Black Mountain Trekking – 15 days
Black Mountain range nearly divides the country in two, running from the north at the Tibetan border to the south, rich in wild life at the sanctuary of Manas. The portion near Pelela pass on highway to east is very picturesque with spacious high valleys of Rukubi, Phobjikha, Gonana and Khotakha. The big monastery of Pema Lingpa lineage at Gangte and small beautiful active gompa at Gogana are worth visiting. The route follows rich rhododendron forests and typical villages.
Country
Bhutan
Duration
15 days
Difficulty
Moderate
Trip Type
Trekking
Max Altitude
3400m/11155ft
Best Season
Mar-May, Sep-Nov
Accomodation
Hotels & Camping
Meals
All Meals ( Lunch, Dinner and Breakfast ) with Cup of Tea/Coffee during the Trek.
Start/End Point
Paro
Highlights & Overview
Arrival and cultural exploration in Paro.Visit famous Bhutanese museums, monasteries, and dzongs.Explore Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu.Visit the historic valleys of Punakha and Wangdue.Trek through pristine forests and mountain ridges.Visit Nitsegang Gompa and Gogana Monastery.Experience remote camping in Bhutan’s highlands.Explore the spectacular Phobjikha Valley.Visit Bumthang, Bhutan’s spiritual and cultural heartland.Opportunity to observe unique Himalayan flora and fauna.Excellent blend of culture, nature, and moderate trekking.
The Black Mountain Trek is one of Bhutan’s most rewarding cultural and wilderness trekking experiences. This 15-day journey combines the highlights of western and central Bhutan with a scenic trek through the remote Black Mountains (Black Mountain Range). The route passes through traditional villages, high mountain passes, ancient monasteries, alpine meadows, and the beautiful glacial valley of Phobjikha, home of the endangered Black-Necked Crane.Beginning with cultural exploration in Paro, Thimphu, Punakha, and Wangdue, the trek traverses remote mountain landscapes rich in wildlife, pristine forests, and spectacular Himalayan scenery. The journey concludes with visits to the sacred Bumthang Valley, often regarded as Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Short Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
- Day 5: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Punakha (1242m/4075ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft)
- Day 6: Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Khotakha Valley Camp (2900m/9514ft)
- Day 7: Khotakha Valley (2900m/9514ft) – Gogana (3100m/10171ft)
- Day 8: Gogana (3100m/10171ft) – Phobjikha Valley (3000m/9843ft)
- Day 9: Phobjikha Valley (3000m/9843ft) – Rukubji Village (2900m/9514ft)
- Day 10: Rukubji (2900m/9514ft) – Tongsa (2200m/7218ft) – Bumthang (2600m/8530ft)
- Day 11: Bumthang Excursion (2600m/8530ft)
- Day 12: Bumthang Excursion (2600m/8530ft)
- Day 13: Bumthang (2600m/8530ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft)
- Day 14: Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Paro (2200m/7218ft)
- Day 15: Departure from Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Price Includes
Personal guide & driver with SUV or Toyota coaster bus depending on pax.All touring & transfers throughout.Traditional 3-star hotels with private bathrooms twin sharing based.All meals and bottled water daily.SDF (Sustainable development fee & all taxes.Bhutan visa fees & processing.Monuments feesFarm house visitPrice Doesn't Include
Airfares to/from Bhutan.Personal items laundry, drinks, and designer coffee’s telephone callsHotel room single supplement $ 30 per person per nightSim CardTipping for guide and diverAnything that is not included in official final invoices.Black Mountain Trekking – 15 days Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Arrive at Paro International Airport and meet your Bhutanese guide. Transfer to your hotel and enjoy your first views of Bhutan’s beautiful valleys and traditional architecture. Depending on arrival time, enjoy a leisurely walk around Paro town. Overnight in hotel.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Breakfast
Day 2: Paro Sightseeing (2200m/7218ft)
Spend the day exploring Paro’s cultural landmarks, including museums, monasteries, traditional farmhouses, and local markets. Learn about Bhutan’s rich history, religion, and unique way of life while enjoying beautiful views of the Paro Valley.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 3: Paro (2200m/7218ft) – Thimphu (2334m/7657ft)
Drive through scenic mountain landscapes to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. After checking into your hotel, explore the city and experience the fascinating blend of tradition and modern Bhutanese life.
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 4: Thimphu Sightseeing (2334m/7657ft)
Visit major attractions including Tashichho Dzong, the National Memorial Chorten, handicraft centers, traditional arts schools, and local markets. Gain deeper insight into Bhutanese culture and governance. Overnight in hotel.
