The strenuous but rewarding trek is ideal for experienced hikers looking for a challenging way to explore everything Bhutan has to offer. We will experience diverse landscapes moving through the lowlands to cross intimidating mountain passes. The hike follows along the Pa-Chu River, which serves as a sacred source of water and fishing ground for countless Bhutanese people. We will continue through the traditional basecamp known for its spectacular panoramic views of Himalayan giant Chomolhari towering of the Bhutanese landscape.
After arriving from your scenic mountain flight to Para, you will be greeted by a friendly representative of Good Karma Trekking who will take you directly to your hotel. After you get settled in, we will take an afternoon visit to the National Museum of Bhutan known as Ta-Dzong. The museum offers tremendous insight into the tradition and history of the Bhutanese people and government as it has changed throughout the years. We then continue to the Paro Dzong which serves as the administrate center for the district to explore the beautiful architecture of the city before having welcome drink and dinner in Paro.
After breakfast we will take a 3-hour morning hike to visit the holy Taktsang Monastery. The peaceful hike offers some stunning views of the city and surrounding lowland. After resting at the viewpoint we continue to the actual monastery to learn more about the religious practices of the region while observing the daily life and practices of the local monks. This “tiger nest” monastery is one of the holiest in the region and a popular attraction for both locals and tourists alike. We will then hike back to Paro taking time to explore the charming city before returning to the hotel for the evening.
We will take a short drive to Drugyal Dzong passing along the valley to begin our trek. We begin by following the Paro River uphill passing a series of traditional agricultural villages gradually moving up towards Shana where will make camp for the night.
We continue along the Paro River following an up and down trail through tranquil dense forests comprised of pine, oak and spruce trees. We continue by passing over a high bridge before moving through a rhododendron forest then re-crossing the river and making camp at an altitude of 3,630 meters to enjoy the clear star filled sky.
We continue to climb before reaching a Bhutanese army camp used to train local soldiers in the mountain landscape. We continue past the river on a trail offering several excellent vantage points of the regional peaks towering over the lowland scenery. After lunch at a yak camp, we take a short walk to Jangothang offering views of Chomolhari and Jichu Drakey and make camp for the night
Due to high altitudes and less oxygen in the air we will take a rest to acclimatize our bodies to the prevent altitude sickness. You may either rest and explore Jangothang or take a hike to Tshophu to explore a pristine glacial lake at the base of Chhomolhari before returning to the camp for the night.
We follow the path along a stream before crossing and continuing up a scenic ridge providing views of Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Gang. We will then continue towards to the valley and cross the Nyele La pass at 4,890 meters before continuing down to the Lingshi camp. We will take time to enjoy the high altitude majestic views of the Himalayas and Lingshi Dzong before making camp.
We move along a path opposite the Dzong climbing 4 hours to the 4,800 meter Yelela pass. This windy path offers some of the best views of our hike and allows you to look out among the entire region spanning the mountain peaks and the lowlands. We then continue on a downward path to make camp in Shodu.
As we continue down the mountain we slowly cross from barren land back to the forest landscape. We continue along the Thimphu River through tranquil rhododendron and juniper forests passing along a trail offering views of steep ridges and relaxing waterfalls. After lunch we will continue to see the ruins at Barshong Dzong before making camp for the night.
We continue down the alpine forest before following the Thimphu River and reaching a traditional Yak meadow. After passing through Dodanda we will take time to explore a small town and enjoy the local scenery before stopping to rest for the night.
We continue our descent passing through a bamboo forest to the town of Dolamkencho where we will rejoin the Thimphu River. After a short hike we will arrive in Dodana and drive to the capital city of Thimphu to explore the bustling streets in the evening before resting at your hotel.
We will begin with a trip to the National Memorial Chorten honoring King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk for his dedication to Bhutan before exploring the Changangkha Temple and National Animal Sanctuary known for its scenic views of Thimphu. We then continue to the Spiritual Zilukha Nunnery and Dechenphodrang monistic school before lunch. We then continue to the National Library, School of Arts, traditional handicrafts center and the local goldsmiths while admiring the diverse craftsmanship of the Bhutanese people. We finish the day with a visit to the Tashi Chhodzong, which serves as the parliamentary capital known for its traditional architecture. We then take some time to explore the charming city before returning to the hotel for the evening.
We will depart early to drive to Dochula to have breakfast in one of the most pristine vantage points of the eastern Himalayas offering panoramic views of many of the regions giant peaks. We then continue to Punakha to visit the legendary Punakha Dzong known for its unmatched beauty intricacy and location along the Pho-Chu an Mo-Chu Rivers. Finally we move to Nyzergang to visit the spiritual Khamsum Yuelly Namgyal Temple before traveling to Punahka for the night.
