The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the 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.

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, the 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.

This afternoon is dedicated to exploring Paro and its surrounding.

Visit Ta Dzong, originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Afterwards, walk down a hillside trail to 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 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. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, the festival held once a year in the spring.

Evening take an exploratory walk around Paro main street.

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

After breakfast, take a short drive to Satsam Chorten (trailhead point) for a walking excursion to Tiger’s Nest (Taktsang Lhakhang) (approx 5 hours 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.

Later in the afternoon, visit newly restored Drukgyel Dzong. This fortress was 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 in the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the Kingdom reflecting the introduction of Buddhism in Bhutan.

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

Early morning drive from your hotel to Shana village, about 2 hours to the road end. First day is a moderate trek to start with. The trek leads into Jigme Dorji National Park through the valley of the Paro river, which gradually narrows as the trail leads higher, winding up and down through the thick forest of oak, pine and juniper. Camp at Thongdozam amidst the woods.

Overnight camp at Thongdozam (Altitude 3,610m).
 

Continue following the Paro River and the valley begins to widen, opening to a spectacular area surrounded by high ridges and snow-capped peaks. Pass few yak herding houses that are clustered together. It will take bit longer day and as the altitude increase pace gets much slower. 

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

Jangothang is one of the most spectacular camping places in the entire Himalayas with the perfect view of the Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake right in the front. There are yak herders’ villages and trout filled lakes in vicinity. The sacred mountain remains unclimbed and off limit to mountaineers even from the Tibetan side. Depending upon your interest, you can walk towards the glaciers of Jumolhari, or up to the viewpoint where you can get better view of the majestic mountains or visit the village and interact with the local community.

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

One of the longest days of the trek, the day begins with crossing the small bridge with the spectacular views of the Jhomolhari, Jichu Drake and the Tserim Gang seemingly nearby. After about 4 hours reach the Nyelela pass (4,870 m). Then we drop down gradually towards campsite Lingshi, along the side of the hill passing by some of yak herder’s tents, made from yak wool.  As you come down into the Lingshi basin, a beautiful U-shaped valley, you get a wonderful view of Lingshi Dzong on clear days.

Overnight Camp at Lingshi (Altitude 4,010m).
 

Relatively not so strenuous trek today as there are no high passes to be crossed. Trail pass via beautiful villages set in a very spectacular landscape-the Ghoyul Village at 3,880m, set right below a 300m cliff by the stream. Our camp will be on a meadow opposite to a beautiful Chebisa village at 3,880m, with the huge waterfall at the end. If you reach there early, explore another sister village known as Chobiso, which is located upstream.

Overnight Camp at Chebisa (Altitude 3,880m). 

The route climbs the ridge leaving behind the Chebisa village through high pastures towards the Gogula pass (4,320 m). From the pass we descend into the side valley through the deep forest of dwarf rhododendron. The trail again climbs up through the cedar forest passing through yak herders huts and gradually head down to the camp near a riverbed at Shomuthang 4,260m.

Overnight Camp at Shomuthang (Altitude 4,260m).
 

A long and steady trek over the Jarela pass at 4,700 m offering a great view of the Himalayan mountains above us. The one visible to the south-east is Khang Bum (6,526m) and one to the north is Gangchenta 6,840m (Tiger Mountain) on the route to Laya. We descent steeply down a forest trail to the Tsari Jathang valley, declared as a Takin Sanctuary, the grazing place for the wild Takins during the summer. Trail climbs steeply and into a side valley to your campsite at Robluthang at 4,160m.

Overnight Camp at Robluthang (Altitude 4,160m).

Considered as one of the longest and hardest day trek on this route, crossing the last and the highest pass of Shinchen La at 5,000m. But the climb is rewarded by the spectacular views of the mountains from all sides, especially to the north. Camp at Limithang 4,100m in a big meadow by the river with the Tiger Mountain towering over the camp.

Overnight Camp at Limithang (Altitude 4,100m).

