CULTURAL BHUTAN WITH HIKING (13 DAYS)

Day 01. ARRIVE PARO
During this flight, one will experience breathtaking views of Mt. Everest, Kanchenjunga and other Himalayan peaks, including the sacred Chomolhari and Mt. Jichu Drake in Bhutan. On arrival at Paro our representative will meet you outside the arrival hall and escort you to your hotel for check in. Post lunch we will walk around the city of Paro and enjoy the sights.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Day 02. PARO - THIMPHU
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Paro. The highlight of this day will be a hike to Taktsang Retreat at Taktsang Monastery (Tiger's Nest). This is about a 3 hour walk uphill and can also be done on horseback. Lunch will be served enroute. Return downhill on foot. Afternoon sightseeing in Paro includes a visit to the northern part of the valley to Drukgyel Dzong ruins (Monastery Fortress) that once was a strategic post to withhold invading Tibetan forces from the north; visit the famous Kyichu Lhakhang - one of the 108 sacred Lhakhangs built by the Buddhist King Srongtsen Gompa of Tibet. Visit the district Dzong called Rinpung Dzong, fortress of a mountain of jewels, which is now the seat of the administration and an institute for monks.

Late afternoon drive to Thimphu covering the distance of approx. 41 miles in nearly 2 hours. Arrive and check in at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 03. IN THIMPHU
After breakfast enjoy a full day tour of Thimphu, visiting the National Library (ancient Buddhist manuscripts); School of Fine Arts (Thangka painting and other traditional arts); Royal Dance Academy; Handmade Paper Studio; Zangto Pelri and Changgangkha temples; Drubthrob nunnery; Folk and Textile Museums; King's Memorial Chorten; Tashichhodzong, site of the Dragon Throne and main monastery of the Je Khenpo (Chief Abbot); Handicraft Centre; and a scenic drive above the valley to see the small Takin zoo. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant.

Stay overnight in Thimphu.

Day 04. THIMPHU - PUNAKHA - WANGDUE
After an early breakfast at the hotel take a scenic drive on the mountain route towards the former capital of Bhutan, passing through Dochula pass (Alt: 10,000ft). Stunning scenery of the Himalayan ranges can be witnessed on a clear day from Dochula pass. Descend to Wangdue valley and visit the Punakha Dzong, the winter residence of the Je Khenpo and the monks of Tashichhodzong. The Dzong is situated at the confluence of the two mighty glacial rivers, Mo Chu and Pa Chu, which descend from the lofty heights of the Himalayas. Enjoy a picnic lunch by the river. Later proceed to Wangdue Dzong, the most picturesque in Bhutan. Walk around the local market and then check in at the hotel for the night.

Stay overnight in Wangdue.

Day 05. WANGDUE - TRONGSA
Morning at leisure and after a relaxed breakfast proceed to Pele la pass, stopping at Chendebji Chorten (17th Century Nepalese style Chorten). A magnificent view of Trongsa Dzong can be seen from here even before we reach there. Upon arrival in Trongsa check in at the hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Trongsa.

Day 06. TRONGSA - BUMTHANG
This morning, post breakfast, climb up to the watch tower to see relics of the Tibetan warrior-king, Gesar of Ling before continuing over the Yotong La pass, through beautiful countryside, golden fields and rural villages where red chilies are drying on the rooftops, to the legendary Bumthang valley. Lunch enroute. Stop at a weavers' workshop along the way to see the colourful woollen textiles of Bumthang, used for bright sweaters, scarves, blankets and bags. Arrive at Bumthang and check in at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 07. IN BUMTHANG
This morning we will hike to Petshiling monastery. Bumthang consists of four valleys - Chumey, Choekhar, Tang and Ura - with altitudes varying from 2600 to 4000 meters. It is home to many prominent Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today you will hike to Petshiling monastery. It is located above the Swiss guesthouse on a steep incline. It offers fine panoramic views of the central Bumthang valley. Picnic lunch on this day. At the Swiss Farm, taste the delicious cheese and apple juice made in the area.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 08. IN BUMTHANG - TANG
Bumthang is considered the most sacred and religious of all the valleys in Bhutan. Tang is the most remote of Bumthang's valley. View the White Bird Dzong; drive to the Flaming Lake - Membartsho - where Terton Pemalingpa the treasure hunter and reincarnation of the eminent Buddhist Saint Guru Padmasambhava, found the sacred religious treasures in the 15th century.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 09. IN BUMTHANG - URA VILLAGE
Post breakfast we will take a day trip to Ura valley. The road to Ura valley is off the main road, and this enjoyable excursion will provide a nice view of Jakar Dzong. We will make a stop in Ura village for lunch and will then visit the main temple and explore the village. Ura village has a medieval look to it because of the cobblestone streets, and the typical clothing of women, which includes a sheepskin shawl. In the evening visit the local market.

Stay overnight in Bumthang.

Day 10. BUMTHANG - WANGUDE
In the morning visit the local market in Bumthang and then proceed back to Wangdue, via the Pele La pass following the national highway to the forest road, which leads up to the remote and beautiful Gangtey valley, site of the only Nyingmapa monastery west of the Black mountains. Continue the drive to Wangdue.

Stay overnight in Wangdue.

Day 11. WANGDUE - PARO
In the morning post breakfast take a hike to Chhimi Lhakhang. Later continue the drive to Paro via the 108 stupas dedicated to His Majesty the King by her Majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo Wangchuk. Lunch enroute. Later continue the drive to Paro through Simthoka Dzong, the oldest in Bhutan. Arrive Paro and check in at the hotel.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Day 12. PARO - HAA - PARO
Today we will do a full day trip to Haa. Haa, the western-most district of Bhutan, has only recently been opened to tourists. This is a wonderful opportunity to see a totally unspoiled and seldom-travelled part of Bhutan. The drive to Haa will bring us through the highest pass in Bhutan. Return to Paro in the evening.

Stay overnight in Paro.

Day 13. LEAVE PARO
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport in time to catch the connecting flight for onward destination.