Tour Dates
From £ 4500
Fri 03 Oct, 25 – Sun 19 Oct, 25
Fri 24 Oct, 25 – Sun 09 Nov, 25
The Naro Six Pass Trek entails a challenging route that enters the high Himalaya and has a close encounter with Chomolhari (7315m). We camp under its imposing slopes before crossing six high passes on a new and rarely travelled route ending at Thimpu. The two highest passes are Yale La (4950m) and Nyile La (4870m) with the remaining four passes ranging between 4200m and 4700m.
From the moment of arrival in Paro it is clear that Bhutan is different to anywhere else – local people resplendent in national dress welcome us outside an airport building with intricately carved woodwork in the traditional style. We acclimatise in Paro with two different day walks including the hike up to Takstang (Tiger’s nest) Monastery, perched on a cliff and a good warm up. The trek begins and we pass colourful farmhouses and spend two nights beneath Chomolhari’s east face with time for a high foray.
Now better acclimatised, we head south across Nyile La and Yale La. From here our route takes an interesting diversion to link up after three days with the Druk Path Trek. The new route stays high and crosses another four passes. It was pioneered in October 2009 by a High Places group after bridges had been washed away on the traditional route. The Naro Six Pass Trek is set to become a classic.
With the crossing of six high passes and consecutive longish days, the Naro Trek is fairly demanding and is at the upper end of the ‘Steady Plus’ trip grade. It will seem more like ‘Tough’ if you don’t start the trek with a good level of fitness or if you have bad weather. Good outdoor equipment that is effective in all weathers is essential.An extra acclimatisation walk from Paro at the start of the trip is a feature of the care taken with our acclimatising schedule.
what clients say…
“…. A great trip, Bhutan is a wonderful place, and the new route of the trek must have been far more interesting and exciting than the original. We went over 6 passes in 5 days and got some wonderful views that we would otherwise not have seen.”
Bob Haskins, Bhutan
Route Map
Trips Date | Trip Status Trip Status | Price (PP) Excluding Flights | Price (PP) Incl. Flights starts from | |
---|---|---|---|---|
Fri 03 Oct, 25 - Sun 19 Oct, 25 | Available | £ 4500 | £ 5700 | |
Fri 24 Oct, 25 - Sun 09 Nov, 25 | Available | £ 4500 | £ 5700 |
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.
What is included in the price?
- Meals (All meals in Bhutan. Delhi Hotel B - Breakfast)
- Guide (English speaking local Leader)
- Transfers (All transfers and Sightseeing as per the itinerary)
- Domestic Flights (Delhi- Paro return flights)
What is not included in the price?
- Indian Visa Charges
- Insurances
- Tips for the local staff