fact of the trip

Duration: 10 nights/ 11 days
Accommodation: Hotel
Activities: Cultural walking tour
Trip grading: easy
Group size: 1- 10 pax
Starting point: Paro
Ending point: Paro
Highest altitude: (12401ft) 3758m.
Best time: March to May and Sept to November

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1:  Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and are transferred to the hotel. A pre-trek briefing, given by the destination manager, will be scheduled for the late afternoon. He will discuss the trekking program and co-ordinate any last-minute arrangements. Meals Include: 1 welcome dinner

Day 2: Kathmandu-Paro
You are welcomed by your guide and transferred to hotel. Take some rest after lunch and later you will have a briefing about the schedules.

Day 3: Full day tour of Paro Valley
You will explore the beautiful Paro Valley. Visit 200 year old Watch Tower (Ta Dzong), the ruins of historical Drugyel Dzong, Drugyel High School and Kychu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery in the valley built in 7th century. After lunch we drive up-to Chelila Pass (Alt. 12,402 ft.) to view the spectacular scenery of Mt. Jumolhari as well as Haa and Paro Valley.

Day 4: Attend the first day of Paro Tsechu
Today we attend the Paro festival. In the evening, browse the town or visit a typical Bhutanese home.

Day 5:  Paro
Attend the second day of Paro Tsechu or you can take optional hikes to Takstang Monastery-famed as Tiger’s nest associated with Great Guru Padmasambhava.

Day 6:  Paro-Thimpu
In the morning, observe more of the Tsechu and later in the afternoon drive to Thimpu. The drive from Paro to Thimphu is spectacularly scenic.

Day 7:  Exploring Thimpu
Explore the fascinatingly colorful town of Thimphu. We’ll visit the Arts and Crafts school, Traditional Medicine Institute, King Jigme Doreje Memorial Chorten, traditional paper factory and watch the Yak and Takin-the National animal of Bhutan in Botanical Garden (Zoo) where one can see Yak and Takin, the national wild animal of Bhutan. In the afternoon, you will explore downtown Thimphu on foot visiting the Handicrafts Emporium and other shops where we’ll have the opportunity to buy stunning kiras which can be used as bed covers or wall decoration, jewelry and much more.

Day 8: Thimphu- Punakha- Wangdue
After breakfast, we set off on a three-hour drive across Dochula Pass (10,500 feet) to the valley of Punakha and Wangdi Phodrang and visit the Dzongs.

Day 9:  Wangdue-Gangtey -Phobjikha Valley
After breakfast at the hotel, drive to Gangtey and Phobjikha Valley- the first eco-tourism destination of Bhutan recognized by the Royal Society for the Protection of Nature (RSPN). The valley falls under the Black Mountain National Park. Phobjikha Valley is also famous as the winter home of rare and endangered black necked cranes.

Day 10:  Punakha- Paro
Early morning, retrace drive to Thimpu and after having lunch here, continue to Paro.

Day 11 Paro-Departure
Bid farewell to the tiny Himalayan Kingdom of Bhutan and her friendly people and board on your flight to Bangkok or next destination.