Day 01: Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air) – Transfer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be brief by our guide and transferred to Paro town for lunch. After lunch visit the National Museum of Paro, which dates back to the 17^th century and holds the artifacts of Thangkas, stuffed animal and birds, history of Bhutan, textiles and armour, household objects. After the museum we can also visit the Rimpung Dzong built in 17^th century to defend the valley against the Tibetan invaders and then depart to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1hours. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, we will visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, which is also known as the “fortress of the glorious religion” which was initially built in 1702 by Sherab Wangchuck, the 13^th Desi (temporal ruler) and later in 1955 after moving the capital to Thimphu from Punakha it was redesigned and added the present structure by 3^rd King of Bhutan, Late His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Today it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body and it also has the office of the King. Later in the evening visit Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing – Punakha

Morning take a drive for an hour towards the north of Thimphu valley and then hike for an hour to Tango Monastery through the dense forest of rhododendrons and pine trees. Once at Tango visit the old monastery which date backs to the 14^th century and today it houses around 235 monks who are pursuing their higher studies in Buddhism like meditation and higher level of Buddhist philosophy. After the visit the trail descends gradually until the motorable road and then drive to Thimphu for lunch. After lunch depart to Punakha, an ancient capital of Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m).  This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha and continue your drive to Lobeysa and a leisure hike for another 20 minutes to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman” built in 1499 and today it is mostly visited by the women who couldn’t bear Children. Also it is known as temple of fertility. After the visit walk back to the road point and explore the village of Lobeysa and interact with the local people and get yourself engaged with the daily life of local community and later drive to Punakha. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

 Day 03: Punakha – Limukha (star of trek)

In the morning visit Punakha Dzong, an ancient capital of Bhutan, spanning the MoChu and Pho Chu rivers. It is also the winter capital for the monks and the Je Khenpo (chief abbot) and then drive a few kilometers to the suspension bridge believed to be the longest suspension bridge in Bhutan where your trek begins. The trail leads you into the valley of Shengana and a gradual climb through the chir pine forest takes you into the valley of Limukha and enroute visit Dompala village. Camp overnight at Limukha village. Altitude: 1800 m: Distance: 12 kms: Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 04: Limukha – Chungseykha

Today the trail leads you downhill through the forest of Rhododendrons, Sand Oak forest into the village of Chungsakha with en route visit to an old temple used by Lama Drukpa Kuenley as his winter residence in the 14^th century. If early explore the village of Chungseykha and visit the local farm houses and interact with the locals and participate in their chores of daily work in the village. Overnight at camp. Altitude: 1435 m: Distance: 11 kms: Walking time: 4-5 hours.

Day 05: Chungseykha – Samtengang (end of trek).

The trail leads you downhill and across the baychu (river), from the river the trails climbs you up hill into the Sha valley of Wangdue Phodrang district and finally reaches you into the valley of Samtengang where there is a school and BHU (Basic health Unit). On the way one can also visit Seygang Lhakhang which dates back to the 12^th century old monastery. Dinner and overnight at local house. Altitude: 1350 m: Distance: 13 kms: Walking time: 5 hours.

Day 06: Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro

After breakfast drive over the Dochola pass to Thimphu for lunch. After lunch spend an hour on your own to do the shopping in Thimphu before heading to Paro. Afternoon at leisure or explore the small quaint town of Paro on your own. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 07: Paro sightseeing and hike to Taktsang Monastery

In the morning drive the winding road to the north of Paro valley to visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m) and then drive to Ramthangka to hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The hike up to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8^th century and lunch will be served at the view point cafeteria and then walk back to the road point and visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 08:  Paro – Departure (by Druk Air)

Breakfast served at the hotel and then drive to the airport where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.  Good-bye and happy journey back home.

 

Day 01: Arrival at Paro (by Druk Air) – Transfer to hotel

On a clear day, the flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. You will see major Himalayan peaks such as Everest, Kanchenjunga and Makalu, and then on the final approach to Paro Bhutan’s own snowy peaks, Chomolhari and Jichu Drake will come into view. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your Bhutan representative, and then drive you the short distance to Paro town. After lunch visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1968. The museum boasts antique thangka, textiles, weapons and armour, household objects and rich assortment of natural and historic artifacts. We also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17^th century to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. The dzong is now used as an administration centre and school for monks. The evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

 

Day 02:  Paro valley sightseeing & hike to Taktsang Monastery – Thimphu.

