Day 01: Arrival
Flying into the country’s only airport, in the beautiful Paro valley, the clear mountain air, forested ridges, imposing monasteries and welcoming Bhutanese people in their striking national dress, provides a breath-taking first impression.

On arrival at Paro airport, after immigration and custom formalities, your guide from Phuson Travel for the trip will receive you and transfer you to the hotel.
The valley of Paro contains a wealth of attractions and your afternoon sightseeing includes; Drukgyel Dzong: This Dzong, with a picturesque village nestling below its ramparts, was built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646, to commemorate his victory over the Tibetan invaders.  Though largely destroyed by fire in 1951, the towering outer walls and central keep remain an imposing sight.  On a clear day, there is a splendid view of Mt. Jhomolhari from the approach road to Drukgyel Dzong.
 Rinpung Dzong:  Built in 1646 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the “fortress of the heap of jewels“stands on a hill above Paro Township.  The approach to the Dzong is through a traditional covered bridge (called the Nemi Zam) and then up a paved stone path running alongside the imposing outer walls.  The valley’s annual springtime religious festival, the Paro Tsechu, takes place in the courtyard of the Dzong and on the dance ground on the hillside above.
Ta Dzong: On a ridge immediately above Rinpung Dzong is Ta Dzong, built as a watchtower to protect Rinpung Dzong.  (“Ta” means “to see” in Dzongkha, so the watchtower of a Dzong is always called a “Ta Dzong”).   On account of their function, watchtowers are always round in shape.  In 1968 Paro’s Ta Dzong was inaugurated as the National Museum, and now holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings, Bhutan’s exquisite postage stamps, coins and handicrafts, together with a small natural history collection.

Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight – Tenzinling or Tandinling Resort in Paro

Day 02: Hike to Taktsang (Tiger’s Nest) Monastery
Today, we hike up to the famous cliff-hermitage called Taktsang, the “Tiger’s Nest.” This monastic retreat is built into a sheer cliff face high above the Paro valley. Legend has it that the Tibetan Buddhist saint Padmasambhava flew across the Himalayas on the back of a tiger and landed here, bringing Buddhism to Bhutan. The trail to the monastery climbs through beautiful pine forest and an occasional grove of fluttering prayer flags.
After visiting what is known as one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the country, we will go off the beaten track further up to the temples that are on the hill tops above Tiger’s Nest. It’s so peaceful there and you can really communicate with nature as you enjoy the views from the top be it that of mountains or the valley. No wonder that some monks have chosen this place to meditate for their life!  To go down, we are following a different path that takes us through the pristine thick forest of oaks and rhododendrons festooned with Spanish mosses.

Approximate Walking time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m
Overnight – Tenzinling or Tandinling Resort in Paro

Day 03: Paro – Thimphu
In the morning, we will take a drive to Thimphu along the curvy Bhutanese highway. Thimphu, perhaps the most unusual capital city in the world, is the seat of government, home to Bhutan’s royal family, the civil service, and foreign missions with representation in Bhutan. It is also the headquarters for a number of internationally funded development projects.
Tashichhodzong: The “fortress of the glorious religion” was initially erected in 1641 and rebuilt by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuck in the 1960s.  Tashichhodzong houses some ministries, His Majesty’s secretariat, and the central monk body.  It is open to visitors during the Thimphu Tsechu (held in autumn) and while the monk body is resident in its winter quarters at Punakha Dzong.
Weekend Market: Most of the Thimphu’s population and many valley dwellers converge on the bustling weekend market, held down by the river.  A wide range of foodstuffs and local arts and crafts are sold at the market, which runs from Friday afternoon to Sunday.  A visit to the market provides great photo opportunities, as well as the chance to mingle with local people and perhaps buy souvenirs.
Visit the National Memorial Chorten; the building of this landmark was originally envisaged by Bhutan’s third king, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuck, who had wanted to erect a monument to world peace and prosperity. Completed in 1974 after his untimely death, it is both a memorial to the Late King (“the father of modern Bhutan”), and a monument to peace.
Visit the government-run Handicrafts Emporium and privately owned crafts shops, which offer a wide range of handcrafted products, including the splendid thangkha paintings and exquisitely woven textiles for which Bhutan is famous.
Visit to the Folk Heritage Museum; established in 2001, this is an interesting museum housed in a very old traditional house. The museum is a walk through the fast changing rural tradition, habits and skills, and those of the past. They organize special exhibitions annually on select subject pertaining to Bhutanese heritage.
Visit National Stadium known as Changlingmithang to see archery, Bhutan’s National Sport. There are several customs and practices attached to the activity that we wouldn't see in any other country!
Approximate driving time: 01 hour. Altitude at Thimphu: 2400m
Overnight – Migmar or Jomolhari Hotel in Thimphu

