Transportation

SUV
Accomodation

3-5 Stars Hotels
Maximum Altitude

5,416 metres
Departure from

Paro
Best season

Feb, Mar, Apr & May
Tour type

Eco-Tour, Hiking
Meals

Breakfast and Dinner
Fitness level

Easy to Moderate

Overview

Embark on a captivating 14-day journey through the heart of Bhutan, starting with a warm welcome in Paro. Enjoy a scenic drive to Thimphu, where you’ll visit iconic sites like the National Memorial Chorten, Tashichho Dzong, and the towering Buddha Dordenma. Dive deep into Bhutanese culture at the Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute for Zorig Chusum.

As you continue to Punakha via the breathtaking Dochula Pass, explore the stunning Punakha Dzong and traverse Bhutan’s longest suspension bridge. Experience the serenity of Gangtey Monastery and the Phobjikha Valley before journeying through picturesque landscapes to Bumthang, where sacred sites like Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang, and Mebar Tsho await.

Travel through central Bhutan to Wangdue and then head to the secluded Haa Valley, visiting the revered White and Black Temples. A scenic drive over the Chele La Pass takes you to Paro, home to the iconic Tiger’s Nest Monastery, Rinpung Dzong, and the National Museum.

Throughout your journey, you’ll have ample time for leisure, with peaceful evenings in charming towns like Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Haa, and Paro. Conclude your adventure with a fond farewell at Paro International Airport, with memories of Bhutan’s timeless beauty and vibrant culture.

Highlights

Warm Welcome in Bhutan
Scenic Drive from Paro to Thimphu
National Memorial Chorten & Tashichho Dzong in Thimphu
Buddha Dordenma & Folk Heritage Museum
Institute for Zorig Chusum & Handicrafts Market
Scenic Drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass
Punakha Dzong & Longest Suspension Bridge
Visit to Chimi Lhakhang (Fertility Temple)
Gangtey Monastery & Phobjikha Valley Excursion
Drive through Scenic Valleys to Bumthang
Jakar Dzong, Kurje Lhakhang & Tamshing Lhakhang in Bumthang
Visit Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake) & Ogyen Choling Palace Museum
Scenic Drive to Wangdue via Trongsa Dzong
Wangdue Phodrang Dzong & Drive to Haa Valley
Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo (White & Black Temples)
Scenic Drive to Paro via Chele La Pass
Explore Drukgyel Dzong & Kyichu Lhakhang
Hike to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger’s Nest)
Paro Ta Dzong (National Museum) & Rinpung Dzong
Leisure Evenings in Thimphu, Punakha, Bumthang, Haa, and Paro
Departure from Paro International Airport

Day 1 :

Arrival in Paro – Transfer to Thimphu

▪️Arrival at Paro International Airport: Warm welcome by your guide at the airport.

▪️Drive to Thimphu (1.5-hour drive, 55 km): Enjoy scenic views of the Paro River and mountains along the way.

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Settle in and freshen up.

▪️National Memorial Chorten: Visit this beautiful stupa built in memory of the third King, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. It’s a place of worship for locals.

▪️Tashichho Dzong: Explore the impressive fortress that houses the throne room and offices of the King and the Central Monastic Body.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Stroll through Thimphu's main street, browse local shops, or enjoy a coffee at a café.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 2 :

Thimphu Sightseeing

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty Bhutanese or continental breakfast.

▪️Buddha Dordenma: Visit the giant Buddha statue that overlooks the Thimphu Valley, offering panoramic views.

▪️Folk Heritage Museum: Learn about Bhutanese rural life through exhibits and displays.

▪️National Institute for Zorig Chusum: Witness students learning traditional Bhutanese arts and crafts like painting, sculpture, and wood carving.

▪️Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Enjoy authentic Bhutanese cuisine.

▪️Handicrafts Market: Browse through an array of traditional crafts and textiles, perfect for souvenirs.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 3 :

Thimphu to Punakha

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a nourishing breakfast before your journey.

▪️Drive to Punakha (3 hours, 77 km): Drive through Dochula Pass (3,100m) with panoramic views of the Himalayas.

▪️Dochula Pass: Stop to admire the 108 chortens (stupas) and take in the stunning views.

▪️Punakha Dzong: Visit the “Palace of Great Happiness,” one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses.

▪️Longest suspension bridge: Visit the longest suspension bridge of Bhutan and experience the beautiful view

▪️Chimi Lhakhang: Visit the fertility temple dedicated to Drukpa Kunley, the "Divine Madman."

▪️Evening at Leisure: Relax by the riverside or explore Punakha town.

▪️Overnight in Punakha.

Day 4 :

Punakha to Gangtey

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a hearty breakfast.

▪️Drive to Gangtey (2.5-3 hours, 78 km): Travel through beautiful landscapes and serene valleys.

▪️Gangtey Monastery: Visit the only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan.

▪️Phobjikha Valley: Explore the valley, famous for its black-necked cranes (seasonal).

▪️Nature Hike: Enjoy a leisurely hike through the valley, experiencing its tranquility.

▪️Overnight in Gangtey.

Day 5 :

Gangtey to Bumthang

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Prepare for a long day of travel with a substantial breakfast.

▪️Drive to Bumthang (6-7 hours, 188 km): Journey through picturesque valleys and mountain passes.

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Rest and rejuvenate after the long drive.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Explore local shops and experience the unique culture of Bumthang.

▪️Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 6 :

Bumthang Sightseeing

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a hearty breakfast.

▪️Jakar Dzong: Visit the "Castle of the White Bird" with stunning views of the valley.

