Trekking
In
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| Bhutan
offers many opportunities for trekking with its splendid scenic beauty,
lofty mountains and deep valleys untouched by modernization. Trekking
in this Himalayan kingdom is a wonderful experience for any one who
enjoys hiking and camping in rich natural habitats, meeting indigenous
people and their cultures. It is quite different from trekking in
Nepal where you may meet other trekkers at every bend. The country
ranges from the dense forest of subtropical jungles to the alpine
shrubs, endowed with a wide spectrum of Himalayan flora and fauna.
The land is thinly populated with scattered settlements. A person
may walk for several days before sighting a village. Although the Himalayas have always held a long-standing attraction to the western world it is a recent development here. Bhutan is one of the most exclusive and rare destinations for any tourist. The unique culture, architecture, lofty snowcapped peaks, fortress like dzongs, Lamaist Buddhist traditions and its friendly people leave an everlasting impression on the visitor. Like all tours to Bhutan, trekking can only be organized through a registered agency in Bhutan. The same daily costs apply as with any tours ($200 per person per night) and includes all the services, accommodation, meals, guide, pack animals, etc. There are a choice of 4 to 25 (or more) day treks. The 7 to 10-day trek to the base of Chomolhari, the sacred mountain of Bhutan, is one of the most popular hike in Bhutan. For those looking for a shorter trek the 5-day Druk Path trek is a good choice. Bumthang and Lhunthse areas offer easy to moderate trekking for those looking for more of a cultural experience. And for those looking for challenging treks the Laya, Lunana and Snowman treks offer some of the remotest and demanding trekking anywhere in the Himalayas. |
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| TREKKING
SEASON The best periods for trekking in Bhutan are October-November and March-May for all high altitude treks going over 4000 meters. Some the shorter treks (Druk Path, Bumthang, Gangtey) can be undertaken anytime from October to May through the winter. In the autumn clear warm days prevail affording the best mountain views. In the spring mixed weather pattern prevail with clear spells followed by occasional thunder showers and light rain. Spring is best for flowering rhododendrons (which Bhutan is famous for) along with magnolias and other flowering plants. |
| A
DAY ON TREK A trekking day usually consists of five to seven hours of walking. Pack animals, ponies, and yaks for the higher altitude treks, are provided to porter provisions, baggage and equipment. All necessary camping and kitchen equipment is provided and included in the trek cost. All trekking parties are accompanied by a trained guide, a cook, an assistant and pack animal. At least one riding pony is always taken along just incase it is need. The support crew walks ahead of the trekking party each day and pitches camp before the trekkers arrive. A warm cup of tea or coffee waiting in the dinning tent is a most welcome treat after a days trek. All meals are carefully planned and prepared. Breakfast and dinner are served freshly prepared at camp and includes a choice of, at least, four dishes. During the day a picnic lunch is served at a pleasant and scenic place. All cooking and cleaning chores are taken care of by our trek staff so you can enjoy the trek fully. |
| HIGH
ALTITUDE SICKNESS Altitude sickness can pose a problem for trekkers crossing the high passes. To counter this all our itineraries include appropriate acclimatization days. Almost all of the trek routes in Bhutan go above 3,000 meters. People who suffer from heart, lungs, high blood pressure, or any such diseases, should not join these treks. Everyone who intends to trek in Bhutan should take up a regime of physical fitness by walking and hiking in hilly terrain regularly and take up such exercise as up (and down) stair walking, jogging, swimming, cycling or other forms of exercise. Please remember trekking is a physically demanding activity and if you are in good condition you will enjoy the trek a lot more. |
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WHAT
TO BRING |
| The
Druk Path Trek 4-Day Moderate to strenuous trekking. This short 4 day trek goes from Paro valley to Thimphu (or vice versa), crossing a chain of mountains that separates the two valleys. Although there are v ery few villages to see, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish at 4000 meters (13,000 feet) and spectacular rhododendron forests that bloom in May. In clear weather there are magnificent views of the high Himalayan peaks. This trek can be done in all seasons, but the best times are from October to November and March to May. |
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Sample
10-day Bhutan tour including 4-day Druk Path trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03:
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Trek Paro to Jele Dzong 3350m. Camp. |
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04:
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Trek to Jangchulakha 3700m. Camp. |
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05:
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Trek to Jimilangtso 3800m. Camp. |
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06:
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Trek to Phajoding 3250m. Camp. |
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07:
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Trek to Thimpu. Hotel. |
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08:
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Thimpu sightseeing. Hotel. |
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09:
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Day trip to Punakha and Wangdu. Hotel. |
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10:
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Depart Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| Bumthang
Culture Trek 3-Day Easy Trekking This three day trek is ideal for average walkers as the altitude does not go over 3,400 meters (11,155 feet). The four valleys of Bumthang, is revered by the Bhutanese as the sacred land of Bhutan with many important Nyingmapa saints coming from here including the famous Pema Lingpa. The trek crosses several villages and wends through the picturesque Bumthang countryside, giving an exceptional opportunity to be in contact with rural life. This trek is best done from October to May. |