Day 04: Day hike to Lungchotse Lhakhang
We take a drive for about an hour along the east-west highway till Dochu La Pass (3050m) to set out for another hike. The pass is marked by 108 chortens (Stupa) which are Buddhist reliquaries, memorials to the teachings of the Buddha. Sometimes actual relics of the Buddha or revered monks are inserted into the dome of the stupa, but whether or not there are relics inside, the stupas mark the landscape with reminders of the Buddha’s teachings.
The location of the 18th century Lungchotse Lhakhang is perfect for a day hike from here. For those who do not fancy walking for hours seeking solitude and peace of mind yet would like to have that, this is the place to go. It is a perfect place to enjoy the bounties of nature. On a clear sunny day one can see the entire Bhutan Himalaya with its snow covered peaks. The sunset from Lungchotse with different colors playing against the sky is a splendid spectacle. The view from the ridge as the sun sets over the rolling hills remains etched in mind for a long time.
The way to the Lungchotse Lhakhang is no less striking. It is a gentle 02 hour uphill walk from Dochu La. The route is well shaded with rhododendron trees growing in abundance all over the place. The path is well padded with fallen leaves. In May and June when the flowers are in bloom it is a magical trek amidst the various hues of white, red, pink and purple.
They say heaven is a place on earth – perhaps Lungchotse is one such place. Anyway it is as close as you can get to in a day! 
 Approximate walking time: 04 hours. Altitude at Dochu La: 3050m.                                       
Overnight: Hotel Dochu La

Day 05: Dochu La - Punakha
If you are up early and skies are clear, you will enjoy sunrise over the eastern Himalaya. Continuing eastward, we drive down into the Punakha Valley, finding ourselves in an area of tropical vegetation, including chir pine, cactus oranges and bamboo.

In Punakha, we will visit the Dzong that was built by Shabdrung, in 1637, on a strategic junction at the confluence of Pho Chu and Mo Chu rivers. The Dzong has played a hallowed role in the history of Bhutan. It served as the seat of Shabdrung’s government, several foreign delegations were received here in 18th and 19th century, the election and coronation of the first King was observed in 1907 and the Third King convened the first National Assembly in the Dzong. The central monastic body continues to reside here in winter. The embalmed bodies of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal and Terton Pema Lingpa are housed on the top floor of the main tower. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the present King from the latest fire in 1987.

Later, we will take a drive to Talo - the native home town of the queens for our short downhill hike following the beautiful track that links the village of Talo and Nobgang where we will see village and the farmhouses to have intimate insight into the Bhutanese way of living.
Approximate driving time: 02 hours. Altitude at Punakha: 1300m.                                       
Overnight: Zangthopelri Hotel or Damchen Resort in Punakha

Day 06: Punakha - Gangtey
This morning, drive to Wangduephodrang and visit the Dzong which is perched on a spur at the confluence of two rivers. The position of the Dzong is remarkable as it completely covers the spur and commands an impressive view both up and down the valley.
Then drive up a winding mountain road through oak and rhododendron forest, and over a high pass down into the Phobjikha valley, surely one of the loveliest high altitude valleys in Bhutan.  This place holds a special interest to tourist as you can experience the Black Mountain Range and the Phobjika Valley which is famous for the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes.
 
Approximate driving time: 03 hours. Altitude at Gangtey: 3000m.                                       
Overnight- Dewachen or Gakiling Hotel in Gangtey

Day 07: Hike over Kayche La
We take a drive till Longtey Village after the Pele La to go for yet another hike across Kayche La (3700m) and back to Gangtey. We climb up gradually through the thickets of dwarf bamboos, birch, rhododendron, hemlock and fir to Kayche La, marked with some prayer flags. The other side of the pass is mostly meadows, and it’s all downhill walk to Gangtey through the long and beautiful stretch of meadows and farms.  This place holds a special interest to tourist as you can experience the Black Mountain Range and the Phobjika Valley which is famous for the winter habitat of the black-necked cranes.

Approximate walking time: 05 hours. Altitude at Gangtey: 3000m.                                       
Overnight: Dewachen or Gakiling Hotel in Gangtey

Day 08: Gangtey – Paro
As we return to Paro, we descend to the balmy Punakha Valley, climb over the Dochu La, then descend into Thimphu where we stop for lunch. We reach Paro by mid-afternoon. If time and energy permit, we visit Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples.
 Approximate driving time: 06 hours. Altitude at Paro: 2300m.                                       
Overnight: Tenzinling or Tandinling Resort in Paro

Day 09: Departure
After breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport in time to catch up your onward flight. Your escort from Phuson Travel will bid you farewell and soon the remote and legendary Dragon Kingdom disappears again behind its guardian mountains.

•    Transfer and tour with English speaking guide (Other languages are subject to availability and can be to surcharges).
•    Accommodation in twin shared room 3 stars hotel and resort
•    Entrance fees, service charge, baggage handling
•    Ground transportation
•    Meals on packages trip
•    Travel insurance in Bhutan
•    Visa to Bhutan

•    Personal expenditure, such as laundry, souvenirs, etc. 
•    Tips & Gratuities
•    International airticket round trip from Bangkok airport

 

Health & Fitness required:

There is easy to moderate suitable for all travelers, no requirement on this trip.

Meeting point:

You will be welcomed at Paro airport and transfer to hotel.

Finishing point:

Transfer to Paro airport.

What to take:

We suggest you to take suitcase and day bag. Take long paints, long sleeve, shorts, T-shirt, first aid.