8 Days / 7 Nights
Day 1: Paro Arrival
You will arrive at Bhutan’s international airport in Paro. Paro, Bhutan is situated in a beautiful valley at 2280 meters and the valley provides an incredible introduction to this magical kingdom. Your guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel where you can take a short break before heading out to see the sights. Your sightseeing tour around the Paro Valley will commence with a visit to the unique fifteenth century temple of Dungtse lhakhang. Continue your day with a stop at the National Museum to see a treasure trove of Bhutanese artifacts including religious Thangka paintings, weapons, costumes and a fascinating collection of stamps. The museum is housed in the Ta Dzong (watch tower), built in sixteen forty-nine C.E. and used to defend the Paro Valley during times of war. Finally, a visit to Ringpung Dzong, which is one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture is a good way to round out your first day in Bhutan. Stay the night in Paro.
Day 2: Hike to Taktshang
Hike to the sacred Takshang Goenpa (Tiger’s Nest Monastery) built of a rock face nine hundred meters above the valley floor. During his second visit to Bhutan in the eighth century the Guru Rinphoche flew on the back of a tigress to the place where the monastery now stands in order to subdue the demon Singye Samdrup. After defeating the demon the Guru meditated at this location for three months. In the sixteenth century Gyalshe Tenzin Rabgay, then the ruler of Bhutan built the monastery in commemoration of the Guru’s feats. Takshang is considered one of the most holy sites. It is a highlight for any tourist visiting Bhutan and a place where all Bhutanese believe they must visit once in their lifetime. Upon returning from your hike to Taksang you can visit the seventh century temple Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan. In the evening you can sort your Stay the night in Paro
Start of Trek
Day 3: Damchoe Gom to Jangchulakha
After 20 minutes drive from hotel, you will begin the day with a steep climb that will take about ninety minutes to complete. After the climb the route evens a bit and the ascent becomes more gradual. Hike through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees before making camp. It is not uncommon to see herders and their yaks from your campsite.
Day 4: Jangchulakha to Jigmelang Tsho
Today your trail follows a ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and the valleys are simply stunning. The campsite is close to Jimgelang Tsho Lake, which is known for the giant sized trout living in its waters.
Day 5: Jigmelang Tsho to Lhabana
Follow the trail through dwarf rhododendron trees as you pass Janethso Lake. You may come across some yak herder camps where you will have the opportunity for a glimpse into the life of a Nomad. After lunch you will also see another beautiful lake called Simkotratsho just below the trail. From the lake it will be another one hour thirty minute walk to the camp below Lhabana.
Day 6: Lhabana to Thimphu via Phajoding
Today the last day of the trek start with a gradual climb to the lhabana pass (4150 m). With a little cooperation from the weather you will be rewarded with a spectacular view of many Himalaya peaks including Mount Gangkar Puensum the highest mountain in Bhutan. From the pass you will make your way downhill towards Phajoding where you will stop for lunch. After lunch another two hours walk down hill to the end of trek at Mothithang, have some refreshments and snacks from our company and car transfer to hotel for good shower and relax.
Overnight in Thimphu.
End of Trek
Day 7: Thimphu sightseeing
Start your day of sightseeing with a visit to the beautiful Memorial Chorten built in nineteen seventy-four by Her Majesty Azhi Phuntsho Choden Wangchuk. Continue onto Buddha Point to see one of the largest statues of the Buddha in the world. Sitting tall at fifty-one and a half meters the Buddha is situated on a point with a birds-eye view overlooking Thimphu city. You will have the opportunity to stop at the twelfth century Changangkha Temple with its original wall paintings and a unique statue of the God of Compassion in a seated posture with eleven faces. You may also wish to visit the Takin Reserve to see Bhutan’s one of a kind national animal. Tour a traditional painting school to see the artwork of Zorigchusum, the thirteen traditional arts and crafts. See the world’s largest published book at the National Library or stop at the Folk Heritage Museum to see an example of a traditional farmhouse. You will have the option to visit a textile-weaving center at Changzamtok and Tashichoe Dzong as well as Simtokha Dzong, built in sixteen twenty-nine and the oldest surviving fortress in Bhutan. Discuss your interests with your guide and plan a memorable day sight-seeing around a amazing city. Overnight in Thimphu.
Day 8: Drive to Paro Airport and departure
Your guide will accompany you to the airport to see you off and wish you a good journey and Tashidelek, Good Bye and Good Luck.