Tshaluna Trek in Bhutan.
The Tshaluna Trek is a 4-day trek in Bhutan, considered moderately difficult and ideal for those seeking a shorter alternative to the Druk Path Trek. The trek offers stunning views as it traverses the chain of mountains separating the Paro and Thimphu valleys.
The route is renowned for its spectacular rhododendron forests and high-altitude lakes teeming with fish, providing ample opportunities for nature lovers and photographers. Along the way, trekkers will enjoy glimpses of Bhutan’s pristine landscapes, serene surroundings, and rich biodiversity. The best time to embark on the Tshaluna trek is from March to May and mid-September to mid-December, when the weather is most favorable.
Tshaluna Trek in Bhutan
Highlights of the trip:
- Scenic views and landscapes.
- Ancient temples, monasteries & dzongs.
- Meet local people.
- Visit pristine villages and farmhouses.
- Museums, monuments & government institutions.
- Archery matches.
Sketch itinerary:
- Day 1. Arrive Paro & sightseeing | Altitude: 2200 m.
- Day 2. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
- Day 3. Paro – Jele Dzong (Tshaluna trek) | 8 km | 3 hours | Altitude: 3480 m.
- Day 4. Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (Tshaluna trek) | 10 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3770 m.
- Day 5. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso (Tshaluna trek) | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3700 m.
- Day 6. Jimilangtsho – Tshaluna – Thimphu (Tshaluna trek) | 9 km | Hike: 4 hours | Drive: 2 hours.
- Day 7. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
- Day 8. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours.
- Day 9. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.
Tshaluna trek cost:
The rate given below is inclusive of sustainable development fee (SDF) of US $ 100 per person per night stay in Bhutan and Bhutan visa fee US $ 40 per person.
Entrance fees for monuments and festivals visits to be paid separately.
Tshaluna trek costs / prices for different group sizes are below:
- 2 people: US $ 2530 per person.
- 3 – 10 pax: US $ 2490 per person.
- 11 – 15 pax: US $ 2130 per person. 50 % discount for 1 person.
Nature of trip: Privately guided Bhutan trip.
Detailed Itinerary for Tshaluna Trek.
Day 1. Arrive Paro and sightseeing | Altitude 2280 m.
Upon arrival at Paro Airport, your guide will welcome you and drive you to your hotel.
In the afternoon, begin your sightseeing with a visit to Ta Dzong, the National Museum of Bhutan, where you can explore Bhutan’s rich history, culture, and artifacts. Afterward, head to Rinpung Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, an impressive fortress-monastery known for its stunning Bhutanese architecture and strategic location.
In the evening, enjoy a visit to a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, where you can experience the local lifestyle, culture, and hospitality firsthand.
End the day with a delicious dinner at the hotel, followed by an overnight stay.
Day 2. Paro – Hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery | 7 km | Hike: 4 hours.
In the morning, drive to Satsam chorten and 2 hours hike to the Tiger’s nest monastery (Paro Taktsang). Legend has it that Guru Padma Sambhava, the tantric mystic flew here on the back of a flying tiger.
Afternoon, visit to Drugyal dzong built in 1647 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.
Then visit Kichu lhakhang built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan King Srongtsen Gampo. He built 108 temples in a single day to pin the ogress to the earth forever.
In the evening, free to stroll in the town.
Dinner and overnight in Hotel.
Day 3. Paro – Jele Dzong (Tshaluna trek) | 8 km | 3 hours | Altitude: 3480 m.
After breakfast, drive to Damchena and begin the hike to Jele Dzong. This will be a short trekking day, with a gradual ascent to Jele Dzong. The trail climbs steadily, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and on clear days, you can catch a glimpse of the Paro valley below. The camp is located near the Jele La pass at an altitude of 3,400 meters. Above the camp, you’ll find Jele Dzong, which offers a serene and historical setting.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,480 meters.
Walking distance: 8 km, 3 hours walk, with a 1,090 m ascent.
Day 4. Jele Dzong – Jangchulakha (Tshaluna trek) | 10 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3770 m.
Today, we begin with a one and a half hour climb, followed by a more gradual ascent upwards. The trail will lead us through thick alpine forests of rhododendrons, with vibrant colors and fragrant blossoms surrounding us. If the weather is clear, we will enjoy stunning views of Mt. Jomolhari and other snow-capped peaks.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,770 meters.
Walking distance: 10 km, 3 – 4 hours. Ascent: 310 m, Descent: 50 m.
Day 5. Jangchulakha – Jimilangtso (Tshaluna trek) | 11 km | Hike: 4 hours | Altitude: 3700 m.
The trail begins with a short climb that leads us along a ridge. On a clear day, We will get the views of Mt. Jomolhari and the surrounding Himalayan ranges are simply breathtaking.
After a brief descent, we arrive at Jimilangtsho Lake at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
Dinner and overnight stay in camp at an altitude of 3,700 meters.
