Bhutan Chele-la Culture Trek

Trip Highlights

Trip Introduction

"Land of the Thunder Dragon", is probably the closet one can get to a legendary Himalayan Kingdom, one of the last Shangri-Las on earth. Bhutan possesses an amazing landscape and the strange and beautiful monasteries and forts add and aura of mysticism to this land. Although the traditions of its neighbors which include Tibet, Sikkim and India have had some influence on Bhutan, it has generally remained isolated for a long time. With its heavily protected borders, it still remains as a traditional and blissfully unspoilt land. 

Highlights:
This trek is for Nature lovers.During spring is the rhododendrons season.
The trail takes you through forest filled with many species of Primula and shades of red
and orange rhododendrons. From the pass you will have panoramic view of the two valleys
Paro & Haa and offcourse the beautiful Himalayan ranges of Bhutan.

Trekking Itinerary

OutLine Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley

Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft)

Day 04: Explore day in Rinpung Dzong

Day 05: Trek Rinpung to Chonana

Day 06: Chonana to Jebkarpo

Day 07: Jebkarpo to Lower Mingula

Day 08: Lower Mingula to thong

Day 09: Thong to Drugyel Dzong

Day 10: Drugyel Dzong to Thimphu

Day 11: Thimphu to Dzong

Day 12: Dzong to Paro

Day 13: Departue from Paro airport

Day to day Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival day in Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264 ft)
Namaste & welcome to Himalayan Planet of Nepal. While you landed at the Tribhuvan intl. airport Nepal Himalaya Guide representative welcomes you with your name and assists to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After time to get refreshed, bring you at head office and briefing about the program and evening we’ll pick up you for welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurant with cultural program in the heart of Kathmandu and overnight at Hotel.

Day 02: A guided sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley
After your breakfast to head on for our guided day trip to world heritage sites in Kathmandu valley and visit the highlights of Kathmandu and the surrounding areas. We take you to visit the pilgrimage sites of Hindus temple Pashupatinath, one of the most important shrine of Shiva temples on the subcontinent which is place of thousand of devotees, Saddhus (holy men/Baba), and can be seen the cremating body most of the times in the holy riverbank of Bagmati. Hundreds of monkeys are giggling with you and take a time to exploring surrounding area and visit Bouddhanath stupa an another pilgrimage centre which is most popular and important place for Buddhist. You can explore with rounding prayer wheel and flattering colorful flag with melodious chanting noise. After visiting Bouddhanath stupa we’ll drive to the City of Devotees (Bhaktapur). This traditional and traffic free town is the third biggest town in the Valley. We’ll explore the medieval like squares, courtyards and temples of this vibrant town. After a stop for lunch at restaurant in Bhaktapur it’s time to drive back to Kathmandu and meet up with your travel consultant & fellows to prepare for next day and overnight at the hotel. Alternatively, the same group may have option to choose same 3 sightseeing place inside Kathmandu valley instead of these given place.

Day 03 : Fly from Kathmandu to Paro (2,135m/7,000 ft)
Arrive Paro by Druk Air flight which will offer you great views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga, Chomolhari, Tsrim gang and Jichu Drake.  The moment you step out of the plane you will see the difference. Bhutan welcomes you with cool, clean fresh air. Peace and quietness is just another bonous. If time prevails visit the National museum & Rinpung Dzong.

Day 04: Explore day in Rinpung Dzong
To acclimatize yourself a hike to Taktsang monastery meaning a tiger's den lies at an altitude of 3000m which takes about 2/3 hours.  The monastery was gutted by fire in 1998 but the remains of the structure still attract visitors. The Royal Government has taken immediate steps to restore and re-construct the old structure. Tea and snacks will be served at the cafeteria where you can gaze at this beautiful monument built during the
17th century.  Evening at leisure.

Day 05: Trek Rinpung to Chonana
Drive till the trekking point and the hike is gradually
uphill through farm houses. The view from the trail is beautiful. Camp at 3100 meters.
Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 06: Chonana to Jebkarpo
Today the walk will be mostly uphill so take it easy
allowing plenty of stops. The trail takes you through a forest filled with many species
of primula and rhododendron. From the top along the ridge of Chele la the Himalayan range
can be seen. Camp at 3650 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 07: Jebkarpo to Lower Mingula
We advise you to get up early to enjoy the stunning
views of Mt.Chomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tshrim Gang. The path leads along the ridge with
mountain scenery and also offers birds eye view of Paro and Haa valley. Camp at 3750
meters. Walking time 4/5 hours.

