DAY 1: ARRIVE PARO AND DRIVE TO THIMPHU (55 KMS / 1.5 HRS)

The visual experience of this tour to Bhutan, begins even before you arrive in to Paro, since, you get a chance to take in a wonderful visual of the mighty Himalayas even as the aircraft is descending through the forested mountains of the Paro Valley in to Paro airport. Flying into Bhutan is an amazing experience.

On arrival at the Paro airport, you will be driven to Thimphu, a distance of approximately 55 kms.

Upon arrive Thimphu, check in to the hotel.

Later, after lunch, sightseeing of Thimphu including visits to the Memorial Chorten National Textile Museum, Folk Heritage museum, and the National Library. Also visit the Memorial Chorten, the stupa constructed in the memory of Bhutan’s third king, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1974. The Late King was popularly known as the Father of modern Bhutan. Beautiful paintings and statues inside the monument provides a deep vision of the Buddhist philosophy. After the visits you could also spend some time shopping for traditional Bhutanese handicrafts and jewelry.

Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 2: DISCOVER THIMPHU

After breakfast, pick up from the hotel for sightseeing tour of Thimphu.

A short drive to visit the Changangkha Lhakhang, it is beautiful fortress, like a temple and a monastic school, on a ridge above Thimpu, South of Motithang. For amazing views of Thimphu valley, drive to the BBS Tower, followed by a visit to the mini zoo or the Taking Preserve- it is the National animal of Bhutan, and it is a cross breed between cow and a goat. Finally visit the AnimDratshang (nunnery) at DrubthoGoemb On your way back visit the Trashichhodzong: an impressive fortress/monastery houses Secretariat building, the throne room of His Majesty, the King and various government offices. It is also the summer residence of Chief Abbot and central monk body.

 Overnight stay in Thimphu.

DAY 3: DRIVE THIMPHU - GANGTEY (150 KMS / 4 HRS)

After breakfast, check out from the hotel and proceed to next destination of your trip.

This morning you drive over the high mountain pass of the Dochu La, at an altitude of over 10000 ft, driving through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees, enjoying beautiful views of the Phobjikha valley, on your way to Gangtey.

After check into the hotel in Gangtey, walk around the Gangtey village and visit the only Nyingmapa monastery in the region, Gangtey Gompa. Few kilometers down the Nyingmapa monastery, on the valley floor is the Phobjikha valley. This small and quiet valley is the winter home of the migratory Black necked Cranes, who come all the way from the dry plains of Tibet to the warmer climate of Bhutan.

Overnight stay in Gangtey.

DAY 4: DRIVE GANGTEY GOMPA – GOGONA, ALTITUDE: 3100M, 14 KM, 5-6 HOURS WALK

The trek leaves the valley at 2830km and leads south, then west through meadows and fields. It then climbs through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, rhododendrons and magnolia. The trail is rough and rocky and weaves through trees where pack animals have created deep muddy furrows. After crossing Tsele La (3440m) the trail crosses several meadows, and then descends through forests to Gangak (3020m). It is then a short climb to the camp at Gogona (3100m), a beautiful hilltop site overlooking a long valley. Nearby is Gogona Lhakhang and dozens of poles with white prayer flags fluttering.

Overnight at trekking camp.

DAY 5: DRIVE GOGONA – KHOTOKHA, ALTITUDE: 2790M, 15 KM, 5-6 HOURS WALK

Trek into the forest of firs, oak, spruce, dwarf rhododendron, miniature azaleas, cypress and juniper. This trail winds gently up the Gogona village. Much of the undergrowth in this village is the Daphne, the plant that is used for hand-made papers. Then a long but a gradual climbs leads to Shobju La pass (3410m).The trek then comes down through the rocky, muddy forest and criss-crossing small streams. Finally, at about 3000m, the trail meets a rough trek used by tractors to collect wood from the forest. Follow the road, with a few short cuts through the woods, to a sawmill and woodcutters camp at Dolonaga (2830m). Still heading down, the trail overlooks the broad Khothangkha valley and eventually reaches a clearing, ChortenKarpo, where there are four Chortens dedicated to the four Je Khenpos who came from this area. The best camp is in this clearing at 2790m, beside a forest of a large blue pines overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha, consisting about 60 rustic houses.

Overnight stay at trekking camp.

DAY 6: DRIVE KHOTOKHA – TIKKE ZAMPA & TRANSFER TO PUNAKHA, ALTITUDE: 1300M, 13 KM, 5 HOURS WALK

A short, abrupt trek along the well-known path that takes you to Tashi La (2800m). This is the upper end of the cable car” that transports wood down to Chhuzomsa, 1300m below. The walk down is through a beautiful forest, with the undergrowth changing from rhododendrons and magnolia to ferns and dwarf bamboo. This trek is one of the best bird-watching areas in Bhutan. The species of birds found here are laughing thrush, shrike, magpie and woodpecker. The trail then rushes down the steep terraced wheat fields to a cluster of houses at Whachay. The trail eventually meets the road near Tikke Zampa at 1500m. The trek ends here, after which you visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, founded by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgayl in 1638. It is located on top of a high ridge overlooking a river junction. The Dzong stands majestically on a spur and commands an impressive view over both north-south and east-west roads. Later in the evening visit Punakha Dzong, also known as ‘Palace of Happiness’. It is a huge structure at the confluence of two rivers and was constructed by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1637. Punakha Dzong is the most striking and well-known fortress connected with Bhutan’s historical traditions.

Overnight stay at the hotel in Punakha.

hotel.

Overnight stay in Punakha.

DAY 7: DRIVE PUNAKHA – PARO (125 KMS / 4 HRS)

After the tiring trek in Punakha, travel to Paroenroute stopping at Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest Dzong in the country, constructed in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal.

On your arrival at Paro, check in at the Hotel and visit the Bhutan’s National Museum, Ta Dzong which was once a watchtower, constructed during the inter-valley wars of the 17th century. Ta Dzong holds intriguing collections of religious Thangkha paintings, art, relics and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps.

After visiting the beautiful museum walk down a hillside to visit Rinpung Dzong which has an elaborate history. This large monastery was constructed in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first ruler of Bhutan. The entrance to Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called NemiZam. A walk through the bridge, gives a beautiful view of the architectural marvel of the majestic monastery and the life around Dzong.

Overnight stay in Paro.

DAY 8: DISCOVER PARO

After breakfast, you can take an excursion to the Taktshang Monastery (5hrs trek). Taktshang Monastery is one of the famous monasteries of Bhutan. The Taktshang Monastery is balanced on a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley. It is believed that Guru Rinpoche reached here on the back of a tigress and meditated here at the monastery and so it’s called the’Tiger’s nest’. The Bhutanese atleast once in their lifetime visit this sacred monastery. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendor. Those not keen to trek can visit the Chele-la pass (alt 4200 meter). The beautiful road hikes up towards the pass through blue pine & rhododendron forest for about 45 km. The Chele La view point offers outstanding view of 7314 meter Chomolhari peaks &Jichu Drakey. It is about one and half hour drive from Paro city to the pass. A short walk around the view point can be taken to smell the grand view of Eastern Himalayan range.

On your way back to Paro, visit Drukgyel Dzong, it, is a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to honor his victory over the Tibetan invaders.

Overnight stay in Paro.

DAY 9: DEPART PARO

After breakfast, check out from hotel and transfer to Paro airport to catch your flight for onward destination.