1

The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. The journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh and virgin mountain air. Upon arrival welcome at the airport and transfer to hotel. Overnight stay at hotel in Paro.

2

Day hike to the view point of Taktsang monastery. The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2 /3 hours through villages and pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro valley. It is believed that the great saint Padmasambhava came in the 7th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3 months.

The demons were subdued who were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism and converted the Paro valley into Buddhism. During the end of the 17 century a monastery was built on the spot where the saint mediated and it is a pilgrimage site for every Bhutanese to visit once in their life time.

Later visit the ruined fortress of Drugyel Dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. The fort defended the Paro valley from the Tibetan invasion from the north in the early 17th century. On clear weather Mount Chomolhari 7320 meters can be seen towering over the dzong. Overnight stay.

3

Drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival check into hotel. In the afternoon, Visit the Memorial chorten built in the memory of the late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, 15 century Changangkha monastery, Motithang mini zoo to see the rare “Takin” national animal of Bhutan and drive further down with good view of the Thimphu valley. Visit the new Drupthob nunnery temple and free time in the market. Overnight stay.

4

Morning visit the Painting school, National library, Royal goldsmith workshop and Handicraft centers. Afternoon drive 3 hours to Wangduephodrang crossing the Dochula pass 3100 meters. On fine weather you will see the eastern Himalayan ranges including the highest mountain in Bhutan Mt. Gangar Punsum 7520 meters. The drive from the pass is all the way downhill dropping to the lower and warmer valleys of lobesa. Visit the Wangduephodrang Dzong from outside and the market area. Overnight at hotel.

5

In the morning drive to the Gangtey Gompa valley at an altitude of 2800 meters. The only Nyingmapa monastery in western Bhutan is located here. This beautiful valley is also home to the rare Black Necked Cranes migrating from the Tibetan plateau to escape the harsh winter. Currently there are 200 to 300 cranes residing in this valley and the Royal Society for Protection of Nature (RSPN) is taking every measure to ensure the safety of the Cranes. While the cranes reside in the winter valley for 4/5 months the village folks are not allowed to make loud noises or fish in the river that runs through the valley. Explore the fascinating glacier valley and overnight at camp.

6

After breakfast start trek to Gogona. A moderate trail winds through meadows and fields then ascends to the Tselela pass. You will be walking through forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron. The people of Gogona are nomads and have their own dialect. Camp at 3200 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

7

A gentle climb leads to Shobjula pass at 3700 meters with views of the wide-open valley. Then descend gradually to camp at 3100 meters. Walking time 5/6 hours.

8

Khotokha to Chuzomsa via Nizergang. A short ascends leads to Tashi la at 3300. Be sure to fill your water bottles shortly after crossing the pass as the descend is very dry. Walk down through ever changing vegetation into the drainage of the Dangchu river at 1400 meters. Walking time 6/7 hours. Overnight stay at hotel.

9

Morning visits the Punakha Dzong which served as an old capital of Bhutan. This remarkable fortress is built between two rivers and has survived any glacial floods and fire. Every year during the month of February a procession known as the Punakha Serda takes place to commemorate the victory over the Tibetans. Continue drive to Thimpu on arrival check-in at hotel for Overnight stay at hotel.

10

After breakfast, visit Buddha Dordenma, located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan.

125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall. Visit Simply Bhutan – a living museum which gives a taste of Bhutanese lifestyle. You get to dress up, distil arak, try your hand at archery – in short everything that the natives do. The museum has an inspiring program of engaging Bhutanese youth in the preservation of local culture, one of the four tenets of Gross Happiness Product that the Wangchuks and Bhutan itself has come to embody.

Later drive to Paro. After checking in your hotel, proceed through the beautiful valley to the watch tower or locally known as Ta-Dzong. It was housed into the National Museum in the 1960s by the third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. The seven floors museum highlights various aspects of Bhutanese culture and history dating back to the 7th century. A short walk downhill to the Rinpung Dzong which serves as the administrative center and school for monks. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Stroll around the market and return to hotel for overnight stay.

11

Transfer to airport to catch your flight for onwards destination.