Day 1: Arrive Paro

 

In clear weather, flight to Bhutan provides a wonderful view of Himalayan scenery. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, it is a fascinating journey, culminating in an exciting descent past forested hills into the kingdom

 

On arrival at Paro airport, you will be met by our representative and transfer to the hotel. Evening take a stroll around town’s main street. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 2: Paro

 

Begin this day with a short drive to the ruined fortress of Drugyel dzong which still attracts visitors due to the strategic location of the fort. From this fort Bhutanese repelled several invasions by Tibetan armies. Nearby visit traditional Bhutanese Farm House which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Then take an excursion to Taktsang Monastery, the spot where Guru Rinpoche arrived on the back of a tigress and meditated. The temple is perched on a sheer rock face. The excursion to monastery’s view point takes about 5 hours for round trip. While return to Paro town visit enroute Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 3: Paro – Thimphu

 

In the morning drive to Thimphu, the modern capital town of Bhutan. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan’s most ancient fortress.

 

After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the late third King of Bhutan; the Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practice; the Painting School where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; the National Library that houses ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Trashichhodong, the ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 4: Thimphu – Trongsa

 

After breakfast, drive to Trongsa across Dochula Pass (3140m) and Pelela Pass (3300m). Lunch at Wangdue town. Overnight at the lodge in Trongsa.

 

Day 5: Trongsa – Bumthang

 

Morning visit Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan’s Royal family; Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Then proceed to Bumthang and in the afternoon, visit the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurjey monastery where Guru Padsambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

 

Day 6: Bumthang – Gorsum, 18 km, 7 hours

 

After breakfast, the transport will reach you up to the trek point just below Kurje Lhakhang, one of the most renowned temples. The Trek route leads you along the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for its richness in Trout. Camp at altitude 3,120m.

 

Day 7: Gorsum – Lungsum, 12 km, 5 hours

 

The trail leads through a dense forest of Spruce, Hemlock, Cypress, Juniper and Maple. The trail ascends gradually to the campsite.

 

Day 8: Lungsum – Tshochenchen

 

The vegetation along the trekking route is similar to places crossed the previous day. Near the campsite the vegetation thins out and the camp is made above tree line.

 

Day 9: Tshochenchen – Duer Tsachu, 17 km, 6/7 hours

 

Today’s walk is uphill, passing a small lake until you reach at Juli La (4,700m). After crossing the pass the trail descends to a lake, then climbs again to Gokthong La (pass). From here it is a steep way down till the campsite. Musk deer, herds of blue sheep and Himalayan bear is sometimes seen along the route.

 

Day 10: Duer Tsachu halt

 

Day to relax in the hot spring or hike the surrounding areas.

 

Day 11: Duer Tsachu – Tshochenchen, 17 km, 6/7 hours

 

The Trek trail from Dur Tsachu is uphill till Julila. After crossing the pass the trail descends till you reach the campsite. Overnight in Camp.

 

Day 12: Tashochenchen – Gorsum

 

Today the trek begins early, as the trail is long. The trail drops gradually down till you reach campsite. Overnight in Camp.

 

Day 13: Gorsum – Bumthang

 

From Gorsum the trail descends gradually till the bridge near Duer village, where you reach the road ahead. Then follow the new motor able road. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

 

Day 14: Bumthang – Punakha (205 km, 6 hours)

 

Morning visit to Jambey Lakhang, built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha (205 kms) with lunch en route. Overnight at hotel in Punakha.

 

Day 15: Punakha – Paro (125 km, 4.1/2 hrs)

 

Morning visit to Punakha Dzong and Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten. Later drive to Wangduephodrang visiting Dzong and local market. After lunch, proceed to Paro. Overnight at hotel in Paro.

 

Day 16: Paro Depart

 

After early breakfast drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Our representative will bid you farewell at the airport.