Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive Paro, Bhutan
On your flight to Paro valley (2,300m/7,500 ft), Bhutan, if the skies are clear, you’ll be treated to some breathtaking views of the highest peaks in the world including Mt. Everest, Makalu, and beautiful Kanchenjunga. You will also get the first glimpse of the Mt. Jomolhari. Upon arrival, you will be received by your Bhutanese guide who will escort you to your hotel. After lunch we pay a visit to Ta Dzong (watch tower fortress), built in 1651 as a watch tower and in 1968 inaugurated as Bhutan’s National Museum. The collection includes art, relics, religious thangkha painting, postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, as well as a small natural history collection. Below Ta Dzong is Rinpung Dzong (Fortress on the heap of Jewels), built in 1646.A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further is one of the innumerable archery grounds. (Archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. Overnight at Hotel in Paro.

Day 2: Paro - Haa Valley
After early breakfast drive to Haa valley over the Chele La Pass. Upon arrival and checking into your room, relax for a while before visiting Lhakhang Karpo (temple of the white dove), a monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by a the Tibetan King, Songtsen Goenpo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery.

Day 3: Haa – Khadey Gom
Distance: 8 km/5 miles; Total altitude gain: 500m/1640ft;Duration: 4-5 hours; Campsite elevation: 3235m/10,611ft;Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
The trek starts today. After breakfast, drive north to the village of Yangtong, where the trail starts.From Yangtong a steep climb (150m) leads to Yangtong Goemba village, marked by a big temple dedicated to the great 8th century Buddhist master Guru Rinpoche. As you proceed further for another hour and a half, the trail takes you through the village of Talung. After crossing a bridge (Chado Zam) and several meadows and forest you will reach tonight’s campsite, Khadey Gom, where a rock with two eyes and a distorted mouth can be found. This rock is believed to be the work of 5th century Buddhist saint Thangthong Gyalpo, who, on his quest for iron ore in Bhutan, came across Nyela Doem (a demon) and subdued it by slashing its mouth and turning it into a rock.

Day 4: Khadey Gom - Dongney Tsho
Distance: 8 km/5 miles; Total altitude loss: 35m/144ft;Duration: 5-6 hours; Campsite elevation: 3200m/10,496ft;Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
A gradual hike for about an hour through meadows and pine forest is followed by another 2 hour climb to the Saga La Pass, which is marked by prayer flags and mini stupas made from stone piles. On a clear day, the pass presents a fantastic view on both sides. Looking east you can see the Paro valley flanked by the sacred Mt. Jomolhari (7315m/23,993ft) and Jo Drake (5570m/18,270ft). You can spot Drugyel Dzong and the sacred Taktshang monastery in the valley below. You can also see the Haa valley and the peaks forming the border with Tibet towards the west.

Day 5: Dongney Tsho – Drugyel Dzong (Paro)
Distance: 7 km/4.3 miles; Total altitude loss: 620 m/2034 ft; Duration: 3 hours; Level of difficulty: Easy to moderate
The first part of today’s hike is a steep downhill climb for about 1.5 hour until you reach a bridge (Genchu Zam). It takes you through thick vegetation, and birds like laughing thrushes, magpies, nutcrackers, and pheasants are common. You will pass through Chodeyphu, a beautiful small village set at the base of the mountain, Lom Bjara. Another 1 hour or so from this village will get you to the road, where the Haa Planters’ Trail ends. You will be picked up by your car and transferred to your hotel in Paro.

Day 6: Paro – Thimphu
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten (1974) built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch, visit Sangay gang view point and other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan)and finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu.Visit Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu) the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built in 1629 A.D. the Simtokha Dzong houses the largest monastic school in Bhutan. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 7: Thimphu – Punakha
After breakfast, drive to Punakha, the former Capital of Bhutan, via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we stop for a while at Dochula pass to enjoy the panoramic views. After lunch, visit Punakha Dzong built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and is situated between Pho Chu (Male River) and Mo Chu (Female River). For many years until the time of the second king, it served as the seat of the Government. The construction of the Dzong was foretold by Guru Rimpoche, who predicted, “…a person named Namgyal will arrive at a hill that looks like an elephant. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). The war materials captured during the battle with Tibetans are preserved here. Punakha is still the winter residence of Je-Khenpo and King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk convened the new national Assembly here in 1952. You can also30-minute of meditation can be arranged inside the big temple.In the evening, visit Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Overnight in Hotel.

Day 8: Punakha – Gangtey
After breakfast, drive to the beautiful valley of Gangtey. On the way, stop a while to view Chimi Lhakhang, which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, also referred to as “The Divine Madman.” He subdued the demons by way of his unconventional, sexual prowess. The Temple is also known as “the Temple of Fertility.” Pass the valley of Wangdiphodrang and you will reach Gangtey (Phobjikha Valley), the valley of the black-necked cranes. After lunch, explore the valley. Over night in the Guest House.

Day 9: Gangtey – Thimphu
After early breakfast, take a hike around the valley. Drive back to Thimphu. Enroute, stop for lunch at Wangdiphodrang town. Over night in Hotel.

Day 10: Thimphu – Paro
Hike to Taktsang viewpoint, a superb vantage point that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding granite cliffs and valley. On a clear day, the white dome of the sacred Chomolhari ( Mountain of Goddess) can be seen. The Taktsang Monastery also known as the Tiger's Nest monastery clings to a sheer cliff. Severely damaged in a fire in 1998, the monastery is currently being restored. After lunch, drive to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jomolhari (7,314 m). On the way back, visit Kichu Lhakhang, built in 659 A.D by the Tibetan king Srongsen Gampo. Dinner and over night in Hotel. Overnight at hotel in Paro

Day 11: Depart Paro
After an early breakfast in the hotel we drive to the airport for departure to your onward destination.

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