Itinerary

DAY 1 (Sat, Nov 5)
Los Angeles / Bangkok: Check in three hours to your scheduled departure. On your own.

DAY 2 (Sun, Nov 6)
Arrive Bangkok: On your own.

DAY 3 (Mon, Nov 7) Druk flight leaves Bangkok at 6:50am
Bangkok to Para (via flight Druk Air arranged by Adventure Associates)
Note: Druk Air flights are available from Delhi, Calcutta and Kathmandu as well.
Our representative will receive you at Paro Airport and transfer you to the hotel. After
lunch explore the Paro valley. Tour the Paro Rinpong Dzong. This is the seat of the
district administration and home for the monastic school. The craftsmanship of the
central tower (Utse) of the Dzong, is one of the most beautiful in the country. Stop for tea
followed by a visit to the Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest temple in Bhutan thought to have
been built in 659 A.D. by King Songtsen Gampo. The temple holds down the left foot of an
ogress whose spread eagled body is so large that it covers Bhutan and most of eastern
Tibet. Tour the Dungtse Lhakhang, a temple built in the form of a chörten. It contains one
of the most beautiful collections of paintings in the country. Evening: Free to explore Paro
town and perhaps watch an informal archery contest. Dinner and overnight Nak-Sel
Boutique Hotel. (LD)

DAY 4 (Tues, Nov 8) Thimphu (65 km / 1.5 hrs)
A full day begins with an early breakfast. Enjoy a morning walk from the hotel through a
lovely pine forest to Tingchoe Goempa , the community temple of Ngoba Village. Greet
the people as you walk around the cluster of village homes. Your vehicle will meet you at
Olathang Hotel. Visit the National Museum once the watch tower for the Rinpung Dzong,
overlooking the Paro Valley, which provides an excellent introduction to Bhutan’s history.
A one hour drive to Thimphu, the capitol city and check into your hotel. Sightseeing will
begin at the Memorial Chorten built in memory of the Third King of Bhutan who reigned
from 1952-1972. Witness Thimphu residents walking around the Chorten in prayer. The
day will also include visiting the weaving cottage industries; the Textile Museum full of
rare and beautiful textiles; the traditional paper making unit; Sangeygang viewpoint for a
panaromic view of Thimphu and the Takin Zoo. Overnight Thimphu Hotel Kisa. (BLD)

DAY 5 (Wed, Nov 9) Thimphu to Punakha (70 km/ 2.5 hrs)
En route to Wangdue, enjoy a short break for tea & coffee at Dochula Pass at 3150 m to
view the Eastern Himalayan mountain ranges and walk around the 108 stupas built on the
pass. Tour the Punakha Dzong, "Palace of Great Happiness". This is the winter residence
of Bhutan’s spiritual leader, the Head Abbot, and the Central Monastic Body. The Dzong
was built in 1637 A.D. and lies between two rivers known as “Phochu” (Male River) and
“Mochu” (Female River). We’ll also stop to take a short hike to Chhi-Med Lhakhang in the
picturesque Lobesa valley, to visit the temple of one of Bhutan’s foremost saints, Lama
Drukpa Kunley, also known as the “Divine Madman”. Overnight: Damchen Resort (BLD)

DAY 6 (Thurs, Nov 10) Punakah To Phobjekha
A beautiful two hour drive brings us to Phobjekha valley This glacial valley is on the
northern boundary of Black Mountain (Pele La) National Park. According to legend, the
Gangtey Goenpa was founded by the grandson (the mind incarnation) of Pema Lingpa
Gyalse Pema Thinley in 1613. The Phobjikha valley is one of the roosting grounds of the
Black-necked cranes (grus nigri collies). Each year in winter, the birds migrate from Tibet
and Siberia. Visit the Information Center (run by the Royal Society for the Preservation of
Nature) to learn about this rare and endangered bird. Meander through the valley with
stops at village homes and people of Phobjikha to learn the simple lifestyles of these
farming people. Enjoy a traditional lunch in family farm house and tea with Khenpo, the
head of Khewa Lhakhang Monastery built in 14th century.
Overnight: Gakiling Resort (BLD)