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Sample
13 day Bhutan tour with Bumthang Culture trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
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02:
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Full day sightseeing in Thimpu. Hotel. |
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03:
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Drive Thimpu to Trongsa. Hotel. |
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04:
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Drive Trongsa to Bumthang. Hotel. |
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05:
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Full day sightseeing of Bumthang valley. Hotel. |
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06:
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Start trek to Nanglakhang. Camp. |
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08:
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Continue trek to Ugencholing. Camp. |
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09:
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Trek at Mambertsho. Drive to Jakar. Hotel. |
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10:
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Drive Bumthang to Pukakha. Hotel. |
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11:
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Drive to Thimpu and Paro. Hotel. |
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12:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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13:
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Depart Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| Gantey
Nature Trek 3-Day Easy to Moderate trekking. This is a good trek for average hikers. It takes three days and gives you a chance to visit the isolated valleys of Gantey (locally known as Phobjika), Gogona and Kothoka. The monastery of Gantey Gompa belongs to the Nyingmapa school of Tibetan Buddhism and is situated dramatically at the head of the valley. The Phobjika valley is also well known as one of the last wintering grounds of the endangered and graceful black-necked cranes that fly in from northern China, Mongolia and Siberia. They are best seen between November and March making it a good winter trek. This trek can be done from October to May. When the rhododendrons are in full bloom in April and May it is a special treat. |
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Sample
10 day Bhutan tour with 6-day Gangtey Nature trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03:
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Drive to Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Camp. |
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04:
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Day at Gangtey (Phobjikha) Valley. Camp. |
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05-06:
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Gangtey nature trek. Camps. |
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07:
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Trek to Wangdue valley and drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
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08:
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Visit Punakha Dzong and drive to Thimpu. Hotel. |
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09:
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Full day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
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10:
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Depart Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| Chomolhari
Trek 10-Day Moderate to strenuous trekking This is a superb ten-day trek for strong walkers. Starting from Paro it goes into northern Bhutan to the land of yak-herders and to the base of Mount Cholomhari (7,316 meters / 24,000 feet), which is the most holy mountain for the Bhutanese. From there the trek goes on to remote Lingshi Dzong which once guarded the frontier with Tibet . This trek offers fabulous views of the mountains including Chololhari, Jitchu Draake and Tsheringkhang mountains besides stunning Himalayan scenery and exceptional flora. You will encounter many yak-herders with their hairy wards and their camps but few villages. The maximum altitude gained is 4,900 meters (16,000 feet). This trek can be done from April to November but the best months are April, May, October and November. |
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Sample
15 days Bhutan tour with 10-day Chomolhari trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03:
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Start Chomolhari Trek. Camp. |
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04-11:
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Chomolhari trek. Camps. |
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12:
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End trek in Thimpu. Hotel. |
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13
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Full day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
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14:
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Day trip to Punakha and Wongdue. Hotel. |
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15:
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Depart Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| Laya
and Lingshi Trek 12-Day Moderate to Strenuous trekking. |
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This
trek takes about ten days and goes from the subtropical Punakha
valley, (1,300 meters / 4,265 feet), up to Laya (3,850 meters /
12,630 feet), one of the highest settlements in Bhutan, situated
at the foot of Mt. Masa Gang (7,200 meters / 23,620 feet). From
Punahka the trail follows Mo-Chu river passing by hot springs and
the fortress at Gasa Dzong, the district center, passing through
different levels of vegetation before reaching the village of Laya.
