male) and Mo(Female) chus(rivers). The Fortress is very significant to Bhutan and has some of the most sacred ancient relics.
Proceed to Paro and stop for lunch at Dochula Pass cafeteria. From the Pass one can see the Eastern Himalayan Ranges, comprising snow-capped mountains with altitudes ranging from 6000m-7554m. Dochula is also beautified by the 108 stupas built around a mound.
Dinner and overnight stay in a hotel in Paro.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE FROM PARO
You will be escorted to the Paro International Airport for your onward flight to your next destination.