The flight to Paro is one of the most spectacular in the entire Himalayas. 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. Bhutan’s first gift to you as you disembark from the aircraft will be cool, clean fresh mountain air. After immigration formalities and baggage collection, you will be received by our representative and afterwards drive to Thimphu, the capital town of Bhutan with an en-route stop at Chuzom, the confluence of Thimphu and Paro rivers. Three different styles of stupas namely, Tibetan, Nepalese and Bhutanese adorn this confluence.

Shortly before reaching Chuzom, you will see on your left Tamchog Lhakhang, the temple built by Thangtong Gyalpo, a pioneering engineer who introduced the construction of suspension bridges into Bhutan and Tibet (several of which are still in use today). The present bridge to Tamchog Lhakhang was restored in 2005 in the design of a traditional style with iron chains and crossing this iron bridge is a wonderful experience (approx. 50 min, roundtrip walk).

On arrival in Thimphu, check into the hotel.

Later visit Trashichhoe Dzong, “fortress of the glorious religion”. This is the centre of government and religion, site of monarch’s throne room and seat of Je Khenpo or Chief Abbot. Built in 1641 by the political and religious unifier of Bhutan, Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyal, it was reconstructed in the 1960s in a traditional Bhutanese manner, without nails or architectural plans.

Afterwards an exploratory walk around Thimphu main street and market area.

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

After breakfast, proceed for a tour of some of Thimphu's highlights:

Textile Museum: The museum has opened its exhibition on six major themes - warp pattern weaves, weft pattern weaves, the role of textiles in religion, achievements in textile arts, textiles from indigenous fibres and the royal collection. The crowns of Bhutan’s Kings, namzas (dresses), the first version of the Royal Crown and other accessories used by members of the Royal family can be found in the museum. A brief and simple talk on Bhutanese textiles weaving.

Folk Heritage Museum: This museum is dedicated to connecting people with the rich Bhutanese Folk heritage and rural history through exhibits, demonstrations, educational programs and documentation of Bhutanese rural life.

Memorial Chorten: The stupa built in memory of Bhutan's third King, His Late Majesty, King Jigme Dorji Wangchuk, who is popularly regarded as the Father of modern Bhutan.  The paintings and statues inside the monument provide a deep insight into Buddhist philosophy.

Buddha Dordenma: It 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.   

Then drive up to Dochu-la pass (3,088m/ 10,130 ft) stopping here for lunch and 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.

At Dochula Pass, 108 chortens or stupas known as Druk Wangyal Chortens have been built by Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk, the eldest Queen Mother. These chortens are built in three layers, the first lowest level layer has forty-five chortens, the second has thirty-six and the top layer has twenty-seven, built around the main chorten.

Then drive onto Gangtey, passing through dense forests of oak and rhododendron trees.

The valley of Gangtey is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places 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 is an extremely rare experience in Bhutan where most of the valleys are tightly enclosed. A few kilometres beyond the Gangtey Monastery, on the valley floor, lies the village of Phobjikha.

On arrival, check into the hotel.

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

After breakfast visit Gangtey Goempa (monastery), perched on a ridge overlooking the valley.  It is directed by Gangtey Tulku, the ninth reincarnation (a 'Tulku' is a reincarnate) of Pema Lingpa—a famous Buddhist saint and teacher.

Then explore the fascinating Phobjikha valley. This place is the winter home of black-necked cranes that migrate from the arid plains in the north to pass winter in milder and lower climates. The valley boasts two beautiful meandering rivers, Nakay Chhu (Chhu Naap-black water) and Gay Chhu (Chhu Karp-white water).

Afterwards, drive to Bumthang via Trongsa.

The drive to Trongsa crosses Pelela pass (3,300 m), the traditional boundary between east and west. The pass is marked by a large prayer flag and the ground is covered with high altitude dwarf bamboo. Stop en route at Chendbji Chorten, the stupa built in the 18th century by a Lama named Shida. It is Nepalese in style with eyes painted at four cardinal points.

Trongsa town, perched on steep slopes above a river gorge, forms the central hub of the nation and is the place from where attempts at unifying the country were launched. The landscape around Trongsa is spectacular.

Visit Trongsa Dzong, built in 1648 it was the seat of power over central and eastern Bhutan. Both the first and second Kings of Bhutan ruled the country from this ancient seat.

Then continue to drive to Bumthang across Yutong-la pass (3,400m/11,155 ft). The road winds steeply up to the pass from Trongsa then runs down through coniferous forest into a wide, open cultivated valley known as the Chumey valley.

On the way, take a short stop at Chumey, a wide fertile valley where wheat, barley, potatoes and buckwheat are cultivated. Chumey is particularly known for its famous wool weaving called ‘Bumthang Yathra’. Visit Yathra weaving centre, enjoying tea/coffee with weaving family.

On arrival in Bumthang, check in to the hotel.

Overnight at the hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2,600m).

Bumthang is the general name given to the combination of four valleys – Chumey, Choekhor, Tang and Ura with altitudes varying from 2,600m to 4,000m. It is home to many of prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries.

