Chelela Nature Trek

1. Day 1 Paro - Thimphu ▾

   • 55 km Driving distance
   • 1 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience. On completion of immigration formalities, your guide from Ideal Travel Creations shall welcome you with a “Tashi Khadar” on your exit from the Airport gate.

   Drive to Thimphu. Discover the barren mountains, Tamchog Lhakhang, the Paro River (Pa Chhu) joining the Thimphu River (Wang Chhu) at Chhuzomsa and the three stupas as you drive the well-maintained road between Paro and Thimphu. Lunch at Thimphu.

   You may choose to relax at hotel or walk around the Thimphu town. In the evening, explore the craft bazar and the Kaja Throm, Thimphu (Formerly Centenary farmers market). A private traditional cultural show before dinner. Overnight in Hotel in Thimphu.

2. Day 2 Explore Thimphu, The Capital City ▾

   • 2,300 m Altitude of Thimphu

   In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chhorten. Located in Doeboom Lam, it was built in 1974 in honor of the Third King of Bhutan. Drive to Kuenselphodrang, where used to be the palace of the Sherab Wangchuk the thirteenth Druk Desi. The construction of A Gigantic Statue of The Great Buddha Dordenma was started in the year 2006 to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Fourth King of Bhutan.

   The construction completed in 2015. The Kuenselphodrang Nature park opened in 2011 adds to natural value and beauty of this place. On the way back visit the Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019.

   His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra of 2019 in this temple. Visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, a temple complex on a ridge overlooking Thimphu valley.

   The temple was founded in the 13th century by one of the sons of Phajo Drugom Zhipo. It is customary that all the children born in Thimphu is taken to the temple for blessing. Finally visit Simply Bhutan. This is the first living museum in the country.

   It depicts ancient Bhutan and the Bhutanese ways of life in the ancient times. It has an altar, a photo studio, a Zhabdrung museum, a traditional Bhutanese kitchen, demonstration stalls of textiles and handmade products and cafe offering butter tea Suja, snacks and a souvenir shop.

   After lunch, visit the Takin Preserve Centre. Takin is the National animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Institute of Traditional Medical Services which was first established as an “Indigenous Dispensary” in 1968 at Dechencholing, Thimphu as directed by the Third King of Bhutan.

   Visit the National Institute of Zorig Chusum. Students are taught the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan in the institute. In the evening visit the Tashichhodzong, which has been the seat of the Government since 1952. It houses the Office of the King of Bhutan, the throne room and the offices of certain secretariat and Ministries.

   The dzong also constitutes a monastic body. An interactive session with your Bhutanese hosts in the evening. Dinner with your Bhutanese Host. Overnight in hotel in Thimphu.

3. Day 3 Thimphu – Gangtey/ Phobjikha ▾

   • 140 km Driving distance
   • 5 hr Driving time
   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   Visit the Simtokha Dzong on the way. This is one of the oldest dzongs in Bhutan. Drive to the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

   Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha. Explore the Lobesa Village for a while. Interact with the local vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables and other local produce.

   Lunch at the Lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong overlooking the convergence of the Dangchhu and Punatsangchhu Rivers. The dzong was initially built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1638. Drive along the slopes of bare hills following the river (Drang Chhu) until you reach Chuzomsa, (the confluence of the Dang Chhu and the Pe Chhu).

   After crossing the bridge, the road goes uphill through pine forests often encountering small villages, where women spinning yarns on their porches, older men idling their time and children frolicking around could be the most common sights.

   Explore the Lawala Pass. A few Photographs are must here. Drive down along the pine forest till you reach Gangtey. A further short drive through the villages takes you to your hotel. Spend your evening enjoying the breathtaking views the property has to offer in one of the most beautiful Glacial valleys in the Himalayas.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

4. Day 4 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley ▾

   • 3,000 m Altitude of Phobjikha/ Gangtey

   Start your day with a breakfast with views. Visit the Gangtey Goemba overlooking the large green expanse of the Phobjikha Valley. Gyaltse Pema Thinley, the grandson and mind reincarnation of Pema Lingpa founded the Temple in 1613, and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup, the second re-incarnation, built the temple.

   Hike the Gangtey Nature Trail. The trail starts at the 17th century Gangtey Monastery. The two-hour gentle trek lets you get immersed in the beautiful Phobjikha valley. Visit the Khewang Lhakhang and interact with the young monks. Explore the nearby villages for a while.

   Picnic Lunch in the Phobjikha Valley. After lunch drive towards the villages of Kilkhorthang and Remeachin. Visit the Nelung Dreachagling Nunnery and the villages around. Witness farmers working in the field and enjoy taking photographs in this beautiful Glacial valley.

   On the way back visit the Black Necked Crane Information Centre, a place for recreation with crane watching equipment (binoculars, spotting scopes) and reference books. In the evening a enjoy a traditional hot stone bath at the hotel. Soak in the stone heated water rich in minerals and floating sprigs of khempa as the sun sets.

   (Advance reservations and additional cost may be applicable) Dinner and overnight in hotel.

5. Day 5 Gangtey/ Phobjikha Valley – Punakha ▾

   • 85 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr 30 min Driving time
   • 1,250 m Altitude of Punakha

   Retrace your steps back to Punakha with ample stoppages on the way to enjoy anything interesting that comes along the way. Picnic Lunch in Punakha. Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas.

