Detail Itinerary

• 1 Arrival at Paro (2280m)
  As the plane banks over the mountain slopes, the Paro Valley greet you with luminous paddies rippling in the breeze and tiny houses sprinkled on the bank of the meandering river. The air is crystal clear, light translucent and on horizon, snowcapped mountains frame the idyllic like painting. It does not matter how many times you land in Paro, the bucolic valley unfolds like a dream. If you are lucky, you will have a glorious view of the Snowcapped Himalayas.

  After visa formalities and collection of baggage, you will meet by our representative from Journey to Discover Bhutan. Visit Rinpung Dzong, a school for monks, and take an orientation walk in town before dinner.
• 2 Punakha
  Drive to Punakha, Bhutan’s ancient capital, crossing the Dochu La pass (10,000 feet) and enjoying stunning views of the Himalaya through flickering prayer flags. Afternoon: Visit Talo Compa and Village home of current Royal Family.
• 3 Punakha
  Visit the Punakha Dzong, an elaborate fortress guarding the southern end of the valley at the confluence of the Pho (male) and Mo (female) Rivers. Hike to the Chime Lhakhang temple and continue on to the town of Wangdue Phodrang.

  In the afternoon, hike through rice terraces and forests to Khamsum Yulley Namgyal Chorten, a spectacularly situated temple, and take in sweeping views of the valley below
• 4 Gangtey Valley
  Travel to the village of Khewa get a taste of Bhutanese life. Visit the farm of a local family and enjoy a home-cooked dinner.
• 5 Gangtey Valley
  Walk to Gangtey Goemba, one of the oldest Nyingmapa monasteries in Bhutan, perched atop a hill amid a cluster of cottages. Explore the restored temple complex and examine some of the finest craftsmanship in Bhutan. Visit a community school, followed by a spectacular walk through the valley to visit an age-old temple and make an offering.
• 6 Thimphu
  Drive to Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan and home to the royal family. Visit the National Library and observe pilgrims circling the beautiful National Memorial Chorten, a whitewashed stuppa stopped by a golden spire. Then head to the National Institute for Zorig Chusum, an arts-and-crafts school where we can watch students practicing traditional arts such as woodworking, painting, and ceramics. Meet with a Buddhist monk and scholar to discuss Buddhist beliefs and traditions.
• 7 Chela La Excursion
  Drive to Cheli La pass (12,500 feet) hike to the top to view the Western Himalaya. En route, hike to the Kila Goemba nunnery and take in spectacular views from the temple complex, which was built on a steep cliff face.
• 8 Paro
  Embark on a vigorous hike to the famed pilgrimage site of Taktsang Lhakhang or the Tiger’s Nest Temple, which clings to a vertical granite cliff nearly 3,000 feet above the valley floor. Take in some of the best views in the region.

  Later, visit the seventh-century Kyichu Lhakhang, one of Bhutan’s oldest temples, and walk the local archery grounds.
• 9 Departure
  Drive to Paro Airport for your onward flight.