After breakfast, visit Jambay Lhakhang. This monastery was built in the 7th century by Tibetan King, Songtsen Gampo. It is one of the 108 monasteries built by him to subdue evil spirits in the Himalayan region. Its present architectural appearance dates from the early 20th century.

Then visit Kurje Lhakhang, consisting of three temples. The one on the right was built in 1652 on the rock face where Guru meditated in the 8th century. The second temple is built on the site of a cave containing a rock with the imprint of Guru’s body and is therefore considered the holiest. The third temple was built in the 1990s by Ashi Kesang, the Queen Mother. These three temples are surrounded by a 108 chorten wall.

Afterwards drive for about couple of hours to reach Tang Valley.

Upon reaching the valley floor, check into Ugen Chholing Manor Guest House. Tour Ugenchholing Manor and after lunch at the Guest house, ride to the nearby village to visit the local village, meet local etc. These rides will provide necessary familiarization and get acquainted with the horse etc. Guests can visit local village homes, interact with family etc.

Overnight at Guest House (Altitude 2,700m).

Begin ride after breakfast. The ride takes around 5 - 6 hours, first passing through villages and then through the fields and forests. Lunch will be along the way. Camp near the Kunzang dra village. There is a temple and hermitage on the cliff (Kunzangdra Monastery). It was founded by Pemalingpa in 1488 and is one of his residences with a nice shrine.

Overnight in Camp.

Start your day with some fun exercises atop the horse that are beneficial to both you and your pony as you improve your riding balance and confidence. Begin your long ride through the forests and hillsides as you make your way towards the next camping site. Upon reaching the camping site, you will get the opportunity to explore a Buddhist Monastery, village and Temple atop the Mountainside, perfect for taking pictures. (Ride Duration Approximate 6 hours).

Overnight in Camp.

Enjoy a relaxing ride through the forests, hillsides and terrain as you make your way down the hill. You will be riding mostly on village roads and trails, making it easy to maneuver your pony. Advanced riders can participate in some trot as guided by the trail leader whereas beginners can practice their riding exercises. (Frogs/Up Downs) (Riding Duration Approximate 4- 5 hours). After visiting Dorjibi village, take a short drive to the hotel in Jakar.

Overnight at hotel in Bumthang (Altitude 2600m).

After breakfast visit to Jakar Dzong. Founded by great grandfather of the first Shabdrung, the Dzong was initially built as a monastery in 1549. It was upgraded after the Shabdrung had firmly established his power in 1646. The Dzong is now used as administrative centre for Bumthang valley and houses the regional monk body.

Then drive 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). Blessed with 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. Located at an elevation of 1300m above sea level, Punakha enjoys mild winters and is popular year-round destination.

En route visit Ta Dzong, recently opened fort in Trongsa. The Ta Dzong, a cylindrical stone structure rising five stories, was built in 1652 by Chogyal Minjur Tempa. After more than 350 years, it has been resurrected into a classy museum, that represents a tasteful blend of tradition and modernity.

On arrival in town, check into the hotel.

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

After breakfast, visit Punakha Dzong or 'Palace of Great Happiness', built at the junction of the Phochu and Mochu rivers in 1637 by Zhabdrung Ngawang Namgyal. This majestic dzong served as both the religious and the administrative centre of Bhutan in the past. It measures some 600 by 240 feet and has a six-story, gold-domed tower. Inside are courtyards and religious statuary that hint at the depth of history and spiritual tradition embodied here. Your guide will illuminate your understanding of this intricate culture that is exotic to us, though long established here.

Then a short excursion to Chimi Lhakhang.
The Chimi Lhakhang, situated on a hillock in the centre of the valley, 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. The trail leads across rice fields to the tiny settlement of Pana, meaning ‘field’. A walk through the village near the temple will give you rare glimpses into the daily life and lifestyle of the villagers.

After lunch, drive to Paro along a scenic highway. En-route visit Simtokha Dzong, 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 considered to be the oldest Dzong in the country. 

On arrival in Paro, check into the hotel.

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

After breakfast, embark on a fascinating excursion to Taktshang Monastery or Tiger’s Nest (approx. 5 hours round trip walk).  It is one of the most famous of Bhutan’s monasteries, perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the Paro valley floor. Legends say that Guru Rinpoche arrived here on the back of a tigress and meditated at this monastery and hence it is called ‘Tiger’s Nest’. This site has been recognised 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.

Afternoon visit Ta Dzong originally built as Watchtower, which now houses National Museum. The extensive collection includes antique thangkha paintings, textiles, weapons & armour, household objects and a rich assortment of natural and historic artefacts.

Ta Dzong visit immediately followed by a short walk down the trail to visit Rinpung Dzong (Paro Dzong), meaning (“fortress of the heap of jewels”), which has a long and fascinating history. Along the wooden galleries lining the inner courtyard are fine wall paintings illustrating Buddhist lore such as four friends, the old man of long life, the wheel of life, scenes from the life of Milarepa, Mount. Sumeru and cosmic Mandala.

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