Day 01: Arrive Paro (By Druk Air flight)
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 to the lush green Paro valley as you land. Your Bhutanese escort from Golden Langur Travel Bhutan (GLTB) will greet you on arrival, then drive you the short distance to the hotel.
Day 02: Paro
Your journey into the Thunder Dragon kingdom will truly begin with a drive in the morning to the ruins of the Drukgyal Dzong 16 km up the valley. Built in 1647 by the great Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, father and unifier of medieval Bhutan, the dzong was destroyed by accidental fire and left in ruins as an evocative reminder of the great victories it was built to commemorate. Explore the ramparts and on a clear day experience an unforgettable view of Mt. Jhomolhari (7,314 m). Our next visit is Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which now houses the National Museum. Below the museum is the Paro Rimpung Dzong, the centre of civil and religious authority in this valley. A short walk takes you to the base of the dzong and across a traditional cantilevered, covered bridge. A short distance further 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 walk through Paro's main shopping district.
Day 03: Paro, Excursion to Taktsang Monastery
A very special day, with an excursion to view the spectacular Taktsang (Tiger's Nest) monastery - After breakfast a short drive takes us to Satsam Chorten, from there a 2 hour horse ride till the viewpoint point of the monastery. The trail climbs through beautiful pine forest, many of the trees festooned with Spanish moss, and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags. We stop for a rest and light refreshments at the Taktsang Jakhang (cafeteria) and then walk a short distance until we see, clearly and seemingly within reach, Taktsang monastery. Built in the 1600s, this incredible monastery clings to the edge of a sheer rock cliff that plunges 900 m into the valley below. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava, the tantric mystic who brought Buddhism to Bhutan, landed here on the back of a flying tiger. Looking at the monastery flying tigers doesn’t seem so impossible after all. Lunch will be served at the cafeteria, followed by a short walk to Satsam Chorten for the drive to the hotel.
Day 04: Paro - Jele Dzong (Start of Trek)
Today is a short trek. The trek begins 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 you can visit the Dzong. Altitude 3,350m; Distance 10 Km; Time 3 - 4 hours.
Day 05: Jele Dzong - Jangchulakha
The trek starts with a short climb and then passes through a thick alpine forest of rhododendron and gradually climbs till we reach camp. You may see yak herders around your campsite. Altitude 3,700m; Distance 12 Km; Time 4 - 5 hours.
Day 06: Jangchulakha - Jimilangtso
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Our camp is close to Lake Jimilangtso. These lakes are known for their giant sized trout, and if lucky, you may enjoy well-prepared trout for dinner. Altitude 3,800m; Distance 16 Km; Time 6/7 hours.
Day 07: Jimilangtso – Simkota (4-5 hours)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees past the lake of Janetso. Overnight camp
Day 08: Simkota - Phajoding –(4-5 hours)
From here we slowly descend down to Phajoding Monastry from where Thimphu town is visible at the valley floor. Overnight camp.
Day 09: Phajoding – Thimphu
Walking down slowly you reach Thimphu in about three hours. Afternoon at leisure. Overnight in the hotel.
Day 10: Thimphu
The day begins with a visit to the National Memorial Chorten built in honour of our late King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk and the Dupthop Lhakhang one of the few surviving nunneries in Bhutan. We then visit the National Library, stocked with ancient Buddhist manuscripts, and the Painting School where traditional art is still kept alive through instructions in the art of painting Thangkas (sacred Buddhist religious scrolls). After lunch we drive to the Traditional Medicine Institute where medicines are prepared according to ancient practices, and to Lungtenzampa to observe the Royal silver smiths and Bhutanese paper factory at work. Other highlights include a visit to the Tashichho Dzong, seat of the national government and the Central Monastic Body, including the summer residence of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot of Bhutan). The Tashichho Dzong is open to visitors only in winter when the Je Khenpo and the Monk Body move to Punakha the ancient winter capital of Bhutan. We finally visit the Handicrafts Emporium followed by shopping for souvenirs in the shops of Thimphu. In the early evening drive to Paro. Dinner and overnight at hotel.
Day 11: Thimphu – Punakha
72 Kms,3 hours drive.Drive to Punakha via Duchula pass,Lunch at Punakha and half day sightseeing,Overnight Hotel.
Day 12: Punakha – Bumthang.215 Kms,8-9 hours drive
After early breakfast drive to Bumthang via Wangduephodrang valley and then drive up hill till Pelela pass about (11300).Lunch at Trongsa and continue your journey to Bumthang across Yutongla pass and finally to Bumthang valley.Dinner and overnight at Bumthang.
Day 13: Bumthang
Full day sightseeing.Overnight Hotel
Day 14: Bumthang–Punakha
Drive back to Punakha and overnight,Hotel.
Day 15: Punakh –Paro
Drive to Paro via Duchula pass and overnight,Hotel.
Day 16: Departure.
Good-bye and happy journey back home. Tashi Delek.