Yoga Trek to Bhutan

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Yoga Trek to Bhutan

Trip Facts

  • Duration: 13 Days
  • Group size : People
  • Best TimeSpring / Autumn
  • Destination :Bhutan

About Yoga Trek to Bhutan

Embark on a 13-day journey to Bhutan, where tradition meets modernity amidst breathtaking landscapes. Begin with a scenic drive to Thimphu, exploring iconic landmarks before starting your trekking adventure. Trek through alpine forests, past tranquil lakes, and encounter the unique nomadic lifestyle of yak herders. Each day offers new vistas and experiences, from challenging ascents to serene surroundings.

After the trek, indulge in a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and cultural program. Explore Paro's historic sites, including the iconic Tiger’s Nest monastery, before departing with cherished memories of Bhutan's magic. 

Itinerary

This itinerary is intended as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variations to the program and can affect the availability of views and panoramas described.
Be aware that all time stated are approximate and may vary with individual and group fitness, weather, Trekking route, river level and road conditions.

Upon arrival at Paro Airport (PBH), you'll be greeted by our representative for a scenic drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. En route, stop at Chuzom, where the Thimphu and Paro rivers meet. Thimphu is a blend of tradition and modernity, boasting temples, dzongs, chortens, museums, handicraft stores, and more. Upon arrival, check into your hotel, then take an evening stroll through Thimphu's main street and market area.

OVERNIGHT AT THIMPHU

  • Distance: 7 km
  • Time: 4-5 hours
  • Ascent: 1,115m
  • Descent: 40 m
  • Camp Altitude: 3,480m

The first day of the trek can be challenging, as you'll ascend over 1,000m in elevation. Starting from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro, the trek initially follows a gravel road, passing by farms for approximately 30 minutes. Subsequently, you'll navigate through steep terrain, ascending through blue pine and fir forests until you reach Damche Gom. From there, the trail continues along a ridge below Jili Dzong, where you'll descend around 100m to the campsite situated beneath the Dzong.

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 4-5 hours
  • Ascent: 425 m,
  • Descent: 50 m
  • Camp Altitude: 3,770m

You begin with a steep climb for about an hour and a half, then the slope evens a bit, and the ascent is more gradual. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.

  • Distance 11 km
  • Time 4 hours
  • Ascent: 375 m
  • Descent: 370 m
  • Camp Altitude 3,870m

The trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are simply stunning. The campsite is close to the Jimgelang Tsho Lake. This lake is known for its giant-sized trout.

  • Distance: 11 km
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Ascent: 820 m
  • Camp Altitude: 4,110m

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and past Janetso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.

  • Distance: 10 km
  • Time: 3-4 hours
  • Ascent: 130 m
  • Camp Altitude: 3,750 m

The day begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and several other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill towards Phajodhing where you will halt for the night. The camp is located just above Phadjoding Monastery.

  • Distance: 5 km
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Camp Altitude: 3,640 m

The trek from Phadjoding Monastery to Thimphu (Mothitang) descends through a picturesque blue pine forest, taking around three hours at a leisurely pace. Renowned as Bhutan's most popular trek, the six-day Druk Path Trek traverses stunning natural landscapes of blue pine forests, high ridges, and pristine lakes, while also offering cultural highlights like ancient lhakhangs and dzongs. With short distances between rest camps, it's accessible for hikers of all levels. The trail passes through forests of fir, blue pine, and dwarf rhododendrons, reaching altitudes between 2400-4200m.

On the third day, hikers encounter Jimiling Lake, known for its crystal-clear waters and large trout population. Spectacular views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the world's highest unscaled peak, enhance the trek. Optimal trekking seasons are March-June and September-November, ensuring favorable weather conditions for an unforgettable experience

Dochula Pass stands out as one of Bhutan's most renowned destinations, sitting proudly at an elevation of 10,200 feet along the route from the present capital of Thimphu to the former capital, Punakha. While it is widely recognized for its breathtaking scenery, Dochula Pass holds a hidden gem for those willing to explore beyond the touristy crowds. Nestled into the hills just above the pass, meditation caves await the inquisitive few. These quaint caverns, resembling something out of a fairy tale with their stone construction and vibrant Buddhist imagery, offer a serene escape. Adorned with colorful depictions of Buddhist symbolism, including the iconic druk (dragon)—Bhutan's cherished national symbol—hovering over the cave entrances, these hidden sanctuaries are said to bring blessings and fortune to those who discover them.

