Hiking in the “Dragon Kingdom”

Enter a timeless land where red-robed lama teachers live in 16th-century monasteries perched high above pastoral valleys of yak herders. Visit Bhutan’s extraordinary dzongs (fortress-like citadels) and trek through a gorgeous realm of snowy peaks—including Chomolhari (23,997'), Bhutan’s most sacred mountain (we do a full loop, while most companies take you out and back on the same trail). MTS was the first company to offer trekking in Bhutan, and we’ve developed steadfast relationships with locals since the country first opened to tourism in 1974. Follow our guides to encounter the gentle people of this land, meeting farmers and yak-herding families in the highlands, and immerse yourself in a land where time truly stands still.

Book Early for Bhutan Trips!

Flights between Bangkok and Paro on Druk Air, Bhutan’s national airline, sell out four to six months in advance. We recommend you reserve your Bhutan trip as early as possible, so we can secure these flights for you.

Activities

Trekking in Bhutan includes 10 days strenuous hiking at high elevation (max. 16,200')

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS

• Enjoy a 10-day trek in a remote Himalayan Buddhist kingdom
• See the most remote pristine forests and mountains of the Himalaya
• Witness outstanding living Buddhist culture, visit dzongs, museums, and local homes
• Meet traditional Himalayan highlanders: farmers, yak herders, and monks

2010 & 2011 Prices
$5,795 (8-15 members)
$6,095 (5-7 members)

Duration: 16 days Start Location: Bangkok End Location: Bangkok Best time to go: April, October - November

Itinerary

• Day 1 : Arrive in Bangkok (most flights arrive in the evening).

  Arrive in Bangkok, Thailand.

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  Day 2 : Paro

  Fly to Paro, Bhutan. Visit the National Museum, with its collections of spectacular thangkas (religious scroll paintings), bronze statues, Bhutan's beautiful stamps, and the Tshogshing Lhakhang (Temple of the Tree of Wisdom).

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  Day 3 : Paro

  Warm-up hike to Taktsang Monastery (the "Tiger's Nest"), perched on a cliff 2,700 feet above the floor of the Paro Valley.

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  Day 4 : Begin trek – Sharna Zampa (9,450')

  On trek, venturing from thick forests of rhododendron and up beyond the treeline to an amazing alpine world of glaciers, rocks, and dazzling snow-covered peaks, including Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang. You may see migratory birds and herds of bharal (blue sheep), and snow leopard tracks are occasionally spotted (but it's rare to catch sight of these elusive big cats themselves). You'll also encounter local people who live a simple lifestyle herding yaks, gathering and drying herbs, making fresh cheese and butter, and weaving beautiful textiles.

• Day 5 : Soi Thangthangkha (11,840')

  We continue up through the valley of the Paro River, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through a thick, lush forest of oak, pine, and juniper. The trail becomes very rocky, muddy, and strenuous, climbing up and down while slowly gaining altitude. As we get closer to our camp for the night, we begin to see the snowcapped summit of Chomolhari (if the weather is clear), a mountain that is sacred to the Bhutanese. This is a long, hard day with lots of ups and downs and rock hopping; it can be very muddy. We camp at Soi Thangthangkha (11,840'). (13½ miles, 9-9½ hours hiking.)

• Day 6 : Jangothang (13,382')

  We continue following the Paro River on a demanding, rocky trail, and then the valley widens again, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high snowcapped ridges. A few yak-herding families are based in this area, and we may be lucky to pay them a visit and try some of their dried yak cheese. Camp at Jangothang (13,382') below a ruined fortress near the base of Chomolhari. (11½ miles, 5½-6 hours hiking.)

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  Day 7 : Rest day (13,382')

  Today is a free day to rest and explore. You can take a beautiful optional hike to Tsophu Lake for spectacular views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drakye (you can gain altitude quickly, which is good for acclimatization). Of course, you can also opt to stay at camp, take in the views, and rest for the challenging day ahead.

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  Day 8 : Lingzhi (13,152')

  Climb steeply up to 14,661 feet and head into a glacial valley with many moraines. As we near the ridge we can see the snowy peaks of Tsering Kang (22,268') and Jichu Drakye (22,924'). Continue up to the Nyile La (15,980'), about four hours from camp. From here the views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakye, and Tsering Kang are spectacular (weather permitting!). We may also see Ganchey Ta (22,285') and Masang Gang (23,500'). Descend along scree slopes to a side valley at 14,596', traverse a hillside, then descend on switchbacks to another side valley. Camp at Lingzhi (13,152'), at the base of Tsering Kang and Jichu Drakye. (11 miles, 7-7½ hours hiking.)

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  Day 9 : Rest day (13,152')

  A free day at this campsite gives us a chance to relax and make an optional visit to the Lingzhi Dzong (13,900'), a frontier guide post from the 17th century, and Lingzhi village. The afternoon is free to rest for the next day’s pass!

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  Day 10 : Shodu (13,382')

  We climb about 300 feet to a white chorten, then hike into the beautiful, remote Mo Chhu Valley. Continue up the valley for about three hours,gradually gaining altitude, then make an exhilarating, steep climb up to the Yeli La (16,170'). From the pass we can have views of Chomolhari, Tsering Kang, and Jichu Drakye (weather permitting). Descend on a very rocky trail to a camp at Shodu (13,382'). (13½ miles, 9-9½ hours hiking.)

