Travel to Bhutan
Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels
This Trek route is a very popular, passing through Jangothang and the base of Mount. Jumolhari. The Trek Route passes through some of the beautiful high passes and the Yak Herders’ camp. The Trekkers can see some of the most spectacular sceneries of the Higher Himalayas including Jichu Drake. You will also have the opportunity to see Blue sheep and other wild life in these areas.
(Altitude 2280 m) Upon arrival via Druk Air flight, your guide from Omkara Tours & Travels will greet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After lunch, we will visit Ta Dzong, originally built in 1656 and renovated in 1968. It now serves as an ancient watchtower housing the National Museum. Below the museum lies Rimpung Dzong, meaning “Heap of Jewels,” constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, serving as the center of civil and religious authority in the valley.
Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
(Altitude 2320 m, Distance 58 kms, Drive Time 1 hour): After breakfast, a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten. From there, the trail ascends through a beautiful pine forest adorned with Spanish moss and fluttering prayer flags. We will pause for a rest and light refreshments at Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria), then continue walking until we reach the awe-inspiring Taktsang Monastery, seemingly within reach. The primary Lhakhang was constructed around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in 1684 by the Penlop of Paro, Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay. This monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff plunging 900 meters into the valley below. According to legend, Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who introduced Buddhism to Bhutan in 747 AD, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort. Dinner and overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, we will drive to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. On the way back, we will visit Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 A.D. by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. This monastery is one of the 108 monasteries built across the Himalayan region by the Tibetan King to subdue the Demoness that lay across the Himalayan region; the rest of the monasteries lie in other neighboring countries.
Next, we visit Drugyal Dzong, built in 1647 by the Great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan. The dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and, on a clear day, enjoy an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m).
Afterward, we commence our trek to Shana, starting from Drukgyal Dzong at 2580 meters altitude, following the Paro River. Along the way, we pass cultivated fields and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly colored butterflies. Overnight at the camp in Shana.
The trail from Shana to Thangthangka follows the river through a heavily forested area dotted with isolated farmhouses. As we proceed, the trail narrows and winds up and down along the drainage. Along the way, we pass a junction where another path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. Our campsite for the night is located in a meadow with a stone shelter.
In the morning, after passing a small army post, the trail gradually leaves the forest line and ascends into a picturesque valley. Along the way, we pass Tegethang, a winter home of yak herdsmen. Lunch will be served in one of these huts. Today, we will encounter numerous yaks before reaching the Jhomolhari base camp at 4,115 m. The campsite offers views of towering mountains, with the nearby ruins of an old fortress that once guarded Bhutan against Tibetan invasions.
Today is a rest day at Jangothang, allowing you to soak in the breathtaking views all around. You have several options for day hikes:
Enjoy exploring these scenic options and the tranquility of the Jangothang area.
Jangothang – Dhumzo (Soi Yaktsa)
Today’s trek covers a distance of 16 kilometers and will take around 7 – 8 hours to reach the Dhumzo Campsite. The trek starts from Jangothang at approximately 4080 meters altitude.
As you trek towards Dhumzo via Bonte La Pass at 4900 meters, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake, and the surrounding valleys. Along the way, you’ll pass by several yak herders’ tents, Tsho Phu lakes, and may spot a flock of Himalayan blue sheep grazing on the rocky slopes. If fortunate, you might even come across the footprint of a snow leopard at Bonte La Pass.
Take some time at Bonte La Pass to soak in the scenery, perhaps enjoy a snack, and put up prayer flags. The pass offers panoramic views of several 5800 meter peaks in the distance.
The trail descends through a steep, narrow gully with gravel and loose rocks until you reach Dhumzo (Soi Yaktsa) at 3800 meters. The Soi Yaksey Valley here is a stunning location adorned with impressive rock cliffs, waterfalls, deep side valleys, and snow-covered peaks.
Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at the campsite in Dhumzo.
Today’s trek covers a distance of 14 kilometers and will take approximately 5-6 hours. The trek starts from Dhumzo (Soi Yaktsa) at an altitude of 3800 meters.
You begin by climbing from the camp through a lush landscape of rhododendron, birch, and oak forests adorned with moss. The trail leads to a picturesque meadow dotted with towering juniper trees. As you ascend further, you’ll reach a shoulder of the ridge that offers stunning views into a beautiful valley where you may spot a couple of Yak Herders’ camps. On clear days, you can catch glimpses of the majestic Jhomolhari mountain.
Beyond the Yak Herders’ campsite, you’ll pause for lunch. Following this, there’s a steep ascent for about an hour to reach Tagalun Pass at 4550 meters. From the pass, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of the pristine Thombushong campsite below.
If you’re trekking during May and June, keep an eye out for Takins, Bhutan’s national animal, as this area serves as their migratory route.
Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at the campsite in Thombushong.
