Chelela Nature Trek (10 Days)

Day 01: Arrive at Paro – Halt

The flight into Bhutan is a breathtaking one with views of Mt. Everest. Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro Airport you will be received by a representative of Taktsang Tours/Travels & Treks. Check in at Hotel. After lunch you will be taken for a visit to Ta-Dzong Museum. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 02 : Paro – Sightseeing

Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa Chu to Drugyel Dzong, which is now being restored to its original glory. It was once strategic in Bhutan’s defense against Tibetan invasion. On a clear day you can view the sacred summit of Mt. Jomolhari, which reaches skyward beyond the Dzong. On the way back visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. Overnight at Hotel.

Day 03 : Paro – Chonana

Alt. 3500M. Distance 14kms. Start trekking from Olathang Hotel. Most of the days walk is a gradual climb through pine forests and you pass some beautiful typical Bhutanese farmhouses. The view of Paro valley is excellent from the trail. Overnight at camp in Chonana.

Day 04 : Chonana – Jebkarpo

Distance 16kms. A superb trekking day. Uphill for about 5hrs taking it slow and allowing for plenty of stops. The trail takes you trough a forest filled with many species of Primula and Rhododendrons. From the pass and the trail along the ridge of Chilila the Himalayan ranges of Bhutan can be seen. Overnight at camp.

Day 05 : Jebkarpo – Lower Mingula

Distance 15kms. Alt. 3845m. Today is a day to be up early. The early morning views from camp of Chomolhari “Divine Mountain of Goddess”, Tserim Gang “Glacier of Long Life” and Jichu Drake are stunning. The trail follows the ridge and besides the view of the mountains you can also see the valleys of Ha and Paro. Overnight at camp.

Day 06 : Lower Mingula – Thong

Distance 16kms. Alt. 3940m. Another day of excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route it is very common to see yak herders.
Overnight at camp.

Day 07 : Thong – Thimphu

Distance 16kms. Descend back to Paro valley. The trek end at Drugyal Dzong. Drive to Olathang for lunch. After lunch drive to Thimphu. Overnight at Taktsang Hotel.

Day 08 : Thimphu – Sightseeing

A full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Wander in town; visit shops and the handicrafts emporium. You may return to the hotel for lunch with your guide and transport. Afternoon drive north up the valley to Dechenchholing (residence of the Queen Mother) to get a wonderful down valley view of Thimphu and Tashichhodzong. Visit the silversmiths at the north end of the valley. Overnight at Hotel Taktsang.

Day 09 : Thimphu – Punakha / Wangdi – Thimphu

Excursion with packed lunch to Punakha and Wangdi valley. Visit Punakha Dzong when monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at Taktsang Hotel.

Day 10 : Thimphu – Paro/Exit

Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight