ARRIVE PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – PARO

From the left side of the plane, the traveler will see Mount Everest and other famous Himalayan mountains, including the Jhomolhari and Jichu Drake mountains in Bhutan. Upon arrival at Paro International Airport, they will be met by a Bhutanese friend, have lunch at the hotel, discuss the program of the guided tour and overnight at a hotel in Paro.

PARO – A DAY EXCURSION TO TAKTSHANG MONASTERY

Visit the Taktshang Monastery, known as the 'Tiger's Nest', perched on a 4000 feet vertical granite rock in Paro town. The monastery is believed to have been the place of meditation of Guru Padma Sambhava in the 8th century. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the cafe and the hike takes about 4 hours. Overnight at a hotel in Paro.

PARO – PUNAKHA

Embark on a 5.5-hour drive through the Dochula Pass to Punakha and enjoy stunning views of the Eastern Himalayas and Gasa Dzong before cycling down to Punakha.

PUNAKHA – SIGHT SEEING

Breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong, ride bikes to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, Nizergang, and visit Nyingmapa Traditions paintings. Lunch, drive to Metshina Village, visit Chime Lhakhang, and overnight at Punakha hotel.

PUNAKHA – RAFTING

The hike runs along the Pho Chu River and passes through pine and agricultural forests. The rafting crew waits at Samdhingkha where the Class II and IV rapids meet. Lunch is served on a beach-like stretch, followed by leisurely rafting. Overnight at Hotel Gangtey.

GANGTEY - GOGONA (15 km, 6/7 hours) Trek starts

The trek begins with a gradual ascent through meadows and fields, for lunch an ascent to the Tselela Pass (3,400 m). Descending the forests, he reaches the village of Gogona, where the people speak Bjopkha. Overnight camping.

GOGONA - KHOTOKHA (16 km, 6/7 hours)

The trail climbs above the village of Gogona, climbs into a forest of fir, oak, spruce, rhododendron, cypress and juniper, leads to Shobjula pass and Khotokha valley.

KHOTOKHA – CHAZAM - TRONGSA (12 km, 5 hours) Trek ends

The trek begins with a short climb to the pass, then descends steeply through vegetation to the Wangdiphodrang Bridge, where the car awaits transfer to Trongsa for an overnight stay.

TRONGSA -BUMTHANG

The tour includes a visit to Trongsa Dzong and Ta Dzong, Bhutan's architectural masterpieces, before heading to Bumthang, a religious heartland with lush valleys and hilly forests. After the high pass, guests can cycle to Bumtang.

BUMTHANG - SIGHTSEEING

A day trip to the Ura Valley in Bumtang includes a picnic lunch, a visit to the Ura Monastery, a village exploration, a visit to Mebar Tsho, a 15th-century treasure site, and meditation at the Tamshing Lhakhang. Later, visit Jambay Lhakhang, a 7th-century monastery built by Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo, and stay overnight at a hotel or guesthouse in Bumthang.

BUMTHANG – THIMPHU (9hours drive)

Transfer to Thimphu with lunch in Chendebji. Overnight: Hotel in Thimphu.

THIMPHU – EXCURSION TO TONGO MONASTERY

A morning hike to the Tango Monastery, built by the "Divine Madman" in the 15th century, offers views of the Thimphu Valley and the Sin Trial Tunnel. Lunch at the Cheri Monastery, built in 1620, contains the body of the first monk and the ashes of Father Shabdrung. Overnight at Thimphu Hotel.

THIMPU - PARO

In Thimphu, enjoy a morning full of shopping with a variety of Bhutanese food and handicrafts. In Paro, visit the National Museum, a former watchtower, and enjoy a traditional peasant dinner. Overnight at a hotel in Paro. Enjoy a hot stone bath and a typical Bhutanese dinner.

PARO-PARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT for Departure

You will depart Paro International Airport early in the morning and your Bhutanese friends from Makalu Adventure will accompany you on your way home.