What our guest are saying
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This is a strenuous and a very challenging trek crossing 11 passes, three which are over 5000 meters and requires strong physical and mental preparedness.
The trek begins from Paro (west) and ends in Bumthang (central). The trek leads you to the seldom visited region of Lunana, passing some of the last virgin peaks of the Himalayas offering you great variety of trekking conditions, from picturesque farmland and forest to alpine pastureland.
Bharal, or Blue Sheep, takin and Snow Leopards can be spotted on this trek. During the spring, summer and autumn, the alpine meadows are filled with countless varieties of flowers.
Starting out at Punakha, this unique and challenging itinerary spends three days climbing the steep gorge leading to Laya before crossing the mighty Karakachu La to enter Lunana proper. After spending seven days walking through this ‘paradise on earth’, the route crosses the Gophu La to explore the valleys south of Gangkar Puensum, which remains the highest unclimbed peak on earth. Seven long days trekking remain to reach the wide-open fertile valleys of Bumthang. Probably one of the most challenging treks in the Himalaya.
Day 1 Arrival Paro by Druk Air
On landing at Paro you will be met by our representative. After Customs and Immigrations formalities, you will be escorted to the hotel.
Day 2 Sightseeing at Paro
Drive the winding road northwest up the Pa-Chu to Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined Fortress which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasion. This Dzong was built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Nawang Namgyel, the spiritual leader of Bhutan. On a clear day one can view Mt. Jumolhari the sacred Mountain. On the way back we visit one of the Typical Bhutanese farm house. After lunch at the hotel, we drive to Ta-Dzong which was once the watch tower for Paro valley, now it houses the National Museum and then walk down hill pass the Paro Dzong and crossing the typical traditional roofed bridge to Paro town
Day 3 Paro – Sharna
Start of Trek Day 1: Distance 17 kms and walking time 5-6 hours.
Starting at Drukgyel (2580m) and camp near Sharna Zampa (2870m). There is a gradual climb following the Paro river through the agriculture valley and villages. We camp opposite to the Gunyitsawa Army check post in a meadow.
Day 4 Sharna – Thangthangka
Trek Day 2 : Distance 22 kms and walking distance 6-7 hours.
Starting at Sharna Zampa (2870m) and camp at Thangthangka (3630m). The trial is a gradual ascent with plenty of ups and downs through the conifer forest, ferns and Rhododendrons. On a clear day, you see a magnificent view of Mt. Jumolhari
Day 5 Thangthangka – Jangothang
Trek Day 3 : Distance 19 kms and walking distance 5-6 hours
Starting at Thangthangka (3630m) and camp at Jangothang (4090m).Todays trial passes an army post and the village of Soe and a small settlement at Takethang. Yak herders live here. We camp beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mt. Jumolhari.
Day 6 Jangothang – Halt
Trek Day 4: Acclimatisation Day.
You can spend the day relaxing or there are several day hikes to choose from. Two interesting hikes would be to get views of Mt.Jumolhari or Jichu Drake. If you are interested in a lake then you can take the hike to Tsophu. Overnight stay at the camp.
Day 7 Jangothang – Lingshi
Trek Day 5 : Distance 18 kms and walking time 5-6 hours.
Starting at Jangothang (4090m) and camp at Lingshi (4010m) Today you encounter your first major pass at 4890m ( Nyile-la ).You also get snow peak views of Tserim Kang (6789m) Camp near a stream in a meadow.
Day 8 Lingshi – Chebisa
Trek Day 6 : Distance 10 km and walking time 5-6 hours. Starting at Lingshi ( 4010m)
Trek day 6 is a pleasant walk and you encounter parts of Lingshi village and the settlement of Goyak. On reaching camp at Chebisa village you can visit the village houses.
Day 9 Chebisa – Shomuthang
Trek Day 7 : Distance 17 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Chebisa (3880m)
On this day we walk mostly through wild high pastures and yak pastures with few people and their herds of Yak. We also walk through the \’Gobula\’ pass at 4440m. Camp is above a tributary to the Mo Chu river.
