The flight to Paro on a clear day is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights. Whether flying along the Himalayan range from Kathmandu or over the foothills from Kolkatta, the journey offers fascinating views and an exciting descent into the Kingdom. The first gift from Bhutan will be cool, clean fresh air as you step out of the aircraft. You will be received by our representative and transfer to the hotel. 

Depending upon flight arrival time at Paro, later in afternoon visit, Ta Dzong, once a watchtower, built to defend Rinpung Dzong during inter-valley wars of the 17th century, Ta Dzong was inaugurated as Bhutan's National Museum in 1968. It holds a fascinating collection of art, relics, religious thangkha paintings and Bhutan's exquisite postage stamps. The museum circular shape augments its varied collection displayed over several floors.

Then, walk down a hillside trail to visit Rinpung Dzong, which has a long and fascinating history. Built in 1646 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, the first spiritual and temporal ruler of Bhutan, the Dzong houses the monastic body of Paro, the office of the Dzongda (district administrative head) and Thrimpon (judge) of Paro district. It is also the venue of Paro Tshechu, the festival held once a year in the spring. 

Later time permitting, taking a trail through the fields, visit on foot the Lango village.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast excursion to Taktshang Lhakhang or Tiger’s Nest Monastery (approx. 5 hours' round trip walk). Perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro Valley floor, it is undoubtedly one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries.  Lore has it that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery thus the name ‘Tiger’s Nest’.  This site has been recognized as a most sacred place and visited by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 and is now visited by all Bhutanese at least once in their lifetime.

Late afternoon, drive to the farther end of the Valley to visit recently restored Drugyel Dzong. Originally built by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal in 1646 to commemorate an early military victory over Tibetan invaders, the dzong name means, indeed, ‘victorious Druk’. Historically and strategically, this Dzong withstood all its glory and was featured in 1914 vide National Geographic magazine. The glory of Drukgyel Dzong remained even when it was destroyed by fire in 1951. On a clear day, one can see the commanding view of Mount. Chomolhari (7,314m) from the village, below the Dzong.

On the drive towards Paro town en route visit Kyichu Lhakhang. Kyichu is considered one of the holiest and the oldest shrines of the Kingdom dating back to 7th century (the other is Jambay Lhakhang in Bumthang). The lhakhang complex is composed of two temples. The first temple was built by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo in the 7th century and in 1968, H.M. Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother of Bhutan, built the second temple in same original pattern. In the seventh century, Tibet was ruled by King Songsten Gompo, who in his attempt to suppress a demoness opposing Buddhist teachings built 108 temples in a day and Kyichu is one of them.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).

After breakfast drive to Haa valley, en route taking a short stop at Chelela pass.  Located at an elevation of 3,988 meters, Chelela is considered to be one of the highest motorable passes in Bhutan. About an hour's drive along a thickly forested road, this Pass is a botanical paradise, providing stunning views of the sacred mountain Jumolhari and Jichu Drake. It is also marked by hundreds of prayer flags fluttering in the wind.

From Chelela, embark on a fascinating excursion to Kila Gompa, a nunnery perched on a steep cliff face at 3,500m. This staggering site manages to house 7 small temples and about 70 nuns. From Chelela pass, the Gompa is about an hour walk amidst a magnificent wooded area.

Later, drive onward to Haa valley. The Haa valley was opened for the first time to foreign tourists in 2002. Also known as the 'Hidden-Land Rice Valley', Haa is a culturally rich valley and some of the famous sites in this region are 7th century Lhakhang Karpo (White temple) and Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple) at the foothills of a venerated three brotherly mountains known as Meri Puensum. The Valley of Haa lies on the westernmost edge of Bhutan, its northern boundaries with the Chumbi Valley of Tibet, dividing it from the Indian province of Sikkim. Haa is one of the 20 districts or dzongkhags of Bhutan and one of the least populated. Most of its landmass is covered by dense forest and the remainder under fields of wheat and barley, with a little rice towards its lower reaches and the accessible side valleys. Meadows support the raising of yak, cattle, chicken, pigs and horses.

Evening explore the town and its market area.

Overnight at the hotel in Haa valley (Altitude 2,670m).

After breakfast, visit Lhakhang Karpo (White temple), established in the 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo. According to legends, a black and white pigeon were released to select the site for temples and the white pigeon landed on the foothills of the three towering mountains worshipped as ‘Rigsum gonpo’ and is where this temple stands today.

Then visit, Lhakhang Nagpo (Black temple), built in 7th century by Tibetan King Songtsen Gempo and situated towards the north of Lhakhang Karpo. Lhakhang Nagpo serves as the seat for the guardian deity ‘Da Do Chen’. The principal relic of the monastery is the Choe-Lung-Truel Sum. Both these temples stand as the guardian sentinels keeping watch at the south entrance of Haa valley.

