Trip Overview
Gelephu-Zhemgang-Manas-Nganglam-Guwahati
The Royal Manas Trek is a very special trip designed for those who are looking to immerse themselves in one of the worlds richest and untouched biodiversities. Focusing on wildlife, bird-watching, Golden Mahaseer fishing and wild-animal tracking, combined with a peek at indigenous communities southern Bhutan, this trip is the only one of a kind in the country which offers a unique side of Bhutan, an off-the-beaten path trip which has been visited by very few visitors.
The Royal Manas National Park is extremely rich in wildlife species, including the highly endangered Royal Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, greater one-horned rhinoceros, clouded leopard, Himalayan black bear, gangetic dolphin and pangolin. Found virtually nowhere else in the world is the especially rare golden langur, a primate of extraordinary grace and beauty with its long, silky blond fur. More than 365 species of birds have been officially recorded including the globally threatened rufous-necked hornbill, Pallas fishing eagle, great white-bellied heron, spotted wren-babbler, blue-headed rock thrush and emerald cuckoo. Many of the park’s more than 900 types of plants have commercial, medicinal, traditional and religious significance.
To get an idea of what is in store, we recommend visitors to watch the BBC series “The Lost Land of the Tiger”, wherein researchers found this Park to be the breeding ground of Royal Bengal Tiger’s through out the Himalayas. Come to the wild side!!
Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Bhutan
Your arrival in Bhutan will be overland entering through the border town of Gelephug. Our tour leader and driver will be waiting for your arrival at your hotel in Gelephug or at the Bhutan Gate where you'll have to pass Immigration. In the evening, we will be exploring Gelephu town and tour briefing will be done over dinner. Option to arrange pick-up service from Guwahati, India.
Day 2
Gelephu to Gomphu
After breakfast, drive inland towards Zhemgang. In winter from November to March for which this tour is recommended, the road conditions here are at its best. Drive to Tingtibi town and then continue to Gomphu where our first campsite will be for tonight. The this stretch of from Tingtibi to Gomphu is prime habitat for the Great Himalayan Hornbill and one of the best birding spots in the country and a bird-watchers dream. The Eco campsite here is rustic and we'll be using our own camping facilities. The campsite is at an altitude of 1450m.
Day 3
Gomphu to Panthang
After breakfast, we'll start on the first day of the trek through sub-tropical forests. The hike from Gomphu to Pangtang can be either along the traditional route which takes approximately four and half hours or along the motorable road, which takes about an hour. The eco-trail passes through mixed broadleaf forests and thick undergrowths with numerous birds such as barbets, hornbills, bulbuls, doves, wood pecker and cuckoos and many hundreds of species making it truly an ornithologist’s dream. The highlight is the sightings of hornbills—calling the park home. Pangtang lies at an altitude of 239 meters above sea level.
Day 4
Pangtang to Shilingtoe
The trail starts with gentle descent and occasional short climbs. The entire trek will take about four hours and the last leg before reaching Shilingtoe ecocamp is a climb for over half an hour. The trail is very rich for bird watching with many birds such as thrushes, drongos, hornbills, partridges, pheasants, bulbuls, tree pies, barbets, eagles, fowls and many other species. Shilingtoe is located at an altitude of 420 meters above sea level. The camp is on the way to a village and provides a good view of the area due to its location at a higher alleviation.
Day 5
Shilingtoe to Panbang
The hike from Shilingtoe to Changazam suspension bridge takes about 3 hours and on the way one can see religious cave, bat cave and a twin waterfall (Lelang). From Changazam, there is a motorable road to Panbang which connects to Indian Manas Tiger Reserve. The camp site at Pangbang is located at a place called Anilademba at the junction of Mangdi Chhu and Dangme Chhu at an altitude of 160 meters above sea level.
Day 6
River Rafting and Mahseer fishing in Royal Manas National Park
The Manas river is a confluence of some of Bhutan's biggest rivers and it is one of the least surveyed river systems in the world. We know for a fact that this river is home to some of the biggest Golden Mahseers in the world, and we invite anglers, and others to enjoy a day of fishing for the most-sought after game fish in the world. Fishing is strictly on catch-and-release basis. It cannot get any better and wilder to do this in the untouched waters of Bhutan as fishing is a very niche recreational activity in Bhutan indulged only by a few. The river system is so pristine that we often have to create our own pathways down the river. The day will be guided by the knowledgeable officers from the Park Ranger’s Office. We’ll spend the whole day exploring the park—and perhaps sharing our lunch with curious animals—before retiring to our camp for dinner.
