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14 Days Masagang Trek Tour
Paro - Punakha (2N) - Thongchudrak (1N) - Laya (2N) - Kullu Khar (1N) - Nulithang (2N) - Takse Markar (1N) - Gasa (1N) - Punakha (1N) - Paro (2N)
The Masagang Trek is a moderately difficult one that follows the ancient trade route largely without any footprint of visitors other than Yak herders and a few locals. The trek starts from Gasa hot spring and return to the origin following the same trail, forming a loop trail. Not only will you see breathtaking and pristine nature scenery, like grand view of Masagang and other peaks, but also you will explore the distinct social and cultural character of locals. After the trek, the tour will bring you back to Paro via Punakha. Visit the famous cultural and religious landmarks like Paro Rinpung Dzong, Chhimi Lhakhang as well as the holiest temple of Tiger’s Nest, before this wonderful journey ends.
- September to December and March to May
- Trekking and Hiking, Cultural Sightseeing
- Private Tour for One and More
Highlights
- Experience the remarkable trek to the pristine and unspoiled area of Bhutan.
- Experience the remarkable trek to the pristine and unspoiled area of Bhutan.
- Trek to visit of remote highland villages of Laya and Lungo.
- Enjoy soaking and relaxing in the medicinal Gasa hot spring.
- Visit famous Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang.
- Tour the landmarks in Punakha, including Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang.
- Hike to the holiest temple of the country, Taksang Lhakhang (Tiger’s Nest).
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Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro; Drive to Punakha
Highlight: Meet your local guide and get prepared for the wonderful trip.
Upon your arrival in Paro by Druk Air, Bhutan’s national carrier, you will be picked up by your tour guide at the airport and then escorted to the hotel. After a short rest, you will drive straight to Punakha which is about 125km and can be easily negotiable within 3 hours. On the way, you will see the great view of the amazing Himalayan ranges. You can also stop at Dochula Pass to take impressive photos.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Punakha Dzong
Meals Included
- Lunch and Dinner
Please feel free to tell us any of your food requirement.
Day 2: Punakha Hike
Highlight: Take short hikes in terraced paddies fields of Punakha valley.
Today you will spend full day in Punakha valley, taking in the multiple short hikes to get used to trekking. You can hike to the historical Chorten Ningpo Shedra, which is located on the hilltop at the northern end of Punakha. The trek is mostly through rich farm and farmhouse dotted throughout the landscape. Your next stop is the Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten, which was consecrated in 1999 after a mammoth eight-year construction period.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Khamsum Yueley Namgyel Chorten
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Punakha-Gasa-Thongchudrak (Trek Starts)
(Trek distance: 8km; Time: 4 hours; Altitude: 3298m to 3400m; Ascent: 120m)
Early in the morning drive to Gasa, which takes around 3 hours. From Gasa you then drive to Koina or Chamsa along the new road cutting. Upon arrival, meet with your trekking crew and after a quick hand over of your luggage you then begin your trek. The first day trek is only for 3-4 hours and your campsite is located near the riverbank at 3400m.
Camping at Thongchudrak.
Gasa Dzong
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Thongchudrak to Laya
(Trek distance: 12km; Time: 5 hours; Altitude: 3400m to 3800m; Ascent: 400m)
Following the Mo Chhu river upstream, the trail gradually ascends. After 3 hour you will reach the military checkpoint at Taktse Maka. From this checkpoint the topography gradually changes. You leave Mo chhu River basin to climb the Laya plateau with flourishing alpine vegetation.
Camping at Laya.
Masagang Trek
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Laya Halt
Highlight: Acclimatize in the camp or explore the Laya village and surroundings.
Today it is the time to relax and rest after a long walk. You can spend time in camp, acclimatizing and drinking. You will also have an optional program going out exploring the Laya village. Laya has distinct social landscape and economy predominantly cattle rearing and herding. Laya village consist of handful of households with a school, monastery and beautiful natural landscape. Get insights into the daily life of locals, visit village monastery and school if open.
Camping at Laya.
