| Day |
|
| 1 |
Arrive Paro and transfer to hotel. Visit Paro market and the town. Overnight at the hotel in Paro. |
| 2 |
Paro sightseeing, visit Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong but now a National Museum filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles weapons and armour, Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders which now serves an administrative centre and home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight hotel in Paro. |
| 3 |
Drive to Thimpu visiting enroute Somtokha Dzong, Kingdom's oldest fortress which now serves as Dzongkha language school of Bhutan. Afternoon visit Bhutanese painting school and National Library to observe the vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts & manuscripts, Traditional Medicine Institute where centuries old healing arts still practiced. Afternoon visit Handicrafts Emporiumto observe exotic weavings in silk, wool & cotton, silver jewellery, carpets, thangka paintings. Overnight hotel in Thimphu. |
| 4 |
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m) from where splendid view of highest peaks of Bhutan are visible. Drive further to Tongsa crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight lodge in Tongsa. |
| 5 |
Visit striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal family, Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong. Proceed to Bhumtang and visit the Jakar Dzong built in 17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the Kurje monastery, where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. Overnight lodge in Bumthang. |
| 6 |
Commence the trek following Chamkhar Chu river, passing through many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub bamboo. Overnight camping ( 2,900m ).
|
| 7 |
Gradual hike up to Phephe la pass ( 3340m. ), through the forests of junipers and descend to Tang valley and then to Ugyenchholing village. Overnight camping by the river ( 2850m. ) |
| 8 |
Hike up to Ugyenchholing Dzong, visit the Dzong and surrounding village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river visiting enroute to arrive at Bumthang. Overnight lodge in Bumthang. |
| 9 |
Visit Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river which houses interesting religious paintings is worth visiting. Drive to Punakha .Overnight hotel. |
| 10 |
Drive to Paro. Overnight hotel in Paro. |
| 11 |
Airport transfer for international departure. |