Day 10 Shomuthang – Robluthang
Trek Day 8 : Distance 18 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Shomuthang (4220m) and camp at Robluthang ( 4160m)
On the early part of the trek you will see views of Mt. Kang Bum (6526m) and Mt. Gangchenta (6840m). We pass by Tsheri Jathang, a valley by the river side where herds of Takin are normally seen during the summer months.
Day 11 Robluthang – Limithang
Trek Day 9 : Distance 19 km and walking time 6-7 hours. Starting at Robluthang (4160m)
Trek day 9 is a bit tough as we have to cross Sinche la (5005m) the highest altitude point on the trek. The second half of day\’s walk is through rocky trails and moraines. Limithang is in the Laya district and here you begin to see the wonderful children in funny hats. Camp at Limithang is beneath Gangchhenta; – the Great Tiger Mountain. If you have time it would be worthwhile to spend a rest and exploration day here.
Day 12 Limithang – Laya
Trek Day 10 : Distance 10 km and walking time 4-5 hours.Starting at Limithang (4140m)
Today is all the way down hill along a winding river valley with quite a closed-in feeling. The trail splits, one going down with the river to the camp site used by the army while the other stays high and takes you into the west side of Laya village. We can camp on a flat table land above the east end of Laya village.
Day 13 Laya – (Halt)
Trek Day 11 : Visit Laya village houses or hike above the camp. A day halt is interesting here or just spending the day with the Layaps (nomads)
Day 14 Laya – Rodophu
Trek Day 12 : Distance 19km and walking time 6-7 hours.
Starting at Laya (4160m), the trek starts with a gradual downhill walk and after an hour or so you start to climb again till we reach the camp site through conifer, maple and Rhododendron forest.
Day 15 Rodophu – Narethang
Trek Day 13 : Distance 17km and walking time 5-6 hours
Starting at Rodophu we start the trek with the trail leading uphill through dwarf Rhododendron bushes and cross a pass called Tsomola at 4780m. We camp at Narethang which is on a small plateau beneath the 6395 m peak of Gangla Karchung.
Day 16 Narithang – Tarina
Trek Day 14 : Distance 18km and walking time 18km and walking time 5-6 hours.
Starting at Narethang we climb up to the Karchung la pass at 5120m and then down to glacial lakes which will also be our camping site.
Day 17 Tarina – Woche
Trek Day 15 : Distance 17km and walking time 5-6 hours
Starting at Tarina the day\’s walk leads through coniferous forest following the stream flowing from Tarina. It takes a two hour climb to reach the village of Woche. From here the Lunana area begins.
Day 18 Woche – Lhedi
Trek Day 16 : Distance 17 kms and walking time 5-6 hours
Starting at Woche, todays trail leads via the Kechela pass at 4580m to the village of Thega where you stop for lunch and continue the journey till you reach the village of Lhedi.
Day 19 Lhedi – Thanza
Trek Day 17 : Distance 17 km and walking time 5-6 hours
Starting at Lhedi we climb uphill following the main source of Pho-Chu river till you reach the Chozo village. Here we make a brief stop to explore the village and continue the journey to Thanza village placed below the snow capped peak of the Table Mountain locally known as Zonggophu Gang (7100m).
Day 20 Thanza halt
Trek Day 18 : Visit village houses and interact with the locals Raphstreng Tsho with a packed lunch (round trip of 4-5 hours).
Day 21 Thanza – Tshochena
Trek Day 19 : Distance 20 km and walking time 7-8 hours
We start early from Thanza to the base of Taze-la pass. Then trek to Jaze-la pass at 5050m and downhill until we reach the camp site.
Day 22 Tshochena – Jichu Dramo
Trek Day 20 : Distance 14 km and walking time 4-5 hours.
Today the trail raises and falls at regular intervals as we trek between the snow capped peaks and cross Loju-la pass at 4940m. We camp at Jichu Dramo
Day 23 Jichu Dramo – Chukarpo
Trek Day 21 : Distance 18 km and about 5-6 hours.
