Arrival at Paro on national carrier; Druk Air. It is the most exciting mountain flights and befitting introduction to the spectacular beauty of our country. In a clear weather, there are magnificent views of the world’s highest peaks. On arrival, you will be welcomed by our representative at the airport, assist you with your luggage and drive to hotel for lunch.
After lunch, we drive and visit the National Museum, which served as watch tower to the Paro Rimpong Dzong until 1968 when it was converted into museum. The museum collection includes displays of spectacular thankas (religious scroll painting), ancient artifacts dating from 7th century onwards, beautiful Bhutanese stamps, temple with tree of wisdom depicting the history of Buddhism, collection of animals, birds & butterflies and the good collection of ancient armors such as canons, guns, shield, bows & arrows, spears etc.  Visit the Rimpong dzong (fortress), the administrative & religious centre of Paro district. This Dzong was built in 1646 by the order of Shabdrung Ngawang Namgyel, the one who unified Bhutan in the 17th century.  Dinner and overnight at the hotel. L/D

Following breakfast at the hotel, drive 10km north and hike to Taktsang (tiger’s Den) monastery hanging on a cliff 900m above the valley. It takes about 21/2 hours uphill at an average pace through the forest of pine till the closest view point and 1 hour descend to the valley. We stop at tourism café situated half way for refreshment. In the 8th century Guru Rimpoche flew here on the back of a tigress in one of his eight forms (Guru Dorje Drolo) and meditated for 3 months in a cave and converted Paro valley into Buddhism. On our way back, stop at the café for lunch. Continue downhill and drive back to hotel. Dinner & overnight at the hotel. (Taktsang excursion is recommended to acclimatize yourself before you start your trek).

Following breakfast, drive to the point where starts trek. For the first couple of hours, follow the farm road that goes through villages and apple orchards. The trail ascends gradually through the forest of chir pine, spruce; silver fir etc. to the camp below Jele dzong (fort). If weather permits, Paro valley can be seen with views of snow-capped mountains behind.  Altitude: 3,350m, Distance: 10 km. Time about 5 hours. Overnight in tent. B/L/D

Following breakfast, begin with climb; past the Jele Dzong (if care taker is present, you can visit the temple inside) following the ridge and enter the thick forest of junipers. The trail then takes you through thick temperate forests and rhododendron trees. You may see yak herders around your campsite.  Altitude: 3550m, Distance: 10km. Time: 6 hours. Overnight in tent. B/L/D

The trail follows the ridge making many ups and downs and is said to be long and bit challenging. On a clear day, there are beautiful views of the mountains and the valleys. Distance 11km and takes about 5 hours. (alt. 3650m) B/L/D

Following breakfast, start with another gradual climb past several false summits and arrive to Lake Junetsho. Stop for lunch here and then start uphill for another 2 hours until you arrive to the camp area above the lake Simkotra. Overnight in Camp. BLD.

It is another long climb past several false summits, then a long rocky traverse to a group of cairns atop Labana pass at 4210m. The trail descends gently and traverses above a broad valley to another crest. Along this stretch of trail, there are great views of Dochula and Mt. Jomolhari and other mountains. Pass a rough stone wall ad soon come to some prayer flags on a hill above the trail that mark a seldom-used sky burial site. Another long traverse leads to a crest and the trail drops and crosses a final ridge called Phumela pass at 4080m. Weather permitting; there are stunning views of the highest mountain in Bhutan (Mt. Gangkhar Puensum) and other Himalayan peaks. Above Phajoding, the trail is marked by a small stone stupa. Below sprawls the entire Thimphu valley. Descend downhill on a maze of eroded trail through Juniper and rhododendron bushes, past Phajoding monastery and continue downhill through an area forested with blue pine. Taking it leisurely, you reach Motithang (above Thimphu) in about 1.5 hours. You will be well-come by our representative and driver with some refreshments and drive to hotel for a hot showers and a nice lunch. After lunch, you can stroll in the town, visit handicraft shops, do shopping, meet people as you like. Overnight at the hotel. B/L/D

Following breakfast, go for sightseeing of the places of interest in Thimphu. Visit the weekend market (Friday till Sunday) to see people from all walks of life buying and selling local as well as imported products. Memorial Chorten:This is a most impressive stupa built in the memory of Bhutan’s third King by the order of Grand Queen mother Ashi Phuntsho Chhoden in 1974. It is a multi-storied stupa with numerous paintings and complex statues inside the monument provide a rare insight of the Buddhist philosophy. Everyday there will be any devotees circumambulating the stupa with prayer beads in their hands. Changangkha Lhakhang: One of the oldest and most sacred temples in Thimphu valley situated on top of a knoll overlooking the Thimphu city built in 15th century dedicated to the god of compassion. Drive further up and visit the zoo to see Bhutan national animal “The Takin”. National Library: It holds a vast collection of ancient Buddhist texts, manuscripts and also modern academic books. National Institute for Zorig Chusum (thirteen traditional arts & crafts). The Royal Government of Bhutan has sponsored and established this national institute in the year 1971 to preserve and promote culture and to contribute to the country’s economy through quality products and services. In the course of history Bhutan has developed a unique artistic tradition, which has played a vital role in modeling its distinct cultural heritage and this tradition is reflected in thirteen traditional arts & crafts. You can see the students making clay statues, slate carving, wood carving, sewing, drawing, painting etc. Handicrafts Emporium: It displays wide range of products such as beautifully woven fabrics for man & women, crafted products & other decorative items.

After lunch, visit TraditionalMedicine Institute:It was established with the help of EU to improve traditional medicine. Different medicinal herbs, minerals, animal products are used to prepare traditional medicines.Folk Heritage Museum: One of the oldest house in Thimphu, having been restored and transformed into Folk Heritage Museum in the year 2001 under the patronage of Her majesty the Queen Ashi Dorji Wangmo. This museum is meant to serve an account of everyday rural life for the young urbanized generations and as a place for preserving objects related to this life, in case this way of life disappears as time passes. Textile Museum:This museum was inaugurated under the patronage of Queen Ashi Sangay Choden in June 2001. Many intricate designs of Bhutanese textiles are displayed here. It will also serve as center for conservation, restoration and documentation of Bhutanese textiles. Dinner and overnight at the hotel. B/L/D

Following breakfast, 2 hours drive to Paro. At Paro visit national museum, Paro dzong, the 7th century temple and do your last shopping. Overnight at the hotel. B/L/D

Following early b/fast, drive to airport for your onward destination. Your guide will assist you with your baggage, bid you farewell and wish you safe journey back home.