Kyichu Lhakhang

On your arrival at Paro, the only International Airport in Bhutan, our guide will receive and transfer you to your hotel. If you arrive before check-in time, you'll right away go to visit an auspicious 7th-century Kychu Lhakhang built overnight by one of the foremost Tibetan Dharma King Songtsen Gampo. You'll also visit the National Museum housed in a unique 17th-century watchtower and get insights into the history and rich cultural tradition. If interested, visit Paro Rinpung Dzong, an impressive fortress originally built in 1644 which today houses the office of the Paro district governor and the residence of the head of the district monk body. If time permits, you'll have an opportunity to witness the game of archery where you'll see archers dancing and singing each time they hit the target from a whopping distance of 145m. Archery is the national sport of Bhutan.

Paro Taktsang

Today, you will spend the day acclimatizing by hiking to the most iconic landmark in Bhutan, Taktsang Monastery popularly known as "Tiger’s Nest" originally built in 1692 and located on the face of a sheer 800-meter rock cliff. The round trip hike normally takes 4-5 hours but you can hike at your own pace. We recommend starting early before the sun gets stronger. Oneway horse riding is available for about USD20 on your way up to the mid-point (Taktsang View Point Cafeteria). After lunch at the Viewpoint Cafeteria, we descend back to the base and drive to Paro town for some leisure time.

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, we drive to Shana Zampa in Gunitsawa Village, the starting point of the trek via Drukgyal Dzong. If you are interested, we could spend about 30mins visiting the Drukgyal Dzong, a 17th-century fortress that is undergoing complete renovation since 2016 and is almost completed to its former glory. The drive takes you through the idyllic countryside through rice fields and apple orchards along the Paro River. After about an hour of drive, you will reach the village of Gunitsawa passing through an army check post where your trekking permit will be checked and endorsed. The campsite is on the opposite side of the river, not far from the army check post. Distance 33km | Time 1.5-hour drive | Camp Altitude 2,850m/9,350ft

On this long day, the trail continues with lots of small ups and downs. After going uphill through the river valley 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

The rest day in Jangothang 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/14,370ft) you will climb up steeply to Bhonte La pass at 4,890m/16,045ft, 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. Distance 16km | Time 6-7 hours | Ascent 810m | Descent 1,090m | Camp Altitude 3,800m/12,470ft

The trail climbs up to the Yelila pass at an altitude of 4,930m/16,175ft. From the pass, on a clear day, you will get an excellent view of Jumolhari, Tserimgang and Masangang. The trek from the pass to the campsite at Shodu is a steep downhill. Distance 22km | Time 8-9 hours | Ascent 940m | Descent 920m | Camp Altitude 4,080m/13,385ft

The trail follows the Thimphu Chhu through rhododendron forests, past beautiful waterfalls along the way. The valley narrows till the path takes to the slopes and gradually ascends to the ruins of Barshong Dzong. Distance 16km | Time 5-6 hours | Ascent 250m | Descent 670m | Camp Altitude 3,710m/12,170ft

The trail descends down to the Thimphu Chhu river valley, through dense forests of rhododendron, birch, conifer, maples and bamboos and then ascends to pasture lands. The camp is in a meadow. Distance 15km | Time 4-6 hours | Ascent 290m | Descent 640m | Camp Altitude 3,320m/10,890ft

Thimphu

The trail continues through forested areas winding up and down and through a small pass. Langurs (monkeys) can be seen along the way. In Dodena, you will exit the Jigme Dorji National Park and reach the road head next to an impressive wooden cantilever bridge. This is the point where our trekking staff will bid you farewell. Distance 8km | Time 3-4 hours | Ascent 500m | Descent 930m | Thimphu Altitude 2,334m/7,655ft From here, we will drive to Thimphu. Check into the hotel and rest for a while. You can venture out to explore Thimphu town. Thimphu is the capital city of Bhutan and is home to approximately 115,000 residents. This bustling little city is the main centre of commerce, religion and government in the country.

Paro

After breakfast, visit one of the tallest sitting Buddha statues in the world located on the hill overlooking Thimphu valley. If interested, visit the 13th-century national treasure Changangkha Lhakhang where newborns in Thimphu city are brought here to get names. Drive 15min to the Royal Takin Preserve, the only animal enclosure in Bhutan to see Takin, a unique animal Bhutan is proud to call it national animal. Next, we stop at the only nunnery in Thimphu known as Zilukha Anim Dratsang. We then go to visit National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an art school where 13 Bhutanese traditional arts and crafts are taught. A traditional lunch will be served at Folk Heritage Restaurant. After lunch, take a stroll at Craft Bazaar (optional) along the main Thimphu street and visit Weaving Center where you'll see women weaving some of the most intricate designs and sophisticated patterns of Bhutanese textiles using traditional handlooms. We then drive to Paro for a night halt.

After breakfast, depending on your flight departure time, transfer to Paro International Airport for your onward journey.