Chelela Nature Trek Itinerary

Day - 1 Arrive Paro International Airport

During this flight, one will experience breaktaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchan Junga and other Himalayan Peaks including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by a representative of Boonserm Tours & Treks. Then drive to  Hotel through Paro valley, an enchanting experience. Overnight at Hotel.

Day - 2 Paro - Sightseeing /Thimphu

Visit the National Museum ( Ta-Dzong ). This was actually the Watch tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted to the National Museum in 1968. Visit the Rinpung Dzong. This massive fortress is located on a hill top above the Pachu(Paro river) in the Paro valley. It houses the District Administration office and the District Monk Body. It was built in 1645 AD.

Lunch at the Hotel.

Visit the Drugyal Dzong which is located 15 km away from the Paro town. The name Drugyal means " Victorious ". The Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the founder of Bhutan in 1650 AD to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan army and it formed one of the many chains of defensive fortresses against the Tibetan invasions. The Dzong was burnt down by accident in 1950. It is presently under renovation.

On the way back, visit the Kyichu Monastery. This Monastery was built in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, as one of the 108 such Monasteries which he built in various places to spread Buddhism. It is considered one of the holiest places in Bhutan as it marks the advent of Buddhism in the country. Kyichu Monastery is located between Drugyal Dzong and Paro town.

Day - 3 Begin the trek. 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 some beautiful farm houses built in typical Bhutanese rural architect. The view of the Paro valley from the trail is also excellent. Overnight in camp. Alt. 3500m. Distance 14 km. Time 4-5 Hr.

Day - 4 Chonana - Jebkarpo

A superb trekking route. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chelela 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 Chilila with clear view of the Himalayan mountain ranges. Overnight in camp. Alt. 3500m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day - 5 Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula

Today is a day to be up early. Early morning view from the camp site of Mount Chomolhari ( Divine Mountain of the Goddess ), Tserim Gang (Glacier of long life), and the famous mountain Jichu Drake are absolutely breathtaking. The trail follows the ridge above the Ha valley. Overnight in camp. Alt. 3850m. Distance 15 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day - 6 Lower Mingula - Thong

Another day with excellent views of mountains and valleys. On this route, you will see lots of yaks. Overnight in camp. Alt. 3950m. Distance 16 km. Time 5-6 Hr.

Day - 7 Thong - Thimphu

A short descend and you are in Paro valley. The trek ends at Drugyal Dzong and from there you drive to Paro. Lunch at Paro and drive on to Thimphu ( Capital ). Thimphu is 65 Km. from Paro and takes about 2 Hr. drive. Overnight in Hotel.

Day - 8 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 & Choki Handicrafts where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.

Visit the Painting and Wood craft 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. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in Bhutan.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day - 9 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang

A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan ( 77 km ) and Wangdi Phodrang ( 16 km from Punakha ). You can visit the Dzongs in both the places as well as other interesting sites. Lunch at Punakha or Wangdi Phodrang and return to Thimphu.

Day - 10 Thimphu - Paro

Morning : Take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town to do some shopping, visit the Post Office to do your philatelic purchases. If time permits, drive up to Dechencholing and see the Palace of the Queen Mother and down-valley view of the Thimphu valley and Tashichho Dzong.

Lunch at the Hotel.

After lunch, drive to Paro (65km) and takes about 2 hours to drive.

Overnight in Hotel.

Day - 11 Paro - Sightseeing

Drive up to Satsam Chorten, 10 km from Paro town and from there 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 4000 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 Hr.

Day - 12 Paro - International Airport

Sue off by representatives of our tour operators or your guide.

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