Morning

Upon arrival at Paro International Airport (PBH), you will be greeted by your private guide and driver. The journey begins with a scenic drive to the capital city of Thimphu (approx. 1.5 hours).

Unique Experience: Instead of a standard check-in, you'll be taken to a private, traditional Bhutanese farmhouse for a specially prepared "welcome lunch." This allows you to taste authentic cuisine and experience local hospitality in an exclusive setting.

Afternoon

Evening visit to Paro market and town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Morning

Morning drive up the valley to Drukgyel Dzong (1646), which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, its towering outer walls are still an imposing sight. On a fine day, there is a grand view of Mt.Chomoihari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong. Drive back along the valley to visit a traditional farm house and then the 7th Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest and most sacred shrines.

Afternoon

Visit Ta Dzong, built in 1651 as a watchtower and in 1968 inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum. The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Then walk down a short hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), built in 1646, and now housing the offices of the district administration and Paro’s monk body. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Morning

Today is a short trekking day. The journey starts with a short climb up to Jele Dzong. The trek trail ascends gradually up to the camp, and if the weather is clear Paro valley can be seen with snowcapped mountains behind. Above the camp is Jele-la pass (3,400m) and Jele Dzong (mostly in ruins). There is also a lhakhang containing a statue of Buddha Sakyamuni.

Afternoon

Overnight camp.

Morning

Begin with a one and a half hour climb and then ascend more gradually upwards. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendrons. You will have fine views of Chomoihari and other snow capped peaks if the weather is right, and you may hear some monal pheasants calling during the day. You may see yak herders around your campsite.

Afternoon

Overnight camp.

Morning

The trail follows the ridge, and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are sensational. You will enjoy a great view of Jichu Drake (6,989m), the peak representing the protective deity of Paro. Our camp is close to the Jimilangtsho lakes, which are famous for their giant sized trout.

Evening

Overnight camp.

Morning

The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. Today you may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people live. We camp overnight close to Simkota Lake, and if you are lucky you can catch a lake trout for your dinner.

Evening

Overnight camp.

Morning

Today begins with a gradual climb, and if the weather permits you will enjoy majestic views of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, and a host of other peaks. The trail slowly descends through juniper trees to a campsite beside a community hail near Phajoding cafeteria.

Evening

Overnight in cafeteria or camp, depending on weather conditions.

Morning

The trek to Thimphu is downhill all the way, passing through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace, you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours.

Evening

Afternoon at leisure. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Morning

The drive from Thimphu crosses Dochu-la pass (3,088m) in the morning from which there are the most enchanting mountain views. In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong situated at the junction of the Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. Built in the 17th century by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this dzong has played important role in Bhutan’s history.

Evening

Then drive to Wangduephodrang, to visit 17th century Wangduephodrang Dzong and the local market. In the evening drive back to Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Morning

ightseeing in Thimphu, including visits to the following, as time permits: National Memorial Chorten – built as a memorial to Bhutan’s third king (the father of modern Bhutan) and as a monument to world peace; Tashichhodzong – the impressive fortress/monastery housing some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body; Handicrafts Emporium – a wide assortment of intricately hand-woven textiles and other craft products is available for purchase at this government-run outlet, and at many smaller handicrafts shops around town; National Library – established in the late 1960s primarily to conserve the literary treasures which form a significant part of Bhutan’s cultural heritage, it now holds an extensive collection of Buddhist texts and manuscripts.

Evening

Institute for Zorig Chusum – more commonly known as the Painting School, where students learn the 13 traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan; National Institute of Traditional Medicine (outside only) – the rich herbal medicines made up from plants abundant in the kingdom are dispensed here, and traditional medicine practitioners trained. In the evening drive to Paro. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Morning

Breakfast in the hotel, then drive to Paro International Airport or the Bhakdora airport for flight to your onward destination. We bid farewell and wish ourselves in the hope to meet again. We hope you cherish this special trip in your life and nourish yourself with all the positive energy accumulated through the journey.