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  Day 11 : Barshong (12,200')

  From camp, the trail traverses under some steep yellow cliffs with a few meditation caves. We continue along the Wang Chhu, crossing the river seven times on log bridges and hiking up and down through fir forests. During the last hour or so, we’ll make a steady climb up to the ruins of a small dzong and reach camp.Camp at Barshong at about 12,200 feet. (10 miles, 6-6½ hours hiking.)

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  Day 12 : Dolam Kencho (11,200')

  Descend through forests of rhododendron, birch, and pines back to the Wang Chhu. Follow the river over ridges and side streams to Dolam Kencho (11,200’). (9 miles, 5-6 hours hiking.)

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  Day 13 : End trek – Thimphu (7,725')

  From camp, hike up through a thick rhododendron forest and cross two small passes between 10,100 and 11,700 feet. Descend very steeply on a rocky trail to the river and follow it to the trailhead (8,600'), where we’ll have lunch. (5 miles, 4 hours hiking.) Meet with vehicles and drive about 40 minutes to Thimphu. The remainder of the afternoon is free to shop in Thimphu. Festive farewell dinner with our Bhutanese hosts.

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  Day 14 : Thimphu – Paro

  In the morning you can take a self-guided ten-minute walk from the hotel to the Memorial Chorten, a shrine built in the memory of the late king, Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Many Bhutanese people gather here to pray every day. We’ll then begin our sightseeing with a visit to the Textile Museum and, time permitting, the Traditional Hospital of Herbal Medicine. In the afternoon we’ll visit the School of Arts and Crafts (or “painting school”), where Bhutanese children can follow a six-year program in traditional arts, such as drawing, painting, woodcarving, and sculpture. In the late afternoon we’ll drive two hours to Paro.

• Day 15 : Bangkok

  Fly to Bangkok.

• Day 16 : Fly home

  Depart Bangkok, or join one of our extensions to India, Vietnam, or Cambodia.

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  Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport Hotel

  Bangkok

  The Novotel Suvarnabhumi Airport is a 4 star hotel located 10 min walk from Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok. Boasting 612 comfortable and contemporary rooms, the hotel also offers 2 bars and 4 restaurants. With a 24 hr airport shuttle every 10 min from Gate 4 Level 2 and parking available, there is no better place to stay.

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  Zhiwa Ling Hotel

  Paro, Bhutan

  The Zhiwa Ling combines the sensibilities of a fine Bhutanese guesthouse with the best of modern comforts. Guests can enjoy a traditional outdoor hot-stone bath, a Tea House, a Meditation House, and two restaurants specializing in both contemporary international and classic Bhutanese cuisine.

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  Taj Tashi

  Thimphu, Bhutan

  The Taj Tashi blends traditional Bhutanese design with contemporary elegance in the heart of the Thimphu Valley. With a luxurious spa, heated indoor pool, gourmet dining and majestic mountain views, this hotel offers fine comfort and hospitality in a beautiful setting.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Expert leadership is the key to an exciting, unforgettable experience. Our trips feature gifted leaders for whom leading trips is a true vocation. Besides showing you wonders you’d never find on your own, they make sure everything runs smoothly and safely without a hitch. They are knowledgeable about all aspects of your trip, and take great pleasure in sharing their insights with you. More than just guides, they positively elevate your experience by being teachers, companions, and the best of friends. You’ll be in good hands with them every step of the way.

• Cathy Ann Taylor

  Cathy Ann Taylor, a high altitude trekking guide for Mountain Travel Sobek for the last 20 years. Cathy Ann has trekked all over Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan, with well over 150 trips in the Himalayas (she still considers the Himalayas her “second home”)! A devout hiker and mountain biker, she leaves no trail undiscovered, and her passion for the mountains, caring nature, and boundless energy are renowned. Her experience, knowledge, positive attitude (she can find the good in anything!), and her wonderful rapport with the local staff will enhance your experience. With the help of caring and like-minded individuals she has been able to manage the sponsorship of ten remote village children, all of whom are in boarding school and one who is about to graduate from University in Australia. She consistently gets rave reviews from members of her groups and has quite a following. Cathy Ann is active in the Breast Cancer Fund and has participated in eleven expeditions, including Mount McKinley, Cho Oyu, Mount Fuji, Mount Shasta, and Mount Rainier, which helped increase awareness of breast cancer (she alone has raised over $350,000 for the cause!). She has also reached the summit of Ama Dablam (22,500') in Nepal and Argentina's Aconcagua (22,834'), the highest peak in South America. Cathy Ann received an honorable mention in Hooked on the Outdoors magazine's Outdoor Person of the Year Awards, January 2006, and also received a letter of recognition for her fundraising and environmental work from Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi.

• Namgay Dorji

  Namgay Dorji, the senior manager of our Bhutan office, has been leading treks and tours for the past nine years. He is very knowledge about the history, culture, and religion of Bhutan, has many relatives in the monk body, and looks forward to sharing his experience with you. Namgay speaks seven languages: English, Japanese, German, Spanish, Hindi, Nepalese, and Urdu; is a graduate of Bissau College, Meghalaya, India; and received his diploma in Tourism and Travel Management from the Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management in Salzburg, Austria. His many personal interests include bird watching, rock climbing, trekking, and archery.

photo credits: ©Jock Montgomery