Max Altitude
2334m/7657ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 5: Thimphu (2334m/7657ft) – Punakha (1242m/4075ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft)
Drive across scenic mountain roads to Punakha and Wangdue. Visit the magnificent Punakha Dzong, one of Bhutan’s most beautiful fortresses. Continue to Wangdue for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
1240m/4068ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 6: Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Khotakha Valley Camp (2900m/9514ft)
The trek officially begins today. Ascend through forests and traditional settlements to Nitsegang Gompa before climbing to a mountain pass. Descend into the peaceful Khotakha Valley, known for its open meadows and beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight camping.
Walking: 6–7 hours
Walking: 6–7 hours
Max Altitude
2900m/9514ft
Accomodation
Camping
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 7: Khotakha Valley (2900m/9514ft) – Gogana (3100m/10171ft)
Cross Shobju La Pass (3400m/11155ft), enjoying wonderful views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Descend gradually to Gogana, a small settlement known for its monastery and traditional farming lifestyle. Visit local farms and interact with villagers before camping near the gompa.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
3100m/10171ft
Accomodation
Camping
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 8: Gogana (3100m/10171ft) – Phobjikha Valley (3000m/9843ft)
Cross the scenic Tsele La Pass (3300m/10827ft) before descending into the spectacular Phobjikha Valley. This glacial valley is famous for its untouched beauty and as the winter home of the endangered Black-Necked Cranes. Camp below the monastery.
Walking: 5–6 hours
Walking: 5–6 hours
Max Altitude
3000m/9843ft
Accomodation
Camping
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 9: Phobjikha Valley (3000m/9843ft) – Rukubji Village (2900m/9514ft)
Ascend gradually to a pass on the Pele La range and enjoy panoramic views of central Bhutan. Descend through forests and pasturelands to reach the traditional village of Rukubji, known for its unique culture and rural charm. Overnight camping.
Max Altitude
2900m/9514ft
Accomodation
Camping
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 10: Rukubji (2900m/9514ft) – Tongsa (2200m/7218ft) – Bumthang (2600m/8530ft)
Drive through the historic town of Tongsa before continuing to Bumthang. Along the way, enjoy spectacular mountain scenery and traditional villages. Arrive in Bumthang for overnight stay.
Max Altitude
2600m/8530f
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 11: Bumthang Excursion (2600m/8530ft)
Explore Bumthang Valley, visiting sacred temples, monasteries, and cultural sites associated with Guru Padmasambhava. Discover why Bumthang is considered Bhutan’s spiritual heartland.
Max Altitude
2600m/8530f
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 12: Bumthang Excursion (2600m/8530ft)
Continue exploring the four beautiful valleys of Bumthang. Visit ancient monasteries, traditional villages, and important religious sites while learning about Bhutanese history and Buddhism.
Max Altitude
2600m/8530f
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 13: Bumthang (2600m/8530ft) – Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft)
Drive back through central Bhutan, passing mountain passes, forests, and charming villages. Overnight in Wangdue.
Max Altitude
1240m/4068ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 14: Wangdue Phodrang (1240m/4068ft) – Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Enjoy a scenic drive back to Paro. Spend the remainder of the day shopping, sightseeing, or relaxing before your departure.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Day 15: Departure from Paro (2200m/7218ft)
Transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward flight and departure from Bhutan.
Max Altitude
2200m/7218ft
Accomodation
Hotel
Meals
Lunch, Dinner, Breakfast
Packing Lists
Cloathing
Moisture-wicking trekking shirtsThermal base layersFleece jacketDown jacketWaterproof shell jacketLightweight hiking shirtsWarm hatSun hatTrekking pantsThermal leggingsWaterproof pantsComfortable camp trousersHiking shorts (optional)Gears
Trekking backpack (35–45L)Duffel bagTrekking polesSleeping bag (-10°C to -15°C recommended)Headlamp with spare batteriesSunglasses (UV protection)Water bottles or hydration systemDry bagsWaterproof trekking bootsCamp shoes or sandalsWool trekking socksLightweight liner socksPersonal Items
Passport and travel documentsTravel insurancePersonal medicationsSunscreen SPF 50+Lip balmToothbrush and toiletriesWet wipesHand sanitizerQuick-dry towelCamera and spare batteriesPower bankOther Items You Can Bring
Trekking snacksEnergy barsReusable water purification tabletsNotebook and penBinocularsSmall repair kitLightweight umbrellaZip-lock bags for electronicsPersonal first aid kit