After breakfast drive the winding road to the Drukgyal Dzong, the ruined fort, which was once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mount Chomolhari, can be seen the on a clear day from Drukgyal village.  You can visit a typical Bhutanese Farm House of a local family for a close up view of everyday Bhutanese life. We then drive to Shari to hike up (or horse ride) to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The horse ride up or hike to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8^th century. After lunch at the café walk back to the road point. After lunch at the cafeteria walk back to the road point. On our way back to the hotel we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temple in Bhutan built in 7^th century and then drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1½ hour. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

 

Day 03: Thimphu sightseeing – Punakha

Morning drive to visit National Memorial Chorten built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Art & Crafts School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls) and also visit the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices and then depart to Punakha, leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochola pass (3050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04: Punakha – Gangtey – Wangdue

After breakfast drive through the small town of Punakha and view the Punakha Dzong, winter seat of the Je Khenpo and ancient capital of Bhutan, remarkably located between the rivers of the Mo (Female) Chu and Pho (Male) Chu. The dzong is open to visitors only in summer when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body are in Thimphu and then continue our drive to Gangtey, Gangtey lies towards the east of Punakha and Wangdue on the flanks of the Black Mountains. There is an old monastery of Gangtey Gompa dating back to the 17th century. A few kilometers past the Gompa on the valley floor are the fascinating valley of Phobjikha. The gentle sloping hill sides of Phobjikha is described as “the most beautiful valley in the Himalayas”. This is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains of Tibetan Plateau in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climate. Later in the afternoon hike around the beautiful valley of Gangtey (Gangtey Nature Trail) and then we continue our drive back till we reach Wangdue. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 05:  Wangdue – Thimphu – Paro

After breakfast visit Wangdue Dzong, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short stop to view the Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu and then drive back to Thimphu via Dochola pass. One can also hike through the Botanical Garden of Docho la where one can see the different varieties of Rhododendrons, Magnolia, Cherry and other flowers in bloom (April & May months) and then continue your drive to Paro via Thimphu. Evening take a stroll around the street of Paro for the last minute shopping. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 06: Paro – Departure (by Druk Air).

An early breakfast served at your hotel and then drive a short distance to the Paro airport where your Bhutanese escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.  Good-bye and happy journey back home.

Day 01: Arrival at Paro (By Druk Air) – Transfer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. First gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you will be brief by our guide and transferred to Paro town for lunch. After lunch visit the National Museum of Paro, which dates back to the 17^th century and holds the artifacts of Thangkas, stuffed animal and birds, history of Bhutan, textiles and armour, household objects. After the museum we can also visit the Rimpung Dzong built in 17^th century to defend the valley against the Tibetan invaders and then depart to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1.5hours. Thimphu has a population of about 100,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. In the evening, we will visit the Tashi Chhoedzong, which is also known as the “fortress of the glorious religion” which was initially built in 1702 by Sherab Wangchuck, the 13^th Desi (temporal ruler) and later in 1955 after moving the capital to Thimphu from Punakha it was redesigned and added the present structure. Today it houses the main secretariat building, the central monk body and it also has the office of the King. Later in the evening visit Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02: Thimphu Sightseeing

After breakfast drive to visit National Memorial Chorten with its golden spines shining in the sun, its tinkling bells built in honor of third King of Bhutan, Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who is the father of modern Bhutan. This stupa was built in 1974 and the paintings and statues inside the monument provide deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. This Chorten is one of the most visited religious structures in Thimphu. Then visit the Buddha point one of the biggest statue and after that visit the Weekly Outdoor Market, where everyone goes to buy fruits and vegetables, rice, grains, chilies and other fresh foods. The crowded stalls offer many colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet and musical instrument. Visit the Zilukha Nunnery, Motithang Mini-Zoo (home of the bizarre Takin, the national animal). Other high lights include a visit to the Bhutanese Handmade Paper Factory. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 03: Thimphu – Punakha

