Experience glimpse of adventure /local life and culture of Land of Happiness.The trek will start from the Phobjikha valley (Altitude 3000m), which is considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the country.
This quiet and remote valley is also the home to the rare black necked cranes, which migrate from the Tibetan plateaus in the winter. The trail will take you through forests of juniper, bamboo, magnolia and rhododendrons and over small streams of fresh, clean mountain water. This trek is best for those visitors who are not accustomed of trekking in the mountains as it offers beautiful views of the valley with mostly gentle, forested slopes. Although the teak is possible throughout the year, the best time for this trek is between September and May.This tour will also cover the beautiful valleys of Paro, Punakha, Gangtey and the capital of the country Thimphu, which will give you the glimpse of the culture, tradition and the adventure this blissful land holds.
Arrival Paro – Thimphu
Once you arrive at Paro, your tour manager will drive you to Thimphu. On the way stop at get a scenic view of the Tachog Lhakhang, which was built in the 15th century.
Thimphu is the capital of country, with a population of about 250,000 it may perhaps be the only capital in the world without traffic lights. Visit the Buddha Point where one of the biggest statues of the Bhuddha sits. Then go to the Simply Bhutan Museum, which will give you a general idea of the history, culture and tradition of the country.
In the evening explore the city and visit the Local Crafts Market.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2320m)
Thimphu Day Tour
After breakfast, go to the National Library, the Institute of Zorig Chusum and the Textile Museum which will give you more insight into the country’s culture and its arts and crafts. Post lunch drive to Sangaygang view point (2685m) and walk through hundreds of colorful prayer flags that cover the hill overlooking the valley. Then visit the Takin Reserve Centre where you will find the takins, this animal is found only in the Himalayan region and is the National Animal of the country.
Next drive to Changangkha Monastery which was built in the 15th Century, it also houses a temple of the local deity. Then visit the Memorial Chorten, which is on the most important landmarks in the city. Conclude the Daywith a visit to the Tashichho Dzong which houses the office of the king.
Overnight at Thimphu (Altitude 2320m)
Thimphu – Gangtey
Post breakfast drive up to Dochula pass (Altitude 3088m) from where with a favorable weather you will be able to see the highest peak in the country Gangkarpuensum (7497m). At Dochula you will also be able to see 108 stupas and Druk Wangyel Lhakhang.
Then drive further and stop at Rinchengang village, a small typical traditional village in Wangdue Phodrang. After lunch drive on to Gangtey through dense rhododendron trees and oak forest. The valley of Gangtey is considered one of the most beautiful untouched places in Bhutan. Go for a drive to Phobjikha and enjoy the beauty of the fascinating valley.
Overnight at Gangtey (Altitude 2830m)
Gangtey Gompa - Gogona
In the morning you walk through the meadows and the fields and then climb the mixed forest of juniper, rhododendrons, bamboo and magnolia. The trail crosses several meadows after crossing Tsele La (3440m) and then descends to Gangak (3020m). Then after a short hike make your way to the camp site at Gogona (3100m) which on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the valley.
Overnight at Gogona (3100m)
Gogona - Khotokha
In the morning you will start the climb through the flocks of sheep and ploughed fields into a forest of oak, spruce, miniature azaleas, cypress, rhododendron and juniper. Pass through the Shobju La pass (3410m) and descend through the rocky and muddy trail crossing small streams through the forest, eventually connecting to a farm road. Follow the road to get to Dolonaga (2830m) and then move down the trail and arrive at Chorten Karpo (2790m), the camp will be setup beside the forest overlooking the valley and the village of Khothangkha.
Overnight camp (Altitude 2790)
Khotokha - Tikke Zampa - Punakha
You will start with a short steep climb to Tashi La (2800m). Then descend through a beautiful forest, this part of the trail is the one of the best bird watching areas in the country. After you arrive at Whachay and the trail will connect to the road near Tikke Zampa (1500m) from where you will drive to Punakha.
Overnight at Punakha (Altitude 1300m)
Punakha Day Tour
In the morning visit Punakha Dozng, the fortress where the royal wedding of the Fifth King and was held. Then visit Sangchhen Dorji Lhuendrup Lhakhang followed by a short hike to Khamsum Yuelley Namgel Chorten which is located on a hill overlooking the Punakha valley.
Overnight at Punakha (Altitude 1300m)
Punakha - Paro
Post breakfast drive back to Paro and on the way visit Simthokha Dzong, which is one of the oldest dzongs in the country. Once you arrive at Paro visit Ta Dzong the National Musum, which was built as a watch tower over the Paro Dzong. Then walk to Paro Rinpung Dzong, the fortress which has a long and fascinating history. During the evening go around the town and explore some local handicraft stores.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280m)
Paro Day Tour
In the morning hike to Taktshang Monastery, it is the one of the most religious and sacred sites in the country. It is perched on the side of a cliff 900m above the valley. In the afternoon drive to the base of Drugyel Dzong and visit a traditional farm house nearby. While returning to the hotel on the way stop at Kyichu Lhakhang, which is one of the oldest temple in the country built it the 7th century.
Overnight at Paro (Altitude 2280m)
