The Tshaluna Trek

Elevate Your Adventure: Explore the Tshaluna Trek in Bhutan!

The Tshaluna Trek is a delightful 4-day journey in Bhutan, categorized as a moderate trek. It’s a popular choice for those looking for a shorter alternative to the Druk Path trek. As you traverse the mountains that separate the Paro and Thimphu valleys, you’ll be rewarded with stunning views. This route is also renowned for its breathtaking rhododendron forests and picturesque high-altitude lakes, teeming with fish.

Trekking Duration

4 days

Avg Walking Distance

10 km

Avg Walking Time

4 Hr

Best Time to Trek

Mid Feb-Mid Jun & Sep-Mid Dec

Highest Elevation

3870 m

Difficulty Level

Moderate

Details about the package

What's included

  • All meals (Breakfast, lunch and dinner)
    Lunches may be provided in other tourist Restaurants or picnic lunches in certain cases (While on tour). During Trek, all lunches shall be packed lunch.
  • Accommodations;
    While on Tour accommodation shall be provided in a minimum 3 star hotel. Tented accommodation shall be provided during trek. 
  • Certified, English speaking guide throughout the tour and trek
    Language Guides may be available at an additional cost, however this shall entirely depend upon the requirements confirmed at the time of booking
  • Exclusive vehicle for all transfers as per the group size
  • Entrance fees for museums and monuments
  • Sustainable development fund 
    Indian Nationals – INR 1200 per person per night
    Others – USD 100 per person per night 
  • USD 40 Visa Fee (for travelers other than Indian Nationals)
  • Other govt taxes applicable
  • Sleeping tents, sleeping mats & pillows.
  • Dinning tents, kitchen tent & toilet tent.
  • Tables, chairs, utensils, hot water bags.
  • Trekking Chef and Assistants.
  • Horses/ yaks to carry trekking equipments and food supplies.
  • Cost related to planning and confirming your trip to Bhutan excluding the cost not within our premises. Additional Cost may be applicable in certain cases. 

Complimentary

  • Assistance with Bhutan Travel Info
  • Guidance in planning your Bhutan tour
  • Drinking water during the tour
  • A traditional cultural show
  • Hot stone bath in a village house
  • National dress and Archery experience
  • Scenic Landscapes: Immerse yourself in breathtaking views of the Himalayas, with stunning vistas of snow-capped peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes.

  • Cultural Experience: Visit traditional Bhutanese villages and interact with locals, experiencing their unique customs and way of life.

  • Historic Monasteries: Explore ancient monasteries like Jangchublakha & Jela Dzong, which offer spiritual insights and spectacular views.

  • Rich Flora and Fauna: Trek through diverse ecosystems, home to a variety of plant species and wildlife, including the elusive takin and colorful birds.

  • Bhutanese Cuisine: Enjoy delicious local dishes, including spicy chili cheese (ema datshi) and other traditional meals prepared by local hosts.

  • Thimphu & Paro: Start and end your trek in these vibrant towns, featuring attractions like the Tashichho Dzong and Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest).

  • Trekking Adventure: Experience well-marked trails that range in difficulty, perfect for both seasoned trekkers and beginners, with the added bonus of breathtaking sunrises and sunsets.

  • Campsite Experiences: Spend nights under the stars at scenic campsites, enjoying the tranquility of nature and sharing stories around the campfire.

  • Photography Opportunities: Capture unforgettable moments with stunning backdrops, from rolling hills to majestic mountains.

  • Spiritual Connections: Experience the serene atmosphere of Bhutan’s spiritual landscape, which includes prayer flags, chortens, and meditative spaces along the trek.

  • Trip Type: Private and Guided Trip
  • Itinerary Duration: 10 Days
  • Trek Duration: 4 Days
  • Trip Rating: Easy – Moderate
  • Travel Type: Nature, Culture, Walks, Hikes,Trek, Local Interactions & Experiences, Sights & Monuments
  • Arrival: Paro international Airport
  • Departure: Paro International Airport
  • Destinations: Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, Wangdue.
  • Possible Departures: Throughout the year
  • Best Time: Mid Feb – Mid Jun & Sep – Mid Dec
  • Trek Start Point: Above Ta Dzong, Paro
  • Trek End Point: Tshaluna/ Tshelung Nye
  • Trek Difficulty: Moderate
  • Highest Altitude: 3870 m
  • Daily Avg. Walking Distance: 10 km
  • Daily Avg. Walking Time: 4 Hr

Travel Cost

Kindly write to us at idealtravelcreations@gmail.com for the travel cost as the cost varies in different cases.

The cost does not include the following:

  • All kinds of bank charges
  • Single room supplement
  • Personal expenses, such as phone, laundry, etc.
  • Any form of insurance
  • Any kinds of bottled drinks
  • Flights fares – both domestic and international
  • Gratitude and Tipping
  • Extra activities such as rafting, cycling, horse ride
    (if not included in the inclusion or complimentary)
  • All kinds of additional expenses due to unforeseen contingencies whether man-made of natural
  • Anything not mentioned in the cost inclusion during the confirmation of the trip.

