ARRIVE PARO – THIMPHU

The traveler will see Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan mountains from the left side of the plane and meet a Bhutanese friend at Paro International Airport.

PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG

Visit Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fortress in Bhutan where Bhutan defeated Tibetan invasions. Check out Mt. Jhomolhari, a sacred mountain at 7,329 m. Visit Kyichu Lhakhang, a Buddhist temple dating back to 659 AD, located between the towns of Paro and Dzong. Visit the National Museum, Paro Rimpong Dzong Watchtower, built in 1646 AD. Walk into town and admire the ancient wooden bridge. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

PARO – THIMPHU

Visit the Memorial Chorten, a stupa in honor of the third king of Bhutan, and the Sangeygang with a stunning view of the Thimphu Valley. Explore the School of Wood Crafts and Painting, the Craft Trade Center and the National Library. Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building that houses government ministries, the king's office and the central monastic body.

THIMPHU – WANGDUE PHODRAND VALLEY

Cycle to Wangdue, 79 km, 4 1/2 hours via Dochula Pass. Stop at Dochula Pass for tea, refreshments and stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas and Gasa Dzong. Overnight at Trongsa Hotel.

WANGDUE PHODRANG – TRONGSA

After breakfast climb the Pelela pass (3340m) and admire the Himalayas, separate western regions, lunch in Chendebji and overnight at Trongsa Hotel.

TRONGSA – BUMTHANG VALLEY

After breakfast, visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family, built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa in 1648. Explore Trongsa town, Ta Dzong, and enjoy lunch. Cycle to the Bumthang Valley, a scenic 4-hour ride through the Yutola Pass, and enjoy the hospitality of Bhutanese families.

BUMTHANG- A DAY EXCURSION TO URA VALLEY

Visit Ura Valley, a beautiful Buddhist monastery surrounded by Bhutanese farms, enjoy a picnic lunch, drive to Member (Tsho) for cremation and overnight at Bumthang guesthouse.

BUMTHANG – SIGHTSEEING

Explore Bumthang village, visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Kuenshusum Lhakhang, have lunch at guesthouse, visit Jakar Dzong, shop in town and stay overnight at hotel.

BUMTHANG - TRONGSA - WANGDUE VIA GANGTEY

Drive through the Gangtey valley, a beautiful valley at an altitude of 3000m, to Wangdue Phodrang where you can see the endangered black crane in winter, have lunch at Phubjikha and overnight at the hotel.

WANGDUE - PUNAKHA – PARO

Transfer to Punakha town and Punakha Dzong, Je Khenpa's winter residence and district office. Lunch at Punakha Hotel, then transfer to Paro for overnight stay.

PARO – PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

An early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will see you off on your way back home.