Walking Distance: 11 km, Time: 4 hours, Ascent: 330 m, Descent: 230 m.
Day 6. Jimilangtsho – Tshaluna – Thimphu (Tshaluna trek) | 9 km | Hike: 4 hours | Drive: 2 hours.
After breakfast, we start walking downhill, following a stream until reaching Tshalu Ney.
Packed lunch will be served along the way.
At Tshaluna, your vehicle will pick you up, marking the end of the trek. We bid farewell to the trekking crew members.
Your vehicle will then drive you to Thimphu, where you can relax in the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Walking Distance: 9 km, Time: 4 hours, Downhill walk.
Day 7. Thimphu sightseeing | Altitude: 2334 m.
In the morning, visit the National Memorial Chorten (1974), built in honor of His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, the Late King of Bhutan. Then, head to Kuensel Phodrang, home to the tallest statue of sitting Buddha in the world at 51.5 meters, offering panoramic views of Thimphu. Next, explore Changangkha Monastery, the oldest in Thimphu, built in the 13th century by Phajo Drugom Shigpo.
Afterward, visit the Takin Preserve Center, where you can see the national animal of Bhutan, the Takin, which is believed to be a mystical creation of Lama Drukpa Kuenley. Take in the view of the Thimphu Valley from Sangaygang Viewpoint and stop by Dupthop Lhakhang, one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan.
For lunch, enjoy a meal at the Simply Bhutan Museum Restaurant before heading to the Craft Bazaar.
In the evening, visit the majestic Tashichho Dzong, the Royal Secretariat.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 8. Thimphu – Punakha sightseeing – Thimphu | 76 Km | Drive: 2 1/2 hours.
In the morning, drive to the beautiful Punakha Valley, stopping at Dochu La Pass (3140 m) to enjoy the breathtaking view of the higher Himalayas. Punakha, the ancient capital of Bhutan, holds historical significance.
On the way, visit Chimi Lhakhang, built in 1499 to honor Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also known as “The Divine Madman.” The temple is affectionately called the “Temple of Fertility” as Drukpa Kuenley used humor, songs, and unconventional behavior to spread his teachings of salvation through sex.
In the afternoon, visit Punakha Dzong, the venue for the annual Punakha Festival, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This dzong remains the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monk body.
In the evening, drive back to Thimphu.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel.
Day 9. Thimphu – Paro (Departure) | 54 km | 1 hour.
After breakfast, drive to the airport for your departure, marking the end of your Bhutan adventure. Farewell and safe travels!
FAQs - Tshaluna Trek.
What kind of accommodation is available on the Tshaluna Trek?
Accommodation is primarily in campsites set up by the trekking team. These are simple but comfortable, with basic facilities for rest.
Do I need a guide for the Tshaluna Trek?
Yes, a licensed guide and porter are mandatory to help navigate the trek and provide necessary support. Guides also help explain the local culture, history, and natural surroundings.
Is there any cultural significance to the Tshaluna Trek?
Yes, the trek passes through areas with significant cultural value, including monasteries and sacred lakes. The route also provides insight into Bhutan’s unique Buddhist heritage.
Are there any altitude sickness concerns?
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, especially at higher altitudes. Ensure proper acclimatization by staying hydrated, eating well, and ascending gradually. The trek generally stays below 3,700 meters, minimizing the risk.
What should I pack for a cultural tour in Bhutan?
Pack modest, comfortable clothing for visiting monasteries and temples. In the cooler months, bring warm clothing as temperatures can drop, especially in the highlands. It’s also advisable to carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and cultural landmarks.
Tour cost includes
- All meals [breakfast / lunch / dinner].
- Accommodation [twin / double sharing basis]. Single room supplement is extra.
- All transportation within the country including airport transfers.
- Sustainable development fee (SDF).
- Bhutan visa fee.
- English speaking local guide.
- Sightseeing.
- Bottled water.
Tour Cost Excludes
- Entrance fees for museums and monuments.
- Domestic/International flight (Drukair / Bhutan Airlines fares).
- Insurance premiums.
- Payments for service provided on a personal basis.
- Cost incurred due to mishaps, strikes, political unrest etc.
- Cost for any services not mentioned in the “Cost Include head”.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, soft drinks, etc...
- Tips for guide and driver.
What to pack for a trek
- Personal clothing: strong normal clothing (according to season). Preferably cotton, even for summer, woolen clothing for the evening and winter.
- Strong comfortable trekking boots – water – resistant for the rainy period – June – August.
- Sunscreen.
- Flash light.
- Rain coat (especially for rainy period –June – August).
- Head gear / hat / cap; sun and rain protection.
- Water pills – for extra caution in purifying stream; (boiled water is provided at all times during the trek).
- Aspirin – incase of altitude sickness.
- Lots of socks.
- Warm clothes.
- Sunglasses.
Optional items:
- Head gear.
- Folding umbrella (only for wet months — July and August).
- One towel.
- Wet – packed tissue paper.
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