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+975 17692115/77692115
info@rusticfrontiers.com +975 17692115/77692115
Embark on Bhutan’s untamed wilderness trek and immerse yourself in the untouched beauty of Haa valley, where you will wade through fresh mountain creeks, traverse trails adorned with wild blossoms, and relax in the peaceful surroundings of a yak herder’s camp with a cup of hot butter tea. Stand on the edge of Paro valley, taking in stunning views of rolling hills and ancient Dzongs, before hiking to the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, with the scent of pine trees filling the crisp mountain air. Delight in Bhutanese cuisine like spicy Ema Datshi and buckwheat dumplings while sharing meals with local families in traditional farmhouses. Hear the chants of monks at Kila Goenpa and the gentle rustle of leaves in Tshokam’s meadows, surrounded by lush rhododendron forests and panoramic views of the Himalayas.
After breakfast, drive for 30-minute to Jana Dingkha monastery, where you can explore the monastery and its beautiful garden. Meet the trek crew and begin your trek with an easy three-hour walk. Follow a yak herder’s trail through larch and conifer forests, with rhododendrons adding color. The steady ascent leads to your first campsite at Tsho Kam (a dry lake). According to local legend, the lake’s protector spirit has relocated. The campsite, set in a flower-filled meadow surrounded by trees, is a prime spot to spot the colorful Himalayan monal pheasant.
Overnight at campsite.
After a tented night, rise early to see the sunrise and set off after breakfast. Ascend through forests of larch, pine, and silver birch, reaching a ridge with prayer flags and stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari, Tshering Gang, and Jowo Drakey at Choza la (3,907 meters). Continue up to Tsabjo la pass (4,107 meters) for lunch, with views of Jomolhari and often blue sheep grazing nearby. Descend for two-hours through forest and small rivers to campsite at Wangji Thang (3,632 meters), where yaks graze in the pastures.
Overnight at campsite.
Today is a challenging but rewarding day as we cross three Himalayan passes. We begin with one and half to two-hours ascent through pine and rhododendron forests, reaching Wangchela pass at 4,192 meters with views of Mt. Jomolhari. After descending 100 meters, we climb to Tsho Jung la at 4,287 meters, with distant views of the India-Tibet border. Another climb takes us to Tsho la pass at 4,443 meters, our final pass. We then continue for another half-hour to campsite near the holy lake of Nub Tshona Patra, where we may join pilgrims paying homage to the local deity.
Overnight at campsite.
Spend the day around Nub Tshona Patra, enjoying its stunning vistas. You can take an easy hike from Lura to the campsite, or explore the surrounding ridges for spectacular views of Haa valley.
Overnight at campsite.
Today, we cross two valleys to reach our campsite by Relgo lake. We start with an ascent to Dong Kacheydo pass at 4,156 meters, offering spectacular views of Mt. Kanchenjunga. Descend into the valley, pass the second pass from yesterday, and encounter more pilgrims. After a high-altitude lunch with views of grazing yaks, we descend further and hike through pine and fir forests to the shore of Relgo lake, with our campsite just 15-minutes away.
Overnight at campsite.
We start by hiking alongside the lake, then ascend to a saddle marked by a large rock covered in prayer flags. Continuing up the valley, we reach Ringona Tsho la pass at 4,274 meters, offering views of Nakula peak and three cairns with prayer flags. After an hour’s climb to Yockta la pass at 4,426 meters, we enjoy views of Mt. Jomolhari and Mt. Jowo Drakey. Following the pass, we traverse a tricky trail before picking up a better path that leads to tonight’s campsite at Tsho Tshokha at 4,157 meters. The campsite is beautifully situated with spectacular views.
Overnight at campsite.
On our final day of trekking, we follow the trail from yesterday towards a stone cairn with flags. From there, we head for a saddle to the left, enjoying views of Mt. Jomolhari and the valley from day 3. The trail descends through trees and a rocky zigzag path to a saddle with prayer flags, below 4,000 meters. We follow this route to a lunch spot at our second campsite. After lunch, we take a less defined trail through the forest, marked by a carved arrow, and descend to Chana Phu, a meadow campsite at 3,000 meters. From there, we walk an hour to the road, visit Damthang village to say farewells, and drive to our hotel in Haa.
Overnight in Haa.
Tour Cost Includes:
Not Included:
Insurance
The package does not include any form of insurance. You are required to secure separate coverage from your home country prior to the start of your trip.
Basic things to carry for personal use:
Bhutan’s climate varies by region: it is subtropical in the south, temperate in the central areas, and alpine in the north. The rainy season typically spans from June to September, and it’s best to avoid these months for most treks, except for the Snowman trek. The alpine zone, where most high-altitude treks take place, remains covered in snow during the winter months from December to February. However, there are a few beautiful low-altitude treks that can be enjoyed during the winter. The ideal trekking seasons are Spring (March-May) and fall (mid-September-November), offering the most favorable weather and conditions for exploring Bhutan’s stunning landscapes.
Our trekking routes take you through dense forests, towering mountains, high-altitude lakes, meadows, streams, remote villages, and yak herder camps. Expect steep climbs and descents, with unpredictable weather, including rain or snow. Trails may be muddy or snowy, and sometimes involve moraine rocks. Daily elevation gain is around 500 meters, with walking distances between eight-twelve kilometers, taking four-nine-hours. Times and distances vary based on weather, terrain, and your fitness, so the itinerary details are approximate.
Trekking in Bhutan offers a unique experience compared to other parts of the Himalayas. Unlike typical treks with teahouses or lodges, trekking here involves camping at designated campsites in true wilderness. All food supplies and trekking equipment are carried by horses, while you only need to carry a daypack with personal items like your camera, water bottle, and toiletries. Your trekking team consists of a guide, chef, helpers, and a caravan of horses. While your guide and one helper (carrying packed lunch) trek with you, the rest of the team moves ahead to set up tents and prepare meals. Upon arrival at camp, you will be greeted with a bowl of hot water to freshen up, followed by tea/coffee and a delicious dinner.
To trek in Bhutan, you need to be physically fit and should prepare with some training. Previous trekking experience in other regions is beneficial, but if not, it’s important to train at home. Practice hiking on trails with ascents and descents for four-five kilometers while carrying four-five kilograms weight. Activities like running, stair climbing, elliptical machine workouts, cycling, and step mill training will also help improve your fitness.
Altitude sickness is rare as the body naturally adjusts to higher elevations, and our carefully planned itinerary includes gradual day hikes to help with acclimatization. To prevent altitude sickness, wear warm clothing, stay hydrated, and maintain a slower pace. If you feel unwell, inform your trekking guide, who is trained to handle altitude-related issues and will take the appropriate action. It’s also recommended to bring diamox if you are prone to altitude sickness-consult your doctor beforehand to ensure it won’t interfere with any medications you are taking.
Separate your trekking clothes from your city clothes a day before your trek. Pack your trekking clothes in a duffle bag, which will be handed over to the trekking crew, and place your city clothes in another bag (a hard suitcase or plastic bag works fine). Your driver will take this bag to the office, where it will be stored safely and returned to you on the last day of the trek. Each trekker is allowed a weight limit of fifteen-kilograms, so please pack only what’s necessary to avoid overloading the horses.
Technical Clothing:
Equipment:
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