Camping at Laya
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 6: Laya to Kullu Khar via Lungo village
(Trek distance: 13km; Time: 6-7 hours; Altitude: 3800m to 3850m; Ascent: 100m)
Your trial initially follows an uphill climb until you enter the meadow. From here you gradually descend to a small river with a view of Lungo village. Cross the Zamdochhu River and climb for 2 hours to reach Lungo Village. This village offers a stunning view of the surrounding landscape. From here you continue on a flat trail parallel to Zamdochhu River upstream. Along the course of the trail you will enjoy the magnificent view of Mt. Tsendagang on the right and Mt. Masagang on the left.
Camping at Kullu Khar.
Camping at Kullu Khar
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 7: Kullu Khar to Nulithang
(Trek distance: 7km; Time: 3 hours; Altitude: 3850m to 4050m; Ascent: 200m)
It is a relatively short trek for today. Travel further in the valley to reach the foot of Mt. Masagang. Then trek through the dry meadow, which serves as the winter grazing ground for yaks of Laya. Crossing the Nungchitangchhu River you then walk a bit longer along the side of the river with views of yak herder’s camp and then finally reach your campsite at Nulithang opposite to Masagang.
Camping at Nulithang.
Camping at Nulithang
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Day excursion around Nulithang
Highlight: Enjoy breathtaking mountain views during day excursions.
Today you will have optional day excursions and in all cases you will be walking amidst breathtaking mountain vista. First, climb to Chethola (5010m) to take in the uninterrupted view of Mt. Masagaing towering so close to you. Then you can follow the Masagang trail from Somji to a ridge for 2 hours to a yak herder’s camp. From here you will have impressive view of Mt. Masagang, Mt. Khangbum, Mt. Tsendagang and other snowcapped peaks.
Camping at Nulithang.
Breathtaking Mountain views
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Nulithang to Takse Markar
(Trek distance: 14km; Time: 6 hours; Altitude: 4050m to 3480m; Descent: 500m)
Today’s trail is relatively easy with no any noticeable switch backs. Before leaving, you may visit beautiful alpine dale for last time. Perhaps, taking an hour walk in vicinity. After, descend leaving behind the great stunning Himalayan mountain descending to Takse marka. You can see the trail where it leads to lungo village to the right side. Camping in beautiful Takse Markar which lies at shadow side of mountain.
Camping at Takse Markar.
Camping at Takse Markar
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 10: Takse Markar to Gasa Hot Spring (Trek Ends)
(Trek distance: 17km; Time: 8 hours; Altitude: 3480m to 2340m; Descent: 1140m)
It is a long walk to cover today, so we recommend you making an early start. The trail is bit muddy as you follow the path to Koina. You will meet up with your vehicle at Koina and drive to Gasa and then to Gasa hot Spring. Enjoy soaking and relaxing in the medicinal Gasa hot spring.
Stay overnight in Gasa.
Gasa hot Spring
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 11: Gasa to Punakha
Highlight: Travel to Punakha and visit the famous Punakha Dzong and Chhimi Lhakhang there.
After say goodbye to our trekking staff and horsemen in the morning, we will set off on the way to Punakha. Upon arrival, you will first visit the celebrated Punakha Dzong, the second largest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1657 at the confluence of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu Rivers. It is also the winter headquarters of the Je Khenpo and hundreds of monks who move together to this warm location from Thimphu.
Later, you will also visit the Chhimi Lhakhang, also known as Devine Madman’s Monastery. Located near Lobesa, it stands on a round hillock and was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel.
Stay overnight in Punakha.
Chimi Lhakhang
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 12: Punakha to Paro
Highlight: Visit Paro’s landmarks including Paro Rinpung Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang
After a tasty breakfast in the morning, you will move back to Paro from Punakha. On the way, you will see the great view of the amazing Himalayan ranges. You can also stop at Dochula Pass to take impressive photos.
While in Paro, you will go to explore the famous Paro Rinpung Dzong. It is a large Dzong, Buddhist monastery and fortress built in 17th Century to protect Paro valley. Rinpung Dzong houses the district Monastic Body and government administrative offices of Paro Dzongkhag.
