The Trek to Treasure Lake
On this journey, hike and camp amid unforgettable Himalayan vistas of mountains, clouds, dramatic ridges and alpine lakes, finally arriving at the exquisite lake where its mirror surface reflects murmuring prayer flags and dragon clouds drifting across an ever-changing sky.
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Incredible high mountain view
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Wildflowers (in season)
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High-end yet traditionally authentic lodges & resorts
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Fully supported Himalayan Expedition
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Highlights of West & Central Bhutan
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Mountains, Temples & Monasteries
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Pre-trek cultural acclimation & hikes
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Trip Extensions Available on Request
Beginning with a steep ascent through a lush landscape of oak and deciduous trees that display their vibrant colors best in late fall, this trek is one of the most rewardingly beautiful ones in Western Bhutan for the determined hiker.
According to local belief the sacred Tshonapata lake in the western Ha Valley holds within its depths many holy relics and treasures that predestined awakened beings can see and, subsequently, reveal to the world for the benefit of all beings. One such master was the Terton or “Treasure Revealer” Sherab Mebar who extracted a magical cymbal from its depths that is still used to make music on the first day of the Paro Tshechu Festival, among the grandest annual springtime celebrations of religious mask dances in western Bhutan.
This beautiful Himalayan ridge-line trek celebrates the longstanding Bhutanese tradition of cleansing the spirit by making pilgrimage to revered lakes and mountains. Join us on this adventure honoring that most Bhutanese of traditions!
ITINERARY
For me, however, the real epiphany came on the trek, when we reached the shrine at the pass. A feeling of great peace and contentment came over me. I felt as though I really didn’t need to go anywhere else ever again; like I had found what I had been searching for. I fairly floated down the mountain, sucking on my piece of hardened yak cheese, to our base camp, where hot tea and friends awaited us. It was all an unforgettable time I will always treasure.”
~ Katie K.
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Admire the massive peaks of the Eastern Himalaya as we fly into Paro ● Wander the colorful streets of Paro, and visit nearby temples set amid bucolic rice fields.
Explore the museums and markets of the modern capital Thimphu ● Ascend the high scenic pass at Dochu-La and take the spiraling road into Punakha, home to tranquil fields and terraces, a spectacular and historic dzong, and the confluence of two important rivers.
Hike cheerful farms and villages in the fertile Punakha river basin, visit temples and monasteries ● Wind our way back up the mountains past Thimphu to Paro.
Hike to the famous cliff-hanging redoubt of Taktshang or “Tiger's Nest” Monastery. Explore downtown Paro streets, its colorful shops and pack for our trek.
Our fully supported mid duration, medium difficulty Himalayan trek begins by crossing a frothy stream before a steep climb though wild forests of oak and pine ● After Ascending the first high ridge, we drop steadily past nomadic yak camps into an isolated corner of western Bhutan ● Climb back up to two other high ridges before cresting our highest pass at about 12,000-feet and dropping down to our spectacular camp on a knoll overlooking “Treasure Lake” ● Taking a secret route back, we retrace our steps before connecting with a looping ridge-line trail that brings us back to the trail head ● A final transfer brings us back to Paro for a farewell feast ● Transfer back to the airport for your departing flight from Paro.
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TRAVEL EXTENSIONS TO
CAMBODIA & LAOS
(with optional Bangkok Transit arrangements)
If you'd like to spend a little more time exploring the magnificent World Heritage sites of Cambodia and Laos before or after Bhutan with arrangements in and out of Bangkok, we can take care of those details as well. Start the Conversation and tie in a visit to the awe-inspiring temples of Angkor Wat or explore the quaint streets of Luang Prabang where French Colonial meets a distinctly unique Asian sensibility.
DATES & PRICES
Dates
2019 dates: October 15-October 28, 2019
2020 dates: October 15-October 28, 2020; November 05-November 18, 2020
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Pricing
From $4,950 per person; doubles, shared accommodations;
Single Supplement: $630 per person (if you must have a single room/tent for yourself)
Regional Flights
Round-trip flights to Bhutan from gateway cities, such as Bangkok, New Delhi and Singapore (NOT included in trip pricing shown above) will be handled by Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions. You are responsible for getting from your home city to a Gateway City of your choice. Learn more about Getting There.
CUSTOM JOURNEYS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU
Did you know we also arrange custom journeys throughout the year? Just tell us what you need from your trip and we will put it all together for you.
Inclusions:
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All ground transportation and airport transfers
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All Accommodations
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All meals, including excursions to try well-known local restaurants
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The expertise and services of your Bhutanese Trip Leaders, Guides & dedicated trip field staff
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Courtesy booking services & arrangements for round-trip regional flights from gateway cities (such as Bangkok) to Bhutan & any internal domestic flights (airfare is additional).
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Sightseeing, special events & receptions, visits and entry fees
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All environmental national parks & conservation fees and permits
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All Trek Arrangements (if you signed up for a trek), including community camping and commissary equipment (comfortable and roomy two-person tents, kitchen and dining tents, and other community equipment), camp, cook and support staff
GETTING THERE
Fly from your home city to Bangkok, Singapore, New Delhi Kolkata or Kathmandu (Main Gateway Cities)*
Overnight
Fly from Gateway City to Paro, Bhutan.
Important: Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions makes round-trip flight arrangements from the Gateway City of your choice to Bhutan as a courtesy to our travelers. Airfare is not included.
For further details please email us using the contact form on the bottom of this page.
*Bangkok is the primary Gateway City & offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan.
