8 Days
Tsaluna Trek
The royal kingdom of Bhutan has a lot to offer. From elegant dzongs (fortresses), religious monasteries to the thrills of adventure like white water rafting, long and short family trekkings, Bhutan is a country that should definitely be on your list.
Termed as one of the easiest treks in Bhutan, this short trek takes us to the remote village of Tsaluna where we interact with the locals as we blend in with their lifestyle. All along the trek you pass through beautiful flora with blooming rhododendron flowers.
Skeleton Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in Paro
Day 2 In Paro
Day 3 Trek to Zele Dzong
Day 4 Trek to Tshaluna Village
Day 5 Trek to Jemina, drive to Thimphu
Day 6 In Thimphu
Day 7 In Thimphu, drive to Paro
Day 8 Final Departure
Detailed Itinerary
Fly to Paro, the great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National museum, above it.
Overnight at Hotel [-/L/D]
Hike Duration: 4.5 hours approx. (round trip)
Today we will hike to Taktsang monastery and later visit Kyichu Lakhang
Taktsang monastery: Perched on the side of a vertical cliff at 3000 m altitude north of Paro, the beautiful Taktsang monastery also known as the ‘Tiger’s Nest’ is the most famous and an unofficial symbol of Bhutan.
Kyichu Lhakhang: Located close to the Paro airport, the Kyichu Lhakhang is an important Himalayan Buddhist temple. Built in the 7th century, this is one of Bhutan’s oldest religious sites in Bhutan.
Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
Trek Time: 4-5 hours approx.
After breakfast at the hotel, start your trek from Dopshare (2300m). The trek trail is a rather gradual climb till the camp and if the weather is clear, the Paro valley can be seen with Mt. Jhomolhari at 7314m and snowcapped mountains behind the valley.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Trek Time: 6 hours approx.
After breakfast descend through beautiful rhododendrons and conifers leading our way through the meadows and into Tshaluna village. Here we walk through the village and mingle with the local lifestyle of the villagers.
Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]
Trek Time: 3 hours approx.
After breakfast, descend through the beautiful meadows in the valley of Tsaluna till we reach Jemina. Then you will be transferred to Thimphu.
In Thimphu visit Tashichho Dzong. This dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja’. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the Bhutan’s civil government.
Located below the main town, near the Wangchhu river, Thimphu’s weekend market is by far the largest domestic market for the farmers in Bhutan. With its wide assortment of fresh, organic produce, the Farmer’s Market has become a favorite spot for tourists and a recreational place for people from all walks of life.
Nearby, across a cantilever footbridge, Kuendeyling Bazaam, to the west bank is a collection of stalls selling clothing, textiles and handicrafts.
Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.
Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast visit the Motithang mini zoo where you can see the national animal, Takin, graze peacefully in a small protected park. Walk to the Zilukha nunnery and then drive to the Tango monastery for a picnic lunch. Then hike to the monastery that takes about 45 minutes. It is a 13th century structure and today is home to about 150 monks studying Buddhist Philosophy and meditation.
In the evening visit the national Memorial Chorten built in honor of our 3rd king Jigme Dorji Wangchuck (a wonderful opportunity to mix with the local population). All the buildings in Bhutan conform to national building principals and are beautifully carved and decorated.
Located a short drive away from Thimphu city centre, visitors can get a good overview of the Thimphu valley from the Buddha point (Kuensel Phodrang). You can pay your obeisance and offer prayers to the Buddha, the largest statue in the country and then walk around and take a glimpse of the valley.
Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast, visit the Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten, a large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
The National Library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong.
The Folk Heritage museum is set inside a 19th century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipments and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
Commonly known as Arts & Crafts School or Painting School, the Institute offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.
Later drive to Paro. En route visit Simtokha Dzong.
According to a legend, Simtokha Dzong was constructed to subdue an evil spirit, that was harassing the people in the region, and to guard the place. Simtokha is believed to be the first dzong built in Bhutan and is the gateway to Thimphu valley.
Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]
After breakfast, transfer to the airport to board your onward flight.