Fly from Kathmandu to Paro which takes about 1.45 hrs. It is one of the most spectacular of all mountain flights with aerial views of Mt. Everest, Kanchen Junga, Makalu and other peaks in Bhutan such as Chomolhari, Jichu Drakey and Tsrim Khang. You will be received by our representative at the airport and escorted to the hotel.
Morning hike up to the Taktsang monastery (Tiger’s Nest) takes around 3 hours. It was in the 8th century that Guru Padmasambava landed here on the back of a tigress, and meditated for three months. The present day monastery was built it 1684. Afternoon visit to Ta-dzong, once a watchtower to defend Paro. This dzong was converted into the National Museum in 1967, and is filled with antique thanka paintings, textiles, weapons and armour. Drive to 17th century Rinpung dzong to defend the valley against Tibetan invaders.
Overnight in hotel.
The first day is a long day as you have to climb more than 1,000m elevation. You start from the Ta Dzong (National Museum) in Paro. The trek follows a gravel road past a few farms for about 30 minutes and then climbs up a steep ridge before leading through blue pine and fir forests to Damche Gom. Once you reach the ridge below Jili Dzong you descend about 100m to the campsite below Jili Dzong.
You begin with a climb for about an hour and a half and then ascend gradually up. The trail takes you through thick alpine forest and dwarf rhododendron tress. You may see yaks and yak herders around your campsite.
The trail follows the ridge and on a clear day the view of the mountains and valley are beautiful. The campsite is close to the Jimilang Tsho Lake. The lake is known for its giant sized trout.
The trail takes you through dwarf rhododendron trees and Janetso Lake. You will come across some yak herder’s camps where you will have the opportunity to get a glimpse of a nomad’s life. The campsite is close to Simkotra Tsho Lake.
The trek begins with a gradual climb. If the weather permits, you will have a spectacular view of Mount Gangkar Puensum, the highest mountain in Bhutan and other Himalayan peaks. From this pass, the trek takes you downhill to Phajodhing for a night’s halt. The camp is above Phadjoding.
After passing Phadjoding monastery, the trek to Thimphu (Mothitang) is all the way downhill through a forested area of mostly blue pine. The walk, at a leisurely pace, takes about three hours.
Full day of sightseeing and shopping in Thimphu. Stroll around town, visit the Handicrafts Emporium and handicraft workshop, Afternoon: visit Tashichho Dzong and Memorial Chorten.
Early morning drive to Paro airport to catch a flight back home.