On your Druk air flight to Bhutan, you will be treated to a spectacular view of the snow capped Himalayan Mountains. You will be flying over some of the tallest peaks in the world. The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-­‐inspiring beginning to our adventure. On arrival at Paro International Airport you will be received by our representatives who will accompany the group throughout your journey in Bhutan. We begin our adventure in Bhutan with a drive through the valley, past small farming villages for 2 hrs drive to Haa Valley crossing over the Chele-La pass (Approx. 3850 Mtrs) which is the highest motor able pass in Bhutan. On a clear day, you will get a breathtaking view of the snowcapped Himalayan mountains such as Mt. Jumolhari and Mt. Jitchu Drakey from here.  We will be stopping at the high pass to take pictures and savour the mountain views. We will also be hanging some prayer flags at the high pass for good luck and prosperity.

Haa Valley is set at an altitude of about 9,000 feet in western Bhutan. Just opened to outsiders in 2001, the Haa region is pristine and holds a wealth of traditional culture. It was for many centuries the center for trade between western Bhutan and the Chumbi Valley of Tibet. The mountain-ringed valley is dotted with fields of millet, barley, potatoes, and wheat. Its farmhouses are beautiful and richly adorned with traditional painted motifs. Three prominent hills dot the valley and are believed by the locals to be the physical manifestations of three very important Buddhist saints. The left-hand hill represents Manjushri (the god of wisdom who holds the flaming sword that cuts the knot of ignorance), the middle one is Chenrizig (the Buddha of compassion, of which the Dalai Lama is the human incarnation), and the right-hand hill is Chana Dorji (the protector god of Bhutan). Collectively they are known as rigsum (three hills). After lunch at our lodge, we visit Lhakhang Karpo (“temple of the white dove”) and Lhakhang Nap (“temple of the black dove”), a monastery believed to have been built in the 8th century by the Tibetan king, Songtsen Gampo, after he sent two doves (one black and one white) to find a sacred place to build a monastery. Another legend tells how the local nomads erected the temples in a single day—hence the name of the valley, Haa, meaning “sudden.” The Lhakhang Karpo houses around 120 monks and is one of the oldest buildings in Bhutan. Overnight at Lodge.

Morning drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. The road leads through the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers at chuzom (confluence). Three different styles of chortens adorn the confluence. After a quick stop at the sight we will continue our drive to Thimphu. On arrival in Thimphu, check in to your hotel. After some time to refresh and relax, we will visit the Memorial Chorten (King’s Memorial Stupa ), around which elderly Bhutanese in their colourful traditional clothing circum-ambulate the holy structure, while spinning their prayer wheels. We will then drive up to Buddha view point ( Kuensel Phodrang ) and visit the gigantic 51 meters tall Shakyamuni Buddha statue which is overlooking the Thimphu valley. Later, visit the Tashichho Dzong (Thimphu Fortress), which houses the royal office of His Majesty the king. The Dzong also houses a number of important ministries offices and the highest religious authority of the country. In the evening, take a leisurely stroll in the main street of Thimphu and check out the many interesting shops, handicrafts, cafes and bars. Most interestingly, you will get to meet and interact with the friendly people of Bhutan.  Overnight at Hotel in Thimphu.

After breakfast at the hotel, drive 10KM north of Thimphu and undertake the beautiful one hour hike to Tango Monastery. There are possibilities that we might find the monks chanting and in deep prayers for the wellbeing of the sentient beings. Enroute we will make a stop to visit the Pangri Zampa monastery (the school of astrology) for an astrology session. Visit the Choki Traditional Art School where you can see the students learning the traditional arts and crafts such as drawing, painting, wood carving, weaving, embroidery and tailoring. You will have ample opportunity to interact with the students and learn about the traditional arts and crafts at the school. After lunch we will visit the Changangkha Temple built in the 12th century by Lam Phajo, and then take a short drive to see the takins, the national animal of Bhutan (with a cow’s body and a goat’s head). After visiting the takin preserve we drive further up for 10 minutes to the BBS tower where you can see the good view of the entire city of Thimphu. Then drive to hotel. Evening free time for leisure and shopping in Thimphu. Overnight at Hotel.

Morning after breakfast first visit the general post office to take picture and develop our own personal stamp and buy some post cards. Visit Folk Heritage Museum, dedicated to connect people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, Visit the Royal Textile Museum, which provides deep insight into Bhutan’s most distinct art form. Then we will drive to a sacred 17th century Simtokha Dzong and get blessed for long life, removal of obstacles in life, and good health for you. After this, you will be transferred by road eastwards to the Gangtey Valley ascending to Dochu La (pass) 3100 mtrs. At the high pass you will find the 108 Stupas, commissioned by the Queen mother as a memorial to those who lost their lives during a low intensity conflict in late 2003 when Bhutan evicted Indian rebels camped in the jungle on the Bhutan – Indian border. On a clear day you will witness a breathtaking view of the eastern Himalaya. After some time to savor the Mountain View and spirituality of the place, we continue our drive to the Gangtey. The drive to Gangtey is one of the most scenic drive where you will see many remote villages, rice field clinging to the mountain slope and the beautiful forest of different tree species. Overnight at Hotel, Gangtey.