Starting from Jichu Dramo, we trek to Gang Rinchen-zoe la pass at 5140m and then its all the way down hill till you reach Chukarpo.
Day 24 Chukarpo – Thampe Tsho
Trek Day 22 : Distance 18 km and walking time 5-6 hours
Starting from Chukarpo its mostly downhill till Um Tsho (lake) 4230m. This is where a lot of religious treasures were discovered. The camp is is bit further at Thampe Tsho.
Day 25 Thampe Tsho – Maurothang
Trek Day 23 : Distance 14 km and walking time 5 hours.
Starting at Thampe Tsho, the day\’s trek starts with a couple of hours walk to the base of Tampela and then on to the Tampela pass at 4580m. From here the trek goes all the way down hill through Rhododendron bushes till you reach a yak pastures.
Day 26 Maurothang – Nikachu
Trek Day 24 End of Trek : Distance 18 km and walking time 5-6 hours
Today is your last day of trek. The trail passes through bamboo thickets and fields following the Nikachu river and ends at the village of Sephu at 2500m by the Nikachu bridge. From here you can either drive to Trongsa (2hours) and then continue sightseeing of Trongsa and Bumthang , this will extend your itinerary by 3 more days or drive from Nikachu towards Thimphu. Night halt at Wangdue Phodrang.
Day 27 Wangdue Phodrang – Thimphu
Morning rest or visit Chhimi Lhakhang in Punakha and sightseeing of Punakha town. Afternoon drive to Thimphu.
Day 28 Thimphu Sightseeing
After breakfast we visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the late King. We also visit the Handicraft Emporium/Chokey handicraft and the National Painting School. After lunch we shall visit Simtokha Dzong and explore Thimphu town. If the day falls on a Saturday or Sunday then visit the weekend market.
Day 29 Thimphu – Paro
Continue sightseeing of Thimphu and afternoon to Paro (2 hours).
Day 30 Farewells and departure.
With the exception of visitors from India, Bangladesh and Maldives, all other visitors travelling to Bhutan need a visa.
Indian, Bangladeshis and Maldivian nationals can obtain a permit at the port of entry on producing a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity (Indian nationals may also use their Voters Identity Card (VIC).
All other tourists must obtain a visa clearance prior the travel to Bhutan. Visas are processed through an online system by your licensed Bhutanese tour operator directly or through a foreign travel agent.
You are required to send the photo-page of your passport to your tour operator who will then apply for your visa. The visa will be processed by the Tourism Council of Bhutan (TCB) once the full payment of your holiday (including a USD $40 visa fee) has been wire transferred and received in the TCB bank account. Once received, the visa clearance will be processed within 72 working hours.
At your point of entry you will be required to show your visa clearance letter, the visa will then be stamped into your passport.
Online Regional Permit System
In order to streamline and facilitate smooth visitation by tourists from Bangladesh, India and Maldives, the Department of Immigration, Ministry of Home and Cultural Affairs and the Tourism Council of Bhutan have launched the Online Permit System. The system facilitates the online processing of permits for regional tourists through registered Bhutanese tour operators and TCB certified hotels. The facility is offered as an optional channel to process permits for visitors from the region and is applicable for entry from Paro and Phuntsholing. Visitors who use this facility will be able to obtain their permit clearances and route permits ahead of their arrival in Bhutan similar to international tourists.