Day 7 (Fri, Nov 11) Phobjekha To Trongsa (87 Km/4 hours drive)
Morning attend the Black-necked Crane Festival held in the courtyard of Gangtey Goempa.
Dressed in traditional costume dancers celebrate the return of the crane.
After lunch drive to Trongsa. Enroute cross Pele La 3420m where weather permitting you
will see some of the highest peaks in Bhutan forming the western border of Jigme Singye
Wangchuck National Park. Pass through Longte Valley where farmers raise sheep and
yaks and arrive at Chendebji village, once a night halt for mule caravans travelling from
Trongsa A brief stop Chendebji chorten, a large white structure modeled after
Swayambhunath in Kathmandu, Nepal. Visit the Yartha Textile weaving center in Chumy
Valley en route. Arrive Trongsa to visit the Trongsa Dzong. This Dzong, built in 1648, is
the ancestral home of the Wangchuck Dynasty, Bhutan’s royal family. Presently, the
Dzong houses the district administrative offices and the monastic center of Trongsa. This
is also the investiture site for future kings ascending the Golden Throne of Bhutan. It is
constructed in split-levels on a narrow spur and is considered an architectural wonder!
Hike up the imposing Watch Tower, since 2008 a Royal Museum. The museum displays
both traditional and modern relics used by the Wangchuck dynasty. Of special significance
is the Raven Crown worn by the first King in 1907.
Overnight: Hotel Yangkhil (BLD)

Day 8 (Sat Nov 12) Trongsa To Bumthang (3 – 4 hour drive)
The drive between Trongsa and Bumthang is the most scenic leg of your journey. Driving
over Yotongla Pass (3425m) you may get your first glimpse of the Black Mountains. The
road winds into the clouds, crosses rivers and streams, passes by water-driven prayer
wheels and colorful rock carvings. An hour outside of Bumthang spot the golden-roofed
Jakar Dzong, known as the Castle of the White Bird. At Chumey, attend the Prakhar
Festival. A unique village festival honoring the Lama Thukse Dawa, son of the Treasure
Discoverer, Pema Lingpa who lived in Bumthang Valley in the 15th century.
Overnight: Chumey Nature Resort (BLD)

Day 9 (Sun Nov 13) Bumthang
Bumthang lies at an altitude 2600m (8,530ft) and has an individuality that charms its
visitors and separates it from other regions. Comprised of four smaller valleys, the
spiritual region of Bumthang is shrouded in religious legend. Here, tales of Guru
Padmasambhava and his re-incarnation known as Tertons still linger in most nooks and
corners. Bumthang is also known for its woolen material (yathra), which can be seen
hanging outside of houses for sale. Attend the Jambay Lhakhang Festival held in the
temple court yard. The temple built around the 7th century by a Tibetan King, Songtsen
Geombo, is one of the oldest in all of Bhutan. The festival dances symbolize the fight
between good and evil and is an offering of thanks for the harvest to the local deities. In
the evening stroll Jakar township.
Overnight: River Lodge (BLD)

Day 10 (Mon, Nov 14) Jambay Lhakhang Festival
After breakfast attend the last day events of the Jambay Lhakhang Festival.
In the afternoon enjoy a walking tour of two historic temples:
Thangbi Lhakhang (Temple) built by Shamar Rimpoche in the 14th Century. At present
about 20 Gomchens ( lay monks) are training at the monastery. One peculiar feature here
is the presence of a holy ‘Iron Chain’made by Saint Pema Lingpa who lived from 1450 –
1521 A.D. Pilgrims pass under the Iron Chain to cleanse their sins.
Tamshing Lhakhang (Temple) built in the 14th century by Pema Lingpa, the “Hidden
Treasure Discoverer”. The monastery houses some of the oldest paintings in Bhutan
believed to be painted by Pema Lingpa. These wall murals have not been re-touched
since its first construction. An iron chain made by Pema Lingpa is still in the temple
and people carry the chain and cirucumambulate to expiate their sins.
In the evening you may again choose to stroll through Jakar town.
Overnight: River Lodge (BLD)

Day 11 (Tues, Nov 15) Trek Bumthang to Nang Lakhang (Walking time: 4 to 5 hours)
Our trek starts by following the Chamkhar River up a stream filled with rainbow trout. The
hike is very pleasant and weaves up through pine forest and over suspension bridges. The
day is such that one can thoroughly enjoy the beautiful countryside. En route, pass
through Thangbi Lhakhang before entering “Swan Land” (Ngang Yul) and visiting “Swan
Temple” (Nganglhakhang). Swans first inhabited this part of the valley. (BLD)
Overnight: Camp at 2800m/9186ft
(Options available other than trekking. Please Inquire. Must pre-arrange.)