Here yak-herders take their animals to the pastures at the foot
of the mountains. The natives of this remote area, where life has
remained unchanged for centuries, wear costumes woven from yak-hair
and distinctive conical bamboo hats. The Laya-Lingshi trek can be done in May, June, September, October and November. |
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Sample
16 days Bhutan tour with 10-day Laya-Lingshi trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03:
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Thimphu sightseeing. Hotel. |
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04:
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Drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
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05-14:
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Laya-Lingshi trek. Camps. |
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15:
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End trek in Thimpu. Hotel. |
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16:
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Depart Bhutan for Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| Lunana
Wilderness
Trek 18-Day Strenuous and demanding trekking |
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This is a difficult and long trek takes 18 days and it requires not only excellent health but also a high spirit of adventure as it passes through five passes over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet). It starts off taking the same route as the Laya trek starting from the Punakaha valley. After reaching Laya, it turns eastwards crossing the Gangla Karchung Pass (5,100 meters / 16,730 feet) and two other high passes which affords superb views of the Eastern Himalayas, into Lunana region. Human habitation is concentrated in the villages of Thega and Chozo valley with its Dzong. It is the most difficult region of Bhutan to reach, lying at 4000 meters (13,000 feet) at the foot of the peaks that rise to 7,000 meters (23,000 feet). The inhabitants are farmer-herders who are famous for their hardy character shaped by adapting to the harsh conditions. From the villages of Lunana the trek heads south and after crossing Rinchenzoe Pass (5,220 meters / 17, 125 feet), it ends at the tarmac road at the Nikkarchu bridge on the Wangdu-Tsongsa highway. The Lunana trek can be combined with the Chomolhari trek to become the Snowman trek, a long and demanding trek taking three weeks. The best months for the Lunana trek are April, May, September, October and November. |
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Sample
25 days Bhutan tour with 18-day Lunana trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Bhutan from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03:
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Thimphu sightseeing. Hotel. |
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04:
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Drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
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05-09:
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Start trekking to Laya. Camps. |
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10-16:
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Trek Laya to Lunana. Camps. |
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17-22:
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Trek Lunana to Nakachhhu. Camps. |
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23:
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Drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
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24:
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Drive to Thimpu. Hotel. |
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25:
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Depart Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| The
Snowman Trek 24-Day Strenuous and demanding trekking. |
| The Lunana trek can be combined with the Chomolhari trek to become the Snowman trek, a long and demanding trek taking three weeks. This trek is considered to be one of the most difficult in the Himalayas. It covers the distance of 356 kilometers (221 miles), crosses eight passes, several of which are over 5,000 meters (16,400 feet), and stays at an average altitude of 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Connecting three of the most remote and high valleys along the northern border of Bhutan parts of which can cut off from the rest of the world for six months of year. This trek is best done in April-May and September-October. |  |
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Sample
27 days Bhutan tour with 24-day Snowman trek.
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DAY
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ITINERARY |
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01:
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Arrive Paro from Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. Hotel. |
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02:
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Paro sightseeing and hike to Taksang. Hotel. |
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03-07:
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Trek to Chomolhari & Lingshi. Camps. |
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08-20:
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Trek to Laya & Lunana. Camps. |
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21-26:
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End trek at Nakachhu. Camps. |
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27:
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Drive to Punakha. Hotel. |
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28:
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Drive to Thimpu. Hotel. |
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29:
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Full day sightseeing of Thimpu. Hotel. |
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30:
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Depart Bhutan to Bangkok, Kathmandu or Delhi. |
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E-mail
us for detailed information: [email protected]
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| TREKS
INCLUDE: - All transfers and surface transport as per itinerary in Bhutan; - hotel accommodation (twin share rooms) for duration of tour; - All meals (fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner) while in Bhutan; - Trekking arrangements with guide, porters, camping and permits; - Services of English speaking guide; - All sightseeing tours, including entrance fees as per itinerary; - Airfares extra as applicable. |
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DOES
NOT INCLUDE: |