After breakfast depart to Punakha, an ancient capital of Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula pass (3,050 m).  This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of hairpin bends to the fertile valley of Punakha and continue your drive to Lobeysa and a leisure hike another 20 minutes to Chime Lhakhang, temple of the “Divine Madman” built in 1499 and today it is mostly visited by the women who couldn’t bear Children. Also it is known as temple of fertility. After the visit walk back to the road point and then drive Punakha and visit Punakha Dzong, an ancient capital of Bhutan, spanning the MoChu and Pho Chu rivers. It is also the winter capital for the monks and the Je Khenpo (chief abbot). Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04 : Punakha –Wangdue – Paro

After breakfast drive to Wangdue, one of the major towns and district headquarters of Western Bhutan. We make a short stop to view the ruined Wangdue Phodrang Dzong dramatically located on the spur of a hill at the confluence of the Tsang Chhu and Dang Chhu and then drive to Paro via Thimphu. Lunch served at a hotel in Thimphu and after lunch visit the National Library stock with ancient books, also visit the Folk Heritage Museum which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households. One should also visit the Institute of Traditional Medicine, where old healing arts such as acupuncture and herbal remedies are still practiced and then drive to Paro. Later in the evening stroll around the small town of Paro. Dinner and Cultural Program consisting of mask dances and folk songs at hotel.

Day 05: Paro – Departure (By Druk Air)

After breakfast served at your hotel and drive to Paro Airport where your representative will help you with the exit formalities and bid you farewell and wish you happy Journey back home.

Day 01 By Air – Paro (by Druk Air) – Transfer to Thimphu

The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks give way to the lush green Paro valley as you land. The first gift from Bhutan will be the cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the plane. After clearing customs and visa control you are met by your guide and transfer to Paro town for lunch.
After lunch drive to visit National Museum,Ta dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. After visiting the museum drive depart to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. The drive will take around 1½ hour. Thimphu has a population of about 65,000. The town is made up of just three lines of shops and is the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Evening visit the Weekly Outdoor Market, where everyone goes to buy fruits and vegetables, rice, grains, chillis and other fresh foods. The crowded stalls offer many colorful local items such as yak tail dusters, butter tea cups, turquoise from Nepal and Tibet and musical instruments and the Handicrafts Emporium, which has all types of Bhutanese handicrafts for sale. Evening ends with a walk through Thimphu’s main shopping areas. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 02 Thimphu valley sightseeing – hike to Tango Monastery

After breakfast drive to Sangaygang viewpoint to catch the view of Thimphu valley at the ground floor and also visit Motithang Mini Zoo. And walk to visit Zilukha Nunnery and then drive to Tango Monastery with picnic lunch. The hike to the monastery takes around 45 minutes one way, the monastery was founded during the 13th century and today it houses more than 150 monks who are doing their masters and degree in their Buddhist Philosophy and meditation. After the visit to the monastery then walk down to the mororable road and drive back to Thimphu to visit the Folk Heritage Museum, which is dedicated to connecting people to the Bhutanese rural past through exhibition of items and artifacts used in rural households, Textile Museum, where the art of traditional weaving is still kept alive and preserved through exhibition and has a good collection of old textiles which are rich in its color and design. Evening visit the National Memorial Chorten, built in honor of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 03 Thimphu – Paro (hike to Taktsang Monastery)

After breakfast drive to Paro for your hike to Paro Taktsang, to hike up (or horse ride) to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s nest). The horse ride up to the cafeteria will take around one and half hour. At the view point enjoy the stunning view of the monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava landed on the back of a tigeress in the 8th century. Lunch will be served at the viewpoint cafeteria and then after lunch walk back to the road point and then drive to visit the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m) and on your way back visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. Evening ends with a walk through Paro’s main shopping district. Dinner and overnight at hotel.

Day 04 Paro – Depart (by Druk Air)
After breakfast drive to the airport and our ABC escort will bid you farewell at Paro airport.  Good-bye and happy journey back home.