Day 01: Arrive PARO

Received by Snow White representative and transfer to the hotel. After lunch, visit Taa Dzong built in 1775 to serve as the watchtower to protect the Rinpung Dzong and the people of Paro from the invasions of Tibetans. Later in 1967 the national museum was opened here. In the museum one will see many artifacts of THANKA paintings, collection of utensils used in the early period of civilization in Bhutan, weapons, statues and postage stamps. Then walk down to visit, Rinpung Dzong, centre of the district administration and monk body. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in spring. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Paro Rinpung dzong standing majestically on the hill

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. After lunch drive to uphill northwest to the Drukgyel Dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. In 1951.The ruins of crushed mud walls, with partly preserved roofs, make it easy to imagine its former grandeur and magnificence. From Drukgyel Dzong one can enjoy, in clear weather, a fantastic view of Bhutan’s second highest mountain, the snow covered 7314m high Mount Jhomolhari, known as 'the queen of divine mountains'. Then, visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of Bhutan.

Day 03: PARO - THIMPHU

After breakfast proceed to Thimphu, the capital city of Bhutan. Before arriving Thimphu, stands the Simtokha Dzong, built in 1627, it is the first Dzong built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and now houses the School for Dzongkha studies. Afternoon, in Thimphu, visit the great Tashichho dzong, "fortress of the glorious religion", built in 1641 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, later reconstructed in 1961 under the Late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Also visit Memorial Chorten, which was constructed in 1974, in the memory of His Late Majesty King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 04: THIMPHU - TRONGSA

The journey to central Bhutan begins here. After 45 min drive across Dochula pass (3050m) that heralds the most enchanting views of Bhutan. After another two hours drive, arrive at wangdiphodrang for lunch stop. Proceed further across Pelela pass (alt.3300 m) with a short stop at Chendbji Chorten. Evening visit Taa dzong and town of Tongsa. Overnight at the lodge in Tongsa

Tashichho dzong

Trongsa Taa Dzong

Day 05: TRONGSA - BUMTHANG

Morning visit to Trongsa Dzong. The great grandfather of Shabdrung laid down the foundations of this Dzong in 1543 and Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal completed the real Dzong in 1648. Here begins the roots of the present dynasty. The first King, Sir Ugyen Wangchuck, was the Tongsa Penlop before he was unanimously appointed as the hereditary monarch of Bhutan in December 17, 1907. Besides its historical significance Tongsa Dzong is also the largest fortress in Bhutan. After that proceed to Bumthang. 

 

Afternoon visit some of the holy temples Jambey Lhakhang built at the same time as Paro Kyichu, dates back to time even before Sindhu Raja's reign in Bumthang, Kurje Lhakhang, the bodily marks of Guru Padsambhava remains to this day, impressed on solid rock face. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 06: BUMTHANG – GORSUM (18km, 7hours)

After breakfast we will reach you up to the trek point just below Kurje Lhakhang. The trek route passes along the Chamkhar Chu. Overnight camp at altitude 3120m

Day 07: GORSUM – LUNGSUM (12 kms, 5 hours)

Today you will be walking through the dense forests of spruce, hemlock, cypress, juniper and maples. The trail is more or less muddy and ascends gradually till you reach to campsite at altitude 3160m.

Day 08: LUNGSUM – TSOCHENCHEN (15 kms, 6/7 hours)

In today's route vegetation is dense till you reach at Tsochenchen at the altitude of 3700m above sea level.

Day 09: TSOCHENCHEN - DUER TSHACHU (17 kms, 7 hours)

The day’s walk is uphill, passing a small lake until you reach at Juli La (4,700m). After crossing the pass the trail descends to a lake, then climbs again to Gokthong La (pass). The trail then traverses tohrough jungle to a camp near Duer hot spring at 3,550m. Musk deer, Blue sheep and Himalayan bear may be seen on this part of trek.

Ponies on the trail

Day 10: DUER TSHACHU halts

After late breakfast relaxes in hot spring or hike around the camp area.

Day 11: DUER TSHACHU – TSOCHENCHEN (17kms, 7hrs)

Start early trek crossing Julila pass enroute. After the pass its gradual  descends till you reach the campsite.

Day 12: TSOCHENCHEN - GORSUM

Today's trek should also be started early as it is long route. Camp at Gorsum.

Day 13: GORSUM - BUMTHANG

From Gorsum walk downhill till you cross the Dur village. Then follow the new motor road. After lunch leisure time. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.

Day 14: BUMTHANG - PUNAKHA

Morning proceed for sight seeing of Bumthang valley visiting Jakar Dzong and Tamshing Lhakhang. Later drive to Punakha. Overnight at the hotel in Punakha
 

Day 15: PUNAKHA - THIMPHU

After breakfast, visit impressive Wangdi Dzong, situated at the junction of Mo Chu and Tang Chu river also take a walk around market area visiting local shops. After that drive to Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan. It houses the sacred Punakha Dzong, a superb example of Bhutanese architecture. Fire, earthquake and floods have inflicted their devastating influence on this Dzong, which under the direction of present King has been fully restored. Later drive to Thimphu. Evening take walk around Thimphu market area. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 16: THIMPHU – PARO

Morning in Thimphu, visit to Handicrafts Emporium which has a good collection of beautiful weaves in wool, silk cotton, basket ware, silver jewelry, thangkas and other traditional crafts of the Kingdom. Also visit National Library, Painting School and Traditional medicine Institute. After lunch drive to Paro. Afternoon visit to traditional Bhutanese Farm House, which offers good insight into lifestyle of local people. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 17: PARO depart

After early breakfast drive to Paro airport for onward journey.