The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in entire Himalayas. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers magnificent views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft is the cool, clean and rejuvenating mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, warmly received by our representative and afterwards transfer to the hotel.

The beautiful valley of Paro encapsulates within itself a rich culture, scenic beauty and hundreds of myths and legends. It is home to many of Bhutan's oldest temples and monasteries, National Museum and the country's only airport. Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) reigns in white glory at the northern end of the valley and its glacial water plunge through deep gorges to form Pa Chhu (Paro River). Paro is also one of the most fertile valleys in the Kingdom producing a bulk of the locally famous red rice from its terraced fields.

Afternoon visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach or exit to the Dzong is also through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. Rinpung Dzong is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, the festival held once a year in the spring.

Evening an exploratory walk around Paro main street, visiting local shops lined on both sides of the road.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m)
 

After breakfast, drive to newly restored Drukgyel Dzong. Originally built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate an early military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong name means, indeed, ‘victorious Druk’. Historically and strategically, this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) from the village, below the Dzong. 

Later take a short drive to Satsam Chorten (trail head point) for a walking excursion to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Lhakhang) (approx. 5 hour round trip walk). This most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress, and meditated at this place, hence the monastery is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site, which has long been recognized as a most sacred place, was visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, the religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. It is a place of pilgrimage which every Bhutanese try to visit at least once in a lifetime. In April 1998 a fire had severely damaged the main structure of the building but later on it got impeccably restored to its original grandeur. 

Later visit Kyichu Lhakhang. This is one of the holiest and the oldest shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern. In the seventh century, Tibet was ruled by King Songsten Gompo, who in his attempt to suppress a demoness opposing Buddhist teachings built 108 temples in a day and Kyichu is one of them.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).
 

After breakfast, visit Ta Dzong. Located on the hill above Paro Dzong stands this ancient watchtower which has been, since 1967, the national museum of Bhutan. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. 

Then drive to the village of Gynekha (2,800m) to commence the trek. The trek begins with a short descent and after crossing bridge over the Wang Chhu river, we follow the trail steadily upwards until reaching a rocky platform, a good resting spot. Then we continue slowly through bamboo and birch forest to reach our camp, situated in a meadow at Gur (3,300m).

Overnight camp at Gur (Altitude 3,300m).
 

Today’s trek takes you across the high ridges from where you can truly appreciate the rugged beauty of your surroundings and the mountain vegetation. The path traverses through refreshing meadows adorned with wildflowers and asparagus (during spring).  The day’s first mountain pass is marked by a huge cairn and offers magnificent view of Mount. Kanchenjunga and other peaks of Bhutan Himalayas. During descend, you will be able to see entire Dagala mountain range including meadows and yak herders’ camps. Once you have descended into the Labatama valley, continue walking through the valley, passing yak herders huts before reaching Uthso Tsho lake.

Overnight camp, right next to lake at Labatama (Altitude 4,300m).
 

Walking further from Lambatama, the trail ascends along the western side of Dala Tsho upto a saddle at 4,500m and there onwards the entire descent offers amazing views of prominent Himalayan peaks such as Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Masang Gang and Mt. Jichu Drake. For even a better view, you can climb a peak close to the saddle at altitude of around 4,700m. From the saddle the path descends, passing by few yak herders huts at Doccha Chhu. Following the river for a while and with few ascends and descends, we reach at Panka.

Overnight camp at Panka (Altitude 4,000m).

Though today’s trek entrails crossing several passes but those are not strenuous. After crossing the last pass, Tale La at 4,200m, you start a long descent to Chamgang.  Later picked up by our transport and transfer to Bhutan’s capital city, Thimphu. 

On arrival, in Thimphu check-into the hotel. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. With the population of about 130,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light. 

Later in evening walk around National Memorial Chorten, a large white structure crowned with a golden spire. It is located close to the center of Thimphu city and is one of its most iconic monuments. This is the most ideal spot to interact with locals who throng in large numbers to circumambulate the chorten, whirl the large red prayer wheels and pray at a small shrine inside the gate. The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy. 

Afterwards take a stroll around Thimphu main street and market area. 

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).
 

