Glimpses of Bhutan’s cultural and historical heritage sites such as fortresses, monasteries and temples
Walk along the ancient route between Paro and Thimphu valleys, immerse yourself in nature and experience the peace and beauty of the mountains and the sacred lakes
Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) monastery – one of Bhutan’s most sacred places
Visit Trashichho Dzong and Punakha Dzong and see the beautiful architecture of the fortresses
Visit the beautiful Dochula Pass from where you can get a spectacular view of the Himalayas
See how people live and learn about the traditional arts and crafts of Bhutan
Experience the local culture and taste Bhutanese cuisine
Visit to the Bhutanese farmhouse and enjoy a hot medicinal stone bath

This eleven-day tour program offers a glimpse of Bhutan’s rich cultural and traditional heritage and spectacular mountainous landscape. You will have the opportunity to trek through the thick pristine forests and follow the ancient walking route between Paro and Thimphu valleys. Along the way you will be able to see the sacred lakes nestled within the folds of the mountains and may also come across some yaks and yak-herders along the way.

In the singularly unique capital city of Thimphu, you will have the opportunity to see one of the tallest statues of Buddha and to visit the Memorial Chorten. You will also learn more about Bhutanese life, arts and crafts from the visit to the folk museum, the institute of arts and crafts and the institute of traditional medicines. One highlight is the visit to the Trashichho Dzong, the seat of the administrative and religious power in Bhutan and which houses the throne room.

In Punakha, the old capital of Bhutan, you can see the Punakha Dzong nestled between two rivers and also make a visit to the sacred Chimi Lhakhang.

In Paro, for a memory of a lifetime you can visit the memorable Tiger’s Nest temple which is perched high up in the cliffs, and also visit Drugyel Dzong, a fortress of historical significance.

Day 1 :

ARRIVE PARO

Arrive at Paro Airport (7,000ft). You will be received at the airport by our tour representative who will then take you to the hotel. If time permits, afternoon visit Kichu Lhakhang one of the oldest temples in Bhutan or visit Paro town.

Day 2 :

PARO SIGHTSEEING

A day of acclimatization. Local sightseeing includes visit to Drugyel Dzong, Ta Dzong, which houses the National Museum, and the traditional wooden bridge. Stroll through Paro town.

Day 3 :

*DAY 03 PARO - JELE DZONG

The trek trail is gradual and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen. Overnight at camp. Altitude - 11,600 ft / 3,536 m.

Day 4 :

*DAY 04 JELE DZONG - JIMILANGTSO

The trail takes you through thick alpine forests and rhododendron trees. The yaks in winter graze in the pastures around the path and there may be some yaks and yak herders along the way.

The trail follows the ridge of the mountain and on a clear day one can get a splendid view of the mountains and valleys. Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant-sized trout. Altitude - 12,160 ft / 3,706 m.

Day 5 :

*DAY 05 JIMILANGTSO - SEMKOTHA

The trail goes through dwarf rhododendron trees and passes by the lake of Janetsho. One may come across some yak herders’ camps and one can see to how they live. Camp is close to Semkotha lake. Altitude - 12,580 ft / 3,834 m.

Day 6 :

*DAY 06 SEMKOTHA - THIMPHU

The trek begins with a gradual climb and if weather permits one will get a beautiful view of Mount Gangkhar Punsum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan mountains from Doupchula Pass. The path gradually descends till Phajoding, where the monastery and the retreat centers for meditation are located.

The trail to Thimphu then goes downhill through the blue pine forests. Overnight in hotel. Alt. 8,050 ft / 2,454 m.

Day 7 :

THIMPHU SIGHTSEEING

Visit the Folk Heritage Museum and the Institute of Zorig Chusum (13 traditional crafts). Afternoon visit Kuenselphodrang where a 169-feet statue of Buddha Dordenma has been built and overlooks the Thimphu valley. Visit also the Memorial Chorten, built in memory of the third King of Bhutan.

Evening at leisure / Visit Thimphu town.

Day 8 :

THIMPHU – PUNAKHA

After breakfast drive to Punakha over Dochula Pass (2.5 hours). On a clear day, one can get a panoramic view of the Himalayan mountain ranges and also see the Gasa Dzong at a distance. One can also visit the Druk Wangyel Chortens (108 stupas) on the Pass.

Enroute to Punakha visit Chimi Lhakhang, a 15th century fertility temple which has built on hillock overlooking rice fields, villages and the Punatsangchu river.

Punakha is the old capital of Bhutan. After lunch visit Punakha Dzong, built at the junction of the two rivers Pho Chu (male river) and Mo Chu (female river). It is one of the most spectacular dzongs in the country. The Dzong serves as the winter residence for the Je Khenpo, Chief Abbot & the Central Monastic Body.

Day 9 :

PUNAKHA – PARO

After breakfast, drive to Paro. Afternoon visit Paro town / leisure.

Day 10 :

DAY EXERCUSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY

After breakfast drive to Ramthongkha. Hike uphill for about 2-3 hours to Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 3,000 ft above the valley floor. It is a sacred monastery for the Bhutanese people who believe that it must be visited at least once in their life time.

Evening experience a soothing and rejuvenating hot stone bath that will relieve aches & pains. This will be followed by typical Bhutanese dinner in an old traditional Bhutanese house.

Day 11 :

PARO - DEPARTURE

Early breakfast at the hotel and drive to the Paro Airport to board the flight. Your tour representative will see you off at the airport.