Discover western Bhutan’s high Himalayan ridge-line & its sacred alpine lake
Group Travel| 14 days
High-altitude trek with 6 ~ 8 hours of steep hiking
2020 Dates: November 10 ~ 23
2021 Dates:
November 10 ~ 23; other custom dates available
High-end accommodations & all-inclusive expedition camps
Hike and camp amid the steep and dramatic slopes of the western Bhutan Himalaya, ascending to high passes marked by photogenic cairns and brightly colored prayer flags, opening to vistas of the rugged snow-capped peaks. Climb above the tree-line and drop to deeply forested valleys, camp beside the lake on a scenic meadow looking out to the the mountainous border of India and China. Meet the rigors of our 6- to 8-hour treks by day, and relax amid the relative comfort and camaraderie of our fully supported camps by night; savor the experience of a classic high Himalayan trek that includes cultural highlights and lodge-based hiking that supplements your training and perfectly acclimates you for the trail.
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Beautiful mountain views
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Wildflowers (in season)
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High-end traditionally authentic lodges & resorts
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Fully supported Himalayan Trek
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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
EXPEDITION OVERVIEW
FROM OUR PHOTOGALLERY
ITINERARY
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 among the most rewarding ones in western Bhutan because of its lightly traveled trails. 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 magic cymbal from its depths that is still used to make music on the first day of the holiest days of the Buddhist calendar. This beautiful Himalayan ridge-line trek celebrates the outstanding Bhutanese tradition of cleansing the spirit by trekking to revered lakes and holy mountains. Join us on this adventure honoring that most Bhutanese of traditions!
WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
The activities on this trip are rated as difficult-challenging, and a high level of physical fitness and comfort at high altitude is a must. Trip members should be fit and able to walk 6 to 8 hours daily, navigating mixed and steep terrain that may include rocky trails, slippery conditions and, or, steps and stairs. Daily activities include city walking tours, hiking to and entering monasteries, temples and fortresses, driving over winding mountain roads and strenuous trekking conditions once the expedition begins. The general elevations in the valleys will range from 6,800 ft to 9,000 ft, on the cultural portion while the featured trek/expedition on this journey will traverse terrain from 7,000 ft approximately to 15,000 ft at campsites and up to 16,300 ft at the highest pass. An easier option, altitude-wise, on the trek will include a longer hike on two of the days while the high pass topping out approximately at 16,300 ft provides steeper but shorter days.
Accommodations
The high-end accommodations on this journey feature traditional Bhutanese style with modern elements. The lodges are handpicked for regional character, comfort, and hospitality, including our beautiful family lodge in the central highlands of Bhutan, the Mountain Resort (see more on the Mountain Resort below). In peak season, depending on availability, we may use lodges comparable to the ones we have listed or advertised.
Expedition Staff
Every expedition is curated by expert native-born guides and trip leaders who also facilitate meetings and learning experiences with other locally knowledgeable people along the way. Our experienced team shares valuable insights and local expertise to ensure a culturally rich adventure of discovery through the Himalayan landscape and traditions of Bhutan.
Passport Requirements
All Travelers must carry passports that will remain valid to a minimum 6 months AFTER the final date of travel in Bhutan.
Visas
Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions will take care of all visa requirements
Regional and Domestic Flights
Bhutan Himalaya Expeditions will take care of all regional flights from the gateway city of your choice and all local domestic flights. It is your responsibility to shop for, and book, flights from your home city to a gateway city (such as Bangkok).
ACCOMMODATIONS
Mountain Resort - Bumthang, Bhutan
Set against a sacred cloud forest a short distance below Bumthang's Jakar Dzong (fortress), our family-run lodge in Central Bhutan features the best elements of traditional architecture, including flagstones of river rock, the beautiful wood-and-stone masonry construction of Central Bhutan, and spacious rooms with wood paneling and post and beams of fragrant pine. Guests can enjoy a healing soak in traditional "hot stone" baths enhanced, in accordance with indigenous practices, by mugwort and other medicinal herbs. It's our perfect base for exploring the ample beauties and blessings of the central highlands of Bhutan.
DATES & PRICES
2020 Dates
November 10 ~ 23
2021 Dates
November 10 ~ 23; other dates may be available earlier in the year; please check with us using our trip request form.
2020 Pricing
$4,950
Per Person
2021 Pricing
$4,950
Per Person
Prices are per person based on double occupancy and do not include international airfare to/from your destination or internal flights during the expedition. Single supplement fee for this trip is $630pp (for single-room/tent by yourself). Internal flights are $980 per person & $175 per person where a short-duration flight is included on the itinerary. Surcharges may apply to certain travel dates based upon international or local holidays, as well as local events and festivals. All prices and fares are quoted in U.S. dollars and subject to change.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
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All ground transportation, visas for Bhutan 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
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
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Airfare to and from destination, as well as internal airfare where applicable
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Trip cancellation insurance or any other travel insurance
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Alcoholic beverages
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Gratuities
GUEST COMMENT
“Through the eyes of a select few informed leaders we saw the dilemmas of a culture: A hitherto sheltered nation discovering the arguments for and against remaining a cloistered society in this 21st Century. I loved the adventure, and I loved the discovery. Unlike anything else I have ever experienced!”
~ Lola W
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 in trip price.
For further details please email us using the contact form on our Request Full Details page.
*Bangkok is the primary Gateway City & offers the most frequent and most reliable flights to Bhutan.
PRIVATE TRIPS
CUSTOM JOURNEYS TAILORED JUST FOR YOU
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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 together for you.
TRAVEL EXTENSIONS TO
CAMBODIA & LAOS
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(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, please see our Triple Gems of Cambodia and Laid-back Laos travel programs. 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 Asian sensibility.