Embark on a day of sightseeing in Thimphu, starting with an early morning breakfast. Explore the Memorial Chorten, a vast open-air space adorned with Buddhist stupas. Visit the majestic Buddha statue and the unique Takin Reserve, home to Bhutan's national animal. Discover the historic Simtokha Dzong, followed by a visit to the Handicraft School and Thimphu Heritage Museum. After lunch, journey onwards to Paro, concluding a day filled with cultural immersion and exploration.

After breakfast, your journey continues with visits to several notable attractions. Explore the historic Paro Dzong, followed by a tour of the National Museum and Ta Dzong. Kitchu Monastery, located a short distance from Paro Town, houses revered statues of Jow and Guru Rinpoche, with the statue of Jow Shakyamuni esteemed alongside its counterpart in Lhasa, Tibet. Visitors flock to the monastery daily, drawn by the belief that wishes made here are swiftly granted.

After breakfast, we will drive to Taktsang Lhakhang, Bhutan’s most iconic religious site and landmark, known as "The Tiger’s Nest," this temple holds immense significance in the kingdom. Perched precariously on a sheer cliff face 900 meters above the Paro Valley, it was originally constructed in 1692 at the cave where Guru Rimpoche meditated in the 7th century A.D. According to legend, Guru Rimpoche arrived at the site atop the back of a tigress and meditated in the cave for 3 years, 3 months, 3 days, and 3 hours to vanquish the evil demons dwelling within it.

OVERNIGHT AT PARO

Take the day to relax and enjoy the comforts of your hotel, renowned for its picturesque terraces offering serene views. Indulge in the tranquil atmosphere while lunch is prepared. In the evening, experience a traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath and Cultural Program. This unique bath utilizes medicinal water infused with Artemisia leaves, heated river stones, and a wooden chamber to infuse the bath with healing minerals. After soaking, enjoy a hot beverage, salt scrub, and oil massage to soothe tired muscles.

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What's included

Included

  • All Hikes & Sightseeing.
  • A minimum of 3 Star Government approved Accommodation in twin sharing basis
  • All meals (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner) with Evening Tea & Snacks.
  • We have our own convoy of Imported Foreign vehicles like (Toyota SUV Cars for FIT & Toyota H1, HiAce Bus, and Coaster Bus for Group with driver) for all internal Transfers & sightseeing (excluding internal flights).
  • All Entrance Fees of museums and cultural sites.
  • A licensed English Speaking Bhutanese Tour Guide With
  • 3 Star Hotel
  • All Local Taxes and Charges.
  • Extra Services: Mineral drinking water
  • All Entrance fees are as per program.
  • All Parking Fee
  • Single room supplement
  • Cultural Program as a Surprise Program (Bhutanese Dance)

What's Excluded

Excluded

  • One time Visa fees of US$ 40 (must be paid in advance with tour cost)
  • Round Trip Air fare/ Train Fare & Airport Taxes not included.
  • 4/5-star accommodations and meals
  • Travel Insurance
  • Luxury hotels & separate vehicles
  • Tips for Guide, Driver & other Staff
  • Trekking Accessories like sleeping bags & shoes are not included.
  • Personal related expenses like calls, Beverages, Alcohol, laundry, donations to Monasteries and Temples, Souvenirs, shopping, etc.

Tourism council of Bhutan states in its directive:

''While tourism may be important as a revenue earner, Bhutan sees no gain in succumbing to over commercialism. It recognizes that a small country emerging from isolation must do so in its own time and at its own pace. The Tourism council of Bhutan is clear that its policy of high value, low volume is the right policy because Bhutan is just too small for mass tourism. And as the world begins to discover the Land of the Thunder Dragon, many go away with a sense of having been in a special place, far from the insanity of modern living. Here is a land where life may not be materially luxurious, but it provides much that is good for a society that is not yet caught up with the global rat race”

 

VISA FORMALITIES

All the Visitors MUST obtain Visa clearance prior to travel to Bhutan otherwise you cannot embark Bhutan.

Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator, directly or through a foreign travel agent.

You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.

At your point of entry, you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.

Important Note:

  • A scanned copy of your original passport with clear details should be sent to us in advance.
  • Visitors must bring 3 nos. of latest color Passport sixe Photo for visa.
  • For processing Visa, we should have received your details at least two weeks in advance, because time taken to process Visa is almost two weeks.
  • All passengers are advised to check their passport validity which should not be less than 6 months from the date of travel.
  • Bhutan Visa will be issued and stamped in your passport only when you arrive in Bhutan.

