Kyichu Lhakhang

On your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, our guide and driver will receive and escort you on your first adventure into the ‘Kingdom of Thunder Dragon’. As it is considered auspicious, you'll begin by visiting Kyiichu Lhakhang located just a few minutes drive from the main town of Paro. Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the oldest monasteries in Bhutan. It is believed to have been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo of Tibet in his mission to build 108 such temples across the Himalayan region to subdue the spirit of a demoness that was causing obstruction to the spread of Buddhism.

The National Museum of Bhutan is located in Paro just above the Rinpung Dzong (administrative headquarter of Paro district) was established in 1968. It is housed in an ancient watchtower called Paro Ta Dzong (Ta Dzong means “watchtower fortress”) built in 1649. It displays hundreds of ancient Bhutanese artifacts and artworks including traditional costumes, armour, weaponry and handcrafted implements for daily life. The collection at the National Museum preserves a snapshot of the rich cultural traditions of the country. After this, we will visit Paro Dzong.

Rinpung Dzong

Paro Rinpung Dzong (Rinpung Dzong means “fortress of the heap of jewels”) was built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyel in 1646 and established as the administrative and monastic center of the western region. Today, the Dzong serves as the office of the governor of the Paro district and head of the district monk body in Paro. A great annual festival known as Paro Tsechu is held in Rinpung Dzong from the eleventh to the fifteenth day of the second month of the traditional Bhutanese lunar calendar (usually in March or April of the Western calendar). From there, we take a short walk to the traditional wooden cantilever bridge built across the Paro river (Pa Chhu) just below the Dzong. The roofed wooden cantilever bridge is built in a traditional style and this type of bridge is called Bazam. Spend some leisure time around Paro town and drive to Paro Village View Homestay or overnight.

Paro Taktsang

After breakfast, drive to Ramthangka, the base of the Taktsang monastery. Taktsang monastery is located on the face of an 800-meter rock cliff in Paro. It normally takes about 2 hours to reach the monastery from the road head. It is the most popular tourist attraction in Bhutan. The trail takes you through the ancient path mostly shaded by pine trees. After an hour of steep uphill hiking, you will reach a nice cafeteria from where you can see spectacular views of Taktsang monastery perched on the face of a steep rock cliff and the beautiful valley below. One-way horse riding is available for about USD20 up to the midpoint (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria) but the journey is best enjoyed on foot. After lunch at the Taktsang Cafeteria, descend back to the base and drive to the capital city Thimphu.

Thimphu District

Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and it is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country. It is the only capital city in the world without traffic lights and even commercial billboards. The total driving distance is 55km and takes about 1.5 hours.

Buddha Dordenma

The magnificent 169 feet tall bronze statue of Lord Buddha is located on a hilltop overlooking the Thimphu valley. It was built to celebrate the 60th birth anniversary of the Fourth King His Majesty Jigme Singye Wangchuck and also to usher world peace. The giant Buddha statue houses more than 100,000 8-inch-tall Buddha statues of the same type. The construction began in 2006 and was completed in 2015 after almost 10 years. Leisure time to explore Thimphu town.

After breakfast, visit the National Memorial Chorten is a Buddhist Stupa built in 1974 in memory of the Late Third King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck who passed away in 1972. People from all walks of life come here to pray and circumambulate and it is a good opportunity for you to observe how Bhutanese people devote themselves to daily prayers and take refuge in the teachings of the Lord Buddha.

Bhutan Postal Museum

Bhutan Postal Museum is located in the heart of the city in the same building as Bhutan National Bank so you can also exchange your money into local currency if you wish. The Postal Museum was opened in 2015 to exhibit the story of Bhutan’s progress and development of communications and the postal system in the country. If you are interested in philatelic products and stamp collection, they have a good collection of stamps, First Day Covers and stamp albums. In October of 2017, His Majesty graciously granted several rare collections of philatelic and communications products giving additional insights into the history of Bhutan’s philatelic and communications systems. The Postal Service in Bhutan was first launched in 1962 with the opening of a post office in Phuentsholing, a town in the south bordering with India. You may want to print stamps with your own photo.

National Institute for Zorig Chusum

The National Institute of Zorig Chuzum was established to promote and preserve the thirteen traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan and to facilitate increased access to learning Zorig skills by Bhutanese youths. The thirteen arts and crafts are categorized as Shing Zo (woodwork), Dho Zo (stonework), Par Zo (carving), Lha Zo (painting), Jim Zo (sculpting), Lug Zo (casting), Shag Zo (woodturning), Gar Zo (blacksmith), Troe Zo (ornament making), Tsa Zo (bamboo work), De Zo (paper making), Tsem Zo (tailoring, embroidery and applique) and Thag Zo (weaving).

Changlimithang Stadium & Archery Ground

After a traditional lunch at the Folk Heritage Museum Restaurant, We drive by the Changlimithang Archery Range and witness the game of archery if the match is in progress. You will see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a distance of 145 meters. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan. We then drive back to Paro for the night halt.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, drive to Drukgyal Dzong which was originally built in the 17th century to commemorate the victory over Tibetan and Mongolian forces. Today it is undergoing total reconstruction and is expected to complete soon to its former glory. The trek used to start from Drukgyal Dzong but because of the road access, trekkers prefer to start driving up to the first campsite. Distance 17 km Time 5-6 hours Descent 80m Camp Altitude 2,850m/9350ft

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river the valley finally narrows gradually to a mere path that descends to a meadow where a camp will be set up. From here, if weather permits, you will have the first great view of Mt. Jomolhari. Distance 22km Time 7-8 hours Ascent 770m Descent 10m Camp Altitude 3,610m/11,845ft

If you did not see Mt. Jomolhari the previous evening, you will still have a chance to get a great view early this morning. This morning the trek continues up the Paro Chhu valley which widens into patches of alpine meadow and scanty growths of forest. You will cross an army checkpoint along the way and enjoy a spectacular view of high mountain ridges and snow-capped peaks. In this area yaks and their herder’s homes become a regular feature of the landscape. Passing the villages Soe, Takethang and Dangochang is another asset on this day. After reaching Jangothang, one of the most beautiful campsites of the Himalayas, you will again have a spectacular view of Mount Jomolhari. Distance 19km Time 5-6 hours Ascent 480m Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft

Today you will take a full day rest at Jangothang. The rest day provides plenty of possibilities 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. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. 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. Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft

The trail leads to the last settlement in the valley and drops to the Paro Chhu. Passing the lake of Tshophu (4,380m) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890 m, the highest point of this trek route. Reaching the Dhumzo Chhu river, you trek downstream passing the few houses of Soi Yaksa (Dhumzo) to arrive at your camp soon after. Overnight at a campsite. Distance 16km Time 6-7 hours Ascent 810m Descent 10,90m Campsite Altitude 3,800m/12,467ft

The trail climbs 100m over a ridge to drop to another stream then after crossing the Takhung La pass (4,520m) you descent to Thombu Shong, three yak herder huts with your campsite next to them. Overnight at a campsite. Distance 11km Time 4-5 hours Ascent 720m Descent 340m Campsite Altitude 4,180m/13,715ft

Crossing Thombu La pass (4,380m) you will finally reach Gunitsawa village (Zharna Zampa) where your driver will be waiting for you. This is the point where your trekking staff will bid you farewell. We will then drive to Paro. Leisure time in Paro. Distance 13km Time 4-5 hours Ascent 200m Descent 650m Paro Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft

After breakfast, you will be transferred Paro International Airport for your onward journey depending on your departure time. Your guide will assist you to complete all exit formalities before you check-in.