Trekking Tour in Bhutan

Arrive at Paro International Airport from Delhi. Paro is situated in a beautiful valley and is fitting introduction to this charming kingdom. You will be received by our representative and will be directly transferred to your hotel. There should be time for a quick stroll around Paro town before lunch. In the afternoon you can also visit the ruined Drugyel Dzong (fortress of victory), constructed to commemorate the victory over Tibetan invaders in 1644. Nearby you can also visit the 7th century Kyichu Lhakhang, a temple of historical significance and one of the most sacred shrines in Bhutan. Overnight at Paro.

In the morning you can start your day by visiting the impressive Paro Rinpung Dzong, one of the finest examples of Bhutanese architecture. You can also visit Ta Dzong (the former watch tower) now housing the National Museum built on top of the hill above Rinpung Dzong, it was originally used to defend Rinpung Dzong and the Paro valley during the times of civil war. Its unusual circular construction resembles a conch shell and it now contains a magnificent collection of Bhutanese artefacts-costumes, religious paintings, arms, textiles and a fascinating collection of Bhutan stamps. In the evening you can prepare for the trek by sorting out the luggage. Anything you don�t need to carry with you will be driven safely to Thimphu to await for your arrival. Overnight at Paro.

The first day of the trek is a long slow climb; the trek follows the gravel road passing through the village. The trail also climbs through blue pine and fir forest to a mani wall. It is then a long climb through forests to a camping place in a large pasture just below Jili Dzong. At night one can also get to hear the monks playing trumpet and the sound of the blowing conch. Overnight in a camp.

In the morning visit Jili Dzong and continue the climb, by descending towards the south-east through silver fir, pine, rhododendron past a couple of houses to camp nearby a small river at about 3000 metres. One can also visit Tsaluna Ney. Overnight in a camp.

The troop will continue with the detour, upwards to Pumo La at about 3400 metres. Then the troop would reach Phajoding at 3750 metres about two hours after the pass. Overnight in a camp.

The final day of trekking ends at Thimphu descending through blue pine forests (2-3hours). In the afternoon you will be free to relax and wander around town, soaking in the atmosphere of this magical capital city with its busy shops and bazaars and photogenic citizens in national dress. Overnight at Thimphu.

In the morning visit the revered Memorial Chorten, the National Library and the School of Traditional Arts. You could visit Changangkha temple, perched on the hill top overlooking the town. Devotees flock throughout the day to circumambulate and turn the hundreds of religious scriptures written in gold. In the afternoon drive to Semtokha Dzong (one of the oldest Fortresses in Bhutan, dating from 1629 AD). If you prefer to stay closer to town you could also drive up to the Radio Tower (offering splendid views of the city from a hilltop festooned with prayer flags), visit the Takin Preserve showcasing the unique national animal and browse the striking collection of intricate textiles at the National Textile Musuem or visit the Folk Heritage Musuem. Overnight at Thimphu.

In the morning drive to the ancient capital of Bhutan Punakha, via Dochu La pass at 3050 metres, where we will stop for a hot drink and enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Eastern Himalayan ranges. In the afternoon visit the imposing Punakha Dzong, "Palace of Great Happiness." Built in 1637, it is strategically placed at the confluence of two rivers, the Po Chu and Mo Chu. Then take a pleasant hike for an hour or so across terraced fields to Chimi Lhakhang (Temple of Fertility) built in the 15th century by the 'Divine Madman' (Lam Drukpa Kuenley). Overnight at Punakha.

In the morning drive to Gangtey (at 3300 metres). Enjoy the views of the immense and remote Phobjikha valley and the black mountain ranges. Visit Gangtey Goempa(one of Bhutan's oldest monasteries and recently renovated). This is the site where black-necked cranes visit in hundreds in the month of November each year after spending the summer in Tibet. As a result no electricity is run to the valley to avoid disturbing the habitat. You may be interested to visit the Black Necked Crane information Centre. Overnight at Gangtey.

After an early breakfast drive to Wangdue and visit Wangduephodrang Dzong, built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1638 on an auspicious site where four ravens were seen flying in four different directions. After lunch the troop would continue the sightseeing where one can also get to see plenty of flowering rhododhendrons, orchids and magnolia on the way back to Paro. Overnight at Paro.

Take a day hike towards the Tiger's Nest, the sacred Taktshang monastery which clings to the rock face 900 metres above the valley floor. Guru Rinpoche is said to have flown to the site riding on a tigress. He subsequently meditated here for three months. It is one of Bhutan's most holy sites and draws pilgrims not only from Bhutan but also from neighbouring Buddhist countries. On the way back, visit Dumtse Lhakhang, a temple built by Thangthong Gyalpo, the iron bridge builder. Overnight at Paro.

After an early breakfast, drive towards the Paro International Airport for your onward destination.