Golden Langur Trail
10 days · from US$3240 per person — all-inclusive: guide, transport, accommodation, meals, visa and SDF.
See one of the world's most beautiful primates, endemic to Bhutan, in the Zhemgang district. Their golden fur glows against the green forest backdrop.
Highlights: Zhemgang · Tron Village · Golden Langur · Community Tourism
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Paro. Transfer to Thimphu. Evening briefing on Golden Langurs (Trachypithecus geei) - one of world's rarest primates, endemic to Bhutan and Assam. Only ~6,000 remain in the wild. Their golden fur, black faces, and long tails make them strikingly beautiful. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 2: Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day exploring capital. Visit standard sights. Evening drive preparation for journey to central Bhutan. Overnight: Thimphu
Day 3: Thimphu to Trongsa
Long scenic drive to Trongsa (6-7 hours). Cross multiple mountain passes. Visit Trongsa Dzong. Overnight: Trongsa
Day 4: Trongsa to Zhemgang
Drive to Zhemgang district (4-5 hours), remote central Bhutan. The region's subtropical forests are prime golden langur habitat. Zhemgang is least developed district - perfect for wildlife but limited infrastructure. Afternoon: Settle into basic accommodation and meet local guide. Overnight: Zhemgang
Day 5: Golden Langur Tracking - Day 1
Early morning (5:30 AM) head to forest areas where langur troops are known. Golden langurs live in troops of 8-10 individuals in riverine and mixed forests. They feed on leaves, fruits, seeds. Their golden fur literally glows in morning sunlight filtering through green canopy - a magical sight. Walk quietly, scan tree canopies. Listen for alarm calls and branch movement indicating primates. Local guides know troop territories and movement patterns. Still, finding them requires patience. Afternoon: Continue searching different forest areas. Even without sightings, see other wildlife: capped lan
Day 6: Golden Langur Tracking - Day 2
Second full day tracking. Visit different forests and valleys. Golden langurs are shy, fleeing from humans. Observing them requires quiet, patient approach. Photographers need telephoto lenses (300mm+) as langurs stay high in canopy. The forest environment is beautiful - pristine, birdsong-filled, subtropical. Overnight: Zhemgang
Day 7: Community Tourism
Visit Tron village, pioneering community-based ecotourism. The village protects langur habitat while benefiting from sustainable tourism. Meet villagers who coexist with langurs. Learn about conservation challenges - habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict. Participate in village activities, enjoy traditional lunch. Evening: Final langur tracking session. Overnight: Zhemgang
Day 8: Zhemgang to Bumthang
Drive to Bumthang (5-6 hours). Afternoon: Explore Bumthang valley. Overnight: Bumthang
Day 9: Bumthang to Paro
Morning transfer to Bathpalathang airstrip for the 35-minute domestic flight to Paro (flight subject to schedule; a two-day overland return can be arranged instead). Afternoon at leisure in Paro - stroll the town, pick up souvenirs, or simply rest. Farewell dinner celebrating your journey into Bhutan's wild south. Overnight: Paro
Day 10: Departure
After breakfast, transfer to Paro International Airport for your departure. You leave having searched for one of the world's rarest primates in remote forests, supporting community conservation efforts. Tashi Delek!