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Chelila Trek
Tour: Chelila Trek
No of Days: 9 Nights / 10 Days
Places Visited: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue Phodrang, Gangtey
* Cost below are per person:
| Standard Tour | 1 Person | 2 Persons | 3 Persons & above |
| Season | USD 2030.00 | USD 1940.00 | USD 1670.00 |
| Off Season | USD 1805.00 | USD 1715.00 | USD 1445.00 |
Note:
Season: January, February, March, April, May, September, October, November and December
Off Season: June, July and August
Highlights of the Trek: This Trekking Trail passes through the Chelila pass (3886 meters) from where you can see the panoramic view of the Higher Himalayas. During spring and summer, the Trek route is adorned with varieties of Rhododendrons, Primulas, Blue Poppy and other wild flowers and Orchids. This is a moderately strenuous Trek. From the ridge of the pass, you can see the Haa valley on one side and the Paro valley on the other. The view of Jumolhari Mountain is spectacular from here.
Best time to do this Trek: March, April, May, June, September, October and November.
DETAILED ITINERARY:
Day 01: Arrive Paro: Your Guide from Yak Adventure Travel will receive you at the airport and drive you the short distance to the hotel. After Tea, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Dinner and over night in Hotel.
Day 02: Paro Sightseeing: A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour walk till the view point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. The primary Lhakhang was built around Guru Rimpoche’s meditation cave in the 1684 by the Penlop of Paro Gyaltse Tenzin Rabgay; this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, flew here on the back of a flying tiger, Dorji Drolo, said to be his favorite consort.
After lunch, visit Ta Dzong (built in1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong (literally meaning “Heap of Jewels”, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a walk through Paro's main shopping district.In the evening, drive to Thimphu.Over night in Hotel.
Day 03: Paro – Chonana: After breakfast, we dive for 5 kilometers and the Trek starts. The Trekking Route passes through the villages. You can see a great view of the Paro valley below. Alt.3500m. Distance - 14km. Dinner and Overnight in camp.
Day 04: Chonana – Jebkarpo: After breakfast, we walk up hill for about 4 hours. The Trail passes through forests full of wild flowers and Rhododendrons. You can see spectacular view of the Higher Himalayas bordering Tibet. Distance 17km. Dinner and Overnight in camp.
Day 05: Jebkarpo – Thimphu: After breakfast, start trekking along the ridge of the mountain. From the ridge, you can see Haa valley on one side and Paro valley on the other. We follow the ridge and visit the Kyili Monastery (Nunnery Monastery. Walk down to the motorable road where the trek ends and our vehicle will pick you from here. Distance-15 km. Alt, 3845m. Overnight in hotel.
Day 06: Thimphu Sightseeing: The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
After lunch, visit Sangay gang view point and other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan)and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. Over night in Hotel.
Day 07: Thimphu - Punakha:(72 Kms, 3 hours drive). After breakfast, Drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to view Higher Himalayas. Lunch at Punakha.
After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant”. There was a smaller building here called Dzong Chu (Small Dzong) that housed a statue of Buddha. It is said that Shabdrung ordered the architect, Zowe Palep, to sleep in front of the statue, while Palep was sleeping; the Shabdrung took him in his dreams to Zangtopelri and showed him the palace of Guru Rimpoche. From his vision, the architect conceived the design for the new Dzong, which in keeping with the tradition, was never committed to paper. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. In the evening, visit Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 08: Punakha - Gangtey: After breakfast drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. On the way, stop a while to view Chime Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley. He subdued the demons with his “Magical Thunder bolt”. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility”. Enroute sightseeing in the valley of Wangdiphodrang, it includes: visit to Wangdiphodrang Dzong (from outside) built in 1638. Legend relates that as the people were searching for the site of the Dzong; four ravens were seen flying away in four directions. This was considered auspicious sign, representing the spread of religion to the four points of the compass. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of Mo Chu and Tang Chu rivers.
After lunch, explore the valley. Dinner and over night in the Guest House.
Day 09: Gangtey – Thimphu (146 kms):Early breakfast, drive to Thimphu. After lunch, excursion to Cheri Monastery. Dinner and over night in Hotel.
Day 10: Departure: Early morning, drive to Airport and Farewell.
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