Today is not a long walking day and moreover no high passes to be crossed. The trail leads through the deep cedar forest crossing many smaller, muddy side streams and after a while the vegetation changes to fir trees. Passing through the heavily wooded forests and totally uninhabited, we reach the village of Laya located at an altitude of 3,800m, one of the highest settlements.

Overnight camp at Laya (Altitude 3,800m).

Today we explore the village and environs. Laya is an isolated village situated at an altitude of 3,800m and inhabitants’ lively hood here depends on Yak. Today, you can explore villages and experience the lifestyle of Layaps which is quite exquisite.You can go and visit any of the houses around. Traditional Bhutanese hospitality is extended even to a perfect stranger, and a cup of tea and chang (an alcoholic drink) is always offered. The people in this village are very interesting, especially the women, whose plain black yak wool garments are set off by elaborate necklaces and conical bamboo hats decorated with turquoise & silver ornaments. In the evening, witness a cultural program of dances performed by village girls by the campfire, and enjoy the local alcohol (ara & chang, brewed from barley) if you have a strong stomach.

Overnight camp at Laya (Altitude 3,800m).
 

The trail winds up and down along the river valley of Mo Chhu avoiding natural obstacles and affording breath-taking views of the raging river, feeder streams and waterfalls. Lots of ups and downs will lead you to Kohi Lapcha at 3.300 m. The trek then drops down to the large stream of Koina Chhu, where you will find the campsite of Koina.

Overnight Camp at Koina (Altitude 3,050m).

From the camp, we will gradually climb through the bamboo forest to the last pass on the trek, to Barila pass at 3,740 m after which the trail descends all the way until you reach Gasa village (2,770m). Your car will pick you and transfer to Gasa Dzong till the campsite next to hot spring, 2,240m. Enjoy hot spring bath in the evening.

Overnight camp at Gasa (Altitude 2,240m).

Enjoy one more dip in the hot spring before your breakfast. Then drive along the winding road, and downhill through rich subtropical jungles to Tashithang and then to Punakha, which could take about 3 hour.

Afternoon visit Punakha Dzong or 'The Palace of Great Happiness', built at the junction of the Pho chhu and Mo chhu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic Dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to locals, though long established here.

Later excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

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

After breakfast, a beautiful hike takes one to the regal Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten, which was built to remove negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the changing world. The Chorten dominates the upper Punakha Valley with commanding views across the Mo Chhu and up towards the mountainous peaks of Gasa and beyond.

Then drive to capital city Thimphu across Dochula pass (3,088m). At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.

Afternoon in Thimphu visit Buddha Dordenma. 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.

Conclude the day with visit of splendid Trashichhoedzong, known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’. It was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan.

Evening at leisure in Local Crafts Bazaar.

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

After breakfast, sightseeing in Thimphu valley including visit to the following: The National Library, housing an extensive collection of priceless Buddhist manuscripts; the Institute for Zorig Chusum (commonly known as the Painting School) where students undergo a 6-year training course in Bhutan’s 13 traditional arts and crafts. Later visit Textile Museum, which provides insight into Bhutan’s one of the most distinct art forms. Also visit Simply Bhutan, a living museum and studio encapsulating the cultural heritage of the Bhutanese people.

After lunch, visit King's Memorial Chorten continuously circumambulated by people, murmuring mantras and spinning their prayer wheels. Construction of this landmark was the idea of Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk (“the father of modern Bhutan”) who has wished to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it serves both as a memorial to the Late King and as a monument to peace.

Then drive to Paro en route visiting handsomely proportioned Simtokha Dzong built in 1629 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and modelled on Gyal Gyad Tshel Institute of Ralung (Tibet). Officially known as Sangak Zabdhon Phodrang (Palace of the Profound Meaning of Secret Mantras), Simtokha is often said to be the first dzong built in Bhutan. It is in fact also the oldest dzong to have survived as a complete structure.

Evening at leisure in Paro city centre, followed by dinner at a local restaurant.

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