Afterwards, begin your trek by walking through the lower village of Lechuna and continue on down to the Haa Chhu (river) before crossing a quaint wooden bridge.  From here the walk to the Jamte Gompa is a gradual ascent of not more than 1.5 hours through a pristine forest which later opens up to the village.  Visit the 300 year old plus monastery. This is followed by a visit to a local farmers house for a cup of tea and zau. The views of the southern Haa valley can be enjoyed best from here. After the tea break, we will take a seldom-used animal track that connects onto the main trail after about half an hour and continue on to the Chumpa bridge to stop for a picnic lunch beside the river. After lunch, we walk slowly through the beautiful Chuma village taking time to see the villagers at work and even have some interaction with them. Walking along the village path, we continue on to our lodge in time for high tea.  For those who are interested in looking around the Lechuna village, our guide can accompany them.

Overnight at the lodge in Haa valley (Altitude 2,670m).

After breakfast drive to Bhutan’s capital town Thimphu with an en-route stop at Dogar Dobji Dzong, a 16th-century structure, built by the brother of the Divine Madman, Drukpa Kinley. Legend has it that the statue of the Guru Landrachen housed here, complained when the apostate Tibetan monarch Langdharma tried to smash it with a hammer. This dzong became Bhutan’s first jail in 1976 but has since returned to its monastic origins.

Drive onwards, stopping en route at Chuzom, the confluence of Paro and Thimphu rivers. The capital town of Bhutan and the centre of government, religion and commerce, Thimphu is a unique city with an unusual mixture of modern development alongside ancient traditions. Home to civil servants, expatriates and monk bodies, Thimphu maintains a strong national character in its architectural style. Besides its position as the seat of government, its many glittering monuments, temples, monasteries, dzongs, premier museums and institutions make it an important destination for travellers.

Afternoon visit Buddha Dordenma. The Buddha Dordenma is located atop a hill in Kuenselphodrang Nature Park and overlooks the Southern entrance to Thimphu Valley. The statue fulfils an ancient prophecy dating back to the 8th century A.D that was discovered by Terton Pema Lingpa (Religious Treasure Discoverer) and is said to emanate an aura of peace and happiness to the entire world. This massive statue of Shakyamuni made of bronze and is gilded in gold, measures 51.5 meters in height, making it one of the largest statues, in Bhutan. 125,000 smaller Buddha statues have been placed within the Buddha Dordenma statue, each of these also have been cast in bronze and gilded. The throne that the Buddha Dordenma sits upon is a large meditation hall..

Later, drive to Trashichhoedzong. Also known as ‘fortress of the glorious religion’, it was initially built in 1641 and later restored in its present form by King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk in 1965. The Dzong houses, main secretariat building which houses the throne room of His Majesty, the King of Bhutan. The National Assembly Hall is housed in a modern building on the other side of the river from the Dzong. During the warmer summer months, the monk body headed by His Holiness, the Je Khenpo, makes its home in the Dzong.

Evening an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area. Also visit the Local Crafts Bazaar, to browse through examples of Bhutan's fine traditional arts. Here you can buy hand-woven textiles, thangkha paintings, masks, ceramics, slate and wood carvings, jewellery, interesting items made from local materials.

Overnight at the hotel in Thimphu (Altitude 2,320m).

After breakfast, drive to Takin Preserve. Popularly known as Motithang Zoo, the preserve houses 'Takin', the national animal of Bhutan. It is an extremely rare bovid mammal of the ovine-carpine family. Apart from Takin, this 8-acre enclosure is also home to sambars and barking deers rescued from different parts of the country.

Then visit National Memorial Chorten, a monument for world peace and prosperity. In the capital city Thimphu, National memorial Chorten is an important landmark. Its history is recent, and its birth was result of a painful loss. In 1974, Her Majesty the Queen of Thimphu  built the chorten to pay homage to the memory of her royal son, His Majesty Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, the third King of Bhutan. It is therefore, arose out of profound grief to the royal family and to the people of Bhutan. Today, however the sanctity of its interior and the tranquillity of its surrounding offer respite and comfort to many. A befitting and beautiful tribute indeed.  

Afterwards, drive up to, Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping briefly here to take in the view and admire the chorten, mani wall, and prayer flags that decorate the highest point on the road. If skies are clear, the following peaks can be seen from this pass (left to right): Masagang (7,158m), Tsendagang (6,960m), Terigang (7,060m), Jejegangphugang (7,158 m ), Kangphugang (7,170 m ), Zongphugang (7, 060 m ), a table mountain that dominates the isolated region of Lunana - finally Gangkar puensum, the highest peak in Bhutan at 7,570m.