We take an early morning ride to Thimphu to stop for lunch. We will have a few hours to explore the capital city to do some souvenir shopping or appreciate the traditional architecture before taking an evening drive to Paro.
Depending on your flight time you may be able to see a few more attractions before departing approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight time. You will be escorted to the airport with a representative from Good Karma trekking staff. After our farewells, you will have plenty of time to plan your next adventure with Good Karma, as one time is never enough.
Includes
Airport / Hotel / Airport pick up & drop by private car / van / bus (all airport transfers).
Standard government approved accommodation (in twin share rooms) for the duration of tour.
licensed English speaking Bhutanese Tour Guides.
All Monument /Museum sightseeing tours, entrance Fees as per itinerary.
All meals fixed breakfast, lunch & dinner with Tea and Coffee while remaining in Bhutan
Government Royalty (which is 35% of $250) this goes to the country's health & education projects.
Private Transport & Driver within Bhutan. (Imported Prado's, Micro Buses & Toyota Coaster Buses)
Toyota 4 X 4 luggage vans & light trucks for group travel
All our government taxes.
Tourist service charge, vat.
Official expense
Bhutan Visa Fees and Visa Processing assistance
Excludes
Bottled/alcoholic/cold drinks, room service and al a cart meals.
Your travel insurance (compulsory).
International airfares and airport departure tax.
Photography charges (if and when applicable).
Items of a personal nature such as laundry.
Personal Equipment.
Tips to guides, restaurants, hotel lobby. (Tipping is expected.)
Any others expenses which are not mentioned on Price Includes section.
From the moment we stepped outside Kathmandu airport we knew we were in good hands. Raj and his professional team had taken care of everything. Our trek to Everest Base Camp is one we will remember for a long time. From accomodation, to meals, guide and porters. Everything went smoothly. Even the tricky weather in Lukla didn't hold us up too much. The tour of Kathmandu was great and we especially enjoyed the opening dinner that Raj planned for us.
I highly recommend Good Karma Trekking.
We are planing to return to Nepal and trek the Annapurna Circuit. We will definitely book with Raj and Good Karma Trekking again.
Best travel agency, very helpful and friendly staff. They offer great possibilities for trekking, excursions, help take care of all permits. Great company, wonderful trip, friendship for life. I would recommend!
Booked my first trip to Nepal with Good Karma after some recommendations on Tripadvisor. From my first email I was impressed with the level of attention I received and how flexible they were (something I couldn't get with several other other companies I and contacted). Had a great trip including sightseeing in Kathmandu and trekking to Everest base camp, and everything went extremely smoothly (except for the weather). Just returned from my second trip there and already planning my third. Its an amazing country, and Raj and the Good Karma team made it a great experience. Happy to answer any questions people have.
Kind, attentive, honest, dedicated attention is awaiting on your travels with Good Karma. I went to the Everest Base Camp(14 days), Bhutan (4 days) and the Chitwan game preserve (3 days) with them and was very well treated at a great price.
I recommend them for travel in Nepal under reliable conditions.
I will be glad to answer any inquiries on their subject.
A perfect travel partner on the foothills of Hiamalayas. I can proudly recommend my near and dear to Good Karma. Thanks a lot Good karma for excellent services on our trek.
I have traveled in many countries, but my experience in Nepal was special, thanks to Raj and his team who organized the exceptional way to all desired goals in this expedition which I had in Nepal and Tibet this autumn. I hope with all my heart to revisit again because I really miss Nepal. I started learning Hindi language since a few days.
So, Raj, Biji, I feel like I will visit you again! There are a lot of places that I have not seen yet! GOOD KARMA TREKKING is the best Agency for me!
Raj was knowledgeable and more than accommodating during our travels. We used Good Karma Trekking to book a trek to Annapurna, do white water rafting, and visit the elephants. It was one of the best trips I've had in my life and I've been to over 50 countries now. I would strongly recommend them to anyone who is traveling to Nepal and seeking a professional and friendly travel agency
BOOKING WITH KARMA: I booked a one-person tour to the Annapurna Circuit during the off season in August. During my inquiries with various trekking companies, Raj from Good Karma replied promptly and was always making sure that my needs were met before, during and after the trek. He was very flexible with whatever mode of transportation I desired to use even if it was just a couple of days in advance (including a flight from Pokhara to Kathmandu with two days notice) . THE TOUR: The tour itself was amazing. True, the Annapurna Circuit can be done with no guide. But Raj provide me with none other than a Sherpa guide would allowed for easy communication with locals and got the best rooms and meals in all the lodges. He also knew where the shortcuts are and made sure my safety was a priority (specially with altitude sickness). TRANSPORTATION : Always keep in mind that Nepal is not the most developed nation in terms of infrastructure and road systems. I highly recommend getting a private vehicle. The drivers that Raj provides are some of the best I've seen even though they drive like maniacs. I felt relatively safe compared to a tourist bus/local bus. These are worse and the safety standards are very low OVERALL: I highly recommend this tour company. Make sure you communicate with Raj constantly so he knows what your needs are.
