CHELE LA NATURE TREK – 11 DAYS

If you are looking for a short and beautiful trek then Chele La nature trek is best for you. Best time to trek between March to May & September to December

Day 1: Arrive Paro

The flight to Paro crosses the Himalayan Mountains, affording spectacular views of the awesome peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Jichu Drake peaks in Bhutan. If you arrive via Kathmandu, which offers the most breathtaking view of the range, it’s possible to see Mount Everest and Mount Kanchenjunga as well. Upon arrival in Paro, you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your hotel. In the afternoon you can visit the Paro Dzong. It was built in 1646 and now houses government offices and religious institutions, as do all the Dzongs (forts) currently. You’ll cross a traditional wooden bridge on the way to the Dzong. You can then tour the National Museum, formerly the watchtower for the Dzong. It now houses a collection of fine arts, paintings, thangkas, statues, and antiques. Afterward you will visit Kichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in the country. In the evening you can stroll through the Paro market and town. Overnight in Paro.

Day 2: Paro – Chonana

Start the trek from Olathang 1.5 km from Paro town. Most of the days walk is a gradual climb through the pine forests. Along the trail, you pass through some beautiful farmhouses built in typical Bhutanese architect. The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent. Overnight in camp.

Day 3: Chonana – Jebkarpo

A superb trekking route. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chele La pass Alt. 3700m. The trail takes you through forest filled with primula, rhododendron and many other species of plants and trees. After crossing the pass, the trail goes along the ridge of Chele La with clear view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Overnight in camp.

Day 4: Jebkarpao-Lower Mingula

Today is a day to be up early. Early morning view from the campsite of Mount Jumolhari Tserim Gang and the famous mountain Jichu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley. Overnight in camp.

Day 5: Lower Mingula-Thong

Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, you will see lots of yaks. Overnight in camp.

Day 6: Thong-Thimphu.

A short descend and you are in Paro valley. The trek ends at Drukgyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro. Lunch at Paro and drive on to Thimphu (Capital). Thimphu is 65 km and two hours drive from Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 7: Thimphu Sightseeing

A full day of sight seeing in Thimphu. You can visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government Ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and the living quarters of the Monk Body and its Chief Abbot are housed. Visit the Handicrafts Emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased. Visit the Painting and Woodcraft school where the traditional art and painting is kept alive. Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge Stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved. Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu) the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 AD. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 8:  Thimphu-Punakha

Drive over the Dochu-La pass (3,100 meters), which on a clear day offers an incredible view of Himalayan peaks before descending into balmy Punakha valley (about 3 hrs total driving time).

Punakha was the ancient capital of Bhutan. After Lunch, visit Punakha Dzong, the “Palace of Great Happiness” built in 1637 by the Shabdrung, the ‘Unifier of Bhutan’ as predicted by the great Guru Rimpoche (Padmasambhava). And drive for about 12 km and from the road point take a walk across the rice fields and a river to reach the Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, which is located on a beautiful hillock called Ngezergang. It houses the paintings and statues belonging to the Nyingmapa tradition. Visit Metshina Village and take a 20-minute walk through the rice fields to Chime Lhakhang, which is a fertility temple, where you may receive a special fertility blessing if you wish. Overnight in Punakha.

Day 9:Punakha – Paro

Set out for Paro with a stop in Thimphu for lunch and a visit to the Folk Heritage Museum. In the afternoon, you will continue the drive to Paro. In the evening you can visit a traditional farmhouse and, if you wish, enjoy a hot-stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner. Overnight in Paro.

Day 10: Hike Paro Taksang

Drive up to Satsam Chorten, 10 km from Paro town and hike up to Taktsang Monastery. The name Taktsang means ‘Tiger’s Nest’. The Monastery is perched on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of nearly 3000 ft. and overlooks the Paro valley and river. Taktsang is one of the most venerated pilgrim sites of the Himalayan world. It is believed that in the second half of the 8th century, Guru Padmasambhava, known as the second Buddha in Bhutan, meditated in the spot where the Monastery is situated having alighted there on the back of a tigress. Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The round trip hike takes about 4 hours.

Day 11: Depart Paro

Drive to the Airport for the departure.