Morning we will be visit the beautiful 17th century Gangtey goemba (monastery) which is one of the Nyingmapa monastry in Bhutan and it sits prominently on a hill top. Then we hike along the beautiful Gangtey Nature Trail for approximately 1.5 hours. On the hike, we pass through villages, potato fields, stupas and will come across remote farm houses as we walk through the pine forest and into the marsh land. Also visit the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN), Crane Observation & Education Centre which was established in the Phobjikha Valley in 1996 by Bhutan’s government, with assistance from the World Wildlife Fund. After lunch we drive to Punakha Valley approximately (2 to 3 hrs drive).  Enroute you will take a half-hour walk through mustard fields to Chimi Lhakhang, a monastery and fertility temple dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, a Tibetan Buddhist saint known popularly as “the divine madman” and considered a folk hero in Bhutan for his unconventional ways. As part of this fertility cult, this temple is frequented by couples wanting children, who go there to be blessed by a large wooden phallus. Related to this religious notion, one finds phallic symbols all over Bhutan, where it represents both fertility and protection. Overnight at hotel, Punakha.

This morning we drive to the base of the Nezergang village where we will first hike to Kamsum Yuelly Namgayal Chorten. Then we will go on a 2 hours raft on the beautiful Mo Chu river. You will have the opportunity to enjoy the serene landscape and possibly spot the White Bellied Heron, an endangered bird species only few hundred remaining in the world.

At the end of the rafting below Punakha Dzong, we will have a picnic lunch by the riverside in a small beach with a magnificent view of the Dzong. Later we will visit the dramatic Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. It stands majestically at the junction of the two rivers – Pho Chu and Mo Chu (the Male and Female rivers). The Punakha Dzong is an architectural wonder and it has played a prominent role in the civil and religious life of the Kingdom. The Dzong had been destroyed four times by fire, earthquake and flood. The Dzong has been now fully restored to its original splendour. The official name of Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang translates as “the palace of great happiness.” Later in the afternoon, visit the Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Nunnery and see the beautiful wall paintings and interact with the nuns. Overnight at Hotel, Punakha.

Depart Punakha early morning for your transfer westwards to the Paro Valley, once again traversing Dochu La, and arriving in Paro town in time for a late lunch. Enroute, we stop to visit the Botanical garden at Lamperi. Then continue our drive to Paro. On the way to Paro we will also stop at Tachogang Lhakhang, the temple of the excellent horse. It is a private temple, built in 15th century, by the famous Tibetan saint Thangtong Gyalpo who came from Tibet in search of iron ores.

This afternoon enjoy an orientation tour of the major features in Paro town including Ta Dzong ( National Museum of Bhutan), built in 17th century as a watch tower for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong ( Paro Dzong), built in 17th century to defend valley against Tibetan invaders and Kyichu Lhakhang – one of Bhutan’s oldest and most beautiful temples boasting an orange tree that perpetually bears fruit;. Then drive towards Drukgyel and visit the Drukgyel Dzong, a ruined fortress. In the evening you can take a leisurely walk across the main street in Paro and check out the many interesting shops, cafes and bar. Overnight at hotel, Paro.

Today we will hike to the famous Taktshang Monastery “The Tiger’s Lair”, the national symbol of Bhutan. Clinging to a black rock face, 900 meters above the valley floor, nestles Taktshang Lhakhang, one of the holiest and the most beautiful site of Bhutan.  Taktshang, the tiger’s lair, acquires its name from the legend of its foundation, when in the 8th Century Guru Rinpoche, widely revered as the second Buddha, arrived from Tibet flying across the mountains on the back of a tigress. The hike to the Monastery is a gradual climb through lush meadows, oak and rhododendron forest, past quaint hamlets, fluttering prayer flags and rotating prayer wheels. The hike takes you about 4-5 hours from the car park.

Later we will visit a typical Bhutanese farm house to get a glimpse into the lifestyle of a farming family in Bhutan. A visit to a local traditional farm house will take you right back to the olden days in Bhutan as you enter the huge compound of the three storey farm house made of rammed mud. You would be greeted by the host family who will first serve you traditional butter tea and snacks made of puffed rice/roasted rice, followed by the locally brewed Ara (Rice Wine) at their warm spacious living room. After interaction and getting to know the family they will show you around their home. Here at the Farm House, you will get to experience firsthand Bhutan’s national sport – archery. This experience will allow you to immerse with local community and learn about their culture. If you are interested we can also organize a traditional hot stone bath for relaxation at the farm house. Overnight at Hotel, Paro.

Drive to Paro international Airport.  See off by our representatives.