Notes

  • We reserve the right to change the itinerary or hotels anytime as may be required to, in case of unforeseen contingencies (natural/man made) or unavailability of hotels or any other services such as flights and transport.
  • Some of the sites to be visited may be closed on government holidays or during breaks. In such cases we shall do other sightseeing in its place.
  • This itinerary can be tailor made for any duration or within any destination and can be combined with any kind of activities such as trekking, rafting, walking tour, cycling , etc
  • It is advisable to book tours in Bhutan at least 6 months prior to the travel date because of limited Bhutan tourism infrastructures and inventories.
  • Except for the planning, guidance and information phase, all bookings are confirmed only after the receipt of the tour payment.
  • Conversations made in the email are final and binding 

Cancellation Policies

  1. We shall charge a minimal amount of USD 30 as administrative charges for any bookings cancelled more than a month before the date of travel.
  2. 25% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within one month to 16 days from date of travel.
  3. 50% of the payment shall be charged as cancellation charges for any bookings cancelled within 15 days to 7 days from date of travel.
  4. 100% cancellation charges shall be applicable for any  any bookings cancelled within 6 days from date of travel or no show
  5. Cancellation charges shall also depend upon the policies of the parties from whom we have taken the services such as hotels and airlines. The cancellation charges levied by the external parties shall be applicable incase it exceeds the amount as mentioned above in points 1 – 4.

Itinerary

The panoramic Himalayan views shall be mesmerizing as you fly to Bhutan. The Landing is another experience.  Upon arrival you will be greeted by your Bhutanese Guide from Ideal Travel Creations before driving to your hotel in Paro. Check in and spend some time in the property settling into your new surroundings.

Afternoon, you shall be taken for your first foray into this Hidden Kingdom. This afternoon in the Paro Valley shall allow you to acclimatize to the air at this altitude, as well as getting yourself introduced to this Kingdom where you shall spend the next 10 days.

Visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong, a Buddhist monastery and fortress of the Drukpa Lineage of the Kagyu school in Paro. The Monastic body and government office of Paro is housed in this fortress and is listed as a tentative site in Bhutan’s Tentative List for UNESCO inclusion. Visit the Paro National Museum, which displays a collection of fascinating Bhutanese relics.

Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Spend your evening in the quaint setting of hotel. Dinner and overnight in the hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Note: The sightseeing and activities of day 1 is subject to flight timings)

Your day starts with an early morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, one of the most wonderful and significant monasteries in Bhutan. Also known as the Tiger’s Nest, the hike shall be accompanied with stories of Guru Rinpoche, who arrived on the spot where the monastery is located on the back of a flying tigress somewhere in 8th century. Reaching the top shall enlighten you on why the Monastery is an iconic pilgrimage for visitors to the Kingdom of Bhutan.

In the afternoon drive to the almost fully reconstructed Drukgyel Dzong.  The original monument (destroyed by fire in 1951) was built by Zhabdrung to commemorate his victory against invading Tibetans in 1644.  In fine weather the towering peak of the sacred Mount Jomolhari (7314m) appears as a stunning backdrop.

(If time permits) Visit Kyichhu Lhakhang, a 7th-century temple nearby with two magical orange trees that bear fruit throughout the year.

Drive back to the Hotel. Dinner and Overnight at the hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

10 KM | 4 HR | 1090 M ASCENT | 10 M DESCENT 

After breakfast, drive through the road past the National Museum. Start your trek. Today is the shortest trekking day, we shall keep slow at a steady pace as the altitude gain is significant. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snow capped mountains. Jele Dzong is mostly in ruins and there is a Lhakhang with the statute of Buddha Sakyamuni. Visit the Lhakhang. Explore the areas nearby. Overnight in camp. 

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3480 M

10 KM | 4 HR | 310 M ASCENT | 50 M DESCENT

Begin with a gradual ascent of one and a half hour climb and then descend below the ridgeline to walk through the trail of thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. We will have fine views of Mt. Chomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right. We may hear some pheasants calling during the day. We will continue walking uphill till we reach the Yak herders pasture at Jangchulakha. Tonights camp site is in a yak pasture near the hillside.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3770 M

11 KM | 4 HR | 230 M DESCENT | 330 M ASCENT

Today’s trail follows the ridge, crossing through juniper trees and dwarf rhododendrons at times. The mountains surrounding  Thimphu, Paro and its valleys below are breathtaking. We will arrive at the Jimilangtsho lake famous for giant sized trouts after a steep descent. The views of “Jichu Drake” at 6989 m is beautiful. The “Jichu Drake” peak represents the protective deity of Paro. To night we shall camp close to the Jimilangtsho lake.

