DAY 01: ARRIVE PARO

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular mountain flights in the world, with a constantly changing panorama of some of the highest mountains on earth. Our agent’s representative will welcome you at the Paro airport. After lunch/ refreshment depending upon your time of arrival, we can proceed to the following:

• Paro Rimpung Dzong/ fortress that was built in 1645 and was the administrative and the monastic center. You can then walk towards the Rimpung bridge (a traditional cantilever bridge)
• Ta Dzong (watch tower) that houses many religious relics, works of art and handicrafts offering a great orientation into Bhutan’s historical and cultural past.
• Sightseeing around Paro that is rich in traditional architecture with abundant paddyfields in and around the town.

DAY 02: PARO

After breakfast, we will commence our hike to Taktsang Monastery. The trail is broad and the walk of approximately 1.5 to 2 hours uphill takes you high above the Paro valley. The view of Taktsang Monastery built on a sheer cliff face 900 metres above the valley floor is a spectacular sight. The great Guru Rimpoche is said to have flown here on the back of a tigress when he brought the teachings of the Buddhist Dharma to Bhutan in the 8th Century. In a nearby restaurant, you can stop for lunch.

In the afternoon, we will drive northwest up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. On a clear day there is a splendid view of Mt. Jomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong

DAY 03: PARO – JELE DZONG: 8km, 4-5 hours. 1090m ascent

Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen surrounded by snowcapped mountains. Above the camp is Jele La (3400m) and Jele Dzong. There is also a Lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni

DAY 04: JELE DZONG – JANGCHULAKHA: 10km, 3-4 hours

Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Jomolhari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Overnight camp.

DAY 05: JANGCHULAKHA – JIMILANGTSHO: 11km, 4 hours. 230m descent, 330m ascent

The trail follows the ridge, and when the weather is clear views of the mountains and valley are sensational. We will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to Jimilangtsho lakes, famous for their giant-sized trout.
Overnight at campsite. Altitude 3870m.

DAY 06: JIMILANGTSHO – SIMKOTA: 11km, 4 hours. 820m ascent, 400m descent

The trail takes us through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janeetsho. Today we may run into yak herder’s camps, which will give an insight into the lives of the nomadic people of Bhutan. We will be camping overnight today, somewhere close to Simkota Lake.
Overnight at campsite.

DAY 07: SIMKOTA- PHAJODING: 10km, 4 hours

Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hall near Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight at cafeteria or camp, depending on weather conditions.

DAY 08: PHAJODING – THIMPHU: 5km, 3 hours

The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

DAY 09: EXCURSION TO PUNAKHA/ WANGDI

After breakfast, full day excursion to the Punakha and Wangdue valleys. The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) from which there are the most enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers.
Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history. Then drive to Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local market. In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu

DAY 10: THIMPHU – PARO

A day of sightseeing around Thimphu, as time permits:

• Tashichhodzong: the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body;
• Institute for Zorig Chusum, more commonly known as the Painting School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan;
• National Memorial Chorten: Built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (“the father of modern Bhutan”) and as a monument to world peace;
• Handicrafts Emporium: a wide assortment of intricately hand-woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at this government-run outlet, and at many smaller handicrafts shops around town;
• National Library: established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts;

DAY 11: DEPARTURE FROM PARO

After having your breakfast in hotel, we will drive to the airport for your flight.

Accommodation

The standard hotels in Bhutan are almost 2 or 3 starred in the country. The standard hotels provides the basics and are maintained well. The luxury hotels are in the 4 & 5 star level and are most commonly located in Paro, Thimphu, Bumthang and Punakha.
Accommodation establishments are more modest with fewer amenities in the more remote areas of central (Gangtey, Trongsa, Bumthang) and eastern Bhutan (Mongar, Trashigang, Trashiyangtse, Samdrup Jongkhar). Sometimes the best accommodation can be a very modest one, especially in the central and eastern regions.
While your travel with us, we can assure you your accommodation can vary from lodges, guest houses, smaller hotels and tented camps.

Guides

All our tours are escorted by well trained and knowledgeable local English Speaking Guides. Our guides are all certified and trained by the Tourism Council of Bhutan. There will be extra charges for German/French/Japanese guides. Since there are not many language speaking guides in Bhutan, advance booking will increase the confirmation of the language speaking guides.

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