On arrival at the Paro International Airport you meet your tour guide and driver

Rinpung Dzong

The majestic Rinpung Dzong or the Fortress of Heaped Jewels is located along the Paro river gathering attention and admiration from every corner of the valley. Like all the Dzongs in the country, the Rinpung Dzong houses the administrative offices along side the district monastic body, i.e. the monks, their living quarters and learning centers. Inside the Dzong there are many temples depicting stories of important Buddhist saints, and aside from many important religious scriptures and artifacts the Dzong houses the Thongdrel, a huge 20x20 meter wide applique (ornamental needlework in silk) of Guru Padmasambhava (the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan), his two spiritual consorts, his eight manifestations, few more Buddhist saints and lastly of the image of Lam Ngawang Rabgay who constructed this masterpiece of a Thongdrel. This Thongdrel is displayed once a year and only for a few hours before sunrise as the rays of the sun are not supposed to fall on the Thongdrel.

National Museum

The National Museum located above the Rinpung Dzong was previously a watch tower (Ta Dzong) built in 1649 to guard the valley from numerous Tibetan invasions. Built in the shape of a conch shell the tower was converted to a Museum in 1968, was severely damaged by three major earthquakes, the recent being in 2011 and renovated and reopened in all its former architectural glory in June 2020 as the National Museum. The Museum has on display numerous unique sets of religious and historical artifacts that narrate the traditional heritage and culture of Bhutan. The artifacts include festival masks, fine arts, paintings, textiles from all over Bhutan, collection of stamps, preserved specimens of exotic animals and many antique collections. A visit to the Museum will familiarize a visitor to the ancient culture and traditions of Bhutan and discover the beauty, mystery, myths and legends that makes Bhutan a hidden gem of a country.

Dungtse Lhakhang located just a few minutes walk from the Paro town is immersed with mythical stories of demons, spirits and malevolent snakes wreaking havoc in the valley and their subsequent subjugation by Thangtong Gyalpo, the Iron Bridge Builder also a renowned Buddhist saint, yogi, physician, blacksmith, architect, music composer and one of the most travelled person in the Himalayas. The temple was built in 1421 by Thangtong Gyalpo to immobilize the demons haunting the valley and to suppress diseases that plagued the people especially leprosy. The 3 storied temple is conceived as a mandala and represents hell, earth and heaven. Many stories abound of and during its construction including the reason why its golden pinnacle (central tower) had to be chained to the ground as it attempted to fly away to Tibet. The temple houses a massive collection of ancient murals, paintings and Buddhist iconography said to rival those of any Tibetan Buddhist Monastery.

After a sumptuous breakfast, you will hike to Taktsang Monastery / Tiger’s Nest which is about 3 hours uphill and 2 hours down. Riding ponies are also available if you think the hike is a bit daunting. Located around 900 meters above the Paro valley on a precarious almost vertical mountain cliff, Taktsang Monastery is truly a wonderful and spectacular sight in terms of its location, setting and history. In the 8th Century this was one of the major sites where Guru Padmasambhava – the patron saint of Buddhism in Bhutan meditated with his consort Khandro Yeshey Tshogyal. It is believed that Guru flew on a female tigress in pursuit of a demon which he subdued at the current site of the Monastery. It is one of the holiest site in the Buddhist arena and the most important cultural icon in Bhutan. You can have your lunch, tea/snacks at the cafeteria midway.

Kyichu Lhakhang

The Kyichu Lhakhang/temple is one of the oldest temple in Bhutan and has been visited and blessed by numerous renowned Buddhist saints over the centuries. The temple enjoys a peaceful and serene location away from the main town and though the structure is simple but abounds in many tantric and mythical wonderful stories that will take you back to the times of demons and saints and their battles. The Kyichu Lhakhang is one of the 108 temples built by King Songtsen Gampo to subdue a giant ogress that was preventing the spread of Buddhism in the Himalayas. After subjugation, the body of the ogress was laid across the Himalayas (of Tibet, Bhutan and Nepal) and the King built 108 temples over the body of which the Kyichu Lhakhang is said to be constructed on the left foot of the ogress. The Lhakhang was visited by Guru Rinpoche and many saints over the years and is a treasure house of many ancient relics, artifacts and statues of prominent Buddhists figures.

Paro

Your will drive from your hotel to Drugyal Dzong, the Fortress of the Victorious which will take around 20 minutes. From Drugyal Dzong, you will drive for about an hour to Chubitsa, where you will start your trek. The drive will be through the farm road which ends with the Stupa/chorten of Lam Drukpa kuenley, the divine mad man. With the views of beautiful mountains, you will be trekking for about 5- 6 hours to your campsite, Namchakha, a beautiful plain amidst the Himalayan Mountains at an altitude of more than 4,000 meters. Your trek starts from the Yaktsa trek trail.

