Naro Six Pass Trek

Arrive Delhi

Transfer to hotel in Delhi

Paro

Flight to Paro. Todays activities will depend on flight arrival times and can vary according to opening times or if a local event coincides with your trip

Takstang Monastery

Towering above the Paro Valley at 2900m on precarious rock ledges lies Taktsang Monastery: the Tiger’s Lair. A hike up to the monastery through shady forest acts as great acclimatisation for the trek.

AJele Dzong (3436m)

Another walk will assist acclimatisation for the trek and today we head up to Jele Dzong (3436m), an impressive fort surrounded by prayer flags. From here there are great views of the Paro valley as well as towards Chomolhari & beyond. 7 hours return.

Shana

The trek begins. A short drive brings us to the end of the road at Drukgyal Dzong (2580m). While the horsemen and staff are loading the horses we walk up to the ruins of Drukgyal Dzong. Built in 1647, the dzong (fortress/monastery) was destroyed by accidental fire. Its ruins were left as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Our trek to Shana follows the Pa Chu (Paro River) and passes cultivated fields, traditional Bhutanese farmhouses and tiny picturesque villages. The forests are alive with numerous birds and brightly coloured butterflies. We camp at Shana. 17 km, 5-6 hours, 350m ascent.

Thangthangka (3520m)

This morning the trail follows the river through a forested area with scattered Chomolhari from Thangthangka farm houses. We climb steadily through oak, rhododendron, bamboo & fern, passing a junction where a path leads north over the Tremo La to Tibet. In former days, traders returning this way from Tibet were taxed in salt at a bridge just beyond Shana but the border is now closed. Our camp is in a meadow at Thangthangka, 3520m. A long day, made more strenuous due to the altitude. 20 km, 7-8 hours, 770m ascent.

Jamgothang (4040m)

The trail slowly leaves the forest line and gradually climbs into a beautiful valley, passing Tegethang, a winter home of the yak herdsmen. Lots of yaks will be seen today before we arrive at Chomolhari’s base, Jangothang. Chomolhari (7315m) overlooks the camp and visible nearby are the ruins of an old dzong which used to guard Bhutan against Tibetan invasions. 19 km, 7 hours, 480m ascent.

Rest Day

A rest day - our bodies need to acclimatise and catch up with the height gain of the last two days. There are a number of good side trips from camp – you can walk easily up the valley towards Chomolhari, climb the ridge behind camp to a high pedestal, or walk to a beautiful high lake with very fine views of Chomolhari ‘Goddess of the Holy Mountain’ & Jitchu Drake (6989m). Alternatively, recline in your tent and enjoy superb views from there!

Campsite Near Lingshi (4090m)

Our route today crosses Nyile La (4890m), ‘Sleepy Pass’, a challenging climb still dominated by Chomolhari and Jitshu Drake but with views of Tserim Gang (6526m) to the north and Gancheta (‘Great Tiger Mountain’,6840m) to the east. In these high altitudes we hope to see bearded vultures and Himalayan griffon as well as blue sheep. From the pass we descend to reach our camp – the horses tend to travel faster than us so with any luck there will be a welcome brew ready at camp. 18km, 7-8 hours+, 840m ascent.

Waleythang (4160m)

Today we cross the Yale La (4820m). An early start is needed as it’s a long day with a lot of climbing. Our gentle trail along the Mo Chu River is initially dominated by Lingshi Dzong behind us, which recedes in the distance as we climb. After 3 hours we cross the river, then another 2 hours at a slow and steady pace should see us on the pass enjoying a splendid panorama including Chomolhari, Gancheta, Tserim Kang and many many others. In snow this crossing may be tougher for the horses than for us. A steady, never too steep descent leads past slopes where blue sheep graze and we follow the Thimpu Chu on a good track to Shodu. Now our route diverges from the river and the main trail and heads off to a camp at Waleythang (4160m.) 8 hours+. 940m ascent.

Gang-tsa (3800m)

We begin with a gentle but steady three hour climb following an old yak herders’ trail to reach Ledi La (4700m), our third pass. Dropping into the remote valley beyond, we look out for blue sheep and himalayan griffon as our horses carefully pick their way through steep ground to reach the valley floor. We follow the shoreline of a beautiful blue lake on a good trail which then threads its way beneath towering cliffs to reach our next camp by a yak herders’ shelter at Gang-tsa. A varied and satisfying day. 7-8 hours

Jigmelangtsho (3880m)

Following the valley downstream from our camp, we cross the Tango Chari Chu, thankfully on a new bridge, the old version being little more than a wobbly plank. The trail climbs across another forested ridge to drop into the next valley. A slow climb now leads through pine forest and over scree to the large sacred lake of Jigmelangtsho where we camp. (6-7 hours)

Labana (4200m)

A steady climb leads to Yusa La (4380m) and we drop down over rocky terrain then climb again to Dung Tsho La (4300m). We have now joined the Druk Path Trek - the traditional route between Paro and Thimpu. We camp a little further on, either by a sheltered lake or at Labana. 6-7 hours

Thimpu (2320m)

The final pass is Labana La at 4200m from which Gangar Punsum and the rest of the Bhutan Himalaya can be seen. From here we descend to Phajoding Monastery and Thimpu. Approx 5 -6 hours.

Sightseeing and back to Paro

Time to do some sightseeing in Thimpu - there are many interesting places to visit. We drive back to Paro in the late afternoon (2 hour drive).

Fly to Delhi.

Hope for final Himalayan views from the plane – try to get a seat with a mountain view. Overnight Delhi

Flight to UK

Depart Delhi back to the UK, or continue with your own arrangements.