Day 02: Thimphu sightseeing

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".  Memorial Chorten, which was built in the memory of 3rd king. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.

Day 03: THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

Drive to Punakha 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. Lunch will be served at the hotel in Punakha. After lunch visit Punakha dzong, Khamsum Yueling temple and evening on your own.

Dochula chorten

Day 04: PUNAKHA - TRONGSA
After breakfast you will begin your journey to Trongsa. On the way you will visit Chhimi Lhakhang
- temple of the Divine Madman who is popularly known as Drukpa Kuenley. He inherited the Divine madman title since he revolted against the orthodox Buddhism in his time. He taught the people that religion is an inner feeling and it’s not necessary that one should be an ordained monk. He is believed as a symbol of fertility and most childless couples go to his temple for blessing. The translation of the life of Drukpa Kuenley is done by Keith Dowan –Drukpa Kuenley-The Divine Madman. Drive further to Wangdiphodrang town for lunch. Then proceed to Tongsa crossing 3300 m Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.

Day 05: TRONGSA (2200m/7333 ft) Nabji Trial begins- Nimshong village (1319m/4367 ft) Total walking distance: about 6.5km; 3-4 hours

The first day starts with a brief tour through Trongsa Dzong and its Ta Dzong strategically located above the Mangde River. From there the bus will follow the road towards Zhemgang to halt in Riotola (1,060m/3533 ft), the start of Nabji Trail. Keep an eye open for deer and macaques along the way but notice the beautiful view over Mangde Valley as well.
The trek starts with a steep descent of 693m/2310 ft, to the bed of Mangde River; within one and hour from the river you can have a rest at a place called Matling (804 m/2600 ft). After half an hour you will come across a chorten that indicates the entry to the Nimshong village which is a steep climb for about two hours from the river. Nimshong is a small (circa 58-household) village, which has a population of about 465 people. The villagers welcome you with dance and songs while cooks are preparing diner. The campsite (1319m/4397 ft ) is just beside the Nimshong
Community School next above the village.
 

Day 06: Nimshong Campsite (1319m/4397 ft)-Nabji Campsite (1,300m/3827ft). Total distance: about 13km; 4-6 hours
Early in the morning, the village guide will take you to the local temple. From there the hike will go through a lush broadleaf forest alive with abundant bird and mammal life, with possible sightings of Golden Langur and Rufous-necked Hornbill. Nabji is pretty much at the same elevation as Nimshong village; however, the trail will move up and down through a dense forest. Nabji consists of 55 households and an approximate population of 400 people. The village is situated on a foothill above terraced fields of rice. The temple of Nabji –which means ‘promising’ or ‘oath’- harbours the stone pillar to mark the peace between Bumthang and Assam Kings. In the village you can find rock remains of a blacksmith (one of the reincarnations of Pema Lingpa). Overnight at campsite surrounded by the rice fields of Nabji.
 

Golden Langur

Day 07: Nabji village (1,300m/3827ft)-Korphu Lunch spot 1,636m/5453ft). Total distance: 9.5-13km; 4-5 hours
From our base camp in Nabji, we will do a day hike to Korphu village. Korphu is situated on a mountaintop at an altitude of 1,500m/5000ft. The village consists of 76 households, with an approximate population of 600 people. It is a spectacular hike uphill, and the view from the clustered village of Korphu is breathtaking. It is possible to visit Korphu’s temple, which houses the sacred relics of Pema Lingpa. A local lunch will be provided in the village. In the midafternoon, we hike back to Nabji.

Day 08: Nabji/Korphu campsite-Kubdra Camp site (1636m/5,453ft). Total distance: 11-14 km; about 5-7 hours
Our trek today starts on a trail to Kubdra village, leaving Nabji village at the holy tree. The trail has it own beauty; you will come across dense forest, big trees with clippers, orchid and small bamboos. After 5 to 6 hours hike, you can rest on the benches provided; enjoy your lunch with a nice view of water fall at a place called Zhelyung (1565m/5217ft.). Then after few hours walk you will come across an ethnic group (called the Monpas) inhabited in Kubdra. Kubdra is situated in the middle of the forest, around 6 hours walking from Nabji. Along the way you’ll find traces of Guru Rimpoche. The habitat you traverse is very attractive for tigers and leopards (though it is
very rare to spot them, droppings and spores can be found). Kubdra only has 3 households, but the few Monpas living here are very happy to welcome you at their campsite.

Day 09: Kubdra Camp site (1636m/5453ft)- Jangbi village (1368m/4560ft)
Total distance: 13-14,5km; circa 6 hours)
The hike continues from Kubdra to Jangbi village. Again traces of Guru Rimpoche can be found along the way (foot print, dragger and hat). A brief visit will be paid to the small village of Phrumzur with its temple (at 1,400m). From the site of the temple there’s a good view over the valley, here lunch will be served. From Phrumzur the hike continues, with great vistas and pristine forest along the way. A welcoming tea is prepared in the orchid garden in Jangbi. Here you will also find more information on the Monpas and their Cane and Bamboo Project. Camp will be set near Jangbi village with a beautiful view over the valley and Mangde Chhu.

Day 10: Jangbi Campsite (1,368m/4,560ft)-Tongtongfey (1,061m/3,537ft)-Trongsa. Total distance: 7-9.5km; about 3-4 hours)
Today there is a steep descent of 950 meters, which will bring you to the bridge crossing the Mangde Chhu; after that there will be a last climb to Tongtongfey. From here, the bus will bring you back to Trongsa for a real bed and shower. If time permits, you can visit the Kuenga Rabten Palace and the Nunnery (on the way back to Trongsa). Overnight in Trongsa.

Day 11: TRONGSA - PUNAKHA  
Arrive Paro by lunchtime. Evening take a walk through Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 12: PUNAKHA - PARO
Retrace through the same highway and overnight at the hotel in Paro.

Day 13: Paro sightseeing
After breakfast you shall begin your 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 14: Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel and drive to the airport for flight to onward destination.