Day 7
Elephant Safari and Wildlife Watching
Today we'll be doing an Elephant Safari through the Royal Manas National Park to sight some of the common wildlife such as gorals, golden langurs, Asiatic water buffalos, one-horned Rhinoceros, Pigmy hogs etc. The Park is also prime habitat for the Royal Bengal Tigers and other big cats such as the clouded leopard. While it is less likely to spot the cats, their droppings and scats are commonly sighted.
Day 8
Another day to soak up the bounty of Nature
Spend another leisurely day getting immersed into the pristine nature of the Royal Manas National Park. It'll also be a great day to indulge in wildlife photography as the park is rich with insects and avi-fauna as well. Animal tracking with Park officials can also be done on this leisurely day.
Day 9
Panbang to Nganglam via Norbugang
The trek between Pangbang- Norbugang will take approximately six hours and is the longest trek . We will camp at the school grounds.
Day 10
Nganglam to Guwahati
Leaving Bhutan, drive to Guwahati on a scenic stretch of Indo-bhutan roads network. Guests will be either dropped at the hotel or to Guwahati airport for a connecting flight.
Trip Inclusions
What’s included
- Bhutan Tourism Royalty/Levy ($65 per day per person)
- Visa Fees ($40 per person)
- All necessary permit fees
- All transfers and sightseeing with entrance fees
- All meals and evening tea
- Drinking mineral water
- All accommodations
- English-speaking tour leader and driver
- Brand new SUV van/Hiace Van for inland transfer
- All trekking equipment (high quality) and haulage
- Services of Trekking crew etc.
- Community-based service provider's fees
- What’s Not Included
- All personal expenses like laundry, telephone, tips, shopping expenses
- Spa Charges (except for the traditional hot-stone bath)
- Travel and Medical insurance
- Indian Visa
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit Bhutan?
Yes. Almost all international visitors need a visa, arranged in advance through a licensed operator like Bhutan Travel Club — you cannot get one on arrival independently. A one-time visa fee of USD 40 applies, and we take care of the whole application once your trip is confirmed. Indian nationals travel on a permit instead of a visa.
What is the Sustainable Development Fee (SDF)?
Bhutan charges a daily Sustainable Development Fee of USD 100 per person, per night (USD 50 for children aged 6–12; free for children 5 and under). Indian nationals pay Nu. 1,200 per night. The SDF funds free healthcare, education and Bhutan's carbon-negative conservation, and is arranged together with your trip — there is nothing extra to pay on arrival.
When is the best time to take this trip?
Spring (March–May) and autumn (September–November) are the most popular, with clear skies, mild days and the biggest festivals. Winter is quiet, crisp and great value with sunny days, while summer (June–August) is lush and green with occasional afternoon rain. We are happy to advise on the best window for your dates.
How do I book and pay for my trip?
Once we have finalised your itinerary we send a confirmation invoice. Payment is by secure bank wire transfer or card. Your SDF and visa are processed together with the tour, so everything is settled before you arrive — no cash handovers on the ground.
Is Bhutan safe, and will I have internet?
Bhutan is consistently ranked one of Asia's safest destinations, with very low crime and welcoming people. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and towns, and a local SIM card with mobile data is inexpensive and easy to buy after you arrive.
What should I pack?
Bring layers for changeable mountain weather, a warm jacket for evenings and high passes, comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and a modest outfit — long trousers or skirt and covered shoulders — for visiting dzongs and temples. Your guide will advise on anything specific to your itinerary.
How fit do I need to be for this trek?
A good level of general fitness is important. You should be comfortable walking 5–7 hours a day over uneven ground at altitude, on several consecutive days. Regular cardio and some hill walking in the weeks before you travel will make the trek far more enjoyable.
Will I be affected by the altitude?
Many Bhutan treks cross passes above 4,000m, so some altitude effect is normal. We build in acclimatisation, keep a steady pace, and our guides carry a first-aid kit and watch for symptoms. Drinking plenty of water and ascending gradually are the keys to feeling good up high.
Where do we sleep and eat on the trek?
On camping treks you sleep in comfortable twin tents that our crew pitches for you each day, with a separate dining tent and hot, freshly cooked meals. Pack ponies or porters carry all the camp gear and luggage, so you only need to walk with a light daypack.
What is the best season for this trek?
Late March to June and mid-September to mid-November offer the most stable weather and the clearest mountain views. High passes can be snow-bound in deep winter, so trekking dates are more limited than for cultural tours.