Bhutan Dragon Heart Tour

Bhutan Dragon Heart Tour

Overview

Bhutan Dragon Heart Tour is one of the mysterious of the Himalayan Kingdoms. It lies landlocked in the eastern Himalayas between Nepal and India, amidst the highest mountains in the world. It is a land of diverse contrasts, with beautiful forests of rhododendrons, pine and cedar, rugged mountains, lush valleys, and lakes teeming with trout.

Trexmount Ventures has included in the Bhutan itinerary The Dragon Heart Tour to gives an insight into the deep cultural heritage of Bhutan combined with a six day trek. We explore some of the monasteries and ancient fortresses (dzongs) of Paro and the capital Thimphu, and enter the beautiful Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest), which, clings precariously to the rock cliff.

This Tour takes us on the trek along trails leading high above the valleys, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the valleys of Paro and Thimphu. We trek through thick alpine and rhododendron forests and along remote trails, encounter yak herders establishing camps, and marvel at the spectacular backdrop of the beautiful Himalayan mountains.

Itinerary

01Day

Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air).

Transfer to hotel.  On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will see major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga, and Makalu. On the fina approach to Paro, view Bhutan’s snowy peaks, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake.  Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your Bhutan representative. Drive you a short distance to Paro.

After lunch visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armor, household objects, and a rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. We also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in the 17th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The Dzong is now used as an administration center and school for monks. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel Olathang.

02Day

Paro valley sightseeing & Hike to Taktsang.

After breakfast drive a winding road to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, can be seen the on a clear day from Drukgyal village. You can visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life. We then drive to Shari to hike up (or horse ride) to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest). The horse ride up or hike to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8th century. After lunch at the café walk back to the road point. Dinner and overnight at hotel Olathang.

03Day

Paro – Jeledzong (start of trek).

After an early breakfast you will be picked up our representatives from hotel and drive you to Paro and drive further up to TaDzong or the National Muesum. Start of Trek: Distance 08 Kms and walking time 4-5 hours. Starting at Ta Dzong, (2300m-7,545 ft) and camp at Jele Dzong (3,436m-11,273 ft). The trek trail is rather gradual climb till the camp and, if the weather is clear, the Paro valley can be seen with the Mt. Jumolhari(7,314m-23,996 ft) and snowcapped mountains in the background.

04Day

Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha

The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons trees and most of the walking is up and down on a ridge. Mt. Jumolhari is also visible today. At your campsite, you can visit the Yak Herders tents. Dinner and overnight at your camp.

05Day

Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful, in particular, the Jichu Drake(6,989m-22,930 ft) Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant-sized trout.

06Day

Jimilangtso – Simkota

Jimilangtso – Simkota Trek Day 4 : Distance 11 Kms and walking time 4-5 hrs.Starting at Jimilangtsho (3,880 m-12,730 ft) and camp at Simkota (4,040 m-13,255 ft)

07Day

Simkota – Phajoding

If the weather permits you will have beautiful views of Mt. Gangkhar Punsum(7,541m-24,740 ft) the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. Below you can see the entire Thimphu valley.

08Day

Phojoding – Thimphu

Starting at Phajoding(3,870m-12,697 ft) and at end of the trek at Thimphu (2,300m-7,545 ft) The trek to Thimphu is down hill through a forested area of mostly Blue pine. By taking a leisurely pace you can reach Thimphu in about 3 hours for a nice hot shower and lunch. Evening at leisure. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

09Day

Thimphu valley sightseeing – Paro.

Thimphu has a population of about 98,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. After breakfast, we drive north through the Thimphu Valley and glimpse Dechhenchholing Palace amid the forest of pine trees along our route. We continue our drive further on till we reach the base of Tango Monastery. From here we walk for 2 hours to reach the top, where we visit the monastery. Founded in the 13th century, Tango Monastery is a monastic school founded by Lama Gyalwa Lhanampa. The current buildings are the 15th century and constructed by the memorably named ‘divine madman’, Lama Drukpa Kuenley.

Residing at Tango today is an important reincarnate lama recognized to be the seventh reincarnation of Gyalse Tenzin Rabgye. After our visit, we walk back to the memorable point and then drive back to Thimphu for lunch. After lunch take a walk in the beautiful Thimphu Valley and visit a Memorial Chorten, National Library, School of Arts and Crafts and then evening drive to Paro. Overnight and dinner at hotel Olathang.

10Day

Paro – Departure (by Druk Air).

In the morning ABC escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport. Good-bye and happy journey back home. -End of Services-

Includes/Excludes

What is Included?

  • All Activities as per Itinerary
  • Airport Pick up and drop transfer.
  • Transportation as per above itinerary.
  • All accommodations in Standard Hotels (Twin Share)
  • Meals ( Breakfast | Lunch | Dinner) with Hotel Drinks Tea, Coffee and so on.
  • An experience Government License holder Guide and required support for portering for trekking section
  • Trek bag.
  • Cultural programs when and where available.
  • Museum fees and other special entry fees.
  • US$ 10 per pax for Tourism Development Fund

Whats not Included

  • Tips to staff or any donations.
  • Single Supplement for single using rooms
  • Your travel insurance, Medical and emergency costs.
  • Visa fee of US $ 20 per person (need to pay upon arrival in Bhutan (at Paro Airport or any entry point of Bhutan)
  • Alcoholic and cold drinks (mineral water, any cold drinks, and alcoholic drinks).
  • Any personal expenses which is not mention into the price inclusion.

Clients Review

Everest Base Camp & Muktinath Trail Helen & Mark Dwyer Australia

We had a dream to reach Mt Everest Base Camp since we heard about this. One of my friends recommended Trexmount so we have decided to use them for arranging our trek to Everest Base Camp. The treks were very well organized and the guides were extremely knowledgeable, and friendly and looked after us at all times.

Nothing was too much trouble for them and there was always a smile on their faces. We stayed...

Everest Gokyo Ri Trekking Bridget and Ron New Zealand

Namaste Hari and all at Trexmount Ventures, We have just completed our third visit and a Fantastic trek in Nepal with a four-day trek in the Annapurna area and an 18-day trek to Everest base camp and Gokyo. Noelene joined us for the Everest trek and it was her 9th visit! We can highly recommend Trexmount Ventures as a great company. The guides we had, Ram and Tilak were very well informed and also both able to pace the trek to ensure we all reached our...