Day 1: Arrive Paro International Airport
During the journey, one will experience breath-taking view of Mount Everest, Kanchenjunga and other famous Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Jumolhari and Mount Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro International Airport, you will be received by representatives of Bhutan Travellers and you will be escorted to the hotel.
Day 2: Paro
Drive to Drukgyal Dzong (a ruined fortress 14 km away from Paro Town). Although in ruins, This Dzong is of great historical importance. It was here that the Bhutanese finally defeated the invading Tibetans and drove them back. From here, the peak of Jumolhari "Mountain of the Goddess" can be seen on a clear day (Alt. 7,329 m /24,029 ft.). On the way back you visit a typical Bhutanese farmhouse. After lunch, at the hotel, take a leisurely stroll around the compound. Overnight in Hotel
Day 3: Paro - Thimphu
This morning drive along the winding road along the Paro Chu (Chu means water or river) down stream to the confluence with the Wang Chu then turn upstream and travel along the Wang Chu to Thimphu, the Capital. Lunch will be served at the Hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Memorial Chorten, dedicated to the Late Third King of Bhutan, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 4: Thimphu
Visit Tashichho Dzong, the main Government Secretariat building, where the government ministries, the Office of His Majesty the King and the Throne Room, and the offices and living quarters of the monk body and the Chief Abbot are housed. Wander in the town, visit shops and the Handicrafts Emporium, where Bhutanese textiles and other handicrafts are available. Visit the painting and woodcrafts schools where traditional painting and other arts are kept alive. Visit the National Library and see the ancient manuscripts preserved there. Visit the Simtokha Dzong (6 km from Thimphu), the oldest Dzong in Bhutan built by Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1629 A.D. Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu.
Day 5: Thimphu - Trongsa
The journey to central Bhutan begins today. The drive to Trongsa takes about 7 - 8 hours from Thimphu. Packed lunch will be arranged. Lunch stop at Chendebji Chorten. Overnight at Hotel in Trongsa.
Day 6: Trongsa - Jakar (Bumthang)
Drive to Jakar, which takes about 2 1/2 hours from Trongsa - a pleasant drive through scenic forests and countryside. You also cross one of the highest passes named Yotongla (Alt. 17,000 ft.) along the East - West Highway on this drive. Bumthang is a land of mysteries and mystics and tales of the great Guru Padmasambhava who performed formidable feats and miracles in historical time in this place still hold sway. A beautiful sighting of Jakar Dzong (“ Castle of the White Bird") can be had from View Point. Afternoon, a hike up to Lame Gompa, a temple built by the First King of Bhutan for his two nun sisters. Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang.
Day 7: Bumthang – Kunzang Drak
The temple of Kunzang Drak was constructed by Pema Lingpa in 1488 and his sacred relics are kept here. His footprint can be seen on the gilded stone. 2 hour walk from Chel. Overnight at the camp near the monastery.
Day 8-10: Meditation at Kunzang Drak
Day 11: Bumthang (Kunzang Drak) - Ngang Lhakhang
Distance - 20 km About 5 - 6 hours journey. Altitude of Ngang Lhakhang 9500ft. The route follows the Chamkhar Chu, a river known for trout fish. Stop for lunch at Thangbi Lhakhang. From here the trek enters the Ngang Yul (Land of the Swan) at the centre of which lies the Ngang Lhakhang (Swan Temple). In by-gone days, the valley was populated by swans whence the name Ngang Yul. Overnight halt in camp.
Day 12: Ngang Lhakhang - Ugyenchholing
Distance 23 km About 7 - 8 hours journey. Altitude of Ugyenchholing 9300 ft. The trek starts with a gradual climb to Phephe La Pass at an altitude of 3353 m , the highest point of the trek route. The trail passes through beautiful forested areas where many stops can be made to enjoy the natural beauty of the place. Along the way, the Ugyenchholing Palace can be seen. Overnight halt in camp.
Day 13: Ugyenchholing - Jakar
Distance - 10 km. About 2 - 3 hours journey. Altitude 9000ft. The trail follows the Tang Chu, another trout-filled river. On the bank of the river is the Tang Rimpoche's Lhakhang. The trek will pass the Mebar Tsho (Flaming Lake). From Pangshing, the group will be picked up by transport and driven to Jakar. Overnight halt in Wangdichholing Lodge.
Day 14: Jakar - Trongsa
Drive to Trongsa along the East - West Highway. Stops can be made along the way to enjoy the scenery. Lunch at Hotel in Trongsa. Afternoon, leisurely stroll around Trongsa town. Overnight in Hotel.
Day 15: Trongsa - Thimphu
Drive back to Thimphu along the East - West Highway. Picnic lunch will be arranged at Wangdue Guest House. Overnight halt in Hotel in Thimphu.
Day 16: Thimphu - Paro International Airport
Drive to Paro International Airport. See off by representatives of Bhutan Travellers.
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