Day 01 – D
Arrive Paro
Meet our representative at the airport and after completion of arrival formalities you will be taken to your hotel. Afternoon free for leisure.

Day 02 – B L D
Paro
In the morning visit Ta Dzong, which was built in 1651 as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong. Since 1968 is home to the National Museum. Its collection includes ancient Bhutanese art and artefacts, weapons, coins, stamps and a small natural history collection. Then walk down a short hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, the ‘Fortress of the Heap of Jewels’ built in 1646 to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders. It now houses the district administration offices and Paro’s monastic community.

After lunch, drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong, built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering outer walls are still an imposing sight. From here on a clear day you will have a splendid view of Mt. Chomolhari. We may also have time to visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest monasteries of the kingdom.

Day 03 – B L D
Paro – Thimphu
This morning drive down the valley following the Pa Chu (Paro River) to its confluence with the Wang Chu (Thimphu River). Turn left up the valley leading to the nation’s capital, Thimphu. About 7 km. before Thimphu, pause briefly to admire Bhutan’s most ancient fortress Semtokha Dzong (built in 1627), rising up from a small hilltop on the right side of the road. It has a series of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard.

The capital of Bhutan, Thimphu, is a lively place, an interesting combination of tradition and modernity. After lunch, visits as time permits:

• The National Memorial Chorten, built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king, “the Father of Modern Bhutan”, and as a monument to world peace
• The National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) where herbal medicines are made up and dispensed and traditional medicine practitioners are trained
• The Institute for Zorig Chusum, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
• The National Library, which houses an extensive collection of Buddhist literature including many ancient Buddhist texts in block-printed format
• Tashichhodzong, “the Fortress of the Glorious Religion”, which is situated by the Wang Chu and Thimphu’s most impressive building. It houses His Majesty’s secretariat, some ministries, and also the central monk body during the summer months.

Day 04 – B L D
Thimphu | Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa via the Dochu-la pass at 3,088m altitude. On a clear day you will have a superb view of Bhutan’s highest peaks from here.  On a fine day, the following peaks can be seen from this pass: Masagang (7,158m), Tsendegang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158m), Kangphugang (7,170m), Zongaphugang (7,060m), which is a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana, and finally, Gangkar Puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,497m.

Continue on to Wangduephodrang, which is also our lunch stop. Then proceed to Trongsa over Pele-la pass (3,300m), the traditional boundary between east and west.

Day 05 – B L D
Trongsa | Bumthang
Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, a masterpiece of Bhutanese architecture and ancestral abode of Bhutan’s royal family. Built in 1647, it is the most impressive dzong in Bhutan. Then visit the Ta Dzong, which was built as a watchtower to guard Trongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang, the religious heartland of the nation, and in the afternoon visit the 17th century Jakar Dzong and then Kurje monastery, built in the 17th century to mark the place where Guru Padmasambhava had meditated in the 8th century, leaving his body imprint on the rock.

Day 06 – B L D
Bumthang | Ngang Lhakhang [14km, 6 hrs]
The trek begins today. The trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, taking us through meadows and forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. We will pass by many enchanting villages and temples, on this very relaxing and easy day. Camp overnight at a village at 2,900m.

Day 07 – B L D
Ngang Lhakhang | Ogyenchhoeling [19km, 7-8 hrs]
The trail ascends gradually through juniper forest towards the Phephe-la pass at 3,340m. From there, the path descends to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ogyenchhoeling village (2,850m). Camp overnight by the river side near the village.

Day 08 – B L D
Ogyenchhoeling | Bumthang [11km, 4 hrs]
In the morning, walk up to Ogyenchhoeling Palace, a beautiful private mansion which also houses a small eco-museum, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu until arriving at the main road. On the way visit the Mebar Tso Lake, where Terton Pema Lingpa is said to have discovered religious treasures in the 15th century. This lake is very sacred, and on auspicious days many Bhutanese people come here to offer butter lamps.

Day 09 – B L D
Bumthang | Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, built in the 7th century by the Tibetan king Songtsen Gampo, who is believed to be the reincarnation of Jambey (Avalokitesvara), the Bodhisattva of Compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, across the river, is also an important place to visit, as it houses old and interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha with lunch en route.

Day 10 – B L D
Punakha | Paro
Today you will drive to Paro.  It will be a relaxing day, as you reach Paro by lunchtime. Free time for leisure or last minute shopping in the afternoon. Take a stroll around Paro market in the evening.

Day 11 – B
Depart Paro
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination. Your guide will help you with exit formalities and then bid you farewell.