Today’s trek covers a distance of 18 kilometers and will take approximately 7-8 hours. The trek starts from Thombushong campsite at an altitude of 4100 meters.
You begin by climbing to Thombula Pass, which takes about half an hour. Walking along the ridge offers breathtaking views of several mountain peaks, with Jo Drake (5980 meters) being the closest. The ridge is especially stunning during spring when rhododendrons of various colors blanket the mountains.
After enjoying the ridge, the path descends very steeply towards an army camp, which typically takes around three hours. From the army camp, it’s another easy 1.5 hours to reach Zankepang campsite at 2600 meters.
Dinner and overnight accommodation will be at the campsite in Zankepang.
End of Trek
Upon reaching Drugyel Dzong, your trek officially concludes. From here, you will be driven to Thimphu.
After lunch in Thimphu, you have the afternoon free to stroll around the town for shopping and photography.
Dinner and Overnight
Enjoy dinner and spend the night at your hotel in Thimphu.
(Altitude 2320 m, Distance 58 km, Drive Time 1 hour)
After breakfast, we will begin our sightseeing tour with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Next, we’ll visit the Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. Following this, we will explore the National Library, renowned for its collection of ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional Thangka painting is taught.
After lunch, our journey continues with a visit to the Traditional Medicine Institute, where ancient Bhutanese medical practices are still preserved. We will also stop at Lungtenzampa to witness the craftsmanship of Royal silversmiths and visit a Bhutanese paper factory. Another highlight of our day will be a visit to the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the seat of Bhutan’s government and the Central Monastic Body, which includes the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan).
Finally, we will explore the Handicrafts Emporium and enjoy some souvenir shopping in Thimphu before retiring for the night at our hotel.
(Altitude 2320 m):
After breakfast, our day begins with visits to the Folk Heritage Museum, Textile Museum, Changangkha Lhakhang, and the Philatelic office. These sites offer insights into Bhutanese culture, textiles, traditional beliefs, and postage history.
Following lunch, we will embark on a hike to Cheri Monastery, known for its serene surroundings and historical significance in Bhutanese Buddhism.
In the evening, we will return for dinner and spend the night at the hotel.
(Altitude 1310 m) (76 km, 3 hours drive)
After breakfast, we will drive to Punakha via the Dochula pass. If the weather permits, we will pause at Dochula pass to admire the majestic Higher Himalayas. Along the way, we will stop to visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in the 15th century by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known as the “Divine Madman,” who subdued demons with his “Magical Thunderbolt.” This temple is also renowned as the “Temple of Fertility.”
Following lunch in Punakha, we will visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It is strategically located between the Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). Until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was prophesied by Guru Rimpoche, who foresaw, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant.” Originally, there was a smaller structure called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong), which housed a Buddha statue. Legend has it that Shabdrung instructed the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue. During his sleep, Shabdrung took him in a dream to Zangtopelri and revealed Guru Rimpoche’s palace. Inspired by this vision, the architect designed the new Dzong, which, in keeping with tradition, was never drawn on paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness) and houses captured war materials from battles with Tibetans. Punakha continues to be the winter residence of the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot), and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the first national Assembly here in 1952.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.
(Altitude 3120 m):
After breakfast, we will drive to the picturesque valley of Gangtey. En route, our sightseeing in the Wangdiphodrang valley will include a visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong, constructed in 1638. Legend has it that during the search for the dzong’s site, four ravens were seen flying in four directions, interpreted as an auspicious sign symbolizing the spread of Buddhism across the land. The dzong is strategically located at the confluence of the Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
Continuing our journey, we will proceed to Gangtey. Here, we will visit Gangtey Gompa Monastery, founded in 1613 by Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa. The temple was further developed by Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second reincarnation. The current Abbot, Kunzang Pema Namgyal, is the ninth reincarnation. This monastery follows the Nyingmapa tradition and maintains affiliations with other Nyingmapa monasteries, including Tamshing in Bumthang.
We will also explore the Phobjikha Valley, renowned for its Black Necked Cranes, which migrate here during the winter months.
Dinner and overnight stay at the Guest House in Gangtey.
After breakfast, we will drive back to Paro. Along the way, we will have lunch in Thimphu. Upon arrival in Paro, dinner will be served at the hotel.
Overnight stay at the hotel in Paro.
After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.
Mesmering Bhutan! thanks to Bhutan Omkara Tours & Travels for making our journey a wonderful one. Me and my fellow travellers had awesome time and the way our tour was managed is simply out of the world. Worth very dollars and we wish Bhutan Omkara all the best!
Our recent visit with Bhutan Omkara Tours to Bhutan in October was remarkable. Deo accompanied us throughout Bhutan along with his expert guide and experienced driver. We all had awesome time! Thank you and I would refer Bhutan Omkara to anyone reading this right now!