DRUK PATH TREK

For those who want to trek in Bhutan but who are on a tight schedule this is an excellent choice. Flying in to Paro, a day is spent exploring the valley with visit to the great Paro Dzong and the Tiger's Nest Monastery. You then drive to Thimphu, Bhutan's capital, where the trek begins. This is a classic walk along high, windy ridges, past ruined forts which long ago guarded against Tibetan invasion and through untouched Himalayan valleys to finally emerge high above the Paro Valley. A rest day in Paro provides time to relax and take in more of this unique kingdom.

ACROSS BHUTAN West to East Traverse

Visitors to Bhutan are few enough, but those who have the chance to venture right across the kingdom to its little known eastern region are privileges indeed. The tour commences in Paro, that most picturesque valley in western Bhutan where time is spent visiting the famed Paro Dzong and the Tiger's Nest Monastery perched high on cliffs above the upper reaches of the valley. From here you head north to Thimphu, the tiny capital of Bhutan and then on along the one road which heads east. You will pass the great dzongs of Wangdiphodrang and Tongsa built on steep cliffs above the villages. The deeply forested terrain begins to widen out into broad, beautiful valleys as you head into Bumthang in central Bhutan and on to Mongar, crossing you highest pass, the Thumshing La (3800m).

Continuing further east the scenery begins to change from conifer and deciduous forests to semitropical vegetation as the altitude drops to around 1800 meters. Finally you reach Tashigang, Bhutan's second largest town. The fantastic Tashigang Dzong, which was built in 1680-94, towers over this lush valley. This fort has proved impregnable, being surrounded by a river and ravines on three sides and a high mountain to the north. The people of this region are renowned for their exquisite textile and handicrafts. After a couple of days here exploring the town and soaking up the atmosphere you drive on to Gauhati (Assam) for the return flight. This remarkable tour gives you the chance to see a cross section of Bhutan, with its rich cultures and varied scenery.

CHOMOLHARY TREK

This is without doubt one of the most beautiful and unspoilt trekking areas in the entire Himalayas.The trip begins in Paro, gateway to Bhutan and set in a wide valley dotted with traditional dwellings and terraced farms, watched over by the great Paro Dzong (monastery Fort). From here you head up valley where the trek begins. You will follow the waters of the Paro chu river up through forests of pine and juniper and into high alpine meadows for stunning views of Mt. Chomolhari (7316m) and Jichu Drake (6797m). This is wild country and its quite possible that you will see the rare blue sheep or bharal. From here the trek heads north-east to the village of Lingshi (3800m). The Lingshi Dzong is over 600 years old. It was built by a Lama for purely monastic purposes but due to its strategic position it soon became one of the strong holds against invading Tibetan armies.

From Lingshi you then head down along ancient trails and through un-touched forests to reach Thimphu, Bhutan's tiny capital and the concluding point for the trek. There will be time here to see the sights, notably to massive and imposing Tashichho Dzong. Bhutan's seat of power. Then you will return to Paro where the trip concludes.

CHOMOLHARY LAYA TREK

CHOMOLHARY LAYA TREK 18 DAY TRIP - MODERATE
Those with a little more time may like to consider this trek which goes beyond Lingshi and into the remote Laya region of western Bhutan. This itinerary is the same as the Chomolhari Trek but from Lingshi you continue on through Chebisa and Robluthang, across three passes—the Gobu La (4350m), the Jari La (4600m) and the Singe La (4900m) —and down into Laya. This walk is particularly fascinating as you are crossing the lush summer grazing lands of the Bhutanese nomads and you are sometimes invited into their tents to share some Tibetan tea.

The small village of Laya is home to two highly revered monasteries. The women of this region wear distinctive hats woven from rattan, now so often associated with the image of Bhutan. Though remote, the Laya region is known for its hospitality and your time here will be delightful.

You then begin the long descent through picturesque valleys, across wild mountain rivers and past numerous waterfalls before reaching farmlands and more substantial villages. You eventually reach the main highway (Bhutan's one and only road!) where you are met and return to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan.

The Chomolhari Trek is an exceptional trek in itself and to be able to also spend time in Laya is an unforgettable bonus.

SNOWMAN TREK

One of the world's difficult treks into one of the wildest and most remote regions of the Himalaya, this trek offers you the opportunity to enter a land seen only by local yak herders and some explorers of old trying to make their way into Tibet.

From Kathmandu. you fly into the picturesque valley of Paro, a traditional village watched over by a medieval fort. From here the trail begins, your ultimate goal being the remote district of Lunana in the mountains of northern Bhutan. The trek is strenuous, crossing eleven passes, three of which are over 5000m, but the areas through which you walk are of extraordinary beauty. Beneath the great peak of Chomolhari (7314m) the trail takes you into the Lingshi region of Bhutan, and then into Laya— famed for its wildlife, including the blue sheep and the takin. From here the pass crossings begin, providing excellent training for the 5000 meters ones to come in Lunana.

The scenery grows more wild and barren and settlements are few and far between as you enter the Lunana district, an untamed region bordering Tibet where most of the Himalayan peaks towering to the north are unnamed and unclaimed. After the last major pass you reach Umtso Lake, highly revered by the Buddhist population of Bhutan. You complete the trek with a south-west descent to the road where a bus will return you to Thimphu, the tiny capital.