Day 1: Arrive Paro – Thimphu

 

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 Kolkata, 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 transferred to

Thimphu. Evening visit National Memorial Chorten, a stupa built in memory of His Late Majesty Third King; Tashichhodzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 2: Thlmphu – Gangtey/ Phobjikha

 

After breakfast, morning tour of Thimphu includes visit to National Library, which houses an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School or Arts & Crafts School), where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts.

 

Then drive for about 5 hours to Gangtey. En route cross Dochu-la pass (3,088m). Overnight at farm house, Gangtey.

 

Day 3: Phobjikha – Zasa

 

Distance 15km, six to seven hours, 610m ascent, 410m descent, camp altitude 3,130m

 

The Trek starts near the village of Tabiting. The trail winds through meadows and fields and the climb takes you through a mixed forest of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendron to Tsele La (3430m). From here you descend into the Juge Kangkha Chhu valley. Further on, the path leads to Gogona, well known for its “Gogona Cheese” production. The campsite is a bit further on besides a small stream in a yak pasture called Zasa.

 

Day 4: Zasa – Chorten Karpo

 

Distance 16km, five to seven hours, 450m ascent, 860m descent, camp altitude 3,330m

 

A gentle climb leads to Shobe La pass (3,480m). The descent from the pass leads to a wide valley, surrounded by beautiful mountain ranges.  Below the route one can see Khothokha, a village with about 60 houses. You finally reach the campsite by climbing gently up till you see four chortens (stupa) in a forest filled with blue pines. Camp in Chorten Karpo.

 

Day 5: Chorten Karpo – Tikke Zampa (Distance 12km, four to five hours, 120m ascent, 1,340m descent) drive to Punakha

 

From the camp you climb till you reach a forest road. From here it’s an easy walk up to a little ridge at 2,800m. The walk down back into the valley leads you through Bhutan’s best bird watching areas. Then drive to Punakha. Overnight at a hotel in Punakha.

 

Day 6: Punakha – Thimphu

 

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong and local market. Then drive to Thimphu. In Thimphu, visit the following if time permits: Folk Heritage and National Textile Museums; Handicrafts Emporium; papermaking factory; market. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

 

Day 7: Thimphu – Paro

 

Morning drive to Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, oldest Dzong in the country built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It now houses the Institute of Language and Cultural studies.

 

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. If time permits, then visit Drukgyel Dzong and Kyichu Lhakhang. In the evening visit local market and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

 

Day 8: Paro Depart

 

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