Day 1 : Arrive Paro
On arrival at Paro airport, received by Connecting Horizons (Adventures
India) representative and transfer to the hotel. Overnight at Paro.
Day 2 : Paro
Paro sightseeing, visit to Ta Dzong, built in 17th century as a watch tower
for Paro Dzong. This Dzong was later converted into the National Museum in
1967, and is filled with antique thangkha paintings, textiles weapons and
armour. Also visit the Rinpung Dzong, built in 17th century to defend valley
against Tibetan invaders. It is now used as an administrative centre and
home of monastic community. Afternoon drive to Drukgyel Dzong, situated at
the end of Paro valley and built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to commemorate
his victory over Tibetan invaders. Kyichu Lhakhang, the oldest monastery of
the Kingdom is another place of interest. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 3 : Paro - Thimpu
Drive to Thimphu, the modern capital of Bhutan. About 7 km before Thimphu,
on a breezy hilltop rises Simtokha Dzong, Bhutan's most ancient fortress.
After lunch, visit the Memorial Stupa of the Late King, built in 1974, the
Traditional Medicines are still practiced, the Painting School which is
particularly famous for thangkha paintings, the National Library that house
ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts. Also visit Tashichhodzong, the "fortress
of the glorious religion". Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu
Day 4 : Thimpu - Tongsa
Drive to Tongsa via Dochula pass (3,100m). From this pass, on a clear day,
one can have a superb view of the highest peaks in Bhutan such as Gangkar
Puensum, table mountain, Jele Khang, Masagang, Gangchey Ta. Drive further to
Wangdiphodrang town which is also your lunch stop. Then proceed to Tongsa
crossing 3,300, Pelela pass. Overnight at lodge in Tongsa.
Day 5 : Tongsa - Bumthang
Morning visit to striking Tongsa Dzong, ancestral abode of Bhutan's Royal
family. Then visit the Ta Dzong, built as watch tower to guard Tongsa Dzong.
Proceed to Bhumtang and in afternoon visit here, the Jakar Dzong built in
17th century during the time of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first
religious and temporal ruler of Bhutan. Then visit the Kurje monastery,
where Guru Padmasambhava left his body imprint in the 8th century. The
temple was later built in 17th century. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 6 : Bumthang - Ngang Lhakhang
The trek begins today. Trek route follows the Chamkhar Chu river, coming
across many villages and temples, meadows, forests of blue pine and scrub
bamboo. Today is very relaxing and easy day. Arrive at the village camp at
the altitude of 2,900m. Walking time about 6 hours.
Day 7 : Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing
A trail ascends gradually towards the Phephe la pass, walking through the
forests of junipers, until you arrive at the pass at an altitude of 3,340m.
After the path descend to Tang valley, finally arrive at Ugyenchholing
village. Camp by the side of the river at the altitude of 2,850m. Walking
time 7/8 hours.
Day 8 : Ugyenchholing - Bumthang
Morning walk upto the Ugyenchholing Dzong. Visit the Dzong and surrounding
village, then drive to Jakar (Bumthang) following the Tang Chu river until
arriving at main road. On the way visit the Membertsho lake where Terton
Pemalingpa, is suppose to have discovered religious treasures in the 12
century. This lake is very sacred and visited by many Bhutanese people on
auspicious days to offer butter lamps. Overnight at the lodge in Bumthang.
Day 9 : Bumthang - Punakha
Morning visit to Jambey Lhakhang, the monastery built in 7th century by
Tibetan King, Songtsen Gembo, believed to be the reincarnation of Buddha of
compassion. Tamshing Lhakhang, located on opposite side of the river is
important place to visit, housing interesting religious paintings. Drive to
Punakha with lunch enroute. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 10 : Punakha - Paro
Today is the relaxing day. Arrive Paro by lunch time. Evening take a stroll
around Paro market. Overnight at the hotel in Paro.
Day 11 : Paro Depart
Early breakfast in the hotel, drive to the airport for flight to onward
destination.