From Dochula, embark on a fascinating walking excursion to Lungchuzekha Goemba. It is an interesting three hours' round trip walk, offering a fascinating view of the Bhutan Himalayas. From 108 chortens and mani wall at Dochula pass, the road ascends gradually into white, red and pink rhododendron forests for about one and a half hour with some steep sections before branching left to Lungchuzekha Goemba. The highlight of this excursion is the beautiful forest, spectacular mountain views and monastery.

Afterwards, drive onward to Punakha.
Punakha served as the capital of Bhutan and seat of government until 1955 and still, it is the winter seat of Je Khenpo (the chief abbot). Linked to some of the most momentous events in Bhutanese history, in 1651 Punakha was chosen to be the capital and two and half centuries later, in 1907, Punakha was, again the place where Bhutanese people elected the first king, Gongsar Ugyen Wangchuk. Blessed with a temperate climate and owing to its natural drainage from Pho Chhu (male) and Mo Chhu (female) rivers, the fertile Punakha valley produces abundant crops and fruits.

Nearby Punakha, Wangduephodrang is the last town on the central highway before central Bhutan. Located in the south of Punakha, the higher reaches of the Wangduephodrang valley provide rich pastureland for cattle.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

After breakfast drive towards Punakha Dzong. Built strategically at the junction of Pho Chhu and Mo Chhu rivers, in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal to serve as the religious and administrative centre of the region, Punakha Dzong has played an important role in Bhutan’s history. Damaged by four catastrophic fires and an earthquake, the Dzong has been fully restored by the Fourth King. Here the first king was crowned and since then, all coronations and royal events, such as weddings are conducted here. The Punakha Dzong presently serves as the winter residence of the Central Monastic Body. Each winter beginning in November, the monastic body headed by the Je Khenpo, moves to this warmer location.

After visiting Dzong, commence the walking excursion to Limbukha village. Follow the farmhouses gradually climbing towards Dompala hills. The view of Dzong, Pho Chhu, Mo Chhu rivers and surrounding village is superb amidst chirpine forests. The climb is another two and a half hours to Limbukha. Limbukha farmers grow Bhutan's famous red rice which is supposed to have medicinal values. This particular rice needs a clean mountain spring so that the taste is good and nutritional value is maintained. Limbukha is also known for its love of peace and tranquillity. Legends say that during medieval wars the limpus or the people of Limbukha always volunteered as peace negotiators. This is also depicted during a yearly festival called Serda when the men are found carrying peace flags instead of swords and fireworks.

Evening a short walking excursion to Chimi Lhakhang. Situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, this temple is dedicated to Lama Drukpa Kuenley, who in the late 15th century used humour, songs and outrageous behaviour to dramatise his teachings and due to this also known as ‘Divine Madman’. This temple is also known as the temple of fertility. It is widely believed that couples who do not have children and wanting one, if they pray at this temple, they are usually blessed with a child very soon. It is about a 30-minute walk across the field from the road to the temple.

Overnight at the hotel in Punakha (Altitude 1,300m).

After breakfast, continue discovering:

Rinchengang Village: Mesmerising Rinchengang village is located on hill opposite Wangduephodrang Dzong, above the West-East national highway. The village’s old traditional mud-houses are in clustered form with ancient look which is quite unique in comparison to other Bhutanese villages. The entire village is close knit community and according to legends its early settlers were hired in early 17th century by saint Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal as construction labourers from Cooch Bihar in India, for the construction of Wangdue Dzong. They were exceptionally skilled in stone masonry and contributed heavily to the construction of Dzong. In recognition of their contribution, they were offered permanent settlement at this village. Rinchengang is considered one of the oldest villages in Bhutan and still retains its age-old cultures and traditions. Surrounded by terraced rice fields, its is about 15-minutes’ walk to the village from the highway from where one can get fantastic view of Wangduephodang Dzong and Punatsang Chhu river.    

Then drive to Gangtey. The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful spots in Bhutan. The surprise of finding such a wide, flat valley without any trees after the hard climb through dense forests is augmented by an impression of vast space and extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed.

Afternoon visit Gangtey Goemba. Perched on a small hill that rises from the valley floor, the Gangtey Monastery is the only Nyingmapa monastery on the western side of the Black Mountain’sGangtey valley, Bhutan and also the biggest Nyingmapa monastery in Bhutan. The Monastery is surrounded by a large village inhabited mainly by the families of the 140 Gomchens who take care of the Monastery.

A few kilometres beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in a milder and lower climate. Phobjikha, at an altitude of 2900 m, falls under the district of Wangduephodrang and lies on the periphery of the Black Mountain National Park.

Evening have a wander in idyllic Phobjikha valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).