Paro

On your second day, you will be walking for 5- 6 hours via Tsenden La. Your will be descending for about 30 minutes from Tsenden La Pass. You will have a glimpse of the Jichu Drakey and Jumolhari both believed to be the abode of Goddess Jumo and Jowo. Your campsite will be at Thangbu which is around 4,000 meters. You will be walking through the pristine environment through the beautiful pine trees. Overnight at your campsite.

Paro

On your third day, you will descend for about an hour to reach Thangbu La Pass. After a steady walk through the mountain shrubs and dwarf rhododendrons and further descend for about 4 hours you will reach Yaktsa at an altitude of 3,800 meters. This is where Yaktsa trek ends.

On your fourth day, you will be walking for 6-7 hours to the Jumolhari Base Camp called Jangothang which is at an altitude of 4,080 meters. Before you reach your base camp, you will climb uphill for about 4 hours to Bongtey La Pass. Another 3 hours hike and the twin lakes will be there to greet you with its majestic view. You are now on the trail of Jomolhari Trek.

Today you will stay at Jangothang campsite and engage yourself in various activities. Jangothang is a perfect environment for your acclimatization. There are plenty of possibilities for day hikes with great views of lakes and snow capped mountains such as Jomolhari and Jichu Drake. Jichu Drake is also one of those unclimbed mountains. There are good chances to spot some blue sheep on the upper slopes of the valley. Trek up to Tosoh or hike around the area. There are good short hiking trails in three directions. Jumolhari and its subsidiary mountain chains lie directly west, Jichu Drake to the north and a number of unclimbed peaks to the east. Nearby there are trout filled lakes. You may also walk towards the glaciers of Jhomolhari or visit and experience a high altitude village life nearby. Don’t sweat it too much as you prepare yourself for a tough climb the next day.

On this day your camp altitude will be at 3,880 meters. This will be one of the longest days of the trek. You will ascend for about 30 minutes and then a gradual climb to the Nyela Pass, the Sleepy pass which is around 4,890 m. If you are lucky, you will see Breaded Vultures and Himalayan Griffon as well as the blue sheep. It will be a gradual descent to the camp where you will pass by some yak herders’ tents which is made from the yak wool. As you come down into the Lingzhi valley, the wonderful view of the Lingzhi Dzong, the most remote fortress in Bhutan will receive you with its grandeur on clear days. Your campsite will be below the Dzong.

Today you will trek for about 6-7 hours. There will be a gradual climb for about 4 hours before you reach Yalela Pass, which is about 4,820 meters. The serene surroundings along with the majestic Jomolhari, Jichu Drake, Gancheta (The Great Tiger Mountain) and Tsherimgang will be your view for the day. All the mountains are above 7,000 meters. Your campsite after a descending for an hour will be near the magnificent lake called the Dingtso. It is around 4,000 meters above the sea level.

Bhutan

You will be greeted by the serene lake in the morning with its beauty and magnificence. You will walk for about 5-6 hours, where another trek called Naro starts. You will enjoy the majestic view of the surrounding mountains. The descent will be steady and not too steep through gentle slopes where blue sheep graze. Your campsite is at Waleythang which is about 4,100 meters.

Bhutan

Today for your three hour steady climb, you will be following an old yak herder’s trail to reach Ledila Pass which is 4,700 m. You will then follow the shoreline of the beautiful lake Yumtsho till you reach your campsite at Tegithang. Today’s view will also be the spectacular Himalayan Mountains. You will be walking for about 6-7 hours until you reach Tegithang.

Bhutan

You will walk for about 7 hours today. You will pass via Shakhim la, another beautiful pass. It will be a gradual climb to the pass and from there you will descend to reach your campsite, Rangthabja. The breathtaking views of the mountains will be following you throughout.

Thimphu

On the tenth day, a steady climb leads to Yusa La Pass which is around 4,380 meters. You will then descend down the rocky terrain and climb again to a lake called Dung Tsho and Dung Tsho La Pass which is 4,300 meters. You will now join the Druk Path Trek route. It was the traditional route between Thimphu, the capital and Paro. Your camp will be at Labana which is at 4,200 m.

Phajoding Monastery

On your last day, a beautiful sunrise will greet you. You will walk from Labana, for about 3 hours to Phajoding. You can explore the Phojoding Monastery from where you will be able to view the spectacular Thimphu city below. Your walk will be at a leisurely pace since you will be descending through the serene pine trees for about 3 hours through the forested area of mostly blue pine. You will then reach Motithang, upper Thimphu. Your driver and vehicle will be waiting for you. Enroute to your hotel you can visit the Takin Preserve, the weird national animal of Bhutan with head of a goat and body of a cow. Check into your hotel and rest for a while.

