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  • Thimphu Drubchen, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 20th to 24th September
  • Wangdue Tshechu, Wangdi Dzong, Wangduephodrang, 23rd to 25th September
  • Gangtey Tshechu, Gangtey Gonpa, Phobjikha, 23rd to 25th September
  • Tamshing Phala Chhoepa, Tamshing Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 24th to 26th September
  • Thimphu Tshechu, Tashi Chhodzong, Thimphu, 25th to 27th September
  • Gasa Tshechu, Gasa Dzong, Gasa, 25th to 27th September
  • Thangbi Mani, Tangbi Lhakhang, Choekor, Bumthang, 29th September to 01st October
  • Shingkhar Rabney, Ura, Bumthang, 20th to 24th October
  • Jakar Tshechu, Jakar Dzong, Choekhor, Bumthang, 22nd to 25th October
  • Jambay Lhakhang Drup, Jambay Lhakhang, Choekhor, Bumthang, 29th October to 02nd November
  • Prakhar Duchhoed, Prakar Lhakhang, Chummi, Bumthang,30th October to 1st November
  • Sumdrang Kangsol, Sumdrang Lhakhang, Ura, Bumthang, 11th to 13th November
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Chelela Nature Trek

Trip length: 12 Days
Level: Easy
Season: March to May & September to December

 

DAY 1: Arrival at Paro International Airport

The flight to Paro across the Himalayan ranges affords spectacular sights of the sacred Jhomolhari and Jichudrakey mountain ranges. And if you arrive via Kathmandu, you get to enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjanga as well. Upon arrival at the Airport, you will be received by our representatives and escorted to Hotel Pema Cholling.

 

DAY 2: Sightseeing in Paro

In the afternoon visit the Ta Dzong or the National Museum, high on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley. This unusual round building is believed to be in the shape of a conch shell. Built in 1645, it used to serve as the watchtower for the Dzong in the past, hence the name ‘Ta’ which literally translates into ‘look’. Today it is the National Museum; it houses a huge collection of antiques of invaluable historical significance. The centerpiece of this Museum is a complex four-sided carving depicting the history of Buddhism and its propagation. One side is Sakyamuni and the great teacher Atisha, representing the Sakya School. On the next lies Geylup, a disciple of Dalai Lama. Another is Nyingma lineage, the head is Guru Padmasanva, and the final is Drukpa Kagyu with the figure of Vajra Dhara. The fact that this is the place where King Ugyen Wangchuk, the first monarch of Bhutan was incarcerated in his youth also adds to the historical significance of the Ta Dzong.

 

Later, take a leisurely stroll across a traditional wooden bridge and a flagstone path up to Paro Rinpung Dzong. This massive structure was built in 1646 and its central tower or the ‘Utse’, clad in exquisitely superb woodwork is considered the most beautiful tower in the kingdom. It houses the government offices and religious institutions as do all the Dzongs in the country. The snowy dome of the sacred Jhomolhari looms directly over the Dzong.

 

In the afternoon, we visit the Drukgyel Dzong – ‘The Fortress of Drukpa Victory’, which used to guard the northern approach to the Paro valley. Although it is in ruins today, the Dzong is of great historical significance as it was here that the Bhutanese resisted the Tibetan invading forces and drove them back. As the name suggests this was a purely defensive structure, built to commemorate Bhutanese victories over the Tibetans. The Dzong was destroyed by a fire in 1951. On the way back visit the 7th century Kichu Lhakhang, one of the 108 temples built in the Himalayas by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. This temple happens to be one of the oldest temples in the country.

 

Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling. At Hotel Pema Cholling, the choice to be lodged at the Hotel or the farmhouse with facilities like luxurious hot stone baths remain entirely at your disposal. You will be briefed on the plans, logistics and other details pertaining to the trek over dinner.

 

DAY 3: Paro to Chonana

We commence the trek from Olathang approximately 1 and half kilometers from Paro town. Most of the day’s walk of about 4 to 5 hours is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Along the trail, we will come across beautiful farmhouses built in distinctive Bhutanese architectural style. The trail also affords excellent views of the Paro valley.

 

Night halt at the camp.

 

DAY 4: Chonana to Jebkarpo 

Today’s trek of 5 to 6 hours of walking distance is mostly uphill towards the Chele La Pass at 3, 700 meters, passing through forests filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. However the all the uphill trek will seem worth the effort after we cross the Pass and are afforded panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.

 

Night halt at the camp.

 

DAY 5: Jebkarpo to Lower Mingula

Today is a day to be up early to relish the 5 to 6 hours of trekking as we enjoy the fabulously breathtaking views of Mt Jumolhari, Mt Tserim Gang and Mt Jichudrakey even from our very campsite. The trail today follows the ridge above the Ha valley at altitudes of 3, 850 meters.

 

Night halt at the camp.