   Spend some time with the Nuns at the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery. Explore the Khuruthang town for a while and then finally visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high.

   Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

6. Day 6 Punakha - Thimphu ▾

   • 76 km Driving distance
   • 2 hr Driving time
   • 2,350 m Altitude of Thimphu

   After a nice breakfast, drive to Thimphu. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Lunch at Thimphu. After lunch, visit the Changyul Park, covering seven acres along the Wangchhu River, was developed by the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport to blend Bhutanese heritage with modern green infrastructure.

   It includes traditional architectural elements, expansive meadows for outdoor activities, and a riverside gallery for relaxation. Features like an elevated boardwalk, jogging bridge, and the intricately built Floating Bar enhance the park’s appeal.

   Then visit the Bhutan Postal Museum to explore the history of Bhutan’s postal services through images, rare artifacts, and unique stamps, highlighting the country’s cultural heritage. Gain insights into Bhutanese history, including pre-postal era runners and postal technology that connected society.

   Learn how Bhutanese Monarchs communicated with their subjects, the Government informed citizens, and people stayed in touch over centuries. Finally visit the Changlimithang stadium to witness an Archery match (if going on). In the evening relax at the hotel.

   Dinner and overnight in hotel.

7. Day 7 Thimphu - Haa ▾

   • 115 km Driving distance
   • 4 hr Driving time
   • 2,670 m Altitude of Haa

   After breakfast, drive to Haa. Make the 115 km journey from Thimphu interesting by stopping at various spots, visiting villages, meeting locals, and capturing the beautiful rural landscapes. This drive takes you through Namseling and Kasadrapchhu, reaching Chuzomsa where the Paro River (Pa Chhu) meets the Thimphu River (Wangchhu), and you’ll see three stupas in Nepalese, Tibetan, and Bhutanese styles, symbolizing good luck and safe passage.

   The road then follows the river, passing Betikha (34 km from Haa) and Dobji (65 km from Haa), and various villages and fields until the secluded Haa Valley. Haa Valley’s history includes pre-Buddhist animist traditions. After Guru Padmasambhava’s visit in the 8th century, the inhabitants became peaceful Buddhists, and local deities like AP Chundu became guardians of Buddhism.

   This belief system is still evident in local festivals and rituals. Opened to foreign tourists in 2002, the valley is culturally rich with notable sites like the 7th-century Lhakhang Karpo (White Temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black Temple) at Meri Puensum mountains.

   The Haa Tshechu festival is held at Lhakhang Karpo annually. The valley boasts diverse folk culture, legends, and shamanistic rituals, notably the annual ceremony honouring Ap Chundu, the guardian deity. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and offers a rewarding travel experience.

   Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

8. Day 8 Haa – Sagala (Start of Trek) ▾

   • 6 km Trekking distance
   • 3 hr On the trail
   • 450 m Ascent
   • 3,150 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, drive to trek start point where your trekking crew will be waiting for you. After an introduction with them and a short briefing about the trek, your trek starts following an unpaved motor road for less than an hour, keeping to the left side of the villages.

   Upon reaching the trail on the right side of the village, you will gradually ascend through the yak herders’ camp until you encounter two diverging trails. Avoid the left trail, leading to the summer yak herding camp and the Chinese border.

   Instead, take the right trail for your final climb to your camp at Sagala.

9. Day 9 Sagala - Nigula (Trek – Day 2) ▾

   • 9 km Trekking distance
   • 6 hr On the trail
   • 700 m Ascent
   • 250 m Descent
   • 3,850 m Altitude of Campsite

   After breakfast, start your climb up to Sagala pass, taking about 30 minutes. In clear weather, enjoy fantastic views of Mount Jumolhari at 7314 m and Jichu Drake at 6989 m. From the pass, follow the trail on the right. After several ascents and descents through rhododendron trails and meadows, you’ll reach the ridge’s peak at 4435 m, offering stunning views of Haa Valley.

   Continue with occasional climbs and descents through forests of hemlock and juniper until you arrive at your campsite at Nigula.

10. Day 10 Nigula – Kungkarpo - Paro (Trek Ends) ▾

    • 11 km Trekking distance
    • 7 hr On the trail
    • 500 m Ascent
    • 360 m Descent
    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    After breakfast we shall descend for a few minutes, then follow the ridge through meadows and yak herder camps, climbing uphill through a forest of tall rhododendrons toward Kung Karpo Sky Burial at 4350m. Enjoy spectacular views of the Haa Valley as you ascend through the stone cairns to Kung Karpo.

    From the sky burial, walk up and down with panoramic views of Paro Valley on the left and Haa Valley on the right. The view of Kila Goenpa Nunnery below is also stunning. Continue downhill until you reach the Chelela Pass at 3990 m. Your trek ends at the Chelela Pass.

    You shall bid farewell to your trekking crew from here. Your vehicle will be waiting for you at the pass. Explore the Chelela Pass for a while and then drive to Paro. In the evening, relax at the hotel. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

11. Day 11 Paro Valley ▾

    • 2,280 m Altitude of Paro

    Your Day starts with an early morning Hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century.

    Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan. Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year. Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.

    Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan. Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and overnight in hotel.

12. Day 12 Departure ▾

    Your 12 days of Bhutan travel with the Chelela Nature Trek comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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