ALTITUDE OF CAMPSITE: 3870 M

9 KM | 4 HR | 1620 M DESCENT

After breakfast, walk downhill alongside a stream through the forests of rhododendron, larch and juniper,  including the family of maple tree. Being downhill, the walk may be a little bit tough for your knees. On reaching Tshaluna, visit the Tshalu Nye temple. Also known as Tshelung Nye.

Tshelung Nye is thirty three kilometers drive from Thimphu across the villages of Khasadrapchu and Bjimina. Ugyen Guru Rinpoche and Khandru Yeshe Tshogyal visited Tshelung Nye in person between 8th and 9th century. In addition to leaving behind his footprint, they also left behind many other legacies for the benefit of future sentient beings. Amongst these treasures are Lhacham Pemasal’s skull filled with the water of longevity and the self-emanated stone vase of longevity. Thus this holy place came to be popularly known as Tshelung Nye, the Sacred place of Prophetic Longevity.

Your vehicle shall be waiting for you at the parking of the Tshelung Nye Parking. Drive to Thimphu. If situation favours, you choose to visit our Office in Lamdru Village, Khasadrapchhu for a cup of tea or lunch.

Drive to Thimphu. In the evening, explore the Thimphu Town.

Dinner and overnight in Hotel.

ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M

After a leisure breakfast, join the Local residents of Thimphu for circumambulations at the National Memorial Chorten, built in the honor of the Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, also known as “The Father of Modern Bhutan”. Drive towards Kuenselphodrang. On the way visit Hindu Temple formally known as Devi Panchayan Mandir which was consecrated on 1st October 2019. His Majesty, The King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck offered worship and granted “Tika” to the Hindu Communities on the Dussehra on 1019 in this temple. Further in Kuenselphodrang, witness the 52-meter Buddha Dordenma statue in Thimphu. Visit the temple inside the statue and discover the 125,000 smaller Buddhas. The place offers a breath-taking view of the Thimphu Valley. If you love Hiking You can opt for a gentle hike to Changangkha Lhakhang from here. It is a 7 km Hike through the pine forest. This trail was initially intended to be a cycling trail but is very good for hike as well. It is a part of the 60 km cycling trail around Thimphu valley which was initiated in 2016 to commemorate the 60th Anniversary of His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. Finally visit the Simply Bhutan, a living museum and a photo studio aimed at preservation and promotion of culture involving Bhutanese youth as the core group. 

After lunch, visit Takin Preserve. Takin is the national animal of Bhutan. Then visit the Zorig Chusom (The National Institute for 13 Traditional Arts and Crafts of Bhutan) and the Royal Textile Academy. The day ends witnessing an Archery Match at the Changlimithang stadium.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF THIMPHU: 2350 M

 

DRIVING DISTANCE: 76 KM | DRIVING TIME:  2 HR

Start your day with a drive to Dochula Pass. You shall first see the Simtokha Dzong and then the winding roads leads you through blue pine forests and the villages of Hongtsho (2890m) and Yusipang. The local villagers sell apples, walnuts, dried cheese in this area. The road climbs through the forest till you reach the Dochula Pass (3150 m), the highest point between Thimphu and Punakha valleys. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the higher Himalayas, explore the 108 Druk Wangyel Chhortens and then visit the Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.

Descend to the subtropical lush and beautiful valley of Punakha. The terraced rice fields, the meandering river and the beautiful villages shall welcome you as you reach Punakha.

Visit Chimi Lhakhang. Also known as the temple of fertility, the temple was built by Lam Drukpa Kuenley. the revered ‘Divine Madman’ and Buddhist ‘crazy wisdom.’ A lot of graphic phallus paintings and crafts might surprise you in the nearby areas. Visit the Punakha dzong at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu River. Addition to its appealing looks this Majestic Dzong stands six stories high. Walk over the one of the country’s longest suspension bridges and enjoy the breathing views, soothing breeze and a beautiful experience.

Dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PUNAKHA: 1250 M

DRIVING DISTANCE: 135 KM | DRIVING TIME: 4 HR

After a nice breakfast, drive to Paro. On the way explore the Royal Botanical Park for a while. Picnic Lunch on the banks of Paro River near Shaba Village.

After a short stoppage at Airport Viewpoint, Explore the Paro Town. Visit Coffee shops, handicraft shops and interact with the locals.

Drive to a local farmhouse for lunch with a Bhutanese family.  Try the traditional Bhutanese hot stone bath, National Dress and Archery here. You shall also have an opportunity to witness the daily life in a village in Bhutan.

Farewell dinner and overnight in hotel.

ALTITUDE OF PARO: 2280 M

Your 10 days of Bhutan travel with the Tshaluna Trek with Ideal Travel Creations comes to an end with a drive to Paro airport and farewell.

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