 

DAY 6: Mingula to Thong 

In store for today is another day of 5 to 6 hours of trekking amid excellent panoramic views of mountains and valleys at altitudes of 3, 950 meters. Along this route, we will come across a lot of the yak which the Bhutanese refer to as ‘La Nors’ which literally means ‘highland cattle’. We may even be lucky enough to come across a yak herder’s camp in which case we can pay them a visit and observe their nomadic way of life firsthand.

 

Night halt at the camp.

 

DAY 7: Thong – Thimphu

A short descent brings us to the end of our trekking adventure at Drukgyel Dzong. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong from where we drive to Paro.

 

Lunch at Hotel Pema Cholling in Paro and in the afternoon we drive on to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The scenic two hour drive to Thimphu is along a winding road alongside the Paro and Thimphu rivers. We will pass by the Tamchoe Lhakhang as well as Chhodzomsa or the ‘Confluence of the three rivers.’ If interested you can also stop at the Tamchoe Lhakhang to see the perpetually fruit bearing orange tree.  People believe that the tree bears oranges all year round. In the vicinity of the Lhakhang we can visit the cave in which Drubthob Thangthong Gyalpo – the renowned Iron Bridge Builder, is believed the have meditated.

 

Your night halt will be at Thimphu in any three star lodge or resort of your preference. Please note that guests wishing to lodge in four or five star hotels do have the option of doing so but will have to bear the extra charges themselves.

 

DAY 8: Sightseeing in Thimphu

Past experiences resulted in our coming to the conclusion that different guests have different opinions about what is interesting and what is not, about what they want to see and what they don’t.  And therefore we decided that instead of us giving our guests stiff directions regarding which places they are to visit or what activities they are to do, we will leave the choice entirely up to them. Below is a list of some of the major attractions in Thimphu from which our guests can choose and decide for themselves. Your designated guide will always be at hand to provide you with their valuable suggestions.

 

  • Tashichho Dzong – houses the throne room as well as the offices of the King of Bhutan, the Je-Khenpo (Chief Abbot) and other government offices. It is also the summer residence of the monastic body. The present Dzong was erected in 1968 around an older building, of which the central tower is a visible feature.
  • National Memorial Chorten – was built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan. Glimpses of the Chorten in the early morning hours are indeed worthy of being deemed priceless. It is almost perpetually teeming with devotees circumambulating it because it is believed that it is a wish fulfilling monument.
  • National Institute of Traditional Medicine – continues to nurture Bhutan’s reputation as ‘Lho Jong Men Jong’ or ‘Southern Land of Medicinal Herbs’ by continuing and promoting the age old healing and medicinal practices. Medicinal herbs are abundant in the kingdom and indigenous medicines are prepared here. The Institute also conducts training courses for practitioners.
  • The Buddha Dordenma Statue – is a colossal and the largest Buddha statue in the world seated atop the Kuensel Phodrang Mountain, directly overlooking the city and affords a fabulous view of Thimphu valley.
  • The National Post Office – is where the very famous Bhutanese stamps can be got hold of to cater to all your philatelic needs.
  • The Clock Tower Square – is a recently renovated square splat in the middle of the city. Fountains and miniature traditional Bhutanese prayer wheels add to making it a pleasant site to relax and chill out in the evenings.
  • National Folk Heritage Museum – provides rare insights into the traditional Bhutanese ways of life within the setting of a traditional Bhutanese house. Bhutanese dances and exhibits are also held regularly inside the museum compound.
  • Changangkha Lhakhang – built in the 12th century by Phajo Drugom Zhigpo, this temple hovers over a ridge above the Thimphu valley. It is the oldest temple in Thimphu and it houses Chenrizig: a 11-headed, thousand-armed manifestation of Avolokitesawara as the central statue.
  • The Handicrafts Emporium – puts at your disposal a wide assortment of beautiful hand-woven and crafted products to choose from as souvenirs and gifts.
  • BBS Radio Tower – is well worth the ten minute extra drive beyond the Takin Reserve. It offers splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags. This is where the tower for the Bhutan Broadcasting Service – the National Television channel is located.
  • Takin Reserve – this is the only place in Thimphu where the National Animal of Bhutan, Takin (budorcas taxicolor) is found. Bhutanese call it ‘Drong Gyemtse’. Legend has it that this animal was given life by the scandalously famous Drukpa Kinley, also known as the ‘Divine Madman’. It is said that since he was offered second-rate meat than the others during a meal he commanded the remaining bones of whatever animals that they were eating to rise saying ‘looks like you haven’t eaten well during your life time, so go and feed’. The bones miraculously merged into one and trotted off into the jungles. People believe that this is the reason for the Takin’s goat face and cow body. In addition to the Takin there are a few musk deer and barking deer as well.
  • Zilukha Nunnery – the biggest nunnery in Bhutan is perched on a promontory overlooking the Tashichhodzong. The view of Tashichhodzong from the Nunnery is exquisite.
  •  National Library – provides a permanent home for the sacred religious books and manuscripts.  The repository rooms of the archives houses an extensive collection of many rare and important documents including old records, letters, microfilms and around seven thousand important photographs. Thus the archive is the foundation of Bhutan’s National Memory Bank. Here one can also come across the largest published book in the world.
  • The National Institute for Zorig Chusum (Traditional Arts and Crafts) – is a school of arts that trains students in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Tertoen Pema Lingpa, the renowned Treasure Discoverer is credited to have introduced these art forms to the people of Bhutan. These traditional crafts are a representation of the centuries of knowledge and ability that has been handed down through generations of master craftsmen and artisans and has played a vital role in shaping the Bhutan’s unique culture and heritage. The wood working, black smithy and sculpting that are taught and practiced do make for an interesting visit.
  • Semtokha Dzong – built in 1627 it is the oldest Dzong in the country. Today it houses the School for Buddhist Studies.
  • Dochula Druk Wangyel Chorten – was built to commemorate the bravery of the Bhutanese forces who successfully managed to dispel the Indian insurgents who had illegally infiltrated the country in 2003. The 108 chortens were built in 2004, in memory of those that lost their lives during the military operations. Because of the unique dance movements, costumes and setting, the recently initiated Druk Wangyel Festival is an exclusive treat and a must see for locals and visitors alike.

