10N 11D - Signature Masang Gang Base Camp

Drive to Satsam Chorten and spend the day hiking up the forested path to Taktsang Monastery, also known as Tiger’s Nest, Bhutan’s most famous and scenic icon. The climb is steep and takes about 4 hours round trip. An important place of pilgrimage and refuge for more than 1200 years, Taktsang Monastery clings to sheer cliffs two-thousand feet above Paro Valley, and from your closest vantage point on a rocky ledge directly across from it, you will still need 200-300 mm lenses and a steady tripod to get tight photographs.

This sacred place got its name when Guru Rinpoche rode there on the back of a flying tiger and meditated in a cave behind the present-day monastery. Sadly, in 1998, the central temple was destroyed by fire, leaving the country in mourning for their holiest of spiritual places. But religious leaders and the King quickly developed a plan to rebuild Taktsang and donations started pouring in from Buddhist centres all over the world, and today, the magnificently rebuilt exterior is complete. Tiger’s Nest is once again the subject of cloud-shrouded posters that say, "Bhutan, Land of the Thunder Dragon." Picnic lunch on the hillside cafeteria. Stop for a nice cup coffee in the town before heading to your destination.

Later drive to Dochu-la pass (3080m) for your overnight accommodation in hotel. If the weather permits you might see panorama of Eastern Himalayan ranges including Gangkhar Punesum (7540m), highest mountain of Bhutan which was never summited by man and of course your destination, the Masagang (7194m). Overnight stay in higher altitude will also help with your acclimatization for the upcoming days.

Duration: 5 to 6 hours

Difficulty: Moderate to Hard

Overnight Hotel: 3,080m

On arrival to Gasa, visit Tashi Tongmon Dzong which is the administrative center of Gasa Dzongkhag (district) in the northwestern region of Bhutan. The Dzong was built in the 17th century by Tenzin Drukdra the second Druk Desi/Secular ruler over the site of a meditation place established by Drubthob Terkungpa in the 13th century. The Dzong was constructed as a bulwark against attacks from the north and named Tashi Tongmön Dzong. It was later expanded by the fourth Desi, Tenzin Rabgye.

Time: 5 hours + 1 hour walking (tentative depending on road progress)

Distance: 81 km

Overnight:Bit further from designated campsite (10,672ft/3,240m)

The trail from Koina first ascends above the river again to descend to river bed. Continue along the Mo chu river further with some gentle up and downs. After few hours you’ll reach to Takshikha military camp where you get your permits checked. From here there is final approximately 300 meters climb to village Lungu village which is inhabited be Layap people. Layap woman are famous for their antenna hat made of bamboo. Layaps are traditionally seminomadic Yak herders ethically different from Bhutanese and Tibetans to the north.

Overnight Campsite: 3,720m

Start hike from Lungu in direction to the east. Trail will be gently ascending offering nice view of the village with the snowy peaks at the backside. Trail will continue traversing the steep hillslope offering nice views including birds-eye perspective of Takshikha military camp. Finally, the trail will connect to the trail leading from camp to Masagang base camp. Hike along few hamlets and through the ruined old military camp. Cross the creek and continue hiking gently up, getting more views of the surrounding hills. Finally, the stunning view of Tsendagang to the right and tip of Masagang on the left will show up. That is Somji camp also called Masagang Base Camp. Unfortunately, the place can sustain only few tents, so bigger groups need to continue some 30 minutes down to Nulithang. By evening enjoy the last touches of light on Tsendagang.

Distance: 10km

Time: 5-6 hours

Elevation gain: 550m

Elevation loss: 300m

Overnight Campsite: 4,010m

Today you have number of options of day hikes. Possibly the most rewarding trip is to climb to five thousand meters high "Chethola's view point". This is quiet steep climb with no proper trail. You need to start from Somji and start climbing the hill on your right side. It will take some 3 to 4 hours to summit. The effort will be rewarded by undisturbed view of Masagang and also 360°degree panorama of the high snowy peaks all around. Then you have to descend same way down.

Another less demanding option is to climb another hill, just above Somji. Partly slided trail will lead ascending on the hill ridge. The view of Masagang will be gradually opening. In some 2 hours you will reach to high herding campsite with undisturbed view of Masagang, Tsenda Kang, Kang Bum and other peaks around. From here you can continue to the valley below Masagang glacier. If you feel strong, you can even try to reach ice lake from which mighty stream flow. Descend through the valley is beautiful itself with many nice views. There is a lot of rhododendron which will blossom in string. The trail is sometimes difficult to follow so advance carefully. Whole trip might take about 4 hours.

Finally, you can also hike north of the Nulithang to Phongme. Going there by the right side of the river and get back by the trail leading on the left side. This 8-hour round trip offers quite nice views of the mountains and landscape without climbing too high. Going just half way, to ruined castle or monastery is also good and relaxing hike.

Overnight Campsite: 4,010m

Today you don’t need to hurry as the trek is not that long and goes mostly down. You can even make some trip around the Nulithang before you start going back. Climbing some way above Somji or brief exploration in direction to Phongme as described above are the viable options. You will go back the same way but instead of climbing up back to Lungu, you will take direct way to Tashikha military camp. This place doesn’t get too much sunlight so be prepared for cold night. You might be invited by the Indian or Bhutanese soldiers to join them for tea or drink.

Distance: 12km

Time: 4-5 hours

Elevation gain: 150m

Elevation loss: 750m

Overnight Campsite: 3,440m

This is the last day of the trek, following the same trail as the first day of trekking. Anyway, you will reach the vehicle by the afternoon and continue drive to Gasa hot springs. Having a bath in the hot pools along with your staff or even visit a numerous local bar will be great tour conclusion. Overnight is in local guest house with very simple facilities or camping.

Distance: 12km

Time: 6-7 hours

Elevation gain: 710m

Elevation loss: 860m

Overnight Campsite: 2,770m

Punakha is the former Capital of the kingdom and at present day hosts the administrative seat of the district. Also, the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female river. It was built in 1637 AD It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan's first king was crowned.Visit the massive Punakha Dzong "Palace of Great Happiness”. The Dzong show cases the living example of Bhutanese architecture and later drive for your onward journey.

After lunch, hike to Chimi Lhakhang. This temple is called the Temple of Fertility as it is believed that childless couples who come here to pray for a child is usually blessed with a child. This is the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama Drukpa Kunley, also known as the "Divine Madman." The trail takes you through the Himalayan paddy fields and a typical village called Lobesa.

Later drive to Thimphu, the cultural heartland of the kingdom. Thimphu is a small, charming capital city nestled in the heart of the Himalayas. It is nothing like what a capital city is imagined to be. Most of the houses and buildings are painted and constructed in traditional Bhutanese style.

Time to explore the city and enjoy the city life!

Overnight Thimphu: 2,320m

The view over Thimpu from the big Buddha statue helps to get our bearings before we plunge into this vibrant growing town struggling to blend the shock of the new with traditional aspects of life in the shadow of the Himalaya. Depending on opening hours, guest interests and time, your guide may include some of the following in your private schedule: The Zorig chusum the school of 13 Arts & crafts, Takin preserve (Bhutan’s National animal) or followed by Memorial stupa, which was built in memory of our Late Third King. It now serves as a focal point of worship for people residing in Thimphu especially for elderly people.

Later in the evening drive to Paro.

Overnight Paro: 2,280m

Druk Air normally departs in the morning to avoid adverse weather conditions so after breakfast, your transfer to the airport will be arranged depending on the flight schedule.