MASAGANG BASE CAMP TREK

Drive to the Paro airport viewpoint after arriving in Paro. You might witness planes landing and departing off, depending on the timetable. The runway in Paro is renowned for being one of the toughest of all the international airports in the world. Visit Rinpung Dzong, the castle where the scenes for Bernard Bertolucci’s Tiny Buddha were filmed, and take a stroll through the vibrant little town that is brimming with intriguing stores, cafés, and pubs. Arrival timing may affect sightseeing.

• The most well-known structure in Bhutan, Taktsang gomba (Tiger’s Nest), is the destination of our hike today. In addition to being a lovely destination to visit, the monastery, which is positioned on a rock cliff at 3015 meters, also provides a great acclimatization hike before you go trekking. You can ascend to Zangtopelri Lhakhang, which is 3350 meters above the main temple, for an even better experience of high altitude. Once you’ve visited the temples, return to the parking area.
• Drive to Dochu-la pass (3010 m), stopping en route to observe the traditional bridge fashioned from reclaimed iron chains at Tachog Lhakhang Hotel room accommodations. In clear conditions, you may be able to glimpse a panorama of snow-capped mountains, including Gangkhar Punesum (7540m), Bhutan’s highest mountain that has never been reached by humans. The Masagang (7194m), in which we will be trekking, is also visible. Your acclimatization in the following days will benefit from spending the night at a higher altitude.

• Get up early to see the sunrise over the mountain peaks on your 1.5-hour, 3 kilometre trek. If the weather cooperates, mountain views should be quite beautiful.
• Drive to the recently linked Gasa district first thing in the morning. Prior to beginning the ascent along the Mo Chu river through the deep jungle, first descend to Wangdue.
• Reach the impressive castle in Gasa town. At the end of the walk, you will go there.
• You will need to utilize a tough 4WD vehicle for the last section of the route because it is really difficult. Reach the trailhead by passing through the Bari-la pass (3740 m).
• You will begin your relatively short today’s walk from this point. You only need to descend to the Koina camp following the newly built road. Be cautious of any ice that may be present on the walk during the winter.
• You have a choice of sleeping in a tent or the tiny rest house in Koina. Considering that the campsite is frequently muddy, it is advised to stay indoors.
• Night halt at an altitude 3200 meters.

• 15 kilometers on foot in 6–7 hours. It will be a long day as we climb to a greater level today. Trek with some mild or not so mild ups and downs along the Mo Chu river. You will eventually arrive at the Takshikha military base, where your permissions will be examined. From here, it is a final ascent of around 300 meters to Lungu hamlet, which is populated by Layap people. Yak herders known as Layaps, who also reside in the nearby town of Laya, recently experienced financial success as a result of the harvesting of the yarsa-gumba (cordyceps) fungus. Layap women are renowned for wearing hats with bamboo antennas. If you like, you might choose to stay in a simple local house rather than tent. Additionally, this location has a store, the final one for a few days. Stayed overnight at an altitude of 3740 meters.

• Trek 10km, 5–6 hours, 550–300 meters. The trail will gently climb up from Lungu, providing lovely views of the village with the snowy hills in the background and a bird’s-eye view of Takshikha military base. The trail will eventually join another route that runs from Takshikha to Masagang BC.
• Trek through the remnants of the former military camp and a few hamlets. As you continue your gentle ascent while obtaining more views of the surrounding hills, cross the creek. Finally, the breathtaking view of the tops of Masagang summit on the left and Tsenda Kanga peak on the right will appear in front of you. Somji camp, also known as Masagang Base Camp, is located here. Unfortunately, there are only a few tents there, so larger parties must continue for another 30 minutes down to Nulithang.
• Enjoy Tsenda Kang’s final rays of light in the evening. Camping at 4010 meters.

• You have three choices today for day hikes. The journey to “Chethola’s vantage point,” which is located at a height of 5,000 meters, may be the most gratifying. Without a decent track, this ascent is extremely steep. Starting at Somji, you must ascend the slope on your right. The journey to the summit will take about 3 to 4 hours. The reward for the effort is an unobstructed view of Masagang and a 360-degree vista of the surrounding high snowy peaks. You must then descend in the same manner.
• Climbing the opposite hill, which sits directly above Somji, is a less strenuous option. On the hill ridge, a partially slid trail will ascend. Masagang will eventually come into view. You will arrive at the herders’ campsite with a clear view of Masagang, Tsenda Kang, Kang Bum, and other nearby peaks in about two hours. From here, proceed to the valley that is below the Masagang glacier. You could try to cross the ice lake’s tremendous stream if you’re feeling very courageous. It’s scenic to descend from here. Rhododendrons are widespread and bloom throughout the spring. It can be challenging to follow the track at times, so go cautiously. The entire journey can take four hours.
• Finally, you can hike to Phongme from north of the Nulithang. traveling there along the river’s right bank and returning through the trail that runs along its left bank. Without much elevation, this 8-hour roundtrip provides fairly beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and scenery. If you don’t feel particularly strong, going only halfway to the abandoned castle or monastery is a good and peaceful option.

• 12 kilometers, 4-5 hours, overnight at 3440 m.
• You don’t need to rush today because the hike is short and mostly downhill. Before you begin, you can even go hiking around the Nulithang. The viable options are to climb a little higher than Somji or to make a quick detour in the direction of Phongme as previously mentioned. You’ll take the same route you came by, but instead of continuing to Lungu Village, you’ll head straight for Tashikha Military Camp, where you’ll spend the night. Since there isn’t much sunlight here, be ready for chilly nights. The Indian or Bhutanese soldiers can offer you to join them for tea or a beverage.

• Trek 12km, 6-7 hours.
• This is the last day of the journey, which uses the same route as the first day. By late afternoon, you will have arrived at the road. From there, you can continue driving to the Gasa hot springs. The best way to end the walk would be to visit a number of local bars or take a swim in the hot sulfurous water pools with your trekking team. Spending the night in a nearby guest home with basic amenities or camping close to the hot springs.

• Early in the morning, visit the Gasa dzong (castle). There are some noteworthy chapels nearby, as well as lovely vistas. then begin your journey to Punakha. Visit the Punakha Dzong, also known as the “Palace of the Great Happiness,” the country’s most elaborately decorated castle and former winter residence of the Bhutanese monarchs. You may choose to go rafting on the Mo Chhu (easily accessible) or Pho Chhu (excitingly challenging) rivers.
• Following your hike, unwind and take in the nice weather.

• Morning stroll to the Chhimmy Lhakhang monastery, honoring the “Divine Madman” saint Drukpa Kunley, who is said to have taught Buddhism through singing, drinking, and scandalous sexual antics in the 15th century. Houses positioned along the path to the temple are adorned with phallic symbols in remembrance of the saint’s antics. The temple is also regarded as a fertility booster, drawing childless couples from all across Bhutan and abroad.
• Drive to Thimphu, see the enormous Buddha statue that overlooks the valley (Buddha Dordenma), and then stroll to a stunning city viewpoint. The only capital city in the entire world without traffic lights is Thimphu.
• Walks should end in the handicraft market, where visitors can browse and purchase affordable souvenirs from Bhutan.
• You might choose to celebrate the end of your journey to Bhutan at Mojo Park or another well-known place in Thimphu.

Drive to Paro and departure from Bhutan to your other destinations.