Trip Itinerary
Day 1: Rendezvous at the group hotel in Kathmandu. Complimentary airport transfers are provided. KE group package services begin with the evening meal.
Day 2: Transfer to the airport and take the short flight to Bhutan's only airport, at Paro. Views of Everest en route. On arrival, transfer (1.5 hours) to Thimpu. Overnight hotel.
Day 3: The whole day is free to enjoy the Thimpu festival, which takes place in the courtyard of the Tashichoedzong Palace. Overnight hotel.
Day 4: We have either a second day at the festival or an excursion across the Dochu La to visit the stunning Punakha Dzong. In the late afternoon we make the return drive to Paro where we stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 5: After a transfer to the ruins of Drugyel Dzong, we trek northwards beside the Paro River, passing through delightful farmland and forest to reach our camp at Shana (2820m.) 5 - 6 hours trekking.
Day 6: A longer trek, as we follow the river through lovely mixed forest. At a junction of 2 valleys, we turn north towards Chomolhari which is now visible. Camp at Soi Thangka. (3610m) 8 hours.
Day 7: We continue our trek towards Chomolhari, passing a small herding camp and entering more open country with grazing yaks. Camp at the meadow of Jangothang (4040m) which is the base camp area for Chomolhari. 5 - 6 hours.
Day 8: A day for exploration above our camp at Jangothang. There are various options for walks to gain classic views above this camp. Alternatively this may be used as a rest day.
Day 9: We begin with a steady climb through high pastures to reach the stunning Tsho Phu lakes. Beyond the lakes a gentle ascent leads to the Bonte La (4890m) with sensational views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and a host of Himalayan giants. We now descend to the less-trekked valley of Yaksa and our camp near the river at 3800m. 6-7 hours.
Day 10: We climb through rhododendron forest to the Tagun La (4520m) where we gain yet more spectacular views of the Himalaya, before making a short descent to Thongbu. Located in yak pastures at 4180m., this has got to be one of the most beautiful campsites in Bhutan. 5-6 hours trekking.
Day 11: A long hard day but with great reward in terms of scenery and views. We begin with a gradual climb to reach a peak at 4360m. and then follow the ridge which offers sensational views of snow capped peaks on the border with. We then drop steeply down for almost 3 hours to meet our outward trail at Shana.(2820m). 7 - 8 hours trekking..
Day 12: A final day of trekking to reach the road at Drugyl. Here we meet our transport for the short drive into Paro. we check into our hotel and the rest of the day is free to enjoy the ambience of this small town. Overnight Paro.
Day 13: A day od sightseeing in the Paro which will certainly include a visit to the Tigers Nest monastery of Taktsang perched on a cliff. The monastery can only be reached on foot by a stiff climb but we will be well acclimatised and conditioned from our trek to make the ascent. Overnight Paro.
Day 14: We take the morning flight to Kathmandu and transfer to the group hotel. We have a guided sightseeing tour of the city in the afternoon.
Day 15: KE group package services end with breakfast at the hotel. Complimentary airport transfers are provided.