What our guest are saying
In December 2011, my husband and I did a 3 trek in the Annapurna region of Nepal followed by 3 days at Chitwan National Park with Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd. (Kuman Gurung). We’re in our mid-sixties and began to question our decision when various friends and family members said that it’d be way too cold and difficult at that time of the year. Actually November and December are excellent months to trek in Nepal as it is normally dry and sunny. Kuman is an excellent choice as he did all the planning, gaining of licenses, arranging for lodging and planning of the length of our trekking days. We liked that he not only planned, but accompanied our group of 6, along with two other wonderful assistants (porter and guide). One needs to understand that Nepal is a third world country, and electricity and warm water become an issue all over the country. Our days were very warm---how I wished I’d brought a short sleeved shirt---and the nights are cold. We hadn’t anticipated that we’d spend much of our time climbing up or down----but Nepal translates to the Himalayas so that’s what you do. (much is rock steps which can be difficult for some) The vistas make stopping often to rest a treasure,----it is beautiful---so beautiful. You are remote and everything is packed into the area---your meals come mainly from the gardens and are delicious! Kuman is willing to tailor the trip’s destination and length to your ability and time frame. He provides one with a most memorable experience, and you come away with a true appreciation of the country and people. He also arranged our stays in Katmandu and 3 days in the Chitwan National Park. You begin and end your trek in Pokhara and we recommend the Temple Tree Resort and the Moon Dance restaurant as a great way to end your trek. Thank you Kuman for making our adventure in Nepal so perfect!Namaste to Kuman and Lokenra,
I write as the expedition leader of a team of 6 (3 Canadians and 3 Americans) who recently traveled for 1 month in Nepal and Bhutan using the guiding and coordinating services of Everest Trail Walker P. Ltd., in particular Kuman and Lokendra. This was the second expedition which these gentlemen looked after us, the first being in 2010, another month long expedition which featured trekking through the Everest region, a jungle adventure in Chitwan and an extended whitewater rafting trip on the reverred Sun Kosiriver. Our October- November2013 trip featured trekking the Annapurna region, trekking for a week in Bhutan and whitewater rafting 2 rivers - the Kali Gandaki and the BhotoKosi rivers.
Needless to say, the care and expert attention provided by Kuman and Lokendra was exceptional. Every aspect of our trip was handled flawlessly and with good humor and insight of the Nepalese culture and traditions. Over the last 15 years, I have lead many trekking and rafting expeditions around the world and without any qualification I give the highest marks to both Kuman and Lokendra. Not only did we get full value for our money, but it was done with genuine TLC by both these wonderful gentlemen. Even when things went off track ( which in the 3rd world - in truly remote environments - can happen in technicolor - in this case a National Strike of workers) alternate arrangements were undertaken with ease and care - maintaining our schedule and achieving our expedition objectives.
I obviously think highly of Kuman and Lokendra and strongly recommend Happy Holidays as 'the go to' trekking/expedition/rafting company in Nepal.
In this regard, if you require further amplification of my comments I would be pleased to endorse this recommendation via email or telephone. Clearly, if Nepal offers a Tourism Award for best guides/guiding companies, Happy Holidays would be a first prize winner!Dear Kuman,
Happy New Year and Namaste. It has been more than a month since the Team Tim returned home from the experience of a lifetime—organized by you and your company. It was such an amazing trip with so many different aspects to it. We started our adventure in Nepal where you and I first met, then quickly off to Bhutan, and eventually back to Nepal and home. The trip you organized for us contained so many different elements--- hiking, rafting and learning about the cultural aspects of the two countries. It was an organizational nightmare, but everything ran so smoothly under your direction. Tim, Viv and I commented about how smooth the transition was between each activity and country. It really was one of our best adventures.
I was so impressed with the way in which the guides took such very good care of us. They were all so happy to teach us about Buddhism, their country and their politics. I thought it very special how you joined us on the trekking part of the trip. You also went that extra mile when we rafted in Nepal. You followed our route and met us at each stop along the way to feed us, take pictures, carry our “stuff”, or whatever else our team of 6 needed. We all became family ----Lakendra, you, and the 3 Canadian and 3 American travellers.
I know that you and Tim had thousands of emails between you as you planned this extensive trip. Tim you knew from his last trip. He was thrilled that you had opened your own office and that he was able to have you and Lakenda organize and guide the trip respectively.
I would be privileged to serve as a reference for you if a potential client requests it. You receive a five start rating from me.
Thanks again,