▪️Kurje Lhakhang: Explore this sacred monastery where Guru Rinpoche meditated.

▪️Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Savor local delicacies.

▪️Tamshing Lhakhang: Visit this ancient temple known for its beautiful wall paintings.

▪️Swiss Farm Visit: Explore the Swiss Farm, known for its cheese and beer production.

▪️Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 7 :

Bumthang Exploration

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a nutritious breakfast.

▪️Mebar Tsho (Burning Lake): Visit this sacred site and learn about its significance in Bhutanese history.

▪️Ogyen Choling Palace Museum: Explore this museum and delve into Bhutan's cultural heritage.

▪️Lunch at a Local Restaurant: Experience the local cuisine.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Spend the evening at your own pace, exploring Bumthang or relaxing.

▪️Overnight in Bumthang.

Day 8 :

Bumthang to Wangdue via Trongsa

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Fuel up for the journey ahead.

▪️Trongsa Dzong: Visit Trongsa Dzong, explore its magnificent structure built over a spur

▪️Drive to Wangdue (6-7 hours, 197 km): Pass through scenic landscapes on your way back to central Bhutan.

▪️Check-in at Hotel: Unwind after the long drive with a late lunch.

▪️Wangdue Phodrang Dzong: Visit the historic fortress and learn about its significance.

▪️Overnight in Wangdue.

Day 9 :

Wangdue to Haa

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Begin your day with a hearty meal.

▪️Drive to Haa Valley (4-5 hours, 104 km): Travel through beautiful mountain scenery.

▪️Lhakhang Karpo & Lhakhang Nagpo: Visit the White and Black Temples, steeped in legend.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Explore the quaint town of Haa or relax at your hotel.

▪️Overnight in Haa.

Day 10 :

Haa to Paro

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a satisfying breakfast.

▪️Drive to Paro (3 hours, 65 km): Stop at Chele La Pass, the highest motorable point in Bhutan (3,988m).

▪️Chele La Pass: Take in the stunning views and, if lucky, spot the rare blue poppy (seasonal).

▪️Drukgyel Dzong: Explore the ruins of this ancient fortress.

▪️Kyichu Lhakhang: Visit one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred temples.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Enjoy free time in Paro town.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 11 :

Paro – Hike to Tiger’s Nest

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Enjoy a full breakfast before your hike.

▪️Tiger’s Nest Monastery (Paro Taktsang): Embark on a hike to the iconic cliffside monastery.

▪️Lunch at Taktsang Cafeteria: Enjoy lunch with views of the Tiger’s Nest.

▪️Afternoon: Return to Paro and relax after the hike.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Explore Paro town at your own pace.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 12 :

Paro to Thimphu

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Start your day with a good breakfast.

▪️Drive to Thimphu (1.5 hours, 55 km): Enjoy a leisurely drive back to Thimphu.

▪️Takin Preserve Center: Visit the home of our National Animal

▪️Afternoon: Free time for last-minute shopping or personal exploration in Thimphu.

▪️Evening at Leisure: Enjoy a farewell dinner at a local restaurant.

▪️Overnight in Thimphu.

Day 13 :

Thimphu to Paro

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Begin your day with a hearty breakfast.

▪️Drive back to Paro (1.5 hours, 55 km): Return to Paro for your last full day in Bhutan.

▪️Afternoon: Free time in Paro for relaxation or any last-minute activities.

▪️Paro Tadzong: visit the national museum of Bhutan

▪️Evening at Leisure: Enjoy your final evening in Bhutan.

▪️Overnight in Paro.

Day 14 :

Departure from Paro

▪️Breakfast at Hotel: Have a final breakfast before departure.

▪️Transfer to Paro International Airport: Farewell and safe journey.

FAQs

Expand all

How fit do I need to be to do this trek?

Annapurna Base Camp is a Grade B or a moderately difficult trekking route. So any fit person can do this trek, even if you do not have any previous experience. You should be aware of what to expect and mentally prepare for it. Then, as long as you will too, you can.

How long do we walk every day when doing Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

On average, you walk about 4 to 6 hours per day. One or two days can be as less as 3hrs and one or two days can be as long as 7hrs.

What is the highest altitude reached in this trek?

The highest altitude reached is 4190m. This is the elevation of Annapurna Base Camp. ABC is the highest we will climb in this trek.

What about battery charging and hot shower facilities?

Yes, you can charge batteries en route. Charger should be brought. There are hot shower facilities as well. You may have to pay a certain amount for both ($1-$2). Negotiate. Also, a hot water facility could be free at a lower elevation.

Are there ATMs on the way to Annapurna Base Camp?

No. There are no ATMs on this trek route. You will have to draw enough cash in Pokhara or Kathmandu. There are a number of ATMs in these cities. Everything is paid in Nepali rupees. So money should be exchanged before the start of the trek.

What about internet access?

Yes. The Internet can be accessed in most places. Sometimes, there might be some technical problems. The Internet in Nepal is not as fast as you are used to and at times you can just lose connection.

Is it necessary to hire Guides/trekking agency for Annapurna Base Camp trekking?

Not really. It depends on you. If you want, ABC trekking can be done independently. You could hire a guide and a porter by yourself instead of going through an agency or not hire a guide at all. Although, not having a guide can be a little problematic during the offseason.

It really depends on you. Is it your first time in Nepal? How confident are you of being able to find your way around? How pressed on time are you? If you go through an agency, it will be costlier but everything will be planned. You will only have to come, trek and return.

How much do guides and porters cost?

For the Annapurna region, pay for guides range from $20 to $30 per day and porters take $15 to $25 per day.