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 fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. Bhutan’s first gift, as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be met by our representative, and afterwards transfer to the hotel.

Situated in north-western part of the country, the wide and fertile Paro valley has both an ancient and modern face. It is home to some of the most revered temples in the Kingdom and at the same time also boasts Bhutan’s only international airport. With its annual bounties of paddy, Paro is justly considered to be the rice bowl of the country.

Afternoon visit to Rinpung Dzong, meaning (‘fortress of the heap of jewels’), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and other cosmic Mandala. Part of Bernardo Bertolucci's movie, ‘Little Buddha,’ was filmed inside this Dzong.

Then drive to pay respect to 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang. It is said to be one of the 108 temples built by Buddhist King of Tibet, Songtsen Gampo, to subdue a demoness who sprawled across the entire Himalayan region and prevented the spread of Buddhism. The temple complex has a magical orange tree that bear fruits all year round.

Evening an exploratory walk around main street and market area.

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

After breakfast, embark on a walking excursion to Taktshang Monastery (approx. 5 hours, round trip walk), a cluster of temples clinging to the edge of an impossibly steep and rocky cliff, seeming to hang in space some 900 metres above the valley. The site owes its sanctity to the belief that Guru Padmasambhava came here in the eight-century flying on a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is also called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised as a most sacred place and visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Later in the afternoon, visit Ta Dzong, a 17th century Watch Tower above the Paro Dzong that now houses the National Museum. It features an excellent collection of Bhutanese antiquities and treasures (including the King's famous 'Dragon Hat), an interesting assortment of costumes from the different regions of Bhutan, and a wonderful collection of painted and embroidered Thangkhas (religious pictures).

Then visit to Dungtse Lhakhang, built unusually as a temple in the shape of a chorten. Inside Dungtse Lhakhang are the most remarkable collection of mural paintings, representing the deities of the Drukpa Kagyupa school of Buddhism, the official religion of Bhutan. These murals and their colours perfectly preserved because the interior always remain in dark and are believed to be the finest in Bhutan.

Continue towards north-western end of the Paro valley which is dominated by views of Mt. Chomolhari (7,314m) and picturesque  Drukgyel Dzong, destroyed in devastating fire of 1951 and resorted in 2022. Built to commemorate a famous victory over the Tibetans in 1644, the dzong is an idyllic spot, shaded by ancient cypress trees. Besides it is a giant water-driven prayer wheel, making the route of the old mule track to Tibet.

Nearby we will also see the beautiful typical farmhouse. Bhutanese farmhouses are very colorful, decorative and traditionally built without the use of single nail. The majority of the population of Bhutan continues to live as it has for centuries – in small, isolated farms and hamlets, surrounded by terraced fields of rice, maize and buckwheat.

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

Morning after breakfast, excursion to Dzongdrakha Geomba. Often called as mini Takstang, Dzongdrakha is a cliff-side temple complex on the western side of the Paro Valley, above Bondey village.  Four shrines make up the complex, dedicated to Drolma (Tara), Tsheringma (Goddess of Longevity), Guru Rinpoche and the Buddha of the Future, Maitreya. Local oral tradition states that when Guru Rinpoche first visited Bhutan, he came from Nepal, first landing at Drakarpo monastery, and then at Dzongdrakha before arriving at Taktshang (Tiger's Nest) farther north up the valley. The Goemba is located approx. 20-minute drive from Paro town followed by about 30-minute walk.

Then drive north of Paro valley till the Drukgyal Dzong. From here, we drive for another hour or so along the rough farm road to Shana Zam (2,850m). Then commences the trek gradually walking up the valley following Pa Chhu river’s bends into Jigme Dorji Wangchuck National Park to camp at Thongdu Zam.

Overnight camp at Thongdu Zam (Altitude, 3,150m).

The trail again follows the Pa Chhu (Paro River), ascending and descending through Pine, Oak and Spruce forests. After crossing a bridge to the left bank of the river, we stop for a hot lunch. Then we continue along the river, climbing upwards through rhododendron forests and crossing the river once more before reaching our campsite.

Overnight camp at Soi Thangthangkha (Altitude 3,610m).

The path ascends for a while till you reach the army camp. We then follow the river above the tree line, enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Hot lunch is served at a yak herder’s camp. A short walk from here into the valley takes us to our campsite at Jangothang (4,080m). From here, the views of Mount. Chomolhari and Jichu Drake are superb.

Overnight camp at Jangothang (Altitude 4,080m).

The rest day at Jangothang provides plenty of opportunities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow-capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. There are good chances to spot some Blue Sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. You can also trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jomolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and there are a number of unclimbed peaks to the east.

Overnight camp at Jangothang (Altitude 4,080m).

The trail follows the stream for half an hour and crosses the bridge to the right bank. We now start our climb up to the first ridge, enjoying breathtaking view of Mt. Jomolhari, Jichu Drake and Tsrim Khang. The trail then takes us across a fairly level valley floor until the climb to the Nyele-la (4,700m). We descend gradually from the pass to our campsite at Lingshi (4,000m), enjoying the panoramic view of the mountain peaks and Lingshi Dzong as we walk.

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

The Laya – Gasa route leaves the Jomolhari trek route here. Our trail climbs up towards a small white chorten on a ridge above the camp, then turns south up the deep Mo Chu river valley. The trail stays on the west side of this largely treeless valley, climbing steeply a short distance above the Mo Chhu river. It then crosses the river and climbs steeply for two hours to Yeli-la pass (4,820m). On a clear day, you can see Mt. Jumolhari, Gangchhenta, Tserim Khang and Masang Gang from this pass. Descend alongside a stream to a rock shelter in the cliff face, and then continue on downstream till reaching Shodu (4,100m), where we will camp in a meadow with a chorten in it.

Overnight camp at Shodu (Altitude 4,100m)

We are now back at the tree line, and our path follows the course of the Thimphu Chhu (river), descending through rhododendron, juniper and mixed alpine forests. There are stunning views of rocky cliff faces and waterfalls along the way. We stop at the riverside for a hot lunch. Then the trail takes us gradually upwards to the ruins of Barshong Dzong near which we camp for the night.

Overnight camp at Barshong (Altitude 3,710m).

The trail descends gently through a dense forest of rhododendron, birch and conifers, then drops steeply to meet Thimphu Chh (river). Then the trail runs along the left bank of the river, climbing over ridges and descending into gullies where side stream runs down into the river. The final stage of the trail climbs around a cliff face high above the Thimphu Chu river, coming out onto pastureland where we camp for the night.

Overnight camp at Dolam Kencho (Altitude 3,320m).

The trail winds in and out of side valleys above Thimphu Chhu, making a long ascent through a forest of conifers and high-altitude broadleaf species to a pass at 3,510m. The trail then drops steeply to the river and following it southward to the roadhead at Dodena, (2,600m). The transport meets us here, and we drive to 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 little above 1,30,000 it is perhaps still the world’s only capital city without a traffic light.

Later in afternoon 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 drive 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.

Evening have a wander around newly developed Wangdue town and its local market.

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

After breakfast, continue another fascinating journey towards Paro, en route visiting Simtokha Dzong, one of the oldest fortresses of the country, built in 1629. Legend associated with Dzong’s construction mention that the fortress was built to subdue a demon that was harassing travellers to this region. The most noteworthy artistic feature of this Dzong is the series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

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 for shopping or at leisure in Paro town.

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

Morning after breakfast, transfer to the airport for flight to onward destination.