Payment Procedure

Prior to your trip to Bhutan, you will be asked to make the full payment (in terms of US Dollars) for your trips to the Tourism Council of Bhutan’s bank account at the Bhutan National Bank, with Bhutan Travel Express as the Ultimate Beneficiary of the funds. You must make the tour payment calculated by Bhutan Travel Express as well as USD 40 (one time visa fee) to the Bhutan National Bank.

Tour payment must be sent 1 month prior to date of arrival in Bhutan and visa is cleared by the Royal Government of Bhutan subject to advance payment only. For high seasons, it is advisable to remit payment 6 months in advance or earlier. That will give us ample of time to arrange all the amenities for your tour to Bhutan. Once the trip is confirmed we will send you the instructions for making payment.

Your money is held in the government’s account and will not be released to Bhutan Travel Express until you return from Bhutan after your tours. Your money is always secured, therefore.

Note: We will share you our bank details once you confirm you travel booking with us.

HOW TO GET TO BHUTAN

There are only two ways to enter Bhutan – by air and by road/ land.

 

Entering by Air: Paro is the only international airport in Bhutan. Paro is situated at a height of 2,250 m (7382 ft) above sea level and is surrounded by mountains as high as 4,876 m (16,000 ft approx).  At present two carriers operate to Bhutan, Royal Bhutan Airlines (Druk Air) and Bhutan Airlines. And there are domestic airports in Yonphula in eastern Bhutan, Bumthang in central Bhutan, and Gelephu in south-central Bhutan.

Druk Air and Bhutan Airlines operates regularly to/from India (Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Gaya, Guwathi, and Bagdogra), Thailand (Bangkok), Singapore (Changi), Bangladesh (Dhaka) and Nepal (Kathmandu). We are also an authorized International Air Ticketing Agency. Therefore, for both Druk Air & Bhutan Airlines you can rely on us for Air Tickets to reach Bhutan any time you wish.

Entering by Land (Road): Phuentsholing, Gelephu and Samdrup Jongkhar are the only land border areas open to tourists. If you wish to travel overland, you can enter and exit Bhutan through its southern gateway of Phuentsholing into the Indian state of West Bengal. It is approximately six hours drive from Thimphu. The nearest airport is at Bagdogra, about 170 km (106 miles Approx) away from Phuentsholing. This border point is an ideal junction for those wishing to combine their exploration of Bhutan with the Indian states of Sikkim and West Bengal (Darjeeling District).

Gelephu in south-central Bhutan is another entry point to Bhutan. It is approximately 250 km (155 miles Approx) from Thimphu and the journey will take you through the sub-tropical areas of Bhutan before entering the alpine zone and then finally into Thimphu. One will have to traverse across three districts and the travel time will be about 9 hours.

The district of Samdrup Jongkhar in south-east Bhutan borders the Indian district of Darranga, Assam and is approximately 150 km (93 miles Approx) away from Guwahati, the capital city of Assam. It is 3-hour drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to the Indian airport of Guwahati. Tourists entering Bhutan through Samdrup Jongkhar will take you to Trashigang, and from there over the lateral route to Mongar, Bumthang, Trongsa, Wangdue Phodrang and then finally into capital, Thimphu. The distance is about 700 km (435 miles Approx) and will take you a minimum of three days to reach Thimphu. This is usually preferred by those flying into Paro in the west and touring across eastern Bhutan without back tracking.

Reservation & Cancellation Policy

We genuinely hope that you will successfully complete your Bhutan trip making most enjoyable memory of Bhutan.  We assure you to provide every effort to make your experience in Bhutan a memorable one.  We do realize at time due to unavoidable circumstances a trip to Bhutan may need to be cancelled or postponed. Thus, we have our judicious cancelation policy to protect but the parties.

Tour programs that are cancelled shall be subject to cancellation charges as follows depending on how close to the arrival date to Bhutan that the cancellation is done:

GENERAL REMARKS:

- The cost of air tickets is subject to change without prior notice by the airlines.

- Extra supplement will be charged if the rooms are to be upgraded.

  • The complete tour payment must be made no later than one month prior to your trip in US$ as per the wire payment instructions. This is to ensure that we secure visas, hotel reservations, transportation, and guides.
  • The complete flight payment must be made before the expiry date of the flight reservation done on behalf of you. You have the flexibility to send either both the payment together or the trip payment later.

Why Book With Us?
  • Instant online booking
  • Secure payments
  • Guaranteed departure
  • Group discount available
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