ARRIVE PARO

The traveler will see from the left side of the plane Mt. Everest, Mt. Jhomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. Arrived at Paro International Airport, met a Bhutanese friend.

PARO - SIGHT SEEING

The itinerary includes a visit to Drugyal Dzong, a ruined fort, Jhomolhari Mountain, Kyichu Lhakhang, National Museum, Paro Rimpong Dzong, a traditional Bhutanese farmhouse, and Paro town. Built in 1646 AD, the Dzong is significant to Bhutan's history as a battleground against the Tibetan invasion. The day also includes a visit to the sacred Jhomolhari mountain and Kyichu Lhakhang, the holiest Buddhist temple.

PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY

Visit the Taktsang Monastery, known as the 'Tiger's Nest', located on a 4000 feet high granite rock in Paro town. Guru Padma Sambhava is believed to have meditated there in the 8th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch at Taktsang Cafe. Overnight at Paro Hotel.

PARO – THIMPHU

The itinerary includes a visit to Simtokha Dzong, one of Bhutan's oldest forts, and Tashichho Dzong, the main secretariat building. Lunch is at the hotel in Thimphu. Afternoon includes visiting Memorial Chorten, Mini Zoo, Sangeygang, Zulikha Monastery, School of Wood Crafts and Painting, Handicraft Trade Center and National Library. The trip ends at a hotel in Thimphu.

THIMPHU – TRONGSA

The journey to Trongsa takes 6 hours, passing the Dochula pass (3150 m) and stopping for tea and refreshments. The route offers stunning views of the snow-capped mountains of the Eastern Himalayas and the Gasa Dzong. The road descends to Wangdue Phodrang and Pelela Pass, separating the western and other areas.

TRONGSA – BUMTHANG

Visit Trongsa Dzong, the ancestral home of the royal family built by Chogyel Minjur Tempa in 1648. Explore the town of Trongsa, Ta Dzong and enjoy lunch. Road to Bumthang Valley via Yutola Pass, scenic 3 hours drive. Enjoy the hospitality of a farm or guesthouse.

BUMTHANG - SIGHT SEEING

Explore Bumthang village, visit Jambay Lhakhang, Kurje Lhakhang, Tamshing Lhakhang and Kuenshusum Lhakhang, have lunch at guesthouse, visit Jakar Dzong, drive to Member (Tsho) and stay overnight.

BUMTHANG – MONGAR

After breakfast, drive to Mongar, enjoy a packed lunch, drive through Bumthang, explore the Ura Valley and see typical Bhutanese farms before checking into your hotel in Mongar.

MONGAR – TRASHIGANG

After breakfast visit Mongar Dzong, a small dzong from 1953 with 50-60 monks including young boys. Crossing to Trashigang, built in 1667 by Mingyur Tenpa, the third Desi. Visit Trashigang Dzong, a high outcrop overlooking Drangme Chu and Gamri Chu where you can see nomadic herders. Visit a nearby village and overnight camp or farms.

TRASHIGANG – ATTEND FESTIVAL

Trashigang, Eastern Bhutan is known for its vibrant cultural heritage and rich traditions. The annual festival, a popular event, features traditional music, dance performances and religious rituals. Visitors can explore local crafts, taste authentic Bhutanese cuisine and interact with locals, giving them an authentic insight into Bhutanese traditions.. A day trip to Khaling to visit the women's weaving center. Overnight: Camping or farm

TRASHIGANG – MONGAR

Drive to Gom Kora, the sacred meditation place of Guru Padmasamva where he left the imprint of his body on the rock, visit Chorten, drive to Mongar and overnight at hotel.

MONGAR – BUMTHANG

Breakfast, transfer to Bumtang, packed lunch, visit to Wangdicholing Palace, city walk, dinner and overnight at a Bhutanese farmhouse and overnight at a guest house in Bumtang.

BUMTHANG – GANGTEY VALLEY

A drive to the Gangtey Valley, a stunning valley at 3000m above sea level, offers a chance to see the endangered Black Crane in winter, followed by lunch at Phubjikha.

GANGTEY VALLEY – PARO

Drive to Paro via Punakha and Punakha Dzong, Je Khenpa's winter residence and district office. Lunch at Dochula Pass, then transfer to Paro. Overnight at the hotel.

PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for departure

An early morning drive to Paro International Airport and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany you to head back home.