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 Tours & Treks Ltd.

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The scope for trekking in Bhutan is immense - from short walks around the valleys to arduous treks up to the snowline and beyond.  Trekkers are fortunate people, as they can experience the kingdom of Bhutan at its most magnificent.  From the towering snow peaks of the inner Himalayas to the verdant forests which cloak the hills above its peaceful valleys, the trails are clean and unspoiled, and the wilderness still pristine in its beauty.

We have included here a complete description of one of our treks, and outline summaries for a selection of others.  Please request more information on any trek which catches your interest.

Our trekking tours are planned in great detail, and can be modified to meet clients’ individual preferences.  We will send you on your way with a competent and resourceful team of Etho Metho guides, caterers and porters to take care of all the necessities, so that you can enjoy your trekking experience to the full.

 GANTEY/GOGONA TREK

This trek is to the beautiful Phobjikha valley (3,000m), one of the few glacial valleys in Bhutan, which lies in the mountains east of Wangduephodrang.  After crossing over the pass you soon come to the great monastery of Gangtey, established in the 17^th century.  The village of Phobjikha lies a few kilometers down from the monastery, on the valley floor.  This quiet, remote valley is the chosen winter home of the rare black necked cranes, which migrate here annually from the Tibetan plateau.  This moderate trek visits the villages of Gogona and Khotokha, passing through meadows and fields, then forests of juniper, magnolia and rhododendrons in full bloom in April.  It is one of the finest low level treks in Bhutan.

Season:  The best times for this trek are March to May, and September to November.  The best months are April and early May when the rhododendrons are in full bloom.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

DRUK PATH TREK

This is a short five day trek, which leads from Paro to Thimphu or vice versa, crossing the chain of mountains that separates the two valleys.  Although the route is sparsely inhabited, there are wonderful lakes teeming with fish and the area is famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests, which bloom in May.  In the clear weather of late autumn and winter there are great views of the Himalayas.  This trek is usually possible from late February to June and from September to December.

Program summary: 11 days in all, trekking days 3-8 (days 3 and 8 short days)

Paro - Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha – Jimilangtsho – Simkota – Phajoding – Thimphu (trek ends), day excursion to Punakha/Wangduephodrang from Thimphu, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

BUMTHANG CULTURAL TREK

The lovely Bumthang valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of its oldest Buddhist temples and monasteries.  This three day trek passes through several villages on its meandering route through Bumthang countryside, and provides an exceptional opportunity for contact with Bhutanese rural life.  The trek is recommended from March to May and then again from September to November.

Program summary: 11 days in all, trekking days 6-8

Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa, Bumthang (trek begins) – Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing – Bumthang (trek ends), Punakha, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

DAGALA THOUSAND LAKES TREK

This is a short trek near Thimphu, passing by picturesque high altitude lakes.  It is a moderate trek with mostly short trekking days, but includes a few steep climbs. The best months for this trek are April, September and October.

13 days in all, trekking days 5-12 (a 3-night halt en route, day 12 short day)

Program summary:  Paro, Thimphu (trek begins) – Genekha – Gur – Labatama (3 night halt) – Panka – Talekha – Thimphu (trek ends) then drive directly to Paro for overnight stay.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

CHOMOLHARI TREK

Starting at Drukgyel Dzong, Paro this trek passes through scattered hamlets and farmland into a deep and richly forested valley, which leads to a high alpine pastureland where yak herders graze their animals.  The trek offers a taste of the great variety of Bhutanese landscape.  The ideal time for this trek is April to June and September to November.

12 days in all, trekking days 3-10 (day 10 short day)

Program summary: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang – Lingshi – Shodu – Barshong – Dolam Kencho – Dodena – Thimphu (trek ends), Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

LAYA TREK

This route offers a great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forests to alpine pastureland and high passes.  Spectacular campsites, beneath some of Bhutan’s most impressive peaks, of which the most notable are Chomolhari and Jichu Drake, are also features of this trekking route.  Numerous isolated dzongs and scattered settlements, including the extraordinary village of Laya, provide a great deal of cultural interest en route.  This trek is generally open from April to June and mid-September to mid-November.  However, April is the best trekking month for the Laya region.

22 days in all, trekking days 3- 18 with 3 rest days en route

Program summary: Paro – Shana – Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang – Lingshi – Chebisa – Shoumuthang – Robluthang – Limithang – Laya – Chamsa – Gasa Tshachu – Damji – Tashithang (trek ends), Punakha, Thimphu, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

SNOWMAN TREK WITH GANGKAR PUENSUM

This trek goes to the remote Lunana district and is considered to be the most difficult trek in Bhutan.  The circumstances which make this a tough trek are: distances, altitude, weather conditions and remoteness.  The Snowman Trek is frequently closed because of snow and is almost impossible during winter.  The recommended season for this trek is mid-June to mid-October.

27 days in all, trekking days 4-22 with 3 rest days en route

Program summary: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha/Tashithang (trek begins) – Damji – Gasa – Chamsa – Laya – Rhodophu – Tarina – Woche – Lhedi – Thanza – Tshorim – Gangkar Puensum Base Camp – Geshe Woma – Warathang – Dhur Tshachu – Tshochenchen – Dhur (trek ends)/Bumthang, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

DHUR HOT SPRINGS TREK

This trek follows an old expedition route to Gangkar Puensum.  The recommended seasons are March to April and September to early November.

17 days in all, trekking days 6–13 with 1 rest day en route

Program summary: Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa, Bumthang, Gorsum (trek begins) – Lungsum – Tshochenchen – Dhur Tshachu – Tshochenchen – Gorsum – Dhur (trek ends), Bumthang, Wangduephodrang/Punakha, Thimphu, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

WILD EAST RODUNG-LA TREK

This journey across the top of eastern Bhutan follows what used to be an important trade route before completion of the national highway.  The trek is tough, and involves a tremendously long, steep descent.  The recommended season for this trek is October, early November and late spring.

17 days in all, trekking days 6-14

Program summary: Paro, Thimphu, Tongsa, Bumthang, Tang (trek begins with short walk up to Ugyenchholing Manor) – Phokpey – Ungaar – Taskila – Tangmachu – Menji – Pemi – Taupang – Tashiyangtse (trek ends), Tashigang, Samdrup Jongkhar, and exit Bhutan by land border, driving to Guwahati (Assam) for onward flight.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

SAMTENGANG WINTER TREK

The trail winds around the contours of the forested hills on the far side of Punakha, following the river down the valley towards Wangduephodrang, and passing through several villages along the way.  En route we visit a famous temple used as a winter residence by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15^th century.  It is possible to do this low altitude trek throughout the winter season.

10 days in all, trekking days 5-8

Program summary: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha (trek begins) – Limukha – Chungsakha – Samtengang – Wangduephodrang (trek ends) for lunch and sightseeing then drive to Thimphu, Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt

PUNAKHA WINTER TREK

This is a pleasant, low altitude walk over the hills from Dechenchholing to Punakha, and so is particularly suitable for the winter season.

11 days in all, trekking days 5-9

Program summary: Paro, Thimphu (trek begins) – Dopshing Pang – Chorten Ningpo – Punakha (overnight in hotel) – Limukha – Wangduephodrang (trek ends), visit Wangduephodrang and Punakha en route to Paro.

For more details you may contact Etho Metho Tours & Trek at e-mail: ethometo@druknet.bt or emtt@druknet.bt