Day 08: Lower Mingula to thong
This day will also offer excellent views of the
mountains and valleys sometime coming across yak herders camp. You can visit one of the
camps and enjoy their companian. As tradition you will be offered butter tea or chang
(local wine). Camp at 3650. Walking time 5/6 hours.

Day 09: Thong to Drugyel Dzong
The trail will descend all the way through pine and
rhododendron forest. The trek ends at 2400 meters near the ruined fortress which once
defended the valley from Tibetan invasion during the 17 century. Walking time 3/4 hours.
Drive to Kichu resort.

Day 10: Drugyel Dzong to Thimphu
Drive to Thimphu is 2 hours and will be a pleasant one mainly due to the
well maintained road through out Bhutan. Upon
arrival check into Hotel Druk or River view or similar. PM sightseeing - Visit the Memorial chorten
built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha
monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare "Takin" national animal of Bhutan and drive
further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple
and free time in the market.

Day 11: Thimphu to Dzong
AM visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and
Handicraft centers. PM drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100
meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest
mountain in Bhutan Mt.Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way
downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang
Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at Wangdi Kichu Resort or similar.

Day 12: Dzong to Paro
AM drive 45 minutes to Punakha and visit the Punakha Dzong which served as an
old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has
survived many glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a
procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the
Tibetans. Proceed to Thimphu. PM drive back to Paro.

Day 13: Departue from Paro airport
Transfer to airport for departure.

Others trekking and tours area in Bhutan. Please contact for details information for below routes
1. 19 days Bhumthang Lhuntse & Yangtsi trek.
2. 12 days Dragon heart experience tour.
3. 4 days Enter the Dragon tour.
4. 10 days Samtengang winter trek.
5. 19 days Classic laya trek.
6. 11 days druk path trek.
7. 8 days Gangley gogona khotakha trek.
8. 13 days Dagala thousand lakes trek.
9. 17 days Dur hot spring trek.
10. 8 days Gangtey vally tour.
11. 27 days Unbeatable Snowman trek.

Extending your holiday
In Nepal, there are many choices and options if you’d like to extend your holiday before or after your main booking. Here are just a few suggestions of extensions available for this trip:

- Travel to the Trans Himalayan country with its mysterious and spiritual land of Tibet
- Take a memorable wildlife safari with Elephant back ride in the Chitwan National park
- White water River rafting in the Himalayan country of Nepal
- 1 hour amazing mountain flight closest to the Mt. Everest
- Visit Darjeeling/Sikkim tour to India.
- Extend your trek in different trekking areas in nepal
- Bungee Jumping, Paragliding, Mountain biking and many more. >>>

Service Includes:

• 2 Night’s deluxe twin sharing accommodation in Kathmandu in 4 star hotel
• All local transportation by suitable vehicle(car, van, bus) in Nepal & Bhutan
• Complementary welcome dinner in Kathmandu
• A day Kathmandu sightseeing as per itinerary with tour guide
• Kathmandu to Paro flight tickets in economy class
• Meals on full board  basis during the Bhutan and breakfast in Nepal as per itinerary
• 10 night’s twin sharing accommodation in Bhutan on B categories hotel recognized by Bhutanese Govt.
• Bhutanese tour and trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), and driver with all payments
• Bhutan visa fee, Royalty, Tourism Development fee, entrance fee, trekking permit and required permits
• All government and local taxes
• Intl. flight ticket re-confirmation
• Submit your tourist registration form to the require embassy/consulate

Service does not Includes:

• Nepal re-entry visa fees
• All departure taxes
• Lunch and dinner in & Kathmandu
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses e.g. phone calls, laundry, bar bills & extra porters
• Tips for driver and guide
• Any extending trips
• Nepal entry visa fees
• Excess baggage charges
• Services doesn’t includes in service inclusive column

Enjoy the adventure with our Himalayan guides and take good memories away with you from Nepal.