Day 1
Paro
Arrive at Paro by Druk Air. During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga and other Himalayan peaks, including sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will receive you. Drive through Paro valley is enchanting. After lunch you will be taken to the Ta-dzong (museum). Overnight at hotel.
Day 2
Paro Sightseeing
Drive the winding road Northwest up the Pa Chu to Drukgyal dzong, the ruined fort, which once defended this valley from Tibetan invasions. Mt. Chomolhari, the sacred summit, reaches skyward beyond the dzong. This can be viewed on a clear day. On the way back visit of typical Bhutanese farmhouse.
Day 3
Paro Excursion to Taktsang
Spend whole day hiking to Taktsang, the Tiger's Nest. This magical monastery clings to a vertical granite cliff 300 mt. above the valley. Legend says that Guru Padmasambhava flew here on the back of a tigress for the purpose of his journey. When the Guru finished his meditation, he instructed that the monastery to be built. Overnight in hotel.
Day 4
Paro-Jele Dzong (Distance 6/7 kms./Alt.8500ft.)
Today is a short trekking day. The trail is rather gradual till the camp and if the weather is clear the Paro valley can be seen with its snow capped mountain backdrop.
Day 5
Jele Dzong- Jangchulakha (Distance -10 kms./Alt.9500 ft.)
Begin with about an hour and half's climb then ascends gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and rhododendrons. You may see yak herders around your campsite.
Day 6
Jangchulakha- Jimilangtso (Distance 11 kms./Alt.11000ft.)
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the views of the mountains and valley are beautiful. Camp is close to the lake of Jimilangtso.
Day 7
Jimilangtso- Simkota (Distance 11 kms./Alt. 11500ft.)
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and bypasses the lake of Janetso. Today you may come across some yak herders camps and get an idea of how these people live. Camp is close to Simkota lake.
Day 8
Simkota- Phajoding (Distance 10 kms. /Alt. 9500 ft.}
Begin with a gradual climb and if the weather permits you will enjoy a majestic view of Mt. Gangkar Puensum, the highest in Bhutan, and other peaks from the Dochula pass. The trail slowly descends till you reach the Phajoding cafeteria. Overnight in cafeteria or camp.
Day 9
Phajoding- Thimphu (Distance -7/8 kms. /Alt.8050ft.)
The trek to Thimphu is all the way down through a forested area of mostly blue pine. Taking a leisurely pace you reach Thimphu in about 3 hours. Afternoon: Free to relax. Overnight in hotel.
Day 10
Thimphu Sightseeing
Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around town; visit the Handicrafts Emporium. Visit the workshop where all the handicrafts are produced. Afternoon: visit Tashichhodzong and Memorial Chorten. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 11
Thimphu- Punakha- Wangdue- Thimphu
Excursion with pack lunch to Punakha and Wangdue valley. Visit Punakha dzong when the monks are in Thimphu. Drive back to Thimphu and overnight in hotel.
Day 12
Thimphu- Paro airport
Drive to Paro Airport for onward flight
