The Flight to Paro, Bhutan: During the journey to Paro, one will experience breath taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jichu Drake in Bhutan.

On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by your tour guide and will transfer to Hotel Gangtey Palace. After a brief rest at the hotel, depart for some sightseeing of Paro.

Visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). This was actually the Watch Tower of the Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. It was converted into the National Museum in 1968. It is located on the top of a hill above the Paro Dzong overlooking Paro valley and the river.

Visit Paro Rinchen Pong Dzong. This massive fortress is located in the Paro valley and is approached by a gently sloping flagstone road and a beautiful wooden bridge roofed with shingles and abutted by two guard houses. Today, the Dzong is the administrative seat of the district of Paro and it also contains a state monastic community of about 200 monks. The central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in Bhutan with its superb woodwork. The Dzong was built in 1645AD.

After an early breakfast, drive to Satsam Chorten-13kms from your hotel and hike to Taktsang Monastery. It is one of the most holy pilgrimage spots in Bhutan. The Taktsang Monastery is situated on a rocky ledge with a sheer drop of more than 1000m. It is a wonder how the monastery was built on such a difficult place. The round-trip hike takes about 4 hours with picnic lunch at the Taktsang cafeteria. After the Taktsang hike, while driving back to your hotel, stop at Kichu Monastery to visit this old Monastery. In fact, this is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan built sometime during the early 6th century, by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo to subdue a huge demon in this region and also to spread Buddhism in this region. It is said that during that time, he built 108 monasteries right across Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal. O/n hotel

Paro-Jangchulakha.

Distance approximately 17Kms. Altitude 2879m.

The trek is rather gradual till Jele Dzong, an old ruined fortress and if the weather is clear, the Paro Valley can be seen with the snowcapped mountains behind the valley. From Jele Dzong, you begin a steep climb for about half an hour and then do a gradual climb all the way. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron trees. You may see yaks and yak herders around your camp site.

Distance 11Kms.

The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant-sized trouts and if lucky you may enjoy a well-prepared lake trout for dinner.

Distance 11Kms and altitude 3,485m.

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron forest and lake of Janetso. You may come across some yak herders’ camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of nomadic lifestyles of the Yak herders. The campsite is close to Simkota lake and you can do some fishing; if you are lucky, you may have a lake trout for dinner!

Distance 16Km and altitude 2,879m.

The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount “Gangkhar Punsum”, the highest mountain in Bhutan as well as other Himalayan Mountain ranges from Dochula pass. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajoding Cafeteria and from Phajoding it is just 1 hour downhill to Thimphu. Check in at Hotel Yeedzin or Druk. Remaining time is at leisure and dinner at hotel.

Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building where the office of the government ministries, the office of the King and the Throne Room, and the office and living quarters of the monk body and its Chief Abbot are housed.

Visit the handicrafts emporium where Bhutanese textiles and other arts are displayed and can be purchased.

Visit the painting and wood craft schools where the traditional art and painting are kept alive.

Visit the Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who reigned the Kingdom from 1952-1972. Visit the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved.

Visit Simtokha Dzong (6Km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan, built in 1629 Ad. The Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic schools in the country.

After breakfast, drive to Sangyegang view point from where you can overlook the entire Thimphu valley. On your way back, visit the Takin sanctuary (Takin is the National animal of Bhutan). Also visit the 16th century Changgangkha Monstery. Visit the Folk heritage Museum and the national Textile Museum.

After an early breakfast, and drive to Punakha. On the way, stop at Dochula pass (26kms from Thimphu at an altitude of 3120m) from this pass, you can view the entire Himalayan Mountain ranges. At Punakha, visit the Punakha dzong and the beautiful Khamsum Yule Monastery. Lunch at the hotel and drive to Wangdi and visit the Wangdi dzong. Late afternoon, drive to Paro.

Early breakfast at the hotel, and drive to Paro International Airport to connect your flight to onward destination. We will help you until you depart Paro.