The Bhutan Wildlife Trek is a remarkable journey that combines the adventure of trekking through diverse landscapes with the opportunity to observe Bhutan’s rich wildlife and pristine natural environments. This trek typically takes you through protected areas and national parks, offering a unique glimpse into the biodiversity of the Himalayan kingdom.

Overview

The Bhutan Wildlife Trek is designed to showcase the country’s abundant wildlife, including rare and endangered species such as the red panda, snow leopard, and various bird species. The trek traverses lush forests, alpine meadows, and river valleys, providing an immersive experience in Bhutan’s natural habitats. The itinerary includes visits to some of Bhutan’s most significant wildlife conservation areas.

Key Highlights

• Wildlife: Red panda, snow leopard, takin, black-necked cranes, various bird species
• National Parks: Jigme Dorji National Park, Royal Manas National Park, Phibsoo Wildlife Sanctuary
• Cultural Sites: Paro Taktsang, Punakha Dzong, Gangtey Monastery, Jakar Dzong
• Villages: Laya, Ura, Trashigang
• Scenic Valleys: Phobjikha Valley, Bumthang Valley

Trekking Notes

• Trek Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Best Time to Trek: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November)
• Accommodation: Combination of camping, guesthouses, and hotels
• Permits: Special permits required for certain trekking regions, arranged by the tour operator

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Paro

• Altitude: 2,250 meters (7,382 feet)
• Activities: Arrive at Paro International Airport. Transfer to your hotel. Rest and acclimatize. Explore Paro town and visit local markets.
• Overnight: Paro

Day 2: Paro Sightseeing

• Altitude: 2,250 meters (7,382 feet)
• Activities: Visit Paro Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery, a significant pilgrimage site. Explore Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and the National Museum of Bhutan.
• Overnight: Paro

Day 3: Paro to Thimphu

• Altitude: Thimphu (2,320 meters / 7,610 feet)
• Distance: 55 kilometers (34 miles)
• Travel Time: 1.5 hours
• Activities: Drive to Thimphu. Visit Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the Giant Buddha Statue. Explore the Royal Botanical Park, Lamperi.
• Overnight: Thimphu

Day 4: Thimphu to Punakha

• Altitude: Punakha (1,200 meters / 3,937 feet)
• Distance: 75 kilometers (47 miles)
• Travel Time: 2.5 hours
• Activities: Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass (3,100 meters / 10,171 feet), which offers panoramic views of the Himalayas. Visit Punakha Dzong and Chimi Lhakhang, the fertility temple.
• Overnight: Punakha

Day 5: Punakha to Gasa

• Altitude: Gasa (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet)
• Distance: 70 kilometers (43 miles)
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Drive to Gasa. Visit Gasa Dzong and enjoy the Gasa hot springs.
• Overnight: Gasa

Day 6: Gasa to Laya

• Altitude: Laya (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet)
• Distance: 22 kilometers (14 miles)
• Trek Time: 7-8 hours
• Activities: Begin the trek from Gasa to Laya. Pass through beautiful landscapes, high mountain passes, and remote villages.
• Overnight: Camping in Laya

Day 7: Laya Exploration

• Altitude: 3,800 meters (12,467 feet)
• Activities: Rest and acclimatize in Laya. Explore the village and interact with the Layap people. Observe local wildlife and birds.
• Overnight: Camping in Laya

Day 8: Laya to Koina

• Altitude: Koina (3,050 meters / 10,007 feet)
• Distance: 19 kilometers (12 miles)
• Trek Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Trek from Laya to Koina. Pass through dense forests and high-altitude meadows. Look out for wildlife such as takin and various bird species.
• Overnight: Camping in Koina

Day 9: Koina to Gasa

• Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
• Distance: 17 kilometers (11 miles)
• Trek Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Continue trekking from Koina to Gasa. Enjoy scenic views and spot wildlife along the trail.
• Overnight: Gasa