Had an unforgettable experience trekking the Annapurna Circuit with Good Karma in 2012. Nabraj and his team are knowledgable, passionate and great hosts, and are genuine in providing the best experience possible. They went above and beyond to cater to our interests and provided outstanding hospitality. Nabraj has become a good friend since, we are regularly in touch and I look forward to joining Good Karma on a trek again soon!
I worked with Good Karma Trekking a few years ago when they organized a trip through Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for me and a group of almost 30 people. They were the best choice for our trip. The hotels they booked, the accommodation, the vehicles used for our transportation were all top class. Raj and his team really know their country (and the neighboring countries) and are able to custom made programs that suit each and every individual on a group, no matter the size. We particularly enjoyed the trips around Kathmandu valley, up to Nagarkot, down in the jungle in Chitwan and resting at the foot of Anapurna in Pokhara. Raj even organized some trips that were not in the initial schedule and which were greatly appreciated - for instance the visit to Kopan Monastery in Kathmandu.
I was also on the group that took a tour of Tibet with Good Karma Trekking. Everything went smooth, from crossing the border into China to altering the program so we could stay at a lower altitude when some of our colleagues felt sick.
For all of us on that trip Raj also became a good friend and we kept in touch ever since.
Whenever I hear someone thinking of visiting Nepal I always recommend Good Karma Trekking. I am also sure that next time myself and any other member of the group would want to go to the Himalayan region Good Karma Trekking would be our first choice.
I went on a one month trip to Nepal with Good Karma Trekking, and I must say it was really amazing! Well worth the time and the cost of traveling there! Part of what made my experience so wonderful was the guide that I had. His name is Raj Ghimire, and he is the sole proprietor of GOOD KARMA TREKKING LTD. He is a truly honest guy, with a very kind heart, and I believe that he would give you the BEST Nepal experience, no matter where in the country you want to travel. When my friends and I were over there, he treated us like family (no, I'm not exaggerating), and I still stay in touch with him. His rates are GREAT too! And if you need porters, tea house reservations, or a personal driver to show you Kathmandu or Chitwan Park, he did ALL of these arrangements for us.
This was literally the best experience I've had with a travel company anywhere in the world. They are efficient, culturally smart and very friendly. They even went out of their way to help with issues that were not necessarily part of our contract. I will definitely trust them to organize any trip for me in the future.
Good Karma organized everything for my trip including city tours, travel, hotels and trekking. They were very professional and helpful creating a trip that included what i wanted to see and not just the standard itinerary. The owner Raj even helped bargain for lower prices on souvenirs and trekking equipment while i was in Kathmandu. He also showed me some of his favorite restaurants and some of the local specialties and offered me some wild honey from his home town. The trek went great and the guide was very knowledgeable about the trails and flora and fauna of the himalayas. I have done a trip with abovethehimalays before and the service and price of Good Karma was much better. I would suggest this company to anyone looking for an authentic experience.
We had a great experience with Good Karma Trekking in Kathmandu, Nepal. Raj, the owner of the company, was very helpful. He has an excellent knowledge about the Kathmandu area, and generally about Nepal. He is more than a usual travel agency, passionate about his work, and about promoting the Nepal sights. I am sure that we will use his services again when we return to Nepal, hopefully soon.
Your Good Karma always brings you upto Good Karma trekking. Leave everything on their hand and simply discover your Good Karma. They are perfect to plan your Nepal, Tibet, India and Bhutan program.
I met Raj in Kathmandu through a mutual friend and I've been amazed by his hospitality and generosity. They gave me all the informations I needed about the transportation, treks and more! Thank you for your kindness and your support and I really hope to meet you again! Cheers
Fantastic experience with Good Karma Trekking. Always keen to help and to make sure you are well taken care of in Nepal. Would not hesitate to recommend them to friends and family!
I was In Nepal last year and I really enjoyed the time. I must say that the service offered by Good Karma Trekking is excellent. I would recommend it to all, if you went to Nepal.
I used Good Karma Trekking for a first trip to Nepal in Nov 2011 and from the moment of contact the trip went very smoothly. I would highly recommend this company and would be happy to be contacted independently to provide a review.
En 2012 tuve el agrado de conocer a Nabraj Ghimire en Katmandú. Su ayuda en una país desconocido me sirvió de mucho. Es una persona honesta y desinteresada que realiza su trabajo con vocación.
