ARRIVE PARO

The journey takes the traveler to Paro International Airport where he meets a Bhutanese friend. They will have lunch at the hotel, discuss the tour program and visit the Drukgyal Dzong ruins. Built in 1647, the Dzong is a reminder of the great victories it commemorated. The trip also includes a visit to Kichu Lhakhang, a 108-year-old Tibetan monastery built to subdue demons.

PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSANG MONASTERY

After breakfast we will drive to Satsam Chorten, a beautiful pine forest. We will stop at Taktsang Jakhang and visit Taktsang Monastery, built around the meditation cave of Guru Rimpoche in 1684. Legend has it that Guru Padmasambhava brought Buddhism to Bhutan by flying on the back of Dorji Drol. After lunch we visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, now the National Museum, and Rimpung Dzong, a center of civil and religious authority.

PARO – THIMPHU / SIGHT SEEING

Visit the National Memorial Chorten and Dupthop Lhakhang, visit the National Library and the School of Painting. Enjoy the Bhutanese way of life and witness an archery tournament. Later, visit Motithang Mini Zoo and Sangaygang Viewpoint for a spectacular view of Thimphu. Overnight at the hotel.

THIMPHU - PUNAKHA

After breakfast drive to Punakha via Dochula Pass where you can see the High Himalayas. Visit the Chimi Lhakhang, built by Lama Drukpa Kuenley in the 15th century, known as the "Temple of Fertility". Lunch in Punakha, visit Punakha Dzong, built in 1637 by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. The Dzong was named Druk Pungthang Dechen Phodrang (Palace of Great Happiness). Punakha is the winter residence of Je-Khenpa and the site of the new national assembly convened by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1952. Excursion to Khamsung Yulley Namgyal Choling Monastery. Overnight at Punakha Hotel.

PUNAKHA – GANGTEY VALLEY

The journey begins with breakfast in the Gangtey Valley, where a city tour includes a visit to the Wangdiphodrang Dzong, built in 1638. The Dzong is believed to have spread the religion to the four corners of the world. The journey continues to Gangtey where visitors can visit the Gangtey Gompa Monastery founded by Gyaltse Pema Thinley and Tenzin Legpai Dhendup. The trip also includes an exploration of the Phobjikha valley, famous for black-necked cranes.

GANGTEY VALLEY – TRAONGSA - BUMTHANG

After breakfast, drive to Bumthang and visit Trongsa Dzong, Bhutan's most impressive dzong built in 1644 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. Visit Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower with a chapel dedicated to Trongsa Penlop Jigme Namgyal. Lunch and overnight at Bumthang Hotel.

BUMTHANG – SIGHT SEEING

The itinerary includes a visit to Jakar Dzong, Lamey Goemba, Jambay Lhakhang, Chakhar (Iron Castle), Kurjey Lhakhang and Tamshing Lhakhang. Jakar Dzong, also known as "White Bird Castle", was built in 1667. Lamey Goemba is an 18th century palace and monastery. Built by King Srongsen Gamp in 659, Jambay Lhakhang was visited by Guru Rimpoche and renovated by Sindhu Raja. Kurjey Lhakhang, named after Guru Rimpoche's body print, was built in 1652. Tamshing Lhakhang, founded in 1501, is the most important Nyingmapa temple.

A day excursion to Ura valley & back to Bumthang

After breakfast, an excursion to the beautiful valley of the Ura Valley. Overnight: Hotel in Bumthang.

Bumthang--Mongar

After breakfast, transfer to Mongar. A packed lunch will be served along the way. There you can see typical Bhutanese farm houses. Overnight: Hotel in Mongar.

MONGAR - TRASHIGANG

After breakfast, visit Mongar Dzong, a small Buddhist dzong rebuilt in 1953 with 50-60 monks, including young boys. Crossing to Trashigang, crossing Korila Pass. Enjoy lunch and witness the festival before camping overnight.

TRASHIGANG – A DAY EXCURSION TO KHALING – TRASHIYANGTSE

Visit the traditional handloom in Khaling, founded by the National Women's Association of Bhutan, and Bhutan's first college, Kanglung College. A trip to the villages of eastern Bhutan and a night camp in Trashiyangtse.

TRASHIYANGTSE – GOM KORA

Drive to Gom Kora, the sacred meditation site of Guru Padmasamva, where the Guru left the imprint of his body on the rock. Overnight camp in Trashiyangtse.

TRASHIYANGTSE – MONGAR

Attend the festival in the morning. After lunch, transfer to Mongar.Overnight: Hotel.

MONGAR - BUMTHANG

Breakfast, transfer to Bumtang, packed lunch, visit to Wangdicholing Palace, city walk and overnight at a farm to experience the Bhutanese way of life.

BUMTHANG - THIMPHU

Early breakfast, transfer to Thimphu. In the evening, a visit to craft shops. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

THIMPHU – 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.