Keeping this in mind, we have come up with this itinerary which offers an in-depth experience of Bhutan combining a trek with a diverse insight into the country’s culture. The proposed trek offers such an experience that will give lifelong memories as you get way off the tourist track through remote and spectacular landscapes. In our view, this is the best way to experience Bhutan or you will have to come here to believe us!
We were the first people to research the route in 2006 and were fortunate enough to discover an absolute classic. We also had the honor of naming it - The Juniper Trail. Our local guides now consider this to be the best short trek in Bhutan, offering rewards normally reserved for much longer itineraries in the high Himalaya. We reserve this trek for our romantic honeymoon couples as it is so beautiful and takes you off the tourist circuit into the wilderness all on your own with complete privacy that is required for such a trip with camp fire for romantic evenings. It follows a ridge line throughout and in good weather; the route offers some amazing views of the Bhutan Himalaya and is also rich in flora and fauna.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression. On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your guide from M12055 for the trip will receive you and transfer you to the hotel in Paro. Overnight - hotel in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Tiger’s Nest
Today, we hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest”. This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for their life! To go down, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses. Overnight – hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Chuzomtoe/ Tsendu La (05-06 hours)
It’s about 02 hour drive to the trail head at Chuzomtoe (3310m) to begin your trek from where there is a superb view of Bhutan’s Himalaya on a clear day. The trail runs gradually up along the ridge for over two hours till the base of treeless peak, occasionally passing by beautiful meadows that are being used by the yak herders to keep their yaks in winter. The trail then traverses for sometime before you make your way up through the thick alpine forest of firs, rhododendrons and junipers to Tsendu La, a beautiful meadow on top of the ridge with breath taking views, be it of mountains or of valleys underneath. Overnight - Camp at Tsendu La (3775m).
Day 4: Tsendu La / Pangka La (04-05 hours)
After the late breakfast, we will trek down the hill till we get to Dongle La pass (3565m) which is marked by an old two legged Chorten. This pass is along the forsaken ancient mule track between Paro and Ha valleys. This route was like the present day highway not so long ago, with traffic of mules and people being the beast of burden in the same way. From here, the trail goes gradually up through the alpine forest till you get above the tree line in the vicinity of huge meadow of Pangka La. Overnight - Camp at Pangka La (4150m).
Day 5: Pangka La / Chele La (05-06 hours)
It is worth rising up early in the morning to see the sun rise over the eastern Himalayan Mountains or just to experience the solitude of this heaven like place on earth. After enjoying the peace and serenity of this place, we will start the last day of our trek sliding down slowly along the wide and well used yak’s trail for a while till it gets level. Along the ridge, we will come across some yak herder’s camps and then we have a short climb before we make our way down to yet another abandoned mule track at Dzongle La (3565m). From here, the path gets more of level traversing along one side of the rocky ridge till you get to the finishing point of your trek at the highest motor able pass in the country which is marked with grove of fluttering prayer flags known as Chele La (3750m). Overnight - hotel in Paro.
Day 6: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from M19055 will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
- Expert leadership
- All accommodations based on twin room sharing basis
- All meals
- All transportation during the tour
- All activities as noted in the itinerary
- Bottled water while on drive or walk.
Price Excludes:
- Visa fee of US$ 20.00
- Airfare
- Laundry, drinks and beverages
- US$ 10 for Tourism Development Fund
- Travel insurance
- Sleeping bags while going on trek and
- Other personal expenses.
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Bhutan
Romantic Venture
Honeymoon
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