Detailed Program
The flight into Bhutan will take you over the vast plains of the Indian subcontinent and then over the dense green vegetation of the Kingdom’s sub-Himalayan ranges. You will get breathtaking views of the world’s highest and most majestic peaks as the plane approaches the Dragon Kingdom’s cloud-scraping airstrip at the Paro International airport at an altitude of 7330 ft.
Moments before the landing you can catch glimpses of the fertile valley of Paro and the winding Paro Chu (river) and the historical Rimpung Dzong (fortress) more popularly known as Paro Dzong. As you step out of the aircraft, you can catch your first breath of the fresh crisp Himalayan air.
Truly Bhutan representative will receive you once you have completed the necessary immigration and visa formalities. Our guide will take you to your hotel and after check-in and quick refreshment, if time permits you can make a stroll through Paro Town.
Overnight Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
The day begins with a drive through Paro valley to see the Drukgyel Dzong, a historical Dzong that now lies in ruins. This was the place where the last of the Tibetan invaders were repelled, hence the name “Drukgyel Dzong” meaning the “Fortress of the victorious Drukpa”.
On a clear day, one can see the 24000ft domed majestic Jumolhari in the background of the fortress, blessing the Paro valley. It is believed that the goddess Jumo resides on this sacred mountain.
On the way to Drukgyel Dzong, you will be able to see the Kichu Lhakhang, which was built in 659 (7th century) by the Tibetan King Songtsen Gampo. It is believed he built 108 temples across the Himalayas and Kichu happens to be one of the last remaining ones. Further up the valley, you will see the majestic Taktsang (Tigers Lair), clinging onto a bare rock face.
After lunch visit the National Museum, located in the Ta Dzong (old watch tower for the Paro Dzong), originally built in 1656. This is the only museum in Paro and has the country’s best collection of ancient Thankas (religious wall hangings), religious paintings and artifacts, fine textiles, weapons, and stamps. It also houses the unique temple of the tree of life, representing the four different sects of Buddhism, as practiced in the country. If time permits, we can go for a promenade through Paro Town.
Overnight at Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
After breakfast drive through Paro town and to Satsam Chorten and further continue on the new feeder road to the base of Taktsang. If some of the group members are interested, riding ponies can be arranged. Generally, most people prefer to hike. It takes about two and a half hours to reach the Taktsang viewpoint.
The view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below is just awesome. We stop at the Taktsang viewpoint for tea and snacks and enjoy the view of the Tigers Lair. Special visit permits can be arranged if notified in advance. Following the visit, lunch will be served at the Taktsang cafeteria. After lunch, we will descend to the valley and continue our drive to Haa valley over the Chelela pass (3898m).
Overnight Haa.
Places and attractions:
Accommodation options:
The day starts with a climb to Bjana Dingkha monastery, one of the four main monasteries of the Haa valley. Visit the monastery. After lunch continue the climb to Tshokam (3500m).
We will camp at Tshokam.
The trail leads towards Yulo (3870m) and gradually ascends to Tsabjola (4100m) and then descends to Wangjithang, the summer pasture land of Isu block.
We will camp at Wangjithang.
The day starts with a climb to Gangchele (4180m) and then steeply descends towards Chhosholumpa (3830m) after which it again ascends via ghoom Maru and finally crosses Tsejey la (4340m). On a clear day, you can view Mt. Gangkhar puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan, and Table Mountain in the east, and to the west, you can see Mt.Kanchenjunga the third highest mountain in the world.
In the same direction, one can view Mt. Chhundu gang, considered the sacred mountain of the Haa valley. One can also view Mt.Jichudrake, Tsherim Gang, and Gangchenta. From the pass, we will descend to Nub Tshona Pata (4180m).
We will camp by the lakeside.
Explore Nub Tshona Pata Lake and enjoy the view of Mt.Kanchenjunga. One may also be able to spot blue sheep, marmots, and many different species of birds.
Making a gradual climb to Dongkacheydola (4030m) one can enjoy the splendid view of Mt.Kanchenjunga and surrounding mountains. Then descend to Tsephu through dwarf rhododendrons and a climb to the yak herder’s camp and finally again descend to Regona (3940m).
Camp at Regona.
Climb to Bjara la (4050m) and enjoy the views of Mt.Jomolhari and Jichudrake if the weather is clear and then gradually descend to Yulo camp.
While descending through silver fir and pine forest you may spot pheasants (monal). We continue our descent to Lukha and reach Ugen Dorji High School.
Overnight Haa.
Accommodation options:
In the morning visit Jamtey Gompa (monastery) and a farmhouse. After lunch drive to Paro. The journey time is about three hours.
Overnight Paro.
Places and attractions:
- Rinpung Dzong
- Drukgyel Dzong
- Taktshang
- Kyichu Lhakhang
- Kila Gompa
- Dungtse Lhakhang
- Tachog Lhakhang
- Dzongdrakha
Accommodation options:
Our representative will help you with your departure formalities and bid you goodbye with traditional Tashi Khadar.
Tashi Delek and Bon Voyage
- Important Note:
- Season: Mid-May – June & September – October.
- Group condition: Minimum of two persons.
- Climate: Days are normally warm but nights can be cold with temperatures falling below the freezing level. Normally we have monsoon showers (heaviest in July & August) and sometimes even in spring and autumn.
- Inclusion
- Exclusion
- Insurance
- Airport pick-up and drop-off by private vehicle.
- 3-star accommodation (4 & 5 stars may require an additional premium update).
- Bhutan visa fee – including all necessary processing
- Route Permit
- Three meals per day during your stay in Bhutan
- A licensed Bhutanese tour guide
- All land transportation by private vehicle
- Camping equipment and haulage for trekking tours
- Sightseeing as per itinerary
- Monuments entrance fees where applicable
- Drinking water
- All internal taxes and charges
- A sustainable development fee of $200. (This sustainable development fee goes towards free education, free healthcare, and poverty alleviation, along with the building of infrastructure.)
- Airfare & Travel Insurance
- Expenses of personal nature, Tips to guides and drivers
- Expenses occurred due to unavoidable events i.e. road wrecks, flight delays etc.
Package does not include insurance of any kinds, and that you are required to obtain separate coverage from your home country before your trip begins.
