Day 1: Arrive Paro
Altitude: 2280 m - Arrival Day
The flight into Paro on our national carrier, Druk Air, is a befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In clear weather, magnificent views of the world's highest peaks give way as you land in the lush green Paro Valley. Your Bhutanese guide will greet you on arrival, and then drive you the short distance to the hotel to check in and for lunch. After lunch we will visit Ta Dzong (built in 1656 and renovated in 1968), an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Nearby is one of the innumerable archery grounds (archery is the national sport of Bhutan). If we are lucky, we may catch a match in action. The evening ends with a stroll through Paro's main shopping district.
Day 2: Paro - Tigers Nest
Altitude: 2320 m. Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours - 4 miles/6.5 km
Today is a special day with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest). After an early breakfast we drive north of Paro a short distance to begin our hike to the Tigers Nest, probably Bhutan's most famous landmark. The hike up to the monastery goes through a beautiful pine forest and you can catch several glimpses of the Tigers Nest (almost 900m above you). It's a good hike but well worth the effort and we will stop for lunch half way.
The trail takes you directly to this incredible monastery which clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 meters into the valley below. The Tiger's Nest was built in 1692 and still functions today despite the daily visits by numerous tourists. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Paro.
Day 3: Paro - Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)
Distance: 10 kms. Time: 3/4 hours. Altitude: 3,350 m, 11,000 ft
After breakfast we will start today's relatively short trek. Starting just above the National Museum; we climb till we reach camp. If the weather is clear the Paro valley and the snow-capped mountains can be seen. The campsite is near the old Jele Dzong. If the caretaker is there we can visit the dzong.
Day 4: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
Distance: 12 kms. Time: 4/5 hours. Altitude: 3,700 m, 12,100 ft.
The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and slopes gradually till we reach the night camp. You may see yak herders around the campsite.
Day 5: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
Distance: 16 kms. Time: 6/7 hours. Altitude: 3,800 m, 12,500 ft.
Today the trail follows the ridge and on clear days the views of the mountains and valleys are spectacular. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. The lakes in this area are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner.
Day 6: Jimilangtso - Simkota
Distance: 12 kms. Time: 4/5 hours. Altitude: 3,800 m, 12,500 ft.
Today is a wonderful day of hiking as the trail winds through dwarf rhododendron trees past the Lake of Janetso. If you are here in April and May you will be rewarded with the beautiful blooms. Overnight camp.
Day 7: Simkota - Phajoding - Thimphu (End of Trek)
Distance: 12 kms. Time: 4/5 hours. Altitude: 3,500 m, 11,500 ft.
From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastery from where the capitol Thimphu is visible at the valley floor. Overnight camp.
Day 8: Thimphu Sightseeing
Altitude: 2320m
We will have time to explore the capital today and visit one of the largest Buddha statues in the world. Plan on visiting the following local sites; The Memorial Chorten, Changangkha Monastery, Takin Preserve Centre, Tashichho Dzong and the Sangay Gang view point. Dinner and overnight in Thimphu.
Day 9: Thimphu - Punakha
Altitude: 1310 m, 72 kms, 3 hours drive
After breakfast, drive to Punakha via Dochula pass. If the weather is clear, we will be treated to a spectacular view of the Himalayas. Enroute, we stop to view Chimi Lhakhang, alternatively called the Temple of Fertility which was built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley, known popularly as The Divine Mad Man, in the 15th century. After lunch, visit the impressive Punakha Dzong, a traditional fort built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. Dinner and overnight in Hotel in Punakha.
Day 10: Punakha - Thimphu - Paro
After breakfast we will drive back to Paro via Thimphu. We will stop in Thimphu for lunch and you will have some free time in the afternoon for shopping and wandering. In the evening we will continue to Paro and overnight at the hotel.
Day 11: Departure
After breakfast, according to your flight schedule we will drive you to the airport. End of our services.
click here for more reasons you should count on us!