Chilela Nature Trek
Chilela Nature Trek
Talk With Expert
- +977-1-5591234 / 9851104568
- info@prestigeadventure.com / pdamber@yahoo.com
OVERVIEW
ITINERARY
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Day 1 Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of our tour operator, who will escort you to the hotel where arrangements have been made for the night.
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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 Rinchen Pong 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 1645AD. Lunch at the hotel.
Visit the Drugyal Dzong which is located 15km away from the Paro town. The name Drugyal means “Victorious”. The Dzong was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel the founder of Bhutan in 1650AD 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.
Evening: Reception with local musicians.
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Day 3 Paro – Chonana Trek
Start the trek from Olathang 1.5km 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 14km. Time 4-5 Hours.
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Day 4 Chonana - Jebkarpo
A superb trekking route. You trek uphill most of the day with plenty of rests on the way to the Chilila 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 Hours.
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Day 5 Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula
Today is a day to be up early. Early morning view from the campsite 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 15km. Time 5-6 Hours.
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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 Hours.
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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 (the Capital). Thimphu is 65Km. from Paro and takes about 2 Hours drive. Overnight in hotel.
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Day 8 Thimphu sightseeing
A full day of sightseeing in Thimphu. You can visit the Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building, 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 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.
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Day 9 Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang
A full day excursion to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan (77km) and Wangdi Phodrang (16km 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.
Evening: Relax in Thimphu’s modern health club and beauty parlor “Sakten Health Club and Salon.” They offer sauna, steam, and gymnasium facilities, as well as full beauty treatments, including hair dressing, skin care (with pure herbal products) and body massage services. For our guests, the health club facilities (steam, sauna and gym) are free, while beauty services will be at concessional rates.
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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.
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Day 11 Paro - Sightseeing
Drive up to Satsam Chorten, 10km 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 4000ft. 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 roundtrip hike takes about 4 Hours.
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Day 12 Depart Paro
Early breakfast at the hotel, drive to Paro International Airport to connect your flight to onward destination. We will help you until you depart Paro.
COST
WHAT IS INCLUDED
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- Eleven nights accommodation in quality hotels in Bhutan on twin sharing (lodging is based on local Bhutanese standards and quality properties are used)
- Full-board meal plan (3 meals a day)
- All ground transportation including arrival and departure
- English speaking local tour guide throughout the trip
- Royalty and taxes to the government, riding ponies and pack animals on treks
- Entrance fees to temples and monasteries visited.
WHAT IS EXCLUDED
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- Visa fees US $20 per person and Bhutan Tourism Development Fee (TDF) US $10 per person payable directly on arrival at Paro Airport Immigration
- International airfares and departure tax
- Personal travel and medical insurance
- Alcoholic and soft beverages, telephone, laundry and tips
- Festival surcharge US $30 per night per person based on number of nights at the festival
- Charges for delays caused by situations beyond our control such as bad weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergency rescue costs.