DAY 1 ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU (1 Hour Drive)

Altitude: 2320m/7656ft above sea level
Thimphu is a bustling town on the banks of the Thimphu Chhu and set gloriously in the hills of the Thimphu valley. It is home to the Bhutanese Royal Family, the Royal Government to several foreign missions and development projects. Bhutan’s only golf course, a nine-hole circuit is also located in Thimphu. Thimphu is the only capital city in the world that has no MacDonald, star bucks, bill boards and traffic lights. A must see city that has truly set an example. It is also a place for trekking, bicycling, motor biking and bird watching.

Later after your check in formalities are over you will visit, Memorial Chorten, Kuenschholing View Point(Largest sitting Buddha), Weekend Market: People from all walks of life come to buy vegetable and fruits from farmers across the country, Tashichho Dzong (Fortress), It houses the secretariat building, the throne room and the office of the king, and the central monk body. Overnight at Thimphu

DAY 2 : THIMPHU

Today you will hike to Kuensel Phodrang : Located just beside the largest sitting budha in the world, the hike takes 1 Hour 45 minutes around the nature park. It also gives you the views of the Thimphu. Mini Zoo: Here you can see just one animal – Bhutan’s national – the Takin Hand Made Paper Factory: The handmade paper making in Bhutan stemmed from the age old tradition originated in 8th century of Bhutanese history, Authentic Craft Bazar, Later stroll around the city of Thimphu. Overnight at Thimphu

DAY 3 : THIMPHU – GANGTEY (6 Hours Drive). Altitude: 2800m /9240ft above sea level.

The valley of Gangtey/Phobjikha is well known as the winter home of the black necked cranes. Bhutan is home to around six hundred black necked cranes with Phobjikha being one of the popular places that the birds migrate to in the winter months from Tibetan plateau. These elegant and shy birds can be observed from early November to end of March. Overlooking the Phobjikha valley is the Gangtey Goenpa. This is an old monastery that dates back to the 17th century. This place also is famous for its hikes, trekking and bird watching activity.

Morning visit General Post Office: Get an insight into Bhutan through its stamps and get your stamps out of your own picture. Later drive to Gangtey valley. On the way stop at Dochula Pass: Whereby you can take pictures of snow capped Himalayas and take pictures over a cup of tea or coffee, The Royal Botanical Park: It is the country’s first recreational Park which is within accessible distance from the capital city, Thimphu. The park attracts lots of visitors which include birdwatchers, travelers, and picnickers. Overnight at Gangtey.

DAY 4 GANGTEY – TRONGSA (6 Hours Drive). Altitude: 2200m /7260ft above sea level.

Trongsa forms the central hub of the kingdom and is historically the place from where attempts at unifying the country where launched. This town is situated on a steep ridge and offers spectacular views of the deep valleys surrounding it. The various hotels, guesthouses and restaurants all offer stunning views from their balconies. Trongsa also boasts an impressive museum. The watchtower of Trongsa has been converted into a museum. It is also an heaven for birdwatchers and hikers.
Today morning you will drive early since it s a long drive to Trongsa. On the way you will come across beautiful passes, valleys and landscapes. Overnight at Trongsa

DAY 5 TRONGSA – BUMTHANG (5 Hours Drive). Altitude: 2600m/ 8580ft above sea level.

This fascinating valley is the religious heartland of the nation and home to some of the oldest Buddhist temples and Monasteries. Its gentle sloping hills offer plenty of walking opportunities to the many temples that dot this valley. The valley is also famous for its production of honey, cheese, apples and the yathra- a woolen material that has multiple uses. It also has some famous villages that boast of ancient history and hikes. Horse ride, naked festival, treks, hikes and camping are some of the activities we can do here.

Visit, Trongsa Dzong: Built in 1648, it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat, Trongsa Museum: Situated strategically above the Trongsa dzong, the Ta Dzong served as the watch tower for centuries. It was built in 1652, On the way visit Chumey village where you will find collection of textiles made out of sheep wools. Kurjey Monastery:Means body print. It dates back to 8th century when Guru Rimpoche first visited Bhutan, Tamzing Monastery: “Temple of good message”. It was built by Terton Pema Lingpa (Treasure Discoverer) in 1501AD.

