Beyond the Journey

Morning drive to the base for the hike to Tiger's Nest, the most revered temple in the country that literally hangs on a granite cliff overlooking the Paro valley. Most of the day will go on the hike. The hike is a moderate to challenging trek leading to the iconic Paro Taktsang Monastery. The hike is approximately 7km round-trip, with an elevation gain of about 518 meters. It typically takes 5 to 6 hours to complete, including a stop at the halfway cafeteria. The trail offers stunning views of the Paro Valley and features prayer flags and a scenic waterfall. If you have energy visit the Kichu Lakhang, one of the oldest temples in Bhutan which marks the beginning of Buddhism in the country.

Morning drive to Thimphu. Upon arrival, visit the Memorial Chorten (temple built in memory of the late 3rd King. This place now happens to be a get together point for the elderly people, who spend their whole day chanting prayers and meeting their friends. Visit the enclosure where the national animal, Takins are kept and drive to visit the largest and the newly built statue of Buddha offering magnificent view of entire Thimphu valley. After 5 PM, if time permits, visit the fortress of Thimphu, Tashichho Dzong, which houses the throne of the king. Evening walk around the happening town, the largest and the most crowded town in Bhutan.

Morning visit the happening weekend market (Kaja Throm) where the locals from the surrounding villages come to sell their produce. Visit the traditional Hand Made Paper Mill. Visit the School of Arts and Crafts where students learn 13 different arts used predominantly in Bhutan. Visit Folk Heritage Museum which explains how a traditional house used to be like in the olden days. Later visit the National Library. Lunch in town and drive to Punakha crossing over Dochula pass (3200 mts). Walk around the 108 stupas and continue to the sub-tropical valley of Punakha. En route just before arriving the hotel, take a nice hike through the paddy field and old village to visit Chimi Lakhang, the temple of fertility.

Morning drive to visit Punakha Dzong (fortress). After the visit if you are in mood for a nice half-day hike, you could start the hike right above the Dzong with a short steep climb. After lunch could go for an hour hike (uphill) to the temple of Khamsum Yuley Lakhang. If you are bit tired, could also drive for a short while towards Wangdi province and stop for a short hike to the ancient village of Rinchengang. Or could relax in the balcony of the hotel to enjoy the view.

After breakfast drive to the remote isolated valley of Phobjikha. The drive is very picturesque. This valley is protected being winter home for the endangered Black Necked Cranes migrating to Bhutan every end of Oct to end of Feb. This valley is a paradise for the nature lovers and hikers. There are many trails such as the Phobjikha Nature trail hike (2.5 Hrs).

Morning could go for walk right below your hotel. Later continue your drive crossing over Pelela Pass at 3,300m. Enroute could take a short break and go for short hike to the remote village of Rukubji or Chendibji. The drive is long but picturesque.

Morning walk through the town of Trongsa and visit the majestic Trongsa Dzong (Fortress). Must visit the Ta Dzong, an ancient watchtower, which houses a unique museum. Later start driving for the remote village of Tang, crossing over Yotong La pass. En route stop in Chumi valley, the weaving place. Continue drive to the remote isolated village of Tang. Optional: take a shortcut by crossing the bridge and walk to the O'Chholing palace, converted into a museum.

Morning walk around the tiny village. Later after breakfast, visit the unique museum of O'Chholing. Later after lunch bid farewell to the family of the museum and drive back to Jakar.

Bumthang province consists of four different valleys. Jakar is a beautiful valley, and today's activity can be entirely done on foot. Visit Jampay Lakhang, Kurjey lakhang temple. Cross the suspension bridge follow the dirt road to visit Tamshing lakhang temple. End your day passing by the Swiss farm. Evening stroll in Jakar town.

Drive to Mongar crossing over Ura la pass and Thrumshingla pass, almost 4,000m. Picnic lunch en route. Continue descending offering the beautiful view of Namling waterfall. You will see a change in wide range of vegetation from Alpine to Sub tropical.

Day excursion to Lhuentse, the ancestors of our kings hailed from this province. Known for their weavings. Enroute will have a picnic lunch by the riverside. After visiting the Dzong, take a short hike to the village of Khoma, the weaving center. Later drive back to Mongar.

Drive to the remote province of Tashi Yangtse. En route visit the Gom Kora Lhakahng. As soon as you reach Tashi Yangtse you will be greeted by Chorten Kora temple. Visit the town and villagers making the Dapas (wooden bowls).

After breakfast visit the gallery of the park, visit Painting School of the east. Start retracing your journey back till checkpoint and climb to Trashigang. Visit the impressive Trashigang Dzong. Walk around the busiest town of east Bhutan.

Morning drive towards the north of the valley and visit the Ranjung monastery. Drive further up or walk through the village of Radhi and the Nunnery. Evening drive back to your hotel and relax.

Morning start your drive for Bhutan India border town, S/Jongkhar. The drive goes through many villages and a picturesque landscape. Picnic lunch on the way. Upon arrival, your guide will assist you to find your transport. Farewell dinner with your guide.

Morning, your guide will help you to complete the immigration formalities and will bid you farewell. Drive to Guwahati airport (2 Hrs) and catch your flight for Kolkata/Delhi.