Morning after breakfast, drive to see the iconic gigantic Buddha Dordenma (Vajra seated), the world’s largest sitting bronze statue. Majestically situated at Kuenselphodrang, it is an object of great veneration to all sentient beings. The land at Kuenselphodrang measuring 145 acres was gifted to Monks Body by His Majesty the Fourth King of Bhutan. The Park conserves 798.4 acres of forest area that surrounds the Buddha Dordenma statue. Dedicating it to the 60th birth anniversary celebration of His Majesty the Fourth Druk Gyalpo, His Holiness the Je Khenpo consecrated the 201 feet tall Buddha Dordenma statue at the Kuenselphodrang on 24th September 2015.

After this insightful visit proceed to Textile Museum, established in 2001 under the royal patronage of Her Majesty Gyalyum Sangay Choden Wangchuck. The museum is managed by the Department of Culture, Ministry of Home & Cultural Affairs, Royal Government of Bhutan. Exhibitions here introduce the major weaving techniques, styles of local dress and textiles made by women and men.

Institute for Zorig Chusum, commonly known as 'Arts & Crafts School' or 'Painting School' is an important learning center that offers a six-year course on the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan. On a visit, one can see students learning the various skills taught at the school.

Located below the main town, Centenary Farmers Market popularly known as Weekend market is a pleasant, colourful & delightful place to mingle with locals. Farmers come from all over the country to sell their farm products in this market. Also available here are the handicrafts and artifacts, to purchase.

Then visit Changangkha Lhakhang, one of the ancient temples in Thimphu established on a site chosen by Phajo Drukgom Shigpo, the founder of Drukpa lineage in Bhutan. The central statue here is Chenrezig in a manifestation with 11 heads. From temple courtyard, there is fascinating view of Thimphu valley. 

Conclude the sightseeing of the day with visit of Trashichhoedzong that has been the seat of the government since 1952 and presently houses the throne room and offices of His Majesty the King, the Secretariat and the Ministries of Home affairs and Finance. The dzong is located close to Thimphu town, next to the banks of the Wang Chhu River. It is an impressively large structure, surrounded by well-kept lawns and beautiful gardens.

Evening free to explore the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through example of Bhutan's fine traditional arts constituting hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

After breakfast drive to Punakha across Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags which decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m), Kangphugang (7,170 m), Zongphugang (7, 060 m), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong. Also known as ‘The Palace of Great Bliss’, Punakha Dzong was built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region. The Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history and on 17 December 1907, the first King of Bhutan Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk, was crowned here. Damaged by six catastrophic fires, an earthquake and once by flood, the Dzong has been fully restored by the fourth King. Dzongchung (or the little Dzong), built in 1328 by saint Ngagi Rinchen can still be seen opposite the main Dzong.

Thereafter a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.
The Chimi Lhakhang (temple), situated on a round hillock in the centre of Punakha valley near Lobesa, was built in 1499 by the 14th Drukpa hierarch, Ngawang Choegyel, after the site was blessed by the maverick saint Drukpa Kuenley who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and owing to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. The Lhakhang is situated about 10 km from centre of Punakha town near Sopsokha village, from where a 20-minute walk through fields of mustards and rice, leads to a hillock that is the site of temple. Prayer flags are lined all along the road from the tiny village hamlet known as Yowakha, along a stream to the monastery. All houses in the village are decorated with paintings of phalluses on their exterior walls. The lama Kuenley had called the hillock where the monastery exists as the breast of a woman because of its round shape.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

After breakfast, drive to Paro along scenic highway. En route visit Simtokha Dzong, one the oldest fortress of the country built in 1629. The name Semtokha literally means ‘Atop a Demon’ and the legend associated with the dzong’s construction tells us that it was built in order to subdue an evil spirit that was harassing travellers in the region. The dzong was modelled after the Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet) and is quite distinctive as its Utse or central tower has 12 sides.

Then drive onto Paro, on the way taking a photo stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro & Thimphu rivers. 

Traversing onward, visit Tamchog Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to 13th century saint Thangthong Gyalpo, who is famously known as iron bridge builder in Bhutan. The temple is located across the river and in order to reach the temple one need to cross an iron bridge, one of the few remaining of the many that Thangthong Gyalpo built. Crossing the traditional iron bridge with its swaying and undulating movements is quite an experience.

Evening explore Paro city centre and market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast at the hotel, drive to the airport for the flight to your onward destination. Our representative will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.