Fly to Paro. The great snow-capped peaks of the inner Himalayas can be seen during clear weather. As the plane approaches Bhutan, if you look down, farmhouses as dots on the hillsides can be seen. As the aircraft enters the Paro valley, you will see Paro Dzong on the hillside overlooking the Paro Chu (river), with Ta Dzong, formerly a watchtower and now the National museum, above it.
If your flight is scheduled early, we can visit following places in Paro.
The national museum of Bhutan is a unique circular building also known as Ta-dzong which is an ancient watchtower above the Paro Dzong.
Paro Dzong, also known as Ringpung Dzong means ‘Fortress on a heap of jewels’. This impressive dzong is the finest example of Bhutanese architecture and is one of the most popular and well known dzongs in Bhutan.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Trek Time: 4-5 hours approx.
Altitude: 3,100 m / 10,170 ft

Start your trek from the Ta Dzong (National Museum). The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong; descend about 100m to the camping ground below the Dzong.

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Trek Time: 4-5 hours approx.
Altitude: 3,770 m / 12,368 ft

After breakfast start your trek to Jangchulakha. The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and dwarf rhododendron trees. Magnificent views of mount Jhomolhari can be seen from the trail. You may see herders and their yaks around your campsite.

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Trek Time: 6 hours approx.
Altitude: 4,040 m / 13,254 ft

The trail follows the ridge where beautiful views of the mountains and the valley can be seen on a clear day.The trail passes through Lake Jimilangtsho. After the lake,the trail ascends till you reach the campsite at Lake Jynetsho.

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Trek Time: 6 hours approx.
Altitude: 3,200 m / 10,498 ft

The trail passes just above the lake Simkota through dwarf rhododendron trees.The trail continues through a gradual climb with stunning views of the mountains all around.After the pass,you descend to Phasjoding monastery.

Overnight at Camp [B/L/D]

Trek Time: 4 hours approx.
Altitude: 2,300 m / 7,545 ft

After breakfast at the hotel start your trek to Thimphu. It is a downhill walk through the blue pine forest. Upon arrival at Thimphu you are transferred to the hotel. Remaining time at leisure or free for own activities.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

In Thimphu visit the following places:
After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel visit Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls).
The Memorial Chorten, also known as the Thimphu Chorten is a large Tibetan-style Buddhist monastery with golden spires and bells. It is a popular landmark and one of the most visible religious structures in Thimphu.
The National Library of Bhutan is a four-storied eight-cornered traditional building, which looks like the central tower temple of a Bhutanese Dzong.
The Folk Heritage museum is set inside a 19th century three-storied traditional building and was established in 2001. The museum houses different tools, materials, objects, equipments and artifacts from rural Bhutanese households and gives a good insight of the traditional Bhutanese lifestyle.
Also visit Tashichho Dzong. This dzong is an impressive building also known as ‘the fortress of the Dharma Raja’. It has traditionally been the seat of the Druk Desi, the head of the Bhutan’s civil government.

Note: Tashichho Dzong is open during weekdays after office hours (5pm onwards) and from 9am to 5pm on weekends.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

Distance: 76kms/ 47 miles
Drive Time: 3 hours approx
Altitude: 1,300 m / 4,265 ft

After breakfast, depart to Punakha, an ancient city of Bhutan. Leaving Thimphu, the road climbs steeply through a forest of pine and cedar, festooned with hanging lichen high up near Dochula Pass (3,050 m). This pass often offers panoramic views of the Himalayan mountain ranges. After stopping for tea and the view, we descend along a series of bends to the fertile valley of Punakha.

In Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong. The majestic Punakha Dzong is also known as ‘the palace of great happiness or bliss’ and is the second largest dzong in Bhutan.
Chimi Lhakhang, flanked with hundreds of prayer flags sits on a round hillock near Punakha. The monastery, built in 1499 is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kinley, also known as ‘the Divine Madman’ or the ‘Mad Saint”.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

After a leisurely breakfast at the hotel, drive 12 km north of Punakha and hike to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a fine example of Bhutanese architecture and artistic traditions. Built out on a beautiful ridge above the Punakha valley, the Chorten was built to remove the negative forces and promote peace, stability and harmony in the ever changing world.
An hour’s hike to the Chorten, through a moderately inclined trail surrounded by pine trees, this site offers beautiful view of the Punakha valley.

Later in the evening drive back to Paro.

Overnight at Hotel [B/L/D]

After breakfast, transfer to Paro airport to board your onward flight.
[B]

-End of Program-