Day 10: Gasa to Wangdue Phodrang

• Altitude: Wangdue Phodrang (1,350 meters / 4,429 feet)
• Distance: 129 kilometers (80 miles)
• Travel Time: 4-5 hours
• Activities: Drive from Gasa to Wangdue Phodrang. Visit the local market and explore the town.
• Overnight: Wangdue Phodrang

Day 11: Wangdue Phodrang to Phobjikha Valley

• Altitude: Phobjikha Valley (2,900 meters / 9,514 feet)
• Distance: 70 kilometers (43 miles)
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Activities: Drive to Phobjikha Valley, a glacial valley and winter home to the endangered black-necked cranes. Visit Gangtey Monastery and explore the valley.
• Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 12: Phobjikha Valley Exploration

• Altitude: 2,900 meters (9,514 feet)
• Activities: Spend the day exploring Phobjikha Valley. Observe the black-necked cranes (seasonal) and hike through the valley’s nature trails.
• Overnight: Phobjikha

Day 13: Phobjikha to Bumthang

• Altitude: Bumthang (2,800 meters / 9,186 feet)
• Distance: 188 kilometers (117 miles)
• Travel Time: 7-8 hours
• Activities: Drive from Phobjikha to Bumthang, known as the cultural heartland of Bhutan. Visit Jakar Dzong and explore Bumthang town.
• Overnight: Bumthang

Day 14: Bumthang Sightseeing

• Altitude: 2,800 meters (9,186 feet)
• Activities: Visit key cultural sites including Jambay Lhakhang, Kurjey Lhakhang, and Tamshing Lhakhang. Explore the picturesque valleys and forests of Bumthang.
• Overnight: Bumthang

Day 15: Bumthang to Ura

• Altitude: Ura (3,100 meters / 10,171 feet)
• Distance: 48 kilometers (30 miles)
• Travel Time: 2 hours
• Activities: Drive to Ura Valley. Explore the traditional village of Ura and its surroundings. Look out for wildlife in the high-altitude forests.
• Overnight: Ura

Day 16: Ura to Limithang

• Altitude: Limithang (2,250 meters / 7,382 feet)
• Distance: 18 kilometers (11 miles)
• Trek Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Trek from Ura to Limithang. Pass through diverse landscapes including forests, meadows, and alpine regions. Spot wildlife along the trail.
• Overnight: Camping in Limithang

Day 17: Limithang to Lhuntse

• Altitude: Lhuntse (1,700 meters / 5,577 feet)
• Distance: 14 kilometers (9 miles)
• Trek Time: 5-6 hours
• Activities: Continue trekking from Limithang to Lhuntse. Enjoy scenic views and observe wildlife. Reach Lhuntse and explore the local area.
• Overnight: Lhuntse

Day 18: Lhuntse to Mongar

• Altitude: Mongar (1,600 meters / 5,249 feet)
• Distance: 70 kilometers (43 miles)
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Drive from Lhuntse to Mongar. Visit local markets and explore Mongar town.
• Overnight: Mongar

Day 19: Mongar to Trashigang

• Altitude: Trashigang (1,150 meters / 3,773 feet)
• Distance: 91 kilometers (56 miles)
• Travel Time: 3-4 hours
• Activities: Drive from Mongar to Trashigang. Visit Trashigang Dzong and explore the town.
• Overnight: Trashigang

Day 20: Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar

• Altitude: Samdrup Jongkhar (230 meters / 755 feet)
• Distance: 180 kilometers (112 miles)
• Travel Time: 6-7 hours
• Activities: Drive from Trashigang to Samdrup Jongkhar. Enjoy scenic views along the way and visit local villages.
• Overnight: Samdrup Jongkhar

Day 21: Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati

• Distance: 110 kilometers (68 miles)
• Travel Time: 3 hours
• Activities: Drive from Samdrup Jongkhar to Guwahati, India for your departure.

This trek offers an incredible opportunity to experience Bhutan’s natural beauty and wildlife while immersing yourself in the country’s rich cultural heritage.