BHUTAN

DAY 01           ARRIVAL AT PARO

On arrival at Paro Airport and after completing your Visa / Permit formalities you will be received by our Bhutan representative who will assist you in boarding your vehicle to transfer to Paro Hotel (2200Mts / 7216Fts, 07 Kms / 20 to 30min). After lunch visit covering Drukgyel Dzong - This Dzong has a delightful village nestling at its foot, was built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders. Historically and strategically this Dzong with stood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mt Jhomolhari (7134Mts / 23400Fts) can be seen towering over the Dzong. The visit to Drukgyel Dzong ruins involves soft walking hence it is advice able that one goes with walking shoes. Dzong gives an excellent view of the foothills villages and its landscape. Then proceed to visit Ta Dzong (National Museum) (After September 2011 Earth quake, Ta Dzong (Paro Museum) had been closed and shifted to exhibition hall just above the museum. Now the present exhibition hall will be open throughout the week except on Weekends & Government holidays. All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed). - One time watch tower built to defend Rinpung Dozng during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, since 1967 Ta Dzong is serving as the National Museum of the country. It holds fascinating collection of art, relics, religious Thankha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors. Rinpung Dzong (All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) - Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the First spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge called Nemi Zam. A walk through the bridge, over a stone inlaid path, offers a good view of the architectural wonder of the Dzong as well as life around it. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, held once a year in the spring. Walk further down crossing the traditional bridge into Paro Town. Back to the hotel. Overnight at Hotel.

DAY 02           PARO HIKE TO TAKTSANG LHAKHANG (TIGER`S NEST)

Start the day early for a day hike to Taktsang Lhakhang (Tiger's Nest) (All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) with packed or early breakfast - The hike which is all the way uphill takes about 2½ hrs to 3Hrs one way through pine forests. The monastery clings to a huge granite cliff 900 meters from the Paro valley. It is one of the most famous of Bhutan's monasteries. It is said that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called "Tiger's Nest". This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime. On 19 April, 1998, a fire severely damaged the main structure of building but now this Bhutanese jewel has been restored to its original splendour. Guest can also opt for Ponies on direct payment basis but for guest who are unable to make it to the top even reaching to the cafeteria area which in almost half way is very fulfilling.

Later in the afternoon visit Kyichu Lhakhang (All tourists visiting Dzongs and temples must be dressed appropriately. No half pant, sleeve less shirts, floaters, etc are allowed) - It is one of the oldest and most sacred shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambey Lhakhang in Bumthang). The Lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in original pattern, this is a popular monastery for wedding blessing among our travellers and Visit Bhutanese farmhouse and drive back to the resort.

DAY 03           PARO – TREK TO JELE DZONG

Drive to Ta-Dzong & trek to Jele Dzong. Today is rather a short trekking day so you can relax and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Paro valley. The hike is gradually uphill through pine forest. Camp will be next to a Dzong which was renovated recently. There is very interesting stories about the Dzong. Camp at 3100 meters. Walking time 4/5 hours

DAY 04           JELE DZONG TREK TO JIGMELANGTSHO

Trek to Jigmelangtsho via Jangchulakha. Today the trek begins uphill through huge rhododendron trees and the trail follows the ridge and on clear weather you will have perfect view of the mountains. The path descends for sometime and camp will be near the lake at 3600 meters. The lake is filled with giant salmon trouts. Camp at 3650 meters. Walking time 8/9 hours.

DAY 05           JIGMELANGTSHO TREK TO PHAJODING

Trek to Phajoding. The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron shrubs passing two lakes. After passing the second lake ascend gradually. From the top you can enjoy the majestic view of Mt.Gangkar Punsum, 7520 meters, highest mountain in Bhutan . then gradually straight for one and half hour till the steep descend to Phajoding camp at 3500 meters. At night you can see Thimphu city  glittering in a bowl shaped valley. Walking time 6 to 7 Hours.

DAY 06           PHAJODING TREK TO THIMPHU - PARO

Trek to Thimphu. Today is the easiest day of trekking. Three hours all the way down hill through pine forest. Upon reaching Motithang, coach will drive you 1 ½ hours to Paro. Rest of the day at leisure. Overnight at Hotel

DAY 07           PARO FOR ONWARD JOURNEY

After breakfast drive to the airport for departure.