Jours: 10 / Difficulté: 1 of 5 (Facile)
Bhutan Cultural Tour with Yaksa Trek.
Your itinerary starts on arrival in Paro where you will have a day for sightseeing in the valley and then you can take the hike to the famous Tiger's Nest monastery as acclimatization for your trek always the highlight of any trip to Bhutan! Your trek is called the Yaksa trek which takes you to the base camp at Mount Jomolhari - climbing to over 4000m and traversing through meadows and deep valleys, you will get to see traditional Bhutanese yak herders and some remote settlements. After the trek you will be met by your driver to drive to Bhutan’s bustling capital, Thimphu, with its many interesting museums and temples. You will have a full day to explore the sights of the capital before you return to Paro to fly out.
DAY 1 Arrival in Kathmandu and meet our staff/crew at the airport and transfer to Hotel.
Welcome drink and briefing about Bhutan trip, equipment check and relax in Hotel.
DAY 2 Arrive at Paro International Airport from Kathmandu.
Paro is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 meters and is a fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. Your guide will meet you and take you to your hotel. There should be time for a quick stroll around Paro town before lunch. In the afternoon you can visit the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit the National Museum. This was previously housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower) built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during times of war, in an unusual circular construction resembling a conch shell. Unfortunately, an earthquake in September 2011 damaged the Ta Dzong and the contents of the museum were moved to a neighboring building. You can still see a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts — costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. The National Museum is due to reopen in the Ta Dzong in 2015. Overnight in Paro.
DAY 3 Take a day walk to the ‘Tiger's Nest’,
The sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 meters above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan’s most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighboring Buddhist countries. You can have lunch at the Taktshang cafeteria from where you get a spectacular view of the monastery. On the way back you can visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. This evening you can sort out your luggage for the trek. Anything you don’t need to carry with you will be driven safely to Thimphu to await your arrival. Overnight in Paro
DAY 4 YAKSA TREK DAY 1. Paro via Shana to Soi Thangthangkha.
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong and from here along the feeder road to the army check post at Gunitsawa — the drive will be about 2 hours. Once the horses are loaded up you can start walking. In about half an hour you will reach what used to be the first camp at Shana - with the advent of the road we can more swiftly leave the towns and villages behind. The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (22 km, 7 to 8 hours).Overnight in Camp
DAY 5 TREK DAY 2. Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang.
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 km, 6 hours) Overnight in Camp
DAY 6 TREK DAY 3. Rest day at Jangothang.
It’s possible to hike in various directions: towards Mount Jomolhari and its subsidiary to the west, Jichu Drake to the north and unclaimed summits and ridges to the east.Overnight in Camp
DAY 7 TREK DAY 4. Jangothang to Chora.
The trail leads north to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu, crossing it on a wooden bridge. Switchback up the side of the hill to a large cirque and the lakes of Tshophu (4380m), which is inhabited by a flock of ruddy shelducks. Climb high above the eastern side of the lake, passing a second lake as the trail climbs across a scree slope to a crest. Descend into a hidden valley and climb steeply to Bhonte La at 4890m. From the pass the trail eventually switchbacks down to the Dhumzo Chhu and after you cross the river there is a short climb to a camp in a meadow at Chora at 3800m. (16 km, 6 to 7 hours)
Overnight in Camp
DAY 8 TREK DAY 5. Chora to Thombu Shong.
The trail climbs 100m over a ridge, then drops to another stream. Crossing that stream, the trail heads up the hillside, dropping into a small side valley before emerging onto a ridge. Here the route turns south, ascending past a few huts to Takhung La (4520m). A short descent leads to Thombu Shong, with three yak herders’ huts. We camp at Thombu Shong at 4180m. (12 km, 5 hours)Overnight in Camp
DAY 9 TREK DAY 6. Thombhu Shong to Gunitsawa.
Climb out of the valley to Thombu La at 4380, then drop gradually to about 4000m. The trail then makes a steep descent, switch-backing down the ridge, finally reaching the helipad at Gunitsawa (2730m) (13 km, 5 hours) from where your driver can meet you to return to Thimphu. Overnight in Camp
DAY 10 Thimphu sightseeing.
We will visit the weekly market, the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hilltop overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the prayer wheels. The temple also contains beautiful wall paintings and hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. In the afternoon you can take in more of the sights and culture of the capital, with the option of a trip to Simtokha Dzong (one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could drive up to the Radio Tower (offering splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags), visit the Takin Reserve showcasing the unique national animal, the Takin, browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Museum or visit the Folk Heritage Museum. If you would like to view or buy Bhutanese handicrafts you may like to visit the new market opposite Taj Tashi hotel which has an array of stalls run by local handicraft shops selling purely home made articles with no imports. Tell your guide what takes your interest.
Overnight in Thimphu
DAY 11 Early in the morning your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off onto your flight and wish you Tashi Delek (goodbye and good luck).
DAY 12 Final Departure.
According to your flight schedule ,our airport representative will see you off in Tribhuwan International Airport(TIA) for your final departure.
Our Tour Package includes;
* Airport/Hotel/Airport pick up and transfer by private car/van.
* 2 nights accommodation in twin bed sharing basis with breakfast at standard hotel in
Kathmandu.
* Guide - guide throughout the tour from arrival to departure.
* Sightseeing - all sightseeing and entrance fees including any festival visits.
* Transport - meet on arrival, airport transfers on arrival and departure and all overland transport within Bhutan.
* Accommodation - accommodation in standard hotels.
* Food - full board throughout the trip in Bhutan
* Tourist service charge.
* Office Service charge.
* All Government Tax.
Our Tour Package doesn't include;
* Any meals in Kathmandu other than breakfast.
* Travel insurance (if you want us to arrange your travel insurance, we would greatly be happy to assist).
* International air fare to and from
Nepal and to and from Bhutan.
*
Nepal Tourist Visa fee.
* Visa Fee and Fees for Tourism development Fund (USD 50)
* Items and expenses of personal nature.
* Any kind of alcoholic drinks, cold drinks, laundry, phone call, internet.
* Personal Trekking Equipments like sleeping bags, jackets (can all be hired in KTM)
* Emergency Evacuation (Helicopter Rescue).
* Any costs which arise due to a change of the itinerary, because of landslides, political disturbance, and strikes etc.
* Any other costs whatsoever, that is not mentioned in the cost included.
* Tips for guide, porters, driver...
Tipping is expected but it is not mandatory.
N.B: The package can be redesigned or redeveloped as per your taste. For more information please e-mail us at snftnepal@yahoo.de
Note: In case of emergency during the trip, Helicopter will be arranged by Swiss Family Treks & Expedition (P) Ltd. The charges must be paid by the clients themselves.