Tashichho Dzong (Thimpu Dzong)

Every Dzong in Bhutan houses the district administrative offices and the Local Monastic Body, however the importance of the Tashi Chho Dzong is that it houses the office of the King, the Throne room and the Central Monastic Body. Tashi Chho Dzong or the Fortress of the Glorious Religion is located along the banks of the Thimphu river and is one of the most prominent and spectacular attraction in the valley. Though travelers are restricted to enter the offices or the Royal office, however a walk along the beautiful flower garden, glimpse of the architectural structures and visiting some of the auspicious temples is well worth the visit. Also, since the visiting hours are after 5 pm this is also the perfect time to watch the intimate ceremony of lowering the flag and the majestic march of the policemen as they march the flag off to the interior offices.

Motithang Takin Preserve

Located north of the city is the Takin Preserve that houses the Takin, the weird looking national animal of Bhutan with the head of a cow and body of a goat. Legend holds that the Takin was created by the saint Lama Drukpa Kuenley, the Divine Madman of Bhutan. A religious preacher as well as a proficient tantric, the Divine Madman is famed for his unconventional methods of teaching through songs, comic acts and often shocking sexual connotations during the 15th Century. Many years ago, when the saint was residing in Bhutan the local people requested him to show his magical powers and he agreed provided that in exchange he was to be served a meal with the full body of a goat and cow. After devouring the whole meal and when only the bones of the two animals were left, the Lama fixed the head of the goat to the skeleton of the cow and with a flick of his fingers commanded the animal to go into the forest and graze.

Thimphu

Thimphu is an amalgamation of modern technology and facilities amidst ancient culture and traditions. The capital has been able to maintain its aesthetic architectural beautify in perfect sync with development and expansion, as can be seen in all the buildings in and around the city. There are no sky scrapers nor huge shopping malls, no fast food chains nor any international brand outlets, no homeless people nor any slums and instead the settlements follow the meandering river with high-rise mountains on either side. The bustling capital city of Bhutan is home to a little over one hundred thousand people including the Royal family and is also the most cosmopolitan city of Bhutan. It is the hub for commerce, political and the head office of the central government and international offices of many development partners are located in the valley. Probably Thimphu is the only capital city in the world without a single traffic light and instead the traffic is manned by policemen.

Buddha Dordenma

Overlooking the quaint Thimphu city is one of the largest Buddha Dordenma Statue in the world. The statue is 51.5 meters in height, made of bronze and glided in gold making it one of a kind. Popularly known as the Buddha Point, the place is a favorite among devotees who comes from all corners of Bhutan to pay their respects. Like any other religious sites or monasteries in Bhutan, the building of the gigantic statue was also prophesied. The first prophecy was made by Guru Padmasambhava in the 8th century and in the 20th century by Yogi Sonam Zangpo, that a Buddha statue will be built in this region for the World Peace and Happiness.

Thimphu Chorten (Memorial Chorten)

The Memorial Chorten located in the heart of the Thimphu city is a favorite spiritual hangout and a great interactive place for tourists and Bhutanese. The 3 storied stupa houses some very prominent statues of Buddhist saints, figures and relics and therefore considered very auspicious for conducting rituals and ceremonies. The main statue of the ‘Wish-fulfilling Buddha’ inside the Chorten is said to grant wishes for the earnest and honest hearted! Everyday from dawn till dusk the young and old circumambulate the Stupa, with the elderly spending their whole day chanting prayers, sharing their packed lunches, turning the huge prayer wheels and spending time with their friends. They look forward to sharing smiles and a few words with visiting tourists and the Memorial Chorten is an interactive place for tourists wanting to mingle with the locals and exchange stories.

Centenary Farmers Market

If you want to mingle with the Bhutanese people and jostle with local farmers amongst the aroma of organic fruits and vegetables, the Centenary Farmers Market is the place to be. Smiling tourists watch in awe as locals bargain with the vendors and you can even stock up on your organic fruits for the coming days. The market is one of the busiest place in the valley with farmers from all corners of Bhutan selling their organic produce. A stroll through the market will give the travelers an insight into the food habits and cuisines of Bhutan. One ingredient that is widely seen in the market is the dried and fresh green chilies which is the most essential ingredient in all the Bhutanese dishes. Photographs are allowed and travelers can also exchange a few words with some vendors who speaks English.

Simply Bhutan Museum

The Simply Bhutan Museum is located in the heart of the city and is closest to a living museum showcasing the age old culture and traditions of Bhutan. Like a small ancient village one can feel the medieval aura as soon as you enter the museum. Inside the museum, visitors can experience the simple lifestyle of ancient Bhutan and the unique culture that has been passed down and preserved from generation to generation. Serving of Suja “salt and butter tea” and Zaw “puffed rice” is the first and foremost thing that is offered to the guest and that just kick starts your unique experience of the authentic Bhutanese culture. Rest assured that within a short span of time one can grab a glimpse of the simple and rustic lifestyle of the locals.

After breakfast drive to Paro International Airport where your guide and driver will bid you farewell and hope you had a pleasant holiday and hope to see you in Bhutan again.