Tshaluna Trek

The Tshaluna trek is a short 4 days trek in Bhutan and is a moderately difficult. This trek is popular with those who wish to do a shorter version of the Druk Path trek. The trek offers beautiful views as you cross the chain of mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valley. This route is also famous for its spectacular rhododendron forests and wonderful high altitude lakes abundant with fish.

Tshaluna Trek

Tshaluna trek with cultural tour – Highlights:

  • Scenic views and landscapes.
  • Ancient temples, monasteries & dzongs.
  • Meet local people.
  • Visit pristine villages and farmhouses.
  • Museums, monuments & government institutions.
  • Archery matches.

Sketch – Tshaluna trek itinerary:

  • Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
  • Day 2. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
  • Day 3. Paro – Jele Dzong (Tshaluna trek) | 8 km | 3 hours | Altitude: 3480 m.
  • Day 4. Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (Tshaluna trek) | 10 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3770 m.
  • Day 5. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso (Tshaluna trek) | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3700 m.
  • Day 6. Jimilangtsho – Tshaluna – Thimphu (Tshaluna trek) | 9 km | Hike: 4 hours | Drive: 2 hours.
  • Day 7. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
  • Day 8. Thimphu – Punakha – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive:  2 1/2 hours.
  • Day 9. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.

Comprehensive Schedule for the Tshaluna Trek.

Upon your arrival at Paro airport, your guide and driver will warmly welcome you and transport you to the hotel.

During the afternoon, explore Ta Dzong, constructed in 1649, originally an ancient watchtower that now serves as the National Museum of Bhutan. Next, visit Rinpung Dzong, established in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, which currently operates as the administrative center of Paro district.

In the evening, experience the charm of a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse.

Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a restful overnight stay at the hotel.

In the morning, journey to Satsam Chorten and embark on a 2-hour hike to reach the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang). According to legend, Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic, flew here on the back of a flying tiger.

During the afternoon, explore Drugyal Dzong, established in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Following that, visit Kichu Lhakhang, constructed in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo, who built 108 temples in a single day to anchor the ogress to the earth forever.

As the evening approaches, enjoy free time for a leisurely stroll in the town.

Conclude the day with a delightful dinner and a comfortable overnight stay at the hotel.

Following breakfast, proceed to Damchena and commence the hike to Jele Dzong.

Today’s trek is relatively short, beginning with an ascent to Jele Dzong. The trail gradually climbs to the camp, providing a potential view of Paro Valley if the weather is clear. Above the camp lies Jele La Pass (3400 m) and Jele Dzong.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in the camp at an altitude of 3480 m.

Trek Details:

  • Walking distance: 8 km
  • Duration: 3 hours
  • Ascent: 1090 m

Today, we initiate our trek with a climb lasting one and a half hours, followed by a more gradual ascent. The trail winds through dense alpine forests of rhododendrons, offering splendid views of Mt. Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks if the weather permits.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay in the camp at an altitude of 3770 m.

Trek Details:

  • Walking distance: 10 km
  • Duration: 3 – 4 hours
  • Ascent: 310 m
  • Descent: 50 m

The trail begins with a short climb and follows a ridge. From the top on a clear day, we get amazing views of the beautiful Mt. Jomolhari and other Himalayan ranges.

After a short descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho lake (3,700 m).

Dinner and overnight in camp (Altitude: 3700 m).

Walking Distance: 11 Km, time: 4 hours, Ascent: 330 m, Descent: 230 m.

Commencing after breakfast, descend downhill alongside a stream until reaching Tshalu Ney. Enjoy a packed lunch during the trek.

Upon reaching Tshaluna, your vehicle will be ready for pick-up, marking the conclusion of the trek and bidding farewell to the trekking crew.

Subsequently, your vehicle will transport you to Thimphu, where you can unwind at the hotel.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

Trek Details:

  • Walking distance: 9 km
  • Duration: 4 hours downhill trek.

In the morning, visit to: national memorial chorten (1974) built in honor of our Late King, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck.

– Tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world at Kuensel Phodrang (51.5 meters),
– Changangkha monastery, the oldest monastery in Thimphu built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
– Takin preserve center, a mini zoo that houses Takins, the national animal of Bhutan. The Bhutanese believe that Takin is a mix of a cow and goat and was created by Lama Drukpa Kuenley.
– Sangaygang view point from where you can take a view of Thimphu valley.
– Dupthop lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.

Lunch at Simply Bhutan museum restaurant and visit to the craft bazaar.

In the evening, visit to the Tashichho dzong, the royal secretariat.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

In the morning, embark on a scenic drive to the picturesque Punakha Valley. Pause at Dochu La pass (3140 m) to relish the breathtaking views of the towering Himalayas. Punakha, known as the ancient capital of Bhutan, awaits.

En route, explore Chimi Lhakhang, constructed in 1499 to pay homage to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, fondly recognized as “The Divine Madman.” This temple, also dubbed “The Temple of Fertility,” commemorates his unconventional teachings of salvation through humor, songs, and unconventional behavior.

During the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, the venue for the Annual Punakha Festival, constructed in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Punakha continues to serve as the winter residence of Je Khenpo and the monk body.

As the day concludes, return to Thimphu.

Conclude the day with dinner and an overnight stay at the hotel.

After breakfast, drive to the airport and farewell.

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