 

***We can also check out the National Stadium at Changlimithang for archery matches or just take a leisurely stroll through the streets of Thimphu.

Night halt in Thimphu

 

DAY 9: Thimphu to Wangdiphodrang and Punakha

After breakfast we will drive to Wangduephodrang with a stop en route at the 3, 100 m Dochula Pass. The Pass is popular for tourists for its ideal location from where one can enjoy 360 degree panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain range, especially on clear winter days. The beauty of this place is further enhanced by the Druk Wangyal Chortens – the 108 Stupas built by the eldest Queen Mother Her Majesty Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. The pass is also popular spiritual place for both locals and tourists because of an important temple that is located on the crest of Dochula Pass. We can spend some time for photography here. Her Majesty the Queen Mother Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuck has achieved a fine blend of history and mythology in the construction of the Druk Wangyal Lhakhang to honor His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, Jigme Singye Wangchuck. The past and future appear to merge in the details of the Lhakhang that tells the story of a supreme warrior figure whose vision pierces the distant future.

 

After lunch we will drive to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan and today the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. We will then visit Punakha Dzong, initially named as Pungthang Dewa Chenpoi Phodrang or the ‘Palace of Great Bliss’, which was built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel. Located at the confluence of the Pho Chhu and the Mo Chhu, this architectural marvel is the second oldest and the second largest in Bhutan. It is of great historical importance not only because it houses the precious relic – the Rangjung Kharsapani (over which many battles were fought between the Bhutanese and the Tibetans) and the sacred remains of the Zhabdrung and Tertoen Pema Lingpa, but because the Royal Wedding for the Fifth Monarch of Bhutan His Majesty King Jigme Khesar Wangchuck took place there. Each year, besides the Annual Tshechu there is a festival at the Dzong called the Punakha Dromchoe and it recalls the 1639 invasion of the country by the Tibetans who were successfully repulsed. Surreal sights, excellent views and a very calming experience await you at Punakha

 

We return to Thimphu in the evening. Night halt at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

DAY 10: Continue Thimphu sightseeing and drive to Paro in the evening

Today we can spend the morning and the afternoon hours going for sightseeing in Thimphu in the places that we have missed out on earlier and shopping for souvenirs. In the evening we drive to Paro where we check in at Hotel Pema Cholling.

 

At Hotel Pema Cholling you can choose to stay at the Hotel or experience the traditional way of life untainted by the ills of modernity by availing the traditional home-stay facility whereby you will be lodged in a traditional farmhouse and be served delicious traditional cuisines. You can also pamper yourself with a relaxing traditional ‘hot stone bath’ amid absolutely rural settings but with all the modern amenities. However, given the amount of time, energy and resources that go into organizing the ‘hot stone baths’, you will be levied extra charges for it. Besides all these, you can also enjoy traditional cultural programs which can be arranged upon request. The ‘hot stone baths’ and cultural programs are not included in the total cost of the trip.

 

Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling.

 

DAY 11: Paro Taktshang (Tiger’s nest) hike

Today we drive up to Satsam Chorten 10 kilometers from Paro town from where we hike up to Taktsang Monastery – the legendary Tiger’s Nest. We can either hike or opt for ponies. Taktshang is precariously perched on a seemingly impossible rock face at approximately 3,000 feet above Paro valley. It is a very sacred pilgrimage destination as well as a tourist hotspot. It is believed that Guru Rimpoche flew there on the back of a flying tigress. The Lhakhang was built around the cave in which Guru Rimpoche meditated. The hike to the viewpoint of the monastery makes for a nice half-day excursion with the round trip taking about 4 hours. The thrill of the experience and the view from up above is truly rewarding. After a picnic lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria we spend the evening enjoying leisurely strolls through the quaint town of Paro.

 

Night halt at Hotel Pema Cholling.

 

DAY 12: Departure from Paro