Then you will head to visit the Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of 108 temples constructed by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo. Built in a manner similar to the Jokhang in Lhasa, Tibet, the temple has the great golden image of Buddha Shakyamuni.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Paro Rinpung Dzong
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 13: Taktsang Monastery Hike in Paro
In the morning after breakfast, you will start your hike to Taktsang Monastery (also known as Tiger’s Nest Monastery). You will spend 5 to 6 hours for the hike.
Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley, Taktsang Monastery is one of the most famous monasteries in Bhutan. The principal monastery of the present monastic complex dates from 1692. Taktsang was damaged severely by fire in 1998 but has now been fully restored to its former glory.
After exploring the monastery, you will begin your return tour to Paro. In the afternoon, you will visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples built by the Tibetan King Songsten Gampo in the 7th century.
Insider tips: Travelers cannot take pictures in the monastery, but you can take a nice shot on your road to Taktsang Monastery. And you have to deposit all belongings, like cameras, phone, other electronic equipment, etc. at the entrance.
Stay overnight in Paro.
Trek to Taktshang Monastery
Meals Included
- Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Tour Price
Add-on Activities
The general travel itineraries in Bhutan are usually leisure and relaxing. To make the most your time in Bhutan, you can choose to have more activities as you like, such as light hiking around the town or a featured culture experience.
Here we offer you the most popular travel ideas that most of our travelers choose to experience as an add-on activity during their trips in Bhutan. For more available activities or anything you want to add on to your trip in Bhutan, just feel free to contact us.
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Bhutan Hot Stone Bath
The popular Hot Stone Bath, a traditional healing process in Bhutan, is a great experience for you to relax and refresh yourself after one-day hiking or trekking. Different from hot spring, it is a kind of hot water bath offered in a traditional way with a wooden tub and herbs in the water. You can experience it in a local farmhouse or in a resort.
Please notice that you need to pay additional fees for the hot stone bath (usually within 30 minutes).
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Sightseeing Hiking
Even you don't take the trekking tour in Bhutan, you can also experience pleasant hiking on your travel days. Especially during your trips in western and central Bhutan, like in Gangtey, Bumthang, and Trongsa, there are some easy hiking and trekking trails around the town. You can take light hiking for 1 to 2 hours after general daily sightseeing. Just feel free to tell your guide if you are interested in an extra hiking experience.
Generally, you don't need to pay extra money for the hours' hiking.
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Cultural Exploration
Bhutan is a place that rich in culture and handicraft. If you want to experience more local culture and the real life of the locals, you can ask for more activities, such as a visit to a local weekend market, a class of traditional Bhutan archery or traditional weaving in Bhutan. Just feel free to let us know want you are looking for and want to experience during your Bhutan tour, we will help you find the best options to do.
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Farmhouse Homestay
All of our tour packages cover the accommodation from 3-star hotels to 5-star hotels and resorts. But if you want to get closer to the local Bhutanese' life, it is suggested to take one night stay in a farmhouse. It will be an unforgettable experience to eat ordinary food and dishes and live in the typical Bhutanese house just like a Bhutanese does.
Since the accommodation is required to be arranged in advance, if you are keen on a homestay in Bhutan, please tell us as early as possible.
Food and Drinks
Our Bhutan Trekking tour packages include three meals every day during your stay in Bhutan. And on the trekking days, your trek staff will cook for you. You don’t need to carry the food yourself. If you have any requirements on food, such as vegetarian, please feel free to tell your travel consultant or your local guide. The following are the general food and drinks you can have in an ordinary Bhutan tour.
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Bhutanese Food
Most of your meals are in local restaurants, which offers typicla bhutanese food. The most popular food among local people is the Chili Cheese.
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Western Food
Besides the traditional Bhutan dishes, you can also have western buffet or breakfast in some hotels in Bhutan.
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Water and Drinks
For every day trip, we offer one bottle of water for each tourists. There are also kinds of soft drinks you can buy in the restaurant, hotel or shops in the town in Bhutan. Also, you can taste the local beers if you want.
Bhutan Tour Planning FAQs
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