Day 02: PARO

To check your resistance we shall begin with small hike to Taktsang Monastery. The walk uphill will be not more than two hours. The trail is broad. At the view point there is a cafeteria. Have a cup a tea or some juice here and then take a walk little higher to the closer view point of Taktsang. Then walk back for lunch in Paro town.

Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, 10 miles drive from Paro town built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom and an overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 03: PARO – THIMPHU

Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. About 4miles before reaching Thimphu, on a breezy hilltop one can see the fascinating sight of Simtokha Dzong, one of the most ancient fortresses in Bhutan. After lunch, visit the Memorial Chorten, built in 1974 in memory of late his Majesty the third King. Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old indigenous medicines are still practiced. Painting School, which is particularly famous for THANKA paintings and other Bhutanese arts and artifact. National Library that house ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichho dzong, the "fortress of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: THIMPHU – TRONGSA

Drive to Trongsa via Dochula pass (alt. 3050 m). From this pass, on a clear day, one can have a magnificent view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar Puensum, Table Mountain, Jeje Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town for lunch. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3300 m Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Dochula chorten

Day 05: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family. Then visit the Taa Dzong, built as watchtower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bumthang and in afternoon visit the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava justify his body imprint in the 8th century. The temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: BUMTHANG - NGANG LHAKHANG

Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming across many villages and temples. It will be a relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.

Day 07: NGANG Lhakhang - UGYENCHHOLING

The trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3340 m. After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arriving at Ugyenchholing village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2850 m. Walking time 7-8 hours.

Day 08: UGYENCHHOLING - BUMTHANG

Morning walk up to the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding village, drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12th century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Rivers and forests of Bhutan

Day 09: BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA

Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to Punakha for lunch. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha.

Day 10: PUNAKHA – PARO

Arrive Paro by lunchtime. Evening take a walk through Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 11: PARO depart

Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.