DAY 12 (Wed, Nov 16) Ngalhakhang to Tahung (Walking time: app. 7 hours)
The day starts with a gradual climb to Phephela Pass to the highest point of the trek.
(3,353m/11,000ft). The trail then winds through one of the most beautifully forested
areas of the region, laced in mini bamboo pastures, forests of rhododendrons and mixed
conifer. This is a full day of travel, around seven hours of hiking, which allows for many
stops along the way to enjoy the natural landscape.
Overnight Camp in Tang valley (BLD).

DAY 13 (Thur, Nov 17) Tahung to via Ugyencholing (Walking Time: 1-2 hours)
Trek to Ugyencholing, which provides a spectacular view of Tang Valley. The
Ugyenchholing Palace now houses the Family Museum, a place that will transport you to
another world and time. You will view permanent exhibits recreated to capture the
ambience of the lifestyle of the Trongsa Penlop (Governor) Tshokey Dorji and his
household. After lunch, relax with a stroll through Ugyencholing village. Overnight:
Guesthouse in village (Guest house is very simple and comfortable. There are several
rooms bedrooms with a main gathering area with a stove. Showers are available.) (BLD)

DAY 14 (Fri, Nov 18) Ugyencholing to Trongsa (3 hours/68 Km)
Trek downhill for 45 minutes to meet your transportation and drive to Trongsa. A short
stop Tang to visit the Pema Choling nunnery. Retracing our route, we may have an
opportunity to visit a Yak herder’s camp. Arriving in Trongsa for lunch. Before settling in
for the night visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace the Karma Drubdeyling Nunnery.
Overnight: Hotel Yangkhil (BLD)

DAY 15 (Sat, Nov 19) Trongsa To Paro Via Thimphu (8-9hours)
Today is a long cross country drive via Wangdue and Punakha districts Returning to for
lunch and last minute shopping in Thimphu.
Ovenrnight: Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel in Paro (BLD)

DAY 16 (Sun Nov 20) Paro (Taktsang Hike)
Granted special permission, hike to the Taktsang monastery. (Horses can be arranged
with an extra payment.) The hike takes about 4 hours round trip, past villages and
through pine forests. The monastery, who’s name means “Tiger’s Nest,” clings to a huge
granite cliff 800 meters from the Paro Valley and was devastated by a fire in 1998. The
Royal Government took immediate steps to restore the monastery to its original structure.
It is believed that the great saint Padma Sambhava, known as the second Buddha in
Bhutan, came here in the 8th century on a flying tigress and meditated in a cave for 3
months, thereby subduing the demons that were trying to stop the spread of Buddhism.
The saint then converted the Paro Valley into a Buddhist region. Enjoy a picnic lunch at
Taktsang Cafeteria. On the return, time permitting visit the Drugyel Dzong, a
historic fortress built in 1646 to commemorate the defeat of Tibetan invaders.
Drugyel holds great historical significance, for it was from this site that the
Bhutanese repelled numerous Tibetan invasions in the 17th and 18th centuries.
Drugyel means, “Victorious Bhutanese Fort.”Relax in the afternoon.
Dinner and overnight: Nak-Sel Boutique Hotel (BLD)

DAY 17 (Mon Nov 21)Paro to Bangkok
Last breakfast together prior to departure and end of AA Services. Overnight Bangkok
Hotel on your own or continue on with extension.
Ask Adventure Associates for extension options. (B)

DAY 18 (Tues, Nov 22) Bangkok: / USA - Los Angeles
Transfer for your flight on your own or have us make other arrangements in Asia.
(Transportation and meals on your own).

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