TABEDING TO TANGJEY LHAKHANG WALK:
DISTANCE: 11 KM
ALTITUDE: TABEDING (2870m). TANGJEY LHAKHANG (3050m)
TIME:  5 HOURS' EXPLORATIONS

After breakfast, we begin our day. After an hour and half of easy hike in the valley, we reach our first village Kilkhorthang, consisting of about nine household and a beautiful village temple located towards the end of the village. We remain on farm road for about half an hour by when it reaches a vista point and can view distant villages in Phobjikha Valley.

From this wonderful vantage point, we take the road to our left towards Tanjey where it leads with a gradual climb and a breathtaking and fantastic approaching sights of the surrounding villages and farmers working in their fields, where they are restricted to the cultivation of buckwheat, potatoes and turnips.

Finally, after about an hour of gradual walk from the road junction, we reach picturesque and spacious hamlet of Tanjey having its temple located above the village with total serenity and dominance from its golden roof.

After our visit inside the temple, we then cross a wooden bridge, following the Chu Karp to your right through the village community school till the bridge across river, which give access to our way back to the guest house for a late lunch with a special Bhutanese dish of Kewa Datsi (local potatoes with cheese)  and Red- rice from Punakha & Wangduephodrang valleys. For those interested, you can have the opportunity to celebrate this wonderful hike with a local traditional drink known as ARA (distilled liquor similar to Japanese drink Saki). A good way to end the day with a local tone in this beautiful valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).

LHONGTEY TO GANGTEY GOMPA WALK:
DISTANCE : 9 KM
ALTITUDE: LHONGTEY (3,160m ), GYECHE PASS (3,590m), GANGTEY GOMPA (3,050m)
TIME : 4 HOURS' EXPLORATION

From the East to West, National Highway which is about 5km from Pele La ( the main pass dividing East and West Bhutan ) towards Trongsa, we get off from our vehicle at Lhongmay, a roadside village comprising of 5 households. The trail that leads to Lhongtey is below the motor road and we start to follow the trail through the bamboo thickets and crossing a small wooden bridge next to a tiny chorten gradually up to the village of Lhongtey, which proudly displace its landmark of 6 houses all facing towards the East for the early sunlight and its warmth.

We then climb up gradually and continue our journey through the village towards the Gyeche la pass (3,590m). The trail that we are hiking on is being, mainly used in the olden days before the motor road came, by the natives of Gangtey and Sephu for trading and movement of yaks to higher grazing meadows during the winter months.

The vegetation growth that we encounter on this hike ranges from blue pine, dwarf bamboos, maple, larch, rhododendron, birch, oak, spruce, hemlock and juniper and some Rosa species. After about two to two-and-half hours of gradual to steep climb through this pristine mixed forest, we reach Gyeche La Pass marked by a stone structure with prayer flags. The view from here of Phobjikha Valley and its monastery Gangtey Gompa is absolutely gorgeous ad break taking.

After a break of photo opportunity here on the pass, we then continue to descent quite steeply but with an option of switchbacks trails. For those who have trouble with knee problems, please be cautious with every step you take. Walking sticks will be highly recommended on this trail. Once we happily complete our descent to the bottom after about three-quarters of an hour, we make a stop at the Kumbu Monastery and other retreat and meditation centre at the backdrop against the precarious cliffs but with absolute tranquil for those mediators meditating for at least 3 years with complete cut off from the rest of the world.

As we gradually following the dirt road, we will notice that the valley widens and open with more scenic and distant views of the Black mountains and their villages. The valley of Phobjikha is also home to the rare species of Black Necked Cranes, which dwell during the winter months (beginning of November – beginning of March). So, if you’re hiking during these months please look out for this rare and gorgeous living bird feeding in the fields.

After a short and gradually hike through the pine forest, our vehicle waits for us above the monastery to take us to our lodge which is about 30 minutes ride down in the valley.

Overnight at the hotel in Gangtey (Altitude 3,000m).

After breakfast drive to Paro en route exploring Wangduephodrang town.

Drive further ahead and visit Simtokha Dzong, the 17th century fortress standing on a lofty ridge. Enthral yourself with the most noteworthy artistic feature in form of over 300 finely worked slate carvings behind the prayer wheels in the courtyard. Built in 1627 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, this is regarded as the oldest Dzong in the country.

Traversing onward, on the way before entering Paro town, visit Tamchog Goenpa. Located towards the lower valley of Paro, in the small village of Tagchoe Balakha situated this monastery, built by Drupchen Thangtong Gyalpo known as iron bridge builder of Bhutan. He built eight iron bridges in Bhutan also established the monastery of Dungtse in the central valley of Paro. The remains of the iron chains used for building bridges are still secure in Tamchog monastery as a sacred monument

Evening at leisure in and around Paro city centre, for exploration, shopping etc.

Overnight at the hotel in Paro (Altitude 2,280m).