Chilela Nature Trek - 12 Days - Mountain Highest Peaks Hiking and Trekking Adventures

The Chilela Nature Trek is a lesser-known but equally captivating trekking route in Bhutan, which provides a unique experience for those seeking a blend of natural beauty and cultural exploration.

This trek offers the opportunity to explore Bhutan’s serene wilderness and immerse yourself in the local way of life.

The Chilela Nature Trek is located in the Haa Valley, in the western part of Bhutan, not far from the popular Paro Valley. The trek usually starts and ends in Paro, making it accessible for travelers arriving at Bhutan’s international airport.

Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival at Paro International Airport

As you journey to Paro, be prepared for breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga, and other renowned Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, our tour operator representatives will warmly welcome you and escort you to your pre-arranged hotel for the night.

Day 02: Paro - Sightseeing / Thimphu

Explore the National Museum (Ta-Dzong), originally the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong’s watchtower, now converted into the National Museum since 1968.

Visit the Rinchen Pong Dzong, a massive fortress built in 1645 AD atop a hill overlooking the Paro valley, currently housing the District Administration office and the District Monk Body.
Enjoy lunch at the hotel.
Venture to Drugyal Dzong, located 15km from Paro, built in 1650 AD to commemorate a significant victory over the Tibetan army. It’s currently under renovation.
On your way back, make a stop at Kyichu Monastery, constructed in 659 AD by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet, marking a crucial site in Bhutan’s Buddhist history.
Evening: Experience a warm reception with local musicians.

Day 03: Paro – Chonana Trek

Embark on the Chonana Trek, starting 1.5km from Paro town at Olathang.
The trail offers a gradual climb through pine forests, passing picturesque Bhutanese farmhouses and providing excellent views of the Paro valley.
Overnight in a camp at an altitude of 3500m. Trek covers 14 km in 4-5 hours.

Day 04: Chonana - Jebkarpo

Trek uphill most of the day, with numerous resting points, leading to the Chilila pass at an altitude of 3700m.
Enjoy the diverse flora, including primula and rhododendron, as you traverse through forests.
After crossing the pass, follow the ridge of Chilila for clear views of the Himalayan mountain ranges.
Overnight in a camp at an altitude of 3500m. Trek covers 16 km in 5-6 hours.

Day 05: Jebkarpo - Lower Mingula

Begin your day with breathtaking early morning views of Mount Chomolhari, Tserim Gang, and Jichu Drake.
Follow the ridge above the Ha valley, with opportunities to spot yaks along the way.
Overnight in a camp at an altitude of 3850m. Trek covers 15km in 5-6 hours.

Day 06: Lower Mingula - Thong

Continue to enjoy spectacular mountain and valley views.
Encounter numerous yaks on this route.
Overnight in a camp at an altitude of 3950m. Trek covers 16 km in 5-6 hours.

Day 07: Thong - Thimphu

Descend to Paro valley to conclude the trek at Drugyal Dzong.
Drive to Thimphu, the capital city, which is 65 km from Paro and takes approximately 2 hours.
Overnight in a hotel.

Day 08: Thimphu Sightseeing

Explore Thimphu with a full day of sightseeing.
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the Handicrafts Emporium, the Painting and Wood Craft School, the Memorial Chorten, and the National Library.
Additionally, explore Simtokha Dzong, the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, located 6 km from Thimphu, which houses the largest monastic school in the country.
Overnight in a hotel.

Day 09: Thimphu - Punakha/Wangdiphodrang

Embark on a full-day excursion to Punakha, the former capital of Bhutan (77km), and Wangdi Phodrang (16km from Punakha).
Explore the Dzongs in both places and other interesting sites.
Enjoy lunch in Punakha or Wangdi Phodrang before returning to Thimphu.
Evening: Relax at Thimphu’s modern health club and beauty parlor, “Sakten Health Club and Salon.”

Day 10: Thimphu - Paro

In the morning, take a leisurely walk in Thimphu town for shopping and visit the Post Office for philatelic purchases.
If time permits, drive up to Dechencholing to see the Palace of the Queen Mother and enjoy a down-valley view of the Thimphu valley and Tashichho Dzong.
Lunch at the hotel.
After lunch, drive to Paro (65km), a 2-hour journey.
Overnight in a hotel.

Day 11: Paro - Sightseeing

Drive to Satsam Chorten, 10km from Paro town, and hike up to Taktsang Monastery, also known as the “Tiger’s Nest,” perched on a rocky ledge with breathtaking views.
Picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. The roundtrip hike takes about 4 hours.

Day 12: Departure from Paro

Enjoy an early breakfast at the hotel, then drive to Paro International Airport to catch your onward flight. We will assist you until your departure from Paro.

Cost Includes

Eleven nights of accommodation in quality twin-sharing hotels in Bhutan. The lodging meets local Bhutanese standards, and we choose quality properties.
Full-board meal plan, providing three meals a day.
Comprehensive ground transportation, covering arrival and departure.
The presence of an English-speaking local tour guide who will accompany you throughout the trip.
Payment of royalty and government taxes.
Provision of riding ponies and pack animals during treks.
Entrance fees to the temples and monasteries included in the itinerary.

Cost does not Include

Visa fees: US$20 per person and Bhutan Tourism Development Fee (TDF) US$10 per person, both payable directly upon arrival at Paro Airport Immigration.
International airfares.
Personal travel and medical insurance.
Expenses related to alcoholic and soft beverages, telephone usage, laundry services, and tips.
Festival surcharge of US$30 per night per person, determined by the number of nights spent at the festival.
Charges incurred due to delays caused by circumstances beyond our control, such as adverse weather, natural disasters, civil unrest, and emergency rescue expenses.

Chilela Nature Trek – 12 Days