DAY 01
Your flight descending over the final Himalayan ridge brings you to Paro International Airport, elevation 7500 feet. Your Druk Air experience has been highlighted with breathtaking views of Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Mount Chomolhari and Jitchu Drake in Bhutan. Your excitement mounts and you are received at Paro Airport by Kangri Tours and Treks representative, visas are processed and you are escorted to your hotel for lunch and check-in. After lunch visit the National Museum (Ta-Dzong). Once the watchtower for the Rinpung Dzong, it was converted into the National Musuem in 1968. The conch shaped museum stands on a promontory overlooking the Paro valley in all its glory. On the way back visit the Paro Rinpung Dzong. "Fortress of the heap of jewels". A flagstone path rises gradually from a beautiful wooden bridge with shingle roofing and abutted by two guardhouses. Today the Dzong is the seat of the district administration as well as the home for the monastic school. Evening we visit Paro town, built in traditional architecture with rows of shops lining the main street. We enjoy diner in cozy local restaurant.
DAY 02
Drive to Thimphu (2 hour drive) capitol of Bhutan. We will visit the bank and post office once arriving in Thimphu. Here you may exchange currency, and have an opportunity to purchase collector item Bhutanese stamps, exquisite! Next we visit the famous weekend market; fresh produce, rice, chilies, jewelry, local art, handicrafts and enchanting local shoppers. After check in at our hotel and lunch we depart Thimphu and drive to embark on a vigorous hike up the mountain to Tango Goemba Monastery one of my favorite experiences in Bhutan. Tango is one of Bhutanese' most important Buddhist colleges. Its name, meaning 'horse's head', is derived from the horse-head shaped rock at the top. It is a beautiful dzong built in the 18th century by the 8th Desi, Druk Rabgye. Overnight in hotel.
DAY 03
Today after breakfast we will visit The Memorial Chorten (a huge stupa) built in memory of the third King of Bhutan who regined the Kingdom from 1952 - 1972. We will then tour the National Library where ancient manuscripts are preserved, as well as visit Tashichho Dzong. This is the main secretariat building. This massive structure houses part of the government ministries, office of the King and the Throne Room. It also houses the State Monastic Body and the living quarters of the Chief Abbot and senior monks. Next we visit Simtokha Dzong. This is one of the oldest fortresses in Bhutan. It was built in 1629 A.D. It houses the largest monastic schools in the country. We enjoy lunch in downtown Thimphu, followed by a tour of the exceptional Textile Museum, featuring masterpieces from the Royal Family of Bhutan and splendid fabric and exquisite Thangkas. A trip to Bhutan would not be complete with seeing the Takin, the national animal of Bhutan. A cross between a musk ox, moose, cow or goat, this huge beast has a unique look of its own. No place else will you see this animal, he is in a class all of his own. Itinerary review with guide after dinner at your hotel. Rest well tonight. Early AM wake up!
DAY 04
Today we depart Thimphu towards Shong Pang, our departure spot for our trek. Drive north up the valley towards Dechencholing (the residence of the Queen Mother) Palace, following the Thim-Chu. The transport will reach you up to Pangrizam, the last motor point. From here, the trek starts towards Shong Pang which takes about 4 to 5 hours through remote villages. The camp will be just above Chamina village. Overnight halt at Chamina. Enjoy Bhutanese gourmet meal by campfire, along with song and folklore tales. Sleep Well.
DAY 05 Hearty breakfast and we depart Shong pang to Dopshing pang. The trek trail ascends gradually up till you reach the pass called Sinchula , situated about 11,400 ft. From this point, if the weather is clear, one can see Phajoding Monastery which is just above Thimphu. Soon you will view Thinley Gang village, Talo Monastery and the motor highway towards the ancient capital of Bhutan. The trek from the pass is more or less downhill till you reach the campsite. Your tent, which is of highest quality and warm sleeping bags that are provided, will be welcomed tonight.
DAY 06
Buckwheat pancake breakfast will get us going this morning as we leave for Dopshing Pang on our trek to Chorten-Ningpo. The trek to Chorten Ningpo is rather gradual and will be walking through thick forests, villages and rice fields. Over 70% of Bhutan is blanketed in virgin blue pine forest. It is the least deforested country in the world. Picnic lunch will tide us over until we reach our campsite tonight.
DAY 07
Breakfast at Chorten Ningpo and begin our day trek to Zomlingthang. For about 2 or 3 hours the trek trail will go through several villages until you reach a motor road. From the motor road, we will follow the road towards Punakha which is the ancient capital of Bhutan. Revel in the beautiful valley, river, and medieval Dzong below. "Palace of Great Happiness" the Punakha Dzong is the former winter Capital and at present day hosts the administrative seat of the district. Also the winter residence of the central monastic body and its Chief Abbot. The Dzong lies between two rivers, the Pochu and Mochu, male and female rivers…the location is strategic. It was built in 1637 A.D. It was here on 17th December 1907, Bhutan's first king was crowned. We continue on our trek to reach Zomlingthang for our overnight halt and campout.
DAY 08
Depart Zomlingthang towards Limukha as we follow the motor road to Punakha Dzong and then cross the Pochu River (Male River), the river that drains the remote Lunana region. You will have a steady halfday climb into a forest of scattered long needle chirpines. Your guide will make sure to fill your water bottle before leaving Punakha, as there is no water on the way for a couple of hours. As you trek you will have wonderful views of Punakha valley and the Dzong. If the weather is clear, you can see some snow mountains to the north. The campsite is near Limukha village. Rest and relax as your meals are prepared.
DAY 09
Depart Limukha towards Chungsaka/Wangdiphodrang. The trek trail ascends gradually up through the thick forest of oak species and rhododendrons till you reach a pass called Dochula (10,500 ft). Prayer flags send prayers on the wind. Enjoy spectacular views of the Eastern Himalayan Mountains In Bhutan there are over 50 species alone of Rhododendrons, not to mention beautiful wild orchids, tropical and high altitude plants, and the national flower, the Blue Poppy. Then we descend through the thick forest leading to a small monastery dedicated to a lama called Drukpa Kuenly ( popularly known as the Divine Madman). From Chungsakha you can look across the valley to Samtengang on the ridge to the south. Walk down hill till you reach the motor road and then drive for about half an hour to Wangdiphodrang. Overnight in hotel. Enjoy a hot meal, hot bath and refresh tonight.
DAY 10
After breakfast drive towards the west to Thimphu. On our way we will stop at the Punakha Dzong to tour the Dzong and marvel at its architecture and ancient wall frescoes and its ornate structure. Drive over Dochula Pass and stop for a hot cup of tea and some snacks. Continue to drive down to Thimphu. Tonight you can refresh at the Health Spa for sauna and steam, or unwind at your hotel.
DAY 11
This morning after breakfast we say good bye to Thimphu and head west, drive for about 6hours will bring you to Phuntsholling. If time permits drive to Siliguri for overnight.
DAY 12
Your onward journey to Kolkotta - Delhi or Sikkim , Darjeeling.
