9 Days Itinerary

Season: March – June & September – November

BANGKOK/PARO/THIMPHU
If we are lucky, we’ll have glorious views of the snow capped Himalayas on the way to Paro (Try and get the left hand seat for better view of the Himalayas). The remarkable and steep descent into the Paro Valley is an awe-inspiring beginning to our adventure. Already you can feel the pace of life slow down.Upon arrival, take an hour drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Although Thimphu is the capital in Bhutan, it is a village compared to other Asian countries. Catch the bustling weekend market (Fri to Sun) which offers the best opportunity to see the colorful vegetables, dairy products and to mix around with the locals. A visit to Takin Preserve to see Takin, Bhutan’s national animal, is a favorite along with the Bhutanese archery game (the national sport) at Changlingmithang National Stadium for the children and adults alike! Further up the valley, take in the view of the majestic Tashichoe Dzong, the seat of the government before circumventing the Memorial Chorten. We then move on to the Textile Museum. Take a walk along the streets of Thimphu and enjoy some free shopping time in the handicraft emporiums.
Overnight: Thimphu.

THIMPHU/PHAJODING – OVERNIGHT TREK
Spectacular, un-crowded and tranquil settings are the norm as we explore Bhutan, one of the world’s last unspoiled frontiers, by foot. Enjoy awe-inspiring surroundings, breathe in fresh mountain air and let your spirits soar among towering peaks, as we trek in this land of endless beauty.
Rated as easy to moderate, we drive to Upper Motithang where we begin our trek to Phajoding. The walk, at leisurely pace, takes about 4 hours on an uphill climb through forested area of blue pine, fir and spruce. Our campsite at Phajoding (3535m) is a great meditation place for monks and nuns.

PHAJODING/THIMPHU/PUNAKHA
Rise early for the sunrise views of the eastern Himalayas. Quite often, the valley below may be filled with clouds, with just the mountains poking up into the clear air. After breakfast, we begin our hike to Pumula pass along the ridge line. On a clear day, you can see more than 20 virgin peaks over 7,000 meters including Gangkar Phunsum, the world’s highest unclimbed mountain, and rise as guardians high above the sweeping river valleys. An hour gentle hike through rhododendron forests brings us to the highest point of the trek where we are rewarded with great view of Thimphu valley. From here, the trail descends through pine forest to the head road. Meet up with our car and when time permits we will have a visit of Heritage Folk Museum (open Tue-Sat) before driving about 3 hours to Punakha. We will climb up the mountain road to Dochu La at 3140m before descending through varied forest and finally emerging into the highly cultivated valley of Punakha.
Overnight: Damchen Resort.

PUNAKHA
After a fairly early breakfast, we head up to the Mo Chhu valley to begin our white water rafting. Pulsating grade 3 and 4 excitement thrill as we raft along the Mo Chhu until our take-out point at Khamsum Yuley Bridge. Have a relaxing picnic lunch by the river before trying a round or two in archery, the national sport of Bhutan.
Later in the afternoon, we visit Punakha Dzong. Located at the confluence of the Pho-chu (male-river) and Mo-chu (female-river), the Punakha Dzong is arguably the most impressive Dzong in the country.

PUNAKHA/PARO
In the morning, enjoy a short hike to Chimmi Lhakhang, a temple dedicated to Drukpa Kuenley, who as a favorite saint of the Bhutanese people is known affectionately as “the Divine Madman”. The temple is on a hillside in the middle of rice fields and has become a pilgrimage site for childless couples. Re-cross Dochu La and take a lunch break in Thimphu. Arrive Paro in the late afternoon and check into Uma Paro.

PARO
Hop onto your bicycle and enjoy a 15 kilometers easy ride along farm road, bringing us away from the tourist trail. Bike through cultivated farmlands and dotted villages and along the way, we make stop to enjoy farm activities and interact with the villagers.In the afternoon, we visit Paro Museum (Closed on Sun/Mon) and Paro Dzong, which means “the fortress of the heap of jewels.” This complex houses the administrative and religious headquarters for the Paro district. A part of Bernardo Bertolucci’s movie, “Little Buddha,” was filmed inside this dzong. From the dzong, we will enjoy a short and easy walk to the Pachu river and cross to the other side over a traditional cantilever (wooden covered) bridge.

PARO
This morning, we make an excursion to Taktshang Monastery – this has to be the monastery with the most outstanding setting in Bhutan. Set on a vertical cliff face at 2950m above sea level, it defies all engineering logic. Hike 2 hours up to get a more dramatic view of the monastery. Upon descent, we enjoy a spectacular drive to the remote ruins of Drukgyel Dzong and on clear day, you would be rewarded with view of snow-capped Mt Jhomolhari The rest of the afternoon is free at leisure. You may wish to take a stroll along the street of Paro or indulge in a hot-stone bath!

PARO/BANGKOK
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight.

Please Note: This itinerary is indented as a guide only. Local conditions and weather may necessitate variation to the program and can affect the availability of views described. Be aware that all the times stated are approximate, and vary with individual and group fitness.