DAY 6 IN BUMTHANG

Drive to Ogyenchholing Palace: The village of Ogyen choling is located in the upper part of Tang valley in the Bumthang district in the central part of Bhutan. Burning Lake: This is a sacred lake for Bhutanese who believe that Pema Lingpa discovered religious treasures from this lake in the 12th century, Visit Jakar Fortress. Overnight at Bumthang

DAY 7 BUMTHANG – PUNAKHA/WANGDUE (8 Hours Drive). Altitude: 1350m/4455ft above sea level

Punakha narrates lots on the histories of Bhutan. It served as the capital of the country from 1637 to 1907 and the first national assembly was hosted here in 1953. It has the second oldest and second largest dzong in Bhutan and one of the most majestic structures in the country. On October 13, 2011, the wedding of the 5th King of Bhutan, was held at the Punakha Dzong. This place boasts of low altitude trek, rafting, kayaks, camping, bicycling and bird-watching. Overnight at Punakha

DAY 8 PUNAKHA / WANGDUE TO PARO. (4 HOURS DRIVE). Altitude: 2280m/7524ft above sea level.

This beautiful valley is home to many Bhutan’s oldest monasteries and temples. The country’s only airport is in Paro. The valley is also home to Mount Chomolhari (7,300 meters) situated at the northern end of the valley whose glacier water forms the Pachu flowing through the valley. This is also the home to some of the famous Treks such as Jumolhari and Druk Path trek. It is also a destination for bicycling, motorbiking and birdwatching.

Morning hike to, Kham Sum Yule Lhakhang (Monastey), Talo Village: The village of Talo (alt. 2,800m/9240ft) which is scattered along the hill slopes, known for its cleanliness and hygiene among Punakha villages, Punakha Dzong(Fortress): Built in 1637 this majestic fortress is built in-between two rivers. The fortress also boasts about displaying itself of unique Bhutanese architecture, Punakha Nunnery: Perched on a ridge amid pine trees and overlooking valleys of Punakha and Wangduephodrang, gleams the magnificent structures of Nunnery Temple.

Early morning short hike to Fertility temple across paddy fields and villages: This Temple was built by lam Drukpa Kuenley (The Divine Madman) in 1499. Its also a great p[lace to take a snap of the sunrise across the village and its paddy fields. Overnight at Paro.

DAY 9 IN PARO

Sightseeing: Hike to Tiger’s Nest (This is Bhutan’s most recognizable cultural icon perched 800m/2640ft up a seemingly sheer cliff.) and visit Farm House visit (Picturesque farm houses dot the valley amongst fields and hillsides. We welcome you to enjoy the hospitality of the Paro farmers.), Archery Practice: Archery is the Bhutan’s national game and the distance of the target is around 150 meters. Overnight at Paro

DAY 10 PARO – HAA VALLEY ( 3 Hours Drive). –PARO Altitude: 2712m/ 8895ft above sea level

Haa District is one of the smallest among 20 Districts Haa District has an area of 1,706.8 sq.km. It is characterized by a rugged and mountainous terrain, which makes access and delivery of development services difficult as well as expensive. The 57.6 km of Haa-Chunzom and the Haa-Paro highway passes through the district but with only about 44.10 km of internal road connecticccons most of the settlements are not connected with feeder and farm roads. The district has a good network of mule tracks and suspension bridges.

Today morning you will drive to Haa valley via Chelila Pass: Its one of the highest motorable road at 3988m above sea level, At Chelila Pass visit to Kila Nunnery, later continue your drive and visit the Haa Town and its monasteries. Later drive back to Paro. Overnight in Paro.

DAY 11 PARO

Day at leisure in Paro to stroll around Paro town. Overnight at hotel.

DAY 12 DEPART FROM PARO AIRPORT

You representative/guide will drive you to the airport and bid you farewell for your onward journey.