Chele La Nature Trek

Enpalegso la (Well-come to Bhutan)

We are delighted to welcome you to Bhutan. Because our country is small and isolated from the rest of the world, there are numerous interesting things and locations to discover. The beautiful Himalayan range surrounds the valley, making it no surprise that people love our intriguing country. We breathe in the freshest air from our virgin evergreen forests and the natural streams of our rivers. Bhutanese homes and structures are often gorgeous, with distinctive paintings and design elements. Each painting on the walls, windows, and doors communicates significant lessons to be learned.

Bhutanese people are generally polite and welcoming. We live in harmony, each face flashing a warm, wide smile, always ready to serve in the ways we know best. We are affable and make friends easily. Locals are often seen munching on Doma pan (betel nuts and green leaves mixed with lime) and smiling brightly, their scarlet teeth sparkling.

We are grateful that you have chosen us. We have prepared the best for you, including a knowledgeable guide, a skilled driver, and lovely spots to explore. We guarantee that you will fully enjoy traveling across Bhutan, feeling the excitement of visiting our amazing country while remaining safe with us.

Received by Guide and Driver at Paro Airport

Two people greet you in traditional Bhutanese attire, each wearing a white scarf. The first person is your main guide, providing you with essential information about Bhutan. They will accompany you on planned travels, as they hold a language and experience competency certificate. The second person is our driver, Ata. He understands the proper speed of vehicle movements and is completely focused on the vehicle's cleanliness and safety. These two will guide you on your earthly paradise journey.

Bhutan Well-come tea and snacks

Serving tea and snacks is one of our best Bhutanese cultural traditions for starting any program. Regardless of whether we visit on an official or casual basis, the host greets us pleasantly and treats us with tea and pastries. Simrik Real Nepal Treks & Expedition (P.) Ltd. serves local beaten corn and roasted rice, paired with traditional salted butter tea, making you feel warmly welcomed.

Drive up to Satsam Chorten, located 10 kilometers from Paro town, and then trek up to Taktsang Monastery. Taktsang, meaning "Tiger's Nest," is one of the most revered pilgrimage sites in the Himalayan region. Guru Padmasambhava, who is said to have landed on the back of a tigress in the second part of the eighth century, meditated here. The Taktsang café serves a hot lunch. The round-trip climb takes approximately 5 hours.

From Paro, drive 1.5 kilometers to Olathang and begin the trek. The distance from Paro to Chonana is 14 kilometers. The walk begins in Olathang, 1.5 kilometers outside Paro town. The majority of the day's trek is a moderate ascent through pine forests. Along the way, you will see some lovely farmhouses. The view of the Paro valley from the path is spectacular.

A good trekking route. The majority of the day is spent climbing uphill, with several rest stops on the approach to the Chilila Pass, which rises at 3,700 meters. The path leads through a forest teeming with primula, rhododendron, and other plant and tree species. After crossing the pass, the trail follows the Chilila Ridge, offering a clear view of the Himalayas.

Today is a day to wake up early. The early morning views from the campsite of Mount Chomolhari (Divine Mountain of the Goddess), Tserim Gang (Glacier of Long Life), and the renowned mountain Jitchu Drake are truly magnificent. The trail follows the ridge over the Haa Valley.

A full day of touring in Thimphu includes visits to several key sites. The Tashichho Dzong, which serves as the seat of the Royal Government as well as the Monk Body and Chief Abbot's summer residence, is seen. You visit the Handicrafts Emporium, which showcases and sells Bhutanese textiles and other artwork. You also visit the Painting and Woodcraft School, which preserves traditional art and painting skills. The Memorial Chorten, a large stupa built in memory of Bhutan's Third King, who ruled from 1952 to 1972, is explored. The National Library, where old records are stored, is another stop. Finally, you visit Simtokha Dzong, located 6 km from Thimphu, Bhutan's oldest Dzong, which was built in 1629 A.D. It once housed Bhutan's largest monastic school.

A full-day excursion to Bhutan's former capital, Punakha (77 miles), and Wangdi Phodrang (16 kilometers away) includes visits to the Dzongs at both sites, along with other notable sights. You have lunch in Punakha, then return to Thimphu.

Morning: Take a stroll in Thimphu to do some shopping. Visit the post office to buy philatelic items, and if you have time, drive up to Dechenchholing to see the Queen Mother's Palace and the down-valley view of Thimphu Valley and Tashichho Dzong. You have lunch at the hotel. After lunch, you drive to Paro (65 kilometers from Thimphu), which takes around two hours.