Aux amoureux de nature, de grands espaces et désireux de s’immerger dans les montagnes de l’Himalaya, ce long trek au Bhoutan est fait pour vous. Encadré par une équipe réceptive locale expérimentée, c’est au fil du chemin que vous découvrirez toutes les beautés que le Bhoutan a à offrir : montagnes étincelantes, steppes d’altitudes où l’on élève les yacks, glaciers et ruisseaux de fonte des neiges, villages reculés, dzong monastère-forteresse …
Kathmandou – Paro – Soi Thangthangkha – Jangothang – camp de base Jomolhari – Lingshi – Chebisa – Shomuthang – Robluthang – Lemithang – Laya – Koena – Gasa – Gasa Tsachu – Geon Damji – Punakha
Prix: 4217€/personne, pour un départ en avril 2013, base 3 passagers. Budget de vol avec la compagnie Air India : 713€
Comprenant : Hébergement en hôtel standard, en tente pendant le treck, les transferts et le transport en véhicule privé avec chauffeur selon programme, guides locaux parlant anglais, les visites mentionnées au programme et les frais d’entrées, toutes les installations et le staff pour le treck (guide, cuisinier, aides de camps, chevaux pour le transport des bagages, tentes …).
Ne comprenant pas : Les vols internationaux (713€), le visa, les pourboires et dépenses à caractère personnel, les sacs de couchage, les primes d’assurances.
NOTES/ ASTUCES : Il est possible de prolonger le séjour avec une excursion à Gangtey et Bumthang, la vallée des monastères, pour finir le trek.
DEROULEMENT DE SEJOUR
Jour 1 Paris – Kathmandou
Départ de Paris à destination de Katmandou.
Jour 2 Kathmandou – Paro
Arrivée à Paro avec vol régulier, accueil et transfert à l’hôtel. Après-midi libre.
Jour 3 Paro
Hike to Tiger’s Nest, overnight in Paro.
Jour 4 TREK DAY 1. Paro via Shana to Soi Thangthangkha.
Drive up to Drukgyel Dzong and from here along the feeder road to the army check post at Gunitsawa – the drive will be about 2 hours. Once the horses are loaded up you can start walking. In about half an hour you will reach what used to be the first camp at Shana – with the advent of the road we can more swiftly leave the towns and villages behind. The path from Shana ascends through the river valley with pine and rhododendron forests. On the way, there is a fantastic view of Mount Jomolhari. We will camp in a meadow with a stone shelter at an altitude of about 3860 m. (22 km, 7 to 8 hours).
Jour 5 TREK DAY 2. Soi Thangthangkha to Jangothang.
The trail continues to follow the river and passes a small army post where the valley begins to widen again. Views of high ridges and snow-capped peaks can be seen on all sides. At this altitude (about 4040 m) it is possible to see yaks and yak herders. Camp is beneath a ruined fortress at the base of Mount Jomolhari. (19 km, 6 hours)
Jour 6 TREK DAY 3. Rest day at Jomolhari base camp.
An opportunity to explore the glacier, do some washing in the stream (icy cold!) or just take it easy. If you feel like going further afield the guide will discuss the options with you.
Jour 7 TREK DAY 4. Jangothang to Lingshi.
The trail climbs gradually and then more steeply to Nyeli La (4850 m). On the way you will be rewarded when you stop for breath with tremendous views toward Jomolhari and Jitchu Drake. If the weather is clear, Lingshi Dzong can be clearly seen as we descend into the Lingshi basin, and Tserim Kang with its glaciers can be seen to the north. Follow the ridge for a long way until you drop through the forests to our camp just outside Lingshi village beside a stone shelter at 3915 metres. (19 km, 7 to 8 hours)
Jour 8 TREK DAY 5. Rest day at Lingshi.
A splendid opportunity to visit the remote Lingshi Dzong and also spend some time at the local school where the children will be excited to see you – many of them yak herders’ children who are sent to board while their parents are up at higher altitudes with the yaks – but you will also see plenty of yaks here! You will get a good feel for the way of life in these remote mountain villages.
Jour 9 TREK DAY 6. Lingshi to Chebisa.
This is the shortest trekking day. Once we have reached our camp at Chebisa (3910 m) it is possible to visit some village houses and a waterfall just behind the village. (10 kms, 5 hours)
Jour 10 TREK DAY 7. Chebisa to Shomuthang.
The trail goes through wild pastures where yaks graze. We cross the Gobu La Pass (4350 m) before reaching Shomuthang. The camp is near a tributary to the Mo Chu which emerges below the Gasa Tsachu (Hot Spring). From here you can see the helipad which is sometimes used if the passes get snowed in.
Jour 11 TREK DAY 8. Shomuthang to Robluthang.
After crossing the Jare La Pass (4600 m) we arrive at Tsharijathang, the valley where herds of takin can normally be seen.
Jour 12 TREK DAY 9. Robluthang to Lemithang.
After reaching the Shinge La Pass (4870 m), the path descends and goes through the valley. Lemithang is in the Laya district where the locals will be seen wearing unique regional dress. Our camp is at Kang Che Da beneath Gang Chen Ta, the Great Tiger Mountain, at an altitude of 4090 m.
Jour 13 TREK DAY 10. Lemithang to Laya.
The path goes downhill through a winding river valley and enters the eastern end of Laya village. (Altitude 3820 m, 10 kms, 4 to 5 hours)
Jour 14 TREK DAY 11. Rest day at Laya.
Explore the village and meet local people.
Jour 15 TREK DAY 12. Laya to Koena.
The trail follows the river valley and there is a breathtaking view of vibrant rivers, feeder streams and waterfalls. (Altitude 3510 m, 19 kms)
Jour 16 TREK DAY 13. Koena to Gasa.
We cross the Bale La Pass (3740 m), after which the trail descends to the camp near Gasa Dzong (2900 m). (14 kms, 6 to 7 hours)
Jour 17 TREK DAY 14. Gasa to Gasa Tsachu.
After a late breakfast, we carry on to the Gasa hot spring, or tsachu, taking some time to relax here after lunch. The spring is believed to be effective in curing various ailments including aching joints, and many Bhutanese families visit every winter.
Jour 18 Gasa Tsachu to Geon Damji and return to Punakha.
Walk through rolling hillsides with vistas of fields, villages and oak and pine forests. The trail descends from the high agricultural terraces above the Mo Chu into a semi-tropical gorge, ending at Damji. (17 kms, 6 hours). A car will meet you at the road head to drive to Punakha. If you have time you can visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, “Palace of Great Happiness”. Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and the Mo Chu. Overnight in Punakha.
Jour 19 Punakha – Paro
Visit Trongsa en route, overnight in Paro.
Jour 20 Paro – Kathmandou
Transfert à l’aéroport, envol pour Kathmandou. Nuit.
Jour 20 Kathmandou – Paris
Transfert à l’aéroport pour prendre votre vol de retour pour Paris.
Pour d’autres idées d’itinéraires au Bhoutan fait